SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — The North Carolina 4th of July Festival is fully coming back after being shuttered in 2020 from the pandemic and partially launching events split between Southport and Oak Island in 2021.
Each year the festival brings in around 60,000 people to southeastern N.C. Happenings are set to take place June 30-July 4, again between Southport and Oak Island.
On July 1, the festival will offer several “Beach Day” events, starting with an 8 a.m. horseshoe tournament and ending with 9 p.m. fireworks on the Oak Island Pier.
The Freedom Flotilla will take place July 2 beginning at 4 p.m. It begins at Southport’s Old Yacht Basin, travels past Waterfront Park and City Pier just past Kingsley Park to the general vicinity of marker 19 and back again.
On Saturday, July 3, there will be a car show, the reading the Declaration of the Independence, children’s musical entertainment, and more.
There also will be live music throughout the weekend on the Oak Island Pavilion Stage and the Cape Fear/Southport Waterfront Park. Cat 5 Band, Gary Lowder and Smokin’ Hot, and Steel Country Express will play, among others.
The parade officially returns on Sunday, July 4, 11 a.m. After being on hiatus from Covid-19, local businesses, organizations and politicians will celebrate the patriotic holiday on floats and by foot. The route begins at the corner of E. Moore Street and Atlantic Avenue, traveling E. Moore to N. Howe Street and following N. Howe to Fodale Avenue.
And arts and craft market will take place July 2-4 in Southport’s Franklin Square Park (130 E West St.) and Oak Island’s Middleton Park Pavilion Area ( 4610 E. Dolphin Dr.). Vendor applications are open here. The festival is accepting vendors now.
A large firework finale will take place at 9 p.m. and have been moved from the Southport Waterfront to the Oak Island Pier (705 Ocean Dr.).
A full list of events and details can be found on the festival website as well as a printable calendar.
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