2026 Independence Day Celebrations: Holly Springs (NC), Apex, Fuquay-Varina and Cary (Koka Booth)
Four days, four celebrations. Find fireworks, live music, food trucks, drone shows and family fun in Fuquay-Varina, Apex, Cary and Holly Springs this Independence Day week.
Holly Springs, NC, Jun. 19, 2026 — From live music and food trucks to drone shows, patriotic concerts, and spectacular fireworks displays, South Wake County communities are offering a week full of Independence Day festivities as America celebrates its 250th anniversary. Here’s a detailed guide to celebrations in Holly Springs, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, and Cary.
Quick Dates & Times
July 1: Fuquay-Varina Independence Day Celebration — Gates open at 6:00 p.m.; fireworks approximately 9:15 p.m.
July 3: Apex Fireworks Frenzy — 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; fireworks approximately 9:30 p.m.
July 4: Cary Independence Day Celebration — Gates open at 3:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9:25 p.m.
July 5: Holly Springs Independence Day Celebration — 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; fireworks approximately 9:15 p.m.
Holly Springs Independence Day Celebration
Celebrating 250 Years of America and 150 Years of Holly Springs
Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Fireworks: Approximately 9:15 p.m. (weather permitting)
Location: Sugg Farm, 2401 Grigsby Ave., Holly Springs
Event Summary
Holly Springs will cap off Independence Day weekend with a community celebration that also launches the Town’s year-long 150th anniversary celebration. Residents can commemorate both America’s 250th birthday and Holly Springs’ sesquicentennial with an evening of live entertainment, family activities, food trucks, local history exhibits, and fireworks.
Event Highlights
Launch of Holly Springs’ 150th anniversary celebration
Limited-edition commemorative giveaways
Town history walk-through exhibit
Selfie stations and photo opportunities
Live music and entertainment
Family-friendly games and activities
Fireworks finale
Special Features
Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Town of Holly Springs tent to pick up:
Commemorative fireworks glasses
Holographic anniversary stickers
Other limited-edition anniversary swag
A special historical exhibit showcasing Holly Springs’ 150-year history will also be available.
Food & Beverage
Multiple food trucks will be on-site
Attendees may bring coolers and picnics
Plenty of water is recommended
Restrictions & What to Bring
Allowed
Lawn chairs
Blankets
Outdoor games
Coolers and picnic food
Not Allowed
Alcohol
Schedule at a Glance
6:00 p.m. Event begins
Throughout the evening: Live music, food trucks, games, anniversary exhibits
9:15 p.m. Fireworks (weather permitting)
Apex Fireworks Frenzy
Parade of Wheels, Drone Show, and Fireworks Take Center Stage
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: 4:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Hunter Street Park, 1250 Ambergate Station, Apex
Event Summary
With downtown construction resulting in the cancellation of Apex’s traditional Olde Fashioned Fourth of July celebration, two favorite traditions, the Parade of Wheels and Apex Fire Department Splashdown, have been incorporated into Fireworks Frenzy. The event combines family activities, food, an expanded drone light show, and fireworks into one of the area’s most unique Independence Day celebrations.
Event Highlights
Parade of Wheels
Apex Fire Department Splashdown
Expanded drone light show
Fireworks display
Kids Zone with inflatables and games
Food trucks
Sensory-friendly accommodations
Special Features
Parade of Wheels
Children are invited to decorate bicycles, wagons, tricycles, and other non-motorized vehicles in patriotic themes before participating in the parade.
Drone Light Show
A larger-than-ever drone display designed specifically for Apex will light up the sky before the fireworks.
Sensory-Friendly Experience
The Apex Senior Center will host:
Quiet sensory room
Sensory bags available for checkout
Alternative viewing areas for fireworks
Food & Beverage
Food trucks and Kids Zone activities are available from approximately 5:00 p.m. until 8:45 p.m.
Restrictions & What to Bring
Recommended
Towels for Splashdown participants
Lawn chairs and blankets
Sensory Considerations
A planned break between the drone show and fireworks allows guests with sensory sensitivities time to relocate or leave before fireworks begin.
Schedule at a Glance
4:00 p.m. Parade participants line up
4:30 p.m. Parade of Wheels and Splashdown
5:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Food trucks, inflatables, and Kids Zone activities
8:45 p.m. Drone light show
9:00 p.m. Sensory transition period
9:30 p.m. Fireworks display
10:00 p.m. Event concludes
Fuquay-Varina Independence Day Celebration
Music, Fireworks, and the Town’s Biggest Display Yet
Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Gates Open: 6:00 p.m.
