SOUTHPORT — The celebration of the red, white and blue is never more patriotic than in the sleepy coastal town of Southport. The annual North Carolina Fourth of July Festival kicks off Friday, June 26, and takes place for nine days through Saturday, July 4.
The festival has been an ongoing tradition in the area, with the first recorded in 1795, though the incorporated nonprofit organization of it began in 1972.
This year is also celebrating the 250th birthday of the American independence. Events include a parade, fireworks, flotilla, Freedom Run 5K, naturalization ceremony, live music and entertainment.
It kicks off Friday, with opening ceremonies at 4:30 p.m. in the Southport Community Building on Bay and Davis streets, followed by a ceremony on the Fort Johnston Lawn. The reception is free to the public, with state legislators like Charlie Miller and Mayor Joe Pat Hatem and Southport aldermen in attendance.
The national anthem will be performed by Brittany Reinert, plus the NC Maritime Museum at Southport will recreate a 1795 4th of July celebration via toasts and a 1795 musket firing.
On Saturday, June 27, a Patriot’s Ball takes place at the Southport Community Building and later in the week, on July 2, a patriotic flotilla will happen at 2 p.m. visible from Waterfront Park.
For the kids, head to the Children’s Entertainment and Kid Zone on July 3, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., at Taylor Field Park, which will have inflatables, water slides, and a petting zoo.
One of the biggest attractions annually during the festival is the Naturalization Ceremony, welcoming new American citizens to the fold. UNCW Chancellor Aswani Volety is the keynote speaker this year, slated for noon on July 3 at the Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitors Center lawn.
During the last three days of the festival, vendors align downtown Southport, selling crafts, art and food. Stages for live music are located along the waterfront on Bay Street, Waterfront Park and the Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitor Center front lawn.
On Independence Day proper, the parade takes place on Howe Street at 11 a.m. and fireworks will be visible from Waterfront Park at 9 p.m.
A trolley runs from Southport Elementary School July 2-4 to provide drop off and pick-up for attendees as downtown streets are closed off to traffic.
Check out the full calendar of events here; the music lineup is below.
- Brunswick Summer Wind Ensemble: June 26, 6 p.m., on the Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitors Center lawn
- We the People Gospel Fest: June 28, 5 p.m., in Franklin Square Park
- Whiskey Ridge Outlaws: July 2, 5 p.m. -7 p.m., in Waterfront Park
- The Conspiracy: July 2, 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., in Waterfront Park
- Deep Creek Soul: July 3, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Waterfront Park
- Sleeping Booty: July 3, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., in Waterfront Park
- Salty Dawgs: July 4, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., in Waterfront Park
- Irresistible Groove: July 4, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. – 10 p.m., in Waterfront Park
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