See Fireworks During Fourth of July and All Summer in North Carolina
Watching fireworks light up the sky is an experience as American as they come, thanks largely to these displays being part of Independence Day traditions. North Carolina offers beautiful backdrops for these bursts of color and sound, in the skies above our mountains, cityscapes and beaches.
You’ll find many Fourth of July 2018 fireworks shows, including several multiday celebrations. Plus, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy fireworks throughout summer, beyond Independence Day. Events below are organized by region of the state.
Mountains
1 Fireworks Friday Night
1 Fireworks Friday Night
June 29; Town of ValdeseSee on map
It’s a special edition of the Family Friday Nights concert series featuring one of the most popular annual fireworks displays in the area. The light display bursts at a lower altitude, allowing for a variety of swirls and explosions of color.
Admission: free
2 Mile High Fourth of July
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2 Mile High Fourth of July
June 29 - July 4; Beech Mountain and Banner ElkSee on mapFor the third year in a row, two resort towns, located high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, are combining forces to celebrate our nation's independence. The centerpieces of this long weekend are Beech Mountain's fireworks and 47th Annual Roasting of the Hog on June 30, and Banner Elk's Fourth of July Parade and Party in the Park on July 4.
Admission: cost varies; some events are free
3 Independence Day Celebration at Fontana
3 Independence Day Celebration at Fontana
July 3-4; Fontana Village Resort and Marina, Fontana DamSee on mapLocals, visitors and guests of the resort will enjoy two days of patriotic fun, including a hometown parade, boating, barbecue cookouts, live entertainment and more. And when night falls, fireworks will fill the sky above the Village Green.
4 Independence Day Weekend at Lake Junaluska
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4 Independence Day Weekend at Lake Junaluska
July 1-5; Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat CenterSee on mapIt's a family-friendly, multiday celebration at this lakeside resort in the mountains, with special stay packages. Enjoy live music, a hometown-style parade, activities on the water, barbecue and kids' play areas. The fireworks show begins around 9:30 p.m. on July 4.
5 Ingles Independence Day Celebration
5 Ingles Independence Day Celebration
July 4, 2-10 p.m.; Pack Square Park, AshevilleSee on mapVenture to downtown Asheville for a day and night filled with activities for the family. Highlights include competitions by the Ultimate Air Dogs, children’s activities, the Splashville Fountain, a fireworks extravaganza and more.
Admission: free; $3 for children's activities
6 Freedom Fest and Fireworks
6 Freedom Fest and Fireworks
July 4; downtown Bryson CitySee on mapThe old-fashioned street festival features great music throughout the day, arts and crafts, a children's activities area, watermelon-eating contest and more. The concert headliner performs at 8 p.m., followed by a fireworks show at 10 p.m.
Admission: free
7 Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie
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7 Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie
July 4; Tweetsie Railroad, Blowing RockEnjoy spectacular fireworks above the iconic train. There’s an optional dinner and premium fireworks viewing in the Hacienda with a special buffet.
Admission: $30-45 (park general admission all day)
8 32nd Annual Christmas in July Festival
8 32nd Annual Christmas in July Festival
July 6-7; West JeffersonSee on mapThe two-day celebration takes over this small, charming town in the High Country, offering fun for the whole family. There’ll be live bands performing, roving street performers, children’s activities and more than 100 vendors. And in addition to the fireworks, the highlights of this festival are the Christmas tree growers competitions and appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Admission: free
9 Independence Day Festival and Parade
9 Independence Day Festival and Parade
July 6-8; Blowing Rock; Memorial Park and Blowing Rock Country ClubSee on mapSaturday offers music and games in the parks for kids and adults, and an afternoon parade. At dark, the fireworks show begins and can be viewed from the Blowing Rock Country Club grounds, which will be open to the public for the event. Sunday features live music.
Admission: free
10 Symphony by the Lake at Chetola
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10 Symphony by the Lake at Chetola
July 27; Chetola Resort, Blowing RockSee on mapIt’s the signature summertime event of the Symphony of the Mountains, and this year’s theme is “Colors of the Mountains.” A fireworks show will wrap up the night.
Admission: $15-$50
Piedmont
11 Annual Lumbee Homecoming
11 Annual Lumbee Homecoming
June 22 - July 8, PembrokeSee on mapEvents span two weeks, recognizing the heritage of the Lumbee people in Robeson County. Activities include a golf tournament, 5K run, bike race, parade, car show, outdoor concerts and local markets selling Lumbee wares. The fireworks show takes place July 7 at 9 p.m.