Fireworks: Approximately 9:15 p.m.
Location: South Park, 900 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina
Event Summary
Fuquay-Varina kicks off Independence Day week with an evening of live music, food trucks, family activities, and what organizers are calling the Town’s largest fireworks display ever. The celebration marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and offers families multiple opportunities to enjoy the park before the fireworks begin.
Event Highlights
Live concert by Bounce
Massive fireworks display
Splash Pad access
Town swag giveaways
Kids craft station
Patriotic photo opportunities
Line dancing during the concert intermission
Special Features
Live Music
Bounce takes the stage at 6:30 p.m., performing popular dance and sing-along favorites from multiple decades.
Family Activities
Splash Pad open from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Kids’ craft station
Town giveaways
Patriotic photo station
Food & Beverage
Food trucks include:
The Rican Lab
Mr. Puebla Tacos
Redneck BBQ Lab
Pinoy BBQ
Bare Baked Pizza
Tombachi
Jolly’s
Chirba Chirba
Jay & D’s Hot Spot
Trumans Smokehouse & Kitchen
Holy Fries
Party In a Pita
Twisted Kettle
NC Mini Donut Co.
FatCat Ice Cream
Pelican’s SnoBalls
NC Sweet Tea
D & J Concessions
Cinnabon
Restrictions & What to Bring
Allowed
Blankets
Lawn chairs
Coolers
Not Allowed
Alcohol
Pets and animals
Schedule at a Glance
6:00 p.m. Gates open
6:00–8:30 p.m. Splash Pad open
6:30 p.m. Bounce performs
Intermission: Line dancing
Approximately 9:15 p.m. Fireworks display
Cary Independence Day Celebration
Symphony, Patriotism, and Fireworks at Koka Booth Amphitheatre
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Gates Open: 3:30 p.m.
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
Event Summary
One of the Triangle’s longest-running Independence Day traditions returns with a full afternoon and evening of patriotic performances, historical tributes, fireworks, and community celebration. Cary’s event will place special emphasis on America’s 250th anniversary through music, readings, and commemorative programming, while offering festive activities for children throughout the evening.
Event Highlights
Cary Town Band performance
North Carolina Symphony concert
America’s 250th anniversary programming
Live reading of the Declaration of Independence
Poet Laureate appearance
Fireworks display
LED robot dance party
Children’s activities throughout the evening
Special Features
Featured Performances
Cary Town Band
North Carolina Symphony conducted by Sophie Mok
Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton
Mike Wiley and Dawn Landes presenting “Well, I Declare” — a live reading of the Declaration of Independence accompanied by music
Community Traditions
Scouts Present the Red, White & Blue
Remarks from Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht
Community raffle drawing
Food & Beverage
Allowed
Outside food and picnics
Beer and wine
Coolers
Reusable water bottles
Available for Purchase
Koka Booth Amphitheatre concessions featuring a variety of food and beverages
Vendor and food truck lineup to be announced closer to the event
Restrictions & What to Bring
Allowed
Camping chairs (subject to venue guidelines)
Blankets and towels
Strollers
Handheld umbrellas
Coolers
Beer and wine
Not Allowed
Hard liquor
Fireworks
Drones
Pets (except service animals)
Grills and open flames
Noise makers
Professional cameras with detachable lenses
Tents and stakes
Weapons of any kind
Schedule at a Glance
3:30 p.m. Gates open
4:05 p.m. Scouts Present the Red, White & Blue
4:15 p.m. Cary Town Band
5:30 p.m. Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton
6:45 p.m. “Well, I Declare” — live reading of the Declaration of Independence
7:55 p.m. Remarks from Mayor Harold Weinbrecht
8:00 p.m. North Carolina Symphony
9:25 p.m. Fireworks
9:50 p.m. DJ Bri Dance Party and LED Robots
10:10 p.m. Raffle drawing (must be present to win)
Parking Information
Parking lots open at 2:30 p.m.
Approximately 1,500 free parking spaces are available in Koka Booth Amphitheatre-owned lots
Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis with proper credentials
Preferred parking is available for purchasers of reserved tables and select parking passes
Ride-share drop-off and pickup locations vary before and after 6:00 p.m.
Fireworks Information
The fireworks display is scheduled for 9:25 p.m. Attendees should note that reserved table seating provides a view of the performances but does not guarantee an unobstructed view of the fireworks, which may be partially blocked by trees, the stage, or other structures.