Land of the free and home of the brave, towns in North Carolina sure know how to celebrate independence in this beautiful nation! From fireworks, to parades, the celebrations are a-plenty. If you are in need of a location to sport your red, white and blue and show off your pride for America, here’s how to have the perfect Fourth of July 2019 in North Carolina!
When it comes to celebrating Fourth of July firework displays, Raleigh does things big. On July 4, go down to the area around Carter-Finley Stadium and PNC Arena area for prime viewing of this colorful firework display. Find free parking at the PNC Arena lot, Carter-Finley Stadium lots and also North Carolina State Fairgrounds Bunn Field. Fireworks are set to go off around 9:30 p.m.
The Festival Parade has been in production since 1972. Opening Ceremony is on Sunday June 23 and goes all the way until July 4—which surely ends with a bang: fireworks galore at 9 p.m. at the Southport Waterfront. So many activities unfold throughout the town: a famous parade, classic car shows, old jail tours, arts & crafts, art shows, a salute to veterans and so much more will be on your agenda for the week. Various live musical performances will be the sound ringing in your ears during all of these festivities. Don’t forget to check out Waterfront Park Area and Franklin Square for all of the food and drink vendors.
Lake Junaluska is throwing a weekend celebration from July 2 until July 4 that you will not want to miss. On Wednesday the Fourth of July parade begins at 11 a.m. with a new theme this year: “Red, White and Bluegrass: Music of the Mountains.” Following the parade will be the Fourth of July Picnic at the Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym. Family activities will be available to participate in during the picnic. If you are looking for a restaurant dining experience, some excellent nearby eats include The Buttered Biscuit, and Ammons’ Drive Inn and Dairy Bar.
Deemed “one of the most popular events in the mountains,” Tweetsie Railroad Fireworks Extravaganza of Blowing Rock will make it an evening to remember. After the park closes, the fireworks are set to start at 9:30 p.m. Parking is free to all patrons this year. For a more exclusive event, a VIP Fireworks viewing and all-you-can-eat buffet is available at $25 for adults and $20 for children ages 3-12. Guests will be able to dine and enjoy a chicken and barbecue buffet and when the show begins, view the fireworks in the Hacienda. For those who would like to grab a bite before or after, The Rock Sports Bar & Grill, Coyote Kitchen, Taste Grill, and the Appalachian Mountain Brewery are all fantastic recommendationsin the area.
Freedom Fest of Bryson City, North Carolina, is a full day of celebration. Enjoy firecrackers, a 5K, foods, family-friendly games and activities, live entertainment and as the finale, “one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in the Smokies.” Do not forget your furry companion and participate in the Riverfront Park’s “Strut Your Mutt”—where dogs are given awards! Freedom Fest lives up to USA Today’s recent rave as “one of nine small towns that go all out for the Fourth of July.” Stop into one of the many restaurants nearby for delicious food and beverages, such as Anthony’s Italian Pizza & Pasta, Everett Street Diner, Box Car Café & Cones, or the The High Test Deli & Sweet Shop.
Beginning at the Pack Square Park at 2 p.m. on July 4, there will be family friendly activities open until 6 p.m., and live music at 4 p.m. The beautiful fireworks show begins at 9:30 p.m. so do not forget your cozy blanket or chair to set up! Food trucks will be on site or you can stop in one of the many restaurants nearby: Wicked Weed Brewing, Carmel’s Kitchen & Bar, Bouchon , The Blackbird Restaurant, and Buxton Hall Barbecue, just to name a few.
Starting off the Fourth of July celebrations with high energy, July 3 will be kicking off the Freedom Run 5K, 10K, and Firecracker Road Race as well as the famous American Block Party starting at 7 p.m. and going on all the way until 10 p.m. The next day on July 4, the Fun Fourth festivities are known to be the “biggest 4th of July festival in North Carolina.” The day will be packed full with a street fair, live entertainment, food, games, activities, and a spectacular show of fireworks along with a Fireworks Concert. Fill your belly with one of the many recommended sit-down restaurant options in the area: The Acropolis Restaurant, B. Christopher’s Steakhouse, Hop’s Burger Bar, Village Kitchen, and many more.
From 5 p.m. until dark, enjoy food and beverages, family friendly activities, and a free live performance at the Bridge Park gazebo. Carolina Soul Band will be performing. Right after the concert, enjoy the fireworks show with your loved ones. Fancy a bite to eat? There are several nearby businesses to enjoy a restaurant dining experience including City Lights Café, Innovation Brewing, and Lulu’s on Main just to name a few! Grab a drink, and celebrate Independence Day the right way.
Cary is an awesome place to celebrate America's independence. Arrive at Koka Booth Amphitheatre early as activities kick off at 3 p.m. with open space available for picnics, DJ music, and dancing. Stick around all afternoon for games and contests of all varieties. At night, catch live music from Cary Town Band. Right before the fireworks kick off at 9 p.m., be treated to wonderful sounds from the North Carolina Symphony.