WILMINGTON — In honor of celebrating the 250th founding of the United States, the City of Wilmington is planning two simultaneous fireworks displays over the Cape Fear River on Saturday, July 4.
They both begin at 9 p.m., with one show including fireworks shot off from barge near the Battleship and another show taking place over the Cape Fear River near Riverfront Park on the north end of downtown.
There also will be live entertainment at Riverfront Park available for free. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and it will include music from the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, kids’ activities, food, and more.
No outside food or beverages are allowed in the park, except for water. It’s a cashless event so only debit, credit or mobile pay are allowed. Also, beach chairs (with legs no longer than 9 inches) and blankets are welcome.
Riverfront Park Stage Schedule
6:30 p.m. — Mackenzi Morris and Joshua Alan Rupp, featuring the Theater for All chorus
7:30 p.m. — Wilmington Symphony Orchestra with premiere of a newly commissioned work by local composer Chelsea Loew, created in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
9 p.m. — Simultaneous Fireworks Show — launched across from Riverfront Park and another from a barge near the Battleship. Spectators will be able to enjoy the displays from locations throughout downtown and along the Riverwalk
There also will be a boating safety zone for 30 minutes after the fireworks around the launch site and no through boating traffic will be allowed.
On-street meter parking is free. There is also paid parking — $10 event fee after 4 p.m. — available at downtown city decks at 155 Brunswick St, 115 Market St., 114 N. 2nd St., the Wilmington Convention Center deck at 515 Nutt St., and the county deck at 212 N. 2nd St.
The City of Wilmington has marked accessible parking at all of its managed downtown public parking lots and parking decks. Patrons with a valid accessible parking license plate or permit / hang tag may also park for free at any on-street metered or unmetered space for an unlimited time.
There will be numerous street closures planned for the July 4 celebration, so plan accordingly if traveling downtown. Upon exiting after the fireworks are completed, delays from one to two hours can be expected.
The closures include streets shuttering as early as 6 p.m.:
- Water St. between Dock St. and Red Cross St.
- Front St. between Dock St. and Red Cross St.
- Market St. between Front St. and Water St.
- Princess St. between N. 2nd St. N.Water St.
- Chestnut St. between N. 2nd St. and N. Water St.
- Grace St. between N. 2nd St. and N. Water St.
- Walnut St. between N. 2nd and N. Water St.
Streets closing at 9 p.m.
- Davis St. between N 3rd St. and N. 4th St.
- Northbound N 4th St. between Harnett St. and Davis St.
- Harnett St. between N. 3rd St. and Front St.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
We appreciate your ongoing support.
