SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — Independence Day will take on a more celebratory occasion this year as it’s also America’s 250th birthday. Thus, numerous towns and counties are hosting varied events across the Cape Fear.
Markedly, fireworks will light up the sky, from Brunswick to Onslow counties. Port City Daily has broken down the happenings for visitors to plan the days ahead — with some events and fireworks shows taking place earlier than Saturday, July 4.
Just keep in mind, the week of Independence Day on the North Carolina coast is the apex of vacationers flocking to the region, so be prepared for traffic delays to and from events.
New Hanover County
Boardwalk Blast
Carolina Beach has pushed its normal Thursday fireworks show to Friday, July 3. There will be live music on the boardwalk stage from the Carl Newton Review, which performs R&B and soul. The music starts at 6:30 p.m. and the fireworks take off over the Atlantic at 9 p.m.
City of Wilmington
The city 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 from a 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.
Learn more about it here, including roadways that will be closed to downtown.
Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center Open House
With staff donning 1940s era costumes, sodas priced 5 cents from the World War II era and free coffee and Krispy Kreme doughnuts served, the Historic USO welcomes folks to its open house, held every July 4.
There will be WWII exhibits open plus a documentary about the USO. The building has been restored to its 1943 appearance with reproduction furnishings.
Entertainment will be provided by the Cape Fear Swing Dancers — known for dancing the Lindy Hop. It’s free to attend from noon to 4 p.m.
A 250th: N.C. Symphony Presents — Stars & Stripes
The Wilson Center is hosting the North Carolina Symphony for a 250th celebration of the Stars and Stripes. The symphony’s annual Independence Day concert features patriotic tunes and classics, with tickets starting at $33 here. The show takes place on July 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Brunswick County
Oak Island
The Town of Oak Island is hosting its annual Beach Day on July 1, commemorating the 1999 merger of the towns of Yaupon and Long Beach into Oak Island. The day includes games all day — horseshoes, sandcastle contest, water balloon toss — and music at Oak Island Pier at 6 p.m. Then at sunset, fireworks launch near the pier (705 Ocean Drive).
See the full schedule of all-day events here. The Beach Day is held in conjunction with the official North Carolina Fourth of July Festival in Southport.
Ocean Isle Beach
With numerous weekend events planned, Ocean Isle Beach is celebrating July 4th with a free concert first on July 1 at the Town Center Park at 6:30 p.m. Chocolate Chip & Company, a Myrtle Beach band, will be performing their brand of soul, funk, and rock. Free parking is available at Town Center Park (11 E. Second St.) and 5 W. Third Street after 5 p.m. on concert days or it’s available at the museum for $5.
An Ocean Isle Beach July 4 parade is also taking place on Friday, July 3, 10 a.m., from Museum of Coastal Carolina and down East Second to Lee streets. The family-friendly event is hosted by the Ocean Isle Property Owners Association and features decorated golf carts, bicycles, and floats.
The fireworks for Independence Day actually are being hosted on Sunday, July 5, at 9:15 p.m. from the Ocean Isle Pier.
North Carolina 4th of July Festival
Southport is at its height of cuteness every Independence Day as it becomes the official hosting town for the North Carolina 4th of July Festival.
The week leading up to the Fourth is packed with events, including a red, white and blue flotilla — that’s a boat parade, for you landlubbers — on July 2 at 2 p.m. at Southport Waterfront Park. There will be a Kids Zone with inflatables, water slides, live animals and more on Friday, July 3, at 11 a.m. in Taylor Field Park, plus the official parade on July 4 in downtown proper, kicks off at 11 a.m.
Downtown Southport is blocked off for street vendors, arts and crafts sellers and food trucks from July 2-4. Live music is also performed at the Waterfront Park stage throughout the three days.
The fireworks kick off on July 4th proper at 9 p.m., visible from Waterfront Park. See the full schedule of Southport events here.
Pender County
Surf City
Soundside Park, 517 Roland Ave., in Surf City hosts an annual Independence Day celebration. This year it takes place on Friday, July 3, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with live music by the Catalinas, food trucks parked on site, and fireworks.
The gates open at 5 p.m. and the music begins at 6 p.m. The mayor will open the festivities, scheduled to ends at 9:30 p.m. following the fireworks.
The Soundside boat ramp is closed that day and parking also is unavailable; though street parking is open surrounding the area. Lawn chairs, blankets and food and beverages are welcome; no alcoholic beverages or pets allowed.
Food trucks will include: Southern Roots, Summer Sips, Fusion Blue Cuisine, Made in Venezuela, Yummy Delights, Maine Lobstah Shack, Surfbreak Nutrition, Port City Plates, The Rolling DCone, Bad Bobs Burgers, Nautical Bowls and The Meat Shack.
Burgaw
The farm town of Burgaw straps in for its annual July 4th Parade in downtown historic square, with anyone and everyone welcome to attend and or participate, no registration required.
Decorated golf carts, bicycles, roller skates, pedestrians, and other non-powered wheeled devices can join the fun; however, no candy-tossing is allowed.
Participants should arrive at the Historic Train Depot area by 9:45 a.m. to line up for the parade. The route travels in a Figure 8 starting on Dickerson Street; view the parade route here. After the parade, there will be free popsicles and water spraying from the Burgaw Fire Department’s ladder truck at the depot.
“This parade is a wonderful tradition that brings neighbors, families, and friends together to celebrate our country and our community,” Mayor Olivia Dawson said in a release. “As we mark America’s 250th Anniversary, we encourage everyone to join us and show their patriotic spirit by decorating in red, white and blue.”
Onslow County
Freedom Festival
Annually, the Freedom Festival takes place in Jacksonville, North Carolina at Onslow Pines Park, 1250 Onslow Pines Road. There will be live music from Should’ve Been Cowboys performing ‘90s country music from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and The Soul Psychedelique Orchestra performing funk, soul and R&B from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
There will also be free amusement rides and food trucks parked on site. The fun gets underway at 3 p.m. with fireworks topping off the night at sunset.
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