The top July 4 fireworks, festivals, and food trucks in the Triangle + Maps

Happy Independence Day! There are a lot of 4th of July events happening in the Raleigh area. This year Independence Day falls on a Tuesday. While many celebrations are on July 4, others happened the weekend before.

Where are they doing fireworks in Raleigh?

Fireworks on July 4 will be happening at many locations in the Raleigh area, including at Dix Park and the State Capitol. 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.

Raleigh 4th of July Celebrations

City of Raleigh's July 4th fireworks (Dix Park, Raleigh) - The City of Raleigh's annual July Fourth fireworks has moved to Dix Park. Food trucks, music and activities begin at 5 p.m. There will be a family activity zone, 30 food trucks, music and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. There will be no parking at Dix Park. Event parking will be at N.C. State's Centennial Campus and downtown Raleigh parking decks. Shuttles will run from Moore Square to Dix Park from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The city will send text messages to update residents and visitors about traffic, weather and public safety issues before, during and after the event. Sign up by texting RALFIREWORKS to 888777.

4th of July at the State Capitol (1 E. Edenton St., Raleigh) - 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 Raleigh Concert Band will be performing from 11:30 a.m. to noon, and the ceremony will begin on the south grounds at noon.

Star-Spangled Block Party at Brier Creek Commons (Brier Creek Commons, 8161 Brier Creek Parkway, Raleigh) - Brier Creek Commons Shopping Center will host a block party on July 4 from 8 to 9 p.m. with fireworks and more fun.

July 4 Open House at the Joel Lane Museum House - See re-enactors, hear live music, and enjoy crafts and activities for kids of all ages. The bottom floor of the historic house will be open to walk through, with docents stationed in each room. Free lemonade and ice cream will be available. The event runs July 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is completely free to the public.

Fireworks in Durham

Enofest (West Point on the Eno, 5101 N Roxboro Rd, Durham, NC, Durham) - Enofest will return July 1 and 4 with an immersive in-person experience with live music, a juried craft show, food and fun on the river.

Children's Independence Day Parade at Durham Central Park (Durham Central Park, 502 Foster St., Durham) - 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. DJ Pittipat will spin tunes!

Independence Day Celebration at Durham Bulls (Durham Bulls Athletic Park, 409 Blackwell St., Durham) - The Bulls celebrate Independence Day with the biggest fireworks show of the year, presented by the city of Durham. 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.

Pickin' on the Pond (Old Mill Farm, 8913 NC-751, Durham) - This July 4 event features NC bluegrass music, a pig pickin' by Carolina Moe's BBQ and fresh, crisp and local summer beer, ciders, seltzers and more. General admission Tickets are $12 per person and include live music, feed for the animals, access to the petting pasture and lawn games/game booth.

Knightdale Fireworks for July 4th

Fourth of First Avenue (Knightdale Station Park, 950 Steeple Square Court, Knightdale) - Enjoy food trucks, live music and more fun at Knightdale Station Park on July 4 from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Cary 4th of July Celebration

The Town of Cary Presents: Independence Day Celebration (Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Parkway, Cary) - July 4 at KBA is a Triangle tradition! There will be music from the North Carolina Symphony and Cary Town Band. 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.

Apex Fireworks and Celebrations

July 4 Fireworks Frenzy in Apex (Hunter Street Park, 1250 Ambergate Station) - This activity kicks off the holiday with a fireworks display, music, food trucks, and inflatables.

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

Holly Springs 4th of July Celebrations

July 5: Holly Springs July 5th Celebration (Sugg Farm Park, 2401 Grigsby Ave., Holly Springs) - Enjoy a second day for the USA! The Holly Springs Independence Day Celebration 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 4th of July Celebrations

Fort Liberty will host its first Fourth of July celebration under its new name this year. Gates will open to the public at 3 p.m., and there will be live music featuring Gavin DeGraw and 2023 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Sheryl Crow as well as the 82nd Division Rock Band. There will also be food, games and fireworks at 9:45 p.m.

Rolesville 4th of July Celebrations

Rolesville Fourth (Redford Place Park, Rolesville) - Beginning at 5 p.m., enjoy food trucks, beer and wine, local vendors, inflatables and yard games Liquid Pleasure will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. followed by a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m.

Wake Forest 4th of July Celebrations

Wake Forest Children's Parade (Wake Forest downtown) - 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.

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

Chapel Hill and Carrboro 4th of July Celebrations

July 4th Fireworks in Chapel Hill (Southern Community Park, 1000 Sumac Road) - 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. Event opens at 7 p.m. with the fireworks display beginning around 9 p.m.

Fourth of July Celebration in Carrboro (Carrboro Town Commons, 301 W Main St, Carrboro) - The event will be held at Carrboro Town Commons from 11 a.m. to 3 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.

Past events

Fuquay-Varina 4th of July Celebrations

July 1: Fuquay-Varina Independence Day Celebration (Fuquay Varina Community Center South Park, 900 S Main St., Fuquay-Varina) - There will be fireworks, music and fun on July 1 at South Park. Gates open at 6 p.m., and fireworks will begin at sundown, which is generally around 9:15 p.m. A concert featuring Spare Change begins at 6:30 p.m. Food trucks will be onsite and the splash pad will be open from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The event is alcohol-free; however, coolers are allowed.

Smithfield 4th of July Celebrations

July 2: Red White and Brew food truck rodeo and Independence Day Celebration - Kick off 4th of July week on Sunday, July 2 in Downtown Smithfield with this event from 1 to 6 p.m. This a mini food truck rodeo and beer festival featuring eight to 10 food trucks on South 3rd Street. Admission is free. After 6 p.m., head over to the newly renovated Neuse River Amphitheater, located at 150 S. Front Street for Smithfield's Independence Celebration until 9:30 p.m. There will be live music from Spare Change, food trucks, games and activities, and a spectacular fireworks display at approximately 9:15 p.m! Please note that the time for fireworks may change due to weather conditions.

Morrisville July 4th events

July 3: Morrisville July 3rd Family Fun Festival (Town Hall Drive, Morrisville) - The town of Morrisville will host a family fun festival on July 3 from 4 to 9 p.m. to celebrate Independence Day. The event will be held on Town Hall Drive with more family-oriented attractions than previous years. There will be live entertainment, magic shows, food trucks, stilt walkers, roving entertainment, face painters, family-friendly games, prize giveaways and fireworks.

Garner Fireworks

Garner July 3rd Independence Day Celebration (Lake Benson Park, 921 Buffaloe Road, Garner) - Gates open at 5 p.m. for Garner's annual celebration with the North Carolina Symphony, fireworks and food vendors. There will be parking at the park as well as a free shuttle service from South Garner High to the park. Gates open and shuttle service starts at 5 p.m.

Clayton July 4th Celebration

Clayton Independence Day Fireworks (Clayton High School, 600 S. Fayetteville St.) - This July 1 hometown celebration features a variety of fun activities and attractions for all ages, including food trucks, shaded areas for dining and drinks, inflatables, DJ music, cornhole and other games. There will be free watermelon beginning at 6:30 p.m. on the baseball field while supplies last. The festivities will begin at 6 p.m. culminate with a fireworks display at dark. Admission is free, and spectator parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis on the Clayton High School Campus. The best location to view fireworks will be on the Clayton High School campus.

Wake Forest July 4th Celebration

Wake Forest Fireworks Spectacular (Heritage High School, 1150 Forestville Road) - The two-day free community celebration will consist of a July 3 fireworks spectacular at Heritage High School. The Band of Oz will take the stage around 6:15 p.m., and the fireworks show will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.