Admission: cost varies; some events are free
12 Symphony in the Park & Fireworks
12 Symphony in the Park & Fireworks
June 23; Bailey Road Park, CorneliusSee on mapBring your picnic baskets, blankets and chairs, and enjoy performances by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Concessions will be available, including wine and local craft beer, plus you can bring your own coolers, food and drinks. There will also be a kids’ play area. Fireworks will begin immediately following the symphony’s performance.
Admission: free
13 Independence Day Weekend Celebration on the Lake
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13 Independence Day Weekend Celebration on the Lake
June 30, Satterwhite Point at Kerr Lake, HendersonSee on mapWatch fireworks soar over the lake, after an evening of live music, food, vendors and more. You're encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket.
Admission: free; parking, $7
14 Fourthfest: Fireworks and Concert
14 Fourthfest: Fireworks and Concert
July 3, Pinehurst Harness Track, PinehurstSee on mapCelebrate the holiday with a concert, pony rides, hayrides and fireworks celebration at the Pinehurst Harness Track.
Admission: free
15 Fun Fourth Festival
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15 Fun Fourth Festival
July 3-4; GreensboroSee on mapThe celebration begins Tuesday evening with a Freedom Run 5K and 10K, followed by a block party featuring live music, food, drinks and “dancing in the street.” Wednesday is an all-day event, beginning with a parade and street festival, then a pops concert in the evening and a fireworks finale.
Admission: free; a registration fee for Freedom Run
16 Sky Scream Fireworks Show and Block Party
16 Sky Scream Fireworks Show and Block Party
July 4; Wet'n Wild Emerald Pointe, GreensboroSee on mapThe award-winning fireworks show takes place after an all-day block party featuring DJs, contests and prizes. The fireworks show is open to general admission and begins at 9 p.m.
Admission: $31-$40 (park general admission all day)
17 Fourth of July Celebration
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17 Fourth of July Celebration
July 3-4; U.S. National Whitewater Center, CharlotteSee on mapIt’s a two-day celebration at the world’s largest manmade whitewater river, complete with outdoor adventure, live music from multiple bands, food and local craft beer, and firework displays both nights.
Admission: free; VIP admission, $45 (includes dinner); parking, $5
18 Celebrate America Fireworks Show
18 Celebrate America Fireworks Show
July 4, 9:30 p.m.; Carowinds, CharlotteSee on mapAfter spending the day riding roller coasters at this amusement park, stick around for its biggest fireworks show of the season.
Admission: $45 and up (park general admission all day)
19 SkyShow Charlotte
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19 SkyShow Charlotte
July 4, 9:30 p.m.; BB&T Ballpark, CharlotteSee on mapThe festivities will begin in the afternoon with the SkyShow Street Party, featuring activities for kids, games, prize giveaways, live music, and food trucks and drinks. And in the evening, the Charlotte Knights will host the Durham Bulls. The night will conclude with fireworks lighting up the Uptown Charlotte skyline.
Admission: street party, free; baseball game, $12-$25
20 The ’Works! July 4th
20 The ’Works! July 4th
July 4, North Carolina State Fairgrounds, RaleighSee on mapReturning to the fairgrounds after six years, the annual fireworks show will launch from the Varsity Lot at North Carolina State University, adjacent to PNC Arena, Carter-Finley Stadium and the fairgrounds. PNC Arena will open gates for visitors at 6 p.m.; fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m.
Admission: free
21 July 4th Celebration and Fireworks
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21 July 4th Celebration and Fireworks
July 4, Keenan Stadium, Chapel HillSee on mapRanked by Travel + Leisure as one of “America’s Top Ten Best Towns for a July Fourth Celebration,” Chapel Hill carries on the tradition year after year. Locals and visitors will enjoy live music, games, face-painting, food, a watermelon-eating contest, fireworks and more.
Admission: $1 per person or $5 per family
22 Fort Bragg’s 4th of July Celebration
22 Fort Bragg’s 4th of July Celebration
July 4, Main Post Parade Field, Fort BraggSee on mapCelebrate with the men and women of the Armed Forces, featuring live concerts, parachute free-fall demonstrations, a patriotic flag ceremony, kids’ activities and fireworks.
