Happy Independence Day! There are a lot of Fourth of July events happening in the Raleigh area, including three nights of fireworks at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park and big fireworks shos in Raleigh, Cary, Chapel Hill, Clayton, Fayetteville and more.

Fireworks on July 4 will be happening at many locations in the Raleigh area, including around the Lenovo Center and Carter-Finley Stadium. If you plan to do your own fireworks display at home, know that some fireworks are illegal to set off in the state of North Carolina. And after you do set up fireworks, you need to dispose of them safely.

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Raleigh 4th of July celebrations

July 4: Raleigh’s July 4th Fireworks Celebration - The city of Raleigh's annual July 4 fireworks display has moved to the stadium complex around the Lenovo Center and Carter-Finley Stadium. Parking opens at 6 p.m., anf fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Free parking is available at Lenovo Center lots, North Carolina State Fairgrounds Bunn Field lots along Trinity Road, and Carter-Finley lots. This year there will be no shuttle.

July 4: Fourth of July at the NC State Capitol - A Raleigh tradition continues! The Capitol will host a ceremony that includes an outdoor naturalization for new citizens. The ceremony will also include a reading from the Declaration of Independence and a wreath laying at the George Washington monument by the Sons of the American Revolution. The event runs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1 E. Edenton St.

July 4: Star-Spangled Block Party at Brier Creek Commons - Brier Creek Commons Shopping Center will host a block party on July 4 from 8 to 9 p.m. with fireworks and more fun.

Durham

July 4-5: Enofest - Enofest will return July 4 and 5 with an immersive in-person experience with live music (over 60 artists), a juried craft show, food and fun on the river. Tickets are on sale now.

July 4: Children's Independence Day Parade at Durham Central Park - Bring the whole family to Durham Central Park on July 4 for the annual Children's Parade! Come and decorate those bike, trikes, wagons and strollers! All are welcome at 9:30 a.m. Then, parade through the park at 10:30. Following the parade there will be free popsicles and fire truck tours.

July 4-6: Fireworks at the Durham Bulls - Bulls fans will be treated to three consecutive fireworks shows starting with the biggest show of the year on July 4 followed by shows on Saturday, July 5 and a special post-game fireworks show on Sunday, July 6. Friday night, the baseball game starts at 6:35 p.m. with fireworks to follow. Gates will open for general admission at the end of the 7th inning based on availability for those that would like to view the fireworks show from inside the ballpark. Please note, viewing areas are limited outside of the ballpark so getting a ticket to the game is the best option to ensure a spot to see the fireworks.

Cary

July 4:Cary Presents: Independence Day Celebration - There will be music from the North Carolina Symphony. Enjoy patriotic favorites, high-spirited classics, fun activities for kids and a dazzling firework display over Symphony Lake. General admission lawn is free and does not require a ticket. The event begins at 3:30 p.m. on July 4, and fireworks begin at 9:25 p.m.

July 4: Independence Day Fishing Tournament - The event is held between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the Bond Park Boathouse. Anglers of all ages are welcome. Registration starts at 7 a.m., and the tournament begins at 8 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for the longest and shortest fish caught in each age group.

Apex

July 4: Olde Fashioned Fourth of July - This long-standing traditional event in downtown Apex features games for all ages, inflatables, the Parade of Wheels, and ends with a splash down from the Apex Fire Department!

Knightdale

July 4: Fourth on First Avenue at Knightdale Station Park - The event will include a bike parade, live music, food trucks, inflatables and giveaways. There will also be a DJ performing at the splashpad, which will be open to help people cool off. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Knightdale Station. It will not include fireworks.

Holly Springs

July 5: Holly Springs July 5th Celebration - Enjoy a second day for the USA! The Holly Springs Independence Day Celebration at Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park on July 5 is full of fun with live music, food trucks, games and spectacular fireworks. Fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. Admission is free and open to all.

Fayetteville

July 4: Independence Concert and Fireworks - Gates open at 6 p.m. for the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra concert followed by fireworks at Festival Park.

Rolesville

July 4: Rolesville Fourth - Beginning at 5 p.m., enjoy food trucks, beer and wine, local vendors, inflatables and yard games. There will be live music from 6 to 9 p.m. followed by a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m.

Wake Forest

July 4: Wake Forest Children's Parade - On July 4, enjoy a children's parade at 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of North Main Street and West Juniper Avenue, near the Wake Forest Historical Museum.

July 4: Art & More in the Park - This market will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wake Forest Community House, located at 133 W. Owen Ave.

Chapel Hill and Carrboro

July 4: July 4th Fireworks in Chapel Hill - Gather at Southern Community Park with blankets, chairs and friends for an evening of community camaraderie and a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate the holiday. The event opens at 7 p.m. with the fireworks display beginning around 9 p.m.

July 4: Fourth of July Celebration in Carrboro - The event will be held at Carrboro Town Commons from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 4. Pre-event activities will be held at Weaver Street Market beginning at 9:30 a.m., including a bike/wagon decorating contest and a costume contest for kids.

Clayton

July 4: Clayton Independence Day: Square to Square - This July 4, celebrate on Main Street starting at 6 p.m. with a bike parade. There will also be food trucks, inflatables, games, activities, balloon twister, stilt walker and a rock climbing wall. There will also be a fire truck spray down at the corner of Church and Main streets at 7 p.m. and free snocones and watermelon slices. Fireworks will be launched from Clayton High School at dark.

Fireworks safety

In North Carolina, emergency rooms see a spike in visits every Fourth of July due to fireworks accidents. The most common injuries involved the hands, fingers, eyes and face.

State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor said the best way to avoid injury is to leave fireworks to the experts.

"By leaving the fireworks to the experts, we can all help reduce these numbers and ensure that our Fourth of July celebrations are memorable for the right reasons," Taylor said. "Public displays are not only safer but also far more spectacular than anything you can do at home."

Keep these fireworks safety tips in mind this Fourth of July:

  • If you purchase fireworks for your personal entertainment, make sure that the fireworks are legal.
    • Read instructions carefully. If under the age of 16, please have adult supervision.
      • Never light fireworks indoors or inside vehicles.
        • Never try to re-light or pick-up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
          • Never light fireworks near dry grass.
            • Keep a bucket of water, fire extinguisher, or garden hose nearby in case of an accidental fire or other mishap.
              • If the fireworks malfunction, soak the fireworks with water and dispose of the fireworks.

                Protect pets during fireworks

                Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, who can become frightened or disoriented by the sound. Please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities, and opt instead to keep them safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.

                According to the SPCA, more pets get lost on July 4 than any other day of the year because they can get spooked by loud noises from fireworks and other celebrations.