Admission: free
23 Fourth of July Parade, Pie-Eating Contest and Fireworks
23 Fourth of July Parade, Pie-Eating Contest and Fireworks
July 4; Downtown Mount AirySee on mapThe day begins with a reading of the Declaration of Independence, followed by a parade and plenty of fun activities such as a dunking booth and pie-eating contest. Live music takes place at Veterans Memorial Park, and the evening concludes with a fireworks show.
Admission: free
24 Liberty’s July Celebration
24 Liberty’s July Celebration
July 14; LibertySee on mapThis annual street festival will feature arts and crafts vendors, food, live music, amusement rides for kids, and will culminate with a fireworks display.
Admission: free
Coast
25 Summer Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast
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25 Summer Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast
Thursdays, May 31 - Aug 31; Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Gazebo, Carolina BeachSee on mapGet an early and festive start to the weekend on Pleasure Island at Carolina Beach. There's live music by a different band each Thursday beginning at 6:30 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. The best place to view the fireworks is on the beach strand in front of the boardwalk.
Admission: free
26 North Carolina 4th of July Festival
26 North Carolina 4th of July Festival
June 30 - July 4; SouthportSee on mapFor more than 200 years, Southport has celebrated the nation's Independence Day in a big way, and its festival is North Carolina’s official celebration. Events will span several days, featuring picnics, arts and crafts in the park, a car show, parade, fireworks, firemen’s competition, children’s games, live entertainment, food and more. The finale, which will be the largest of the planned events, takes place July 4 at the Southport Waterfront.
Admission: free
27 Surf City Independence Day Celebration
27 Surf City Independence Day Celebration
July 3; Soundside Park, Surf CitySee on mapEnjoy live music, food from vendors, children’s activities, fireworks and more. Bring a chair or blanket and grab a spot in the park.
Admission: free
28 Pre-Independence Day Fireworks by the Sea
28 Pre-Independence Day Fireworks by the Sea
July 3; Carolina Beach Boardwalk and Gazebo, Carolina BeachSee on mapCelebrate Independence Day the evening before with live music, followed by fireworks after sunset. Arrive early to grab a spot at the gazebo or on the beach.
Admission: free
29 City of Wilmington Fourth of July Celebration
29 City of Wilmington Fourth of July Celebration
July 4; Downtown Wilmington Riverfront ParkSee on mapExperience historic downtown Wilmington while being entertained by live music and enjoying local food vendors. Fireworks will begin at 9:05 p.m., being launched from a barge in the Cape Fear River.
Admission: free
30 4th of July Fireworks off the Pier
30 4th of July Fireworks off the Pier
July 4; Bogue Inlet Pier, Emerald IsleSee on mapFireworks will illuminate the sky above the pier and will also be visible from Bogue Sound and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.
Admission: free
31 26th Annual Independence Day Celebration
31 26th Annual Independence Day Celebration
July 4; Historic Corolla Park, CorollaSee on mapCelebrate America's independence with live music and a fireworks show on the northern Outer Banks. The event will also feature food vendors, a cornhole tournament, watermelon-eating contest and children’s games.
Admission: free
32 Fireworks Over the Outer Banks
32 Fireworks Over the Outer Banks
July 4; Outer BanksSee on mapChoose from one of these picturesque locations to watch Fourth of July fireworks shows on the Outer Banks, the site of the English’s first attempted colonization in the New World pre-dating Jamestown by 20 years.
- Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills.
- Nags Head Fishing Pier in Nags Head.
- Roanoke Sound and Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo.
- Avon Pier on Hatteras Island in Avon.
Admission: free
33 Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival
33 Sneads Ferry Shrimp Festival
Aug. 10-12; Sneads FerrySee on mapThis annual three-day festival will feature live music, a Shrimparoo shrimp dinner, food, arts and crafts, rides, games and more. Plus, the second night caps off with fireworks.
Admission: adults, $6; children, ages 3-12, $3; under 3, free
Baseball and Fireworks
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North Carolina is home to several minor league baseball teams, and many of them feature fireworks shows at the end of Friday night home games. Plan a visit to any of these ballparks as part of your summer experience:
Asheville Tourists
McCormick Field, Asheville
Carolina Mudcats
Five County Stadium, Zebulon (near Raleigh)
Charlotte Knights
BB&T Ballpark, Charlotte
Durham Bulls
Durham Bulls Athletic Park, Durham
Greensboro Grasshoppers
NewBridge Bank Park, Greensboro
Hickory Crawdads
L.P. Frans Stadium, Hickory
Winston-Salem Dash
BB&T Ballpark, Winston-Salem
