Where to go for 4th of July Celebrations
A quick guide to Independence Day celebrations taking place in Holly Springs, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Cary and Raleigh.
🎆 1. Holly Springs – Independence Day Celebration
📅 Saturday, July 5
📍 Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park
🕕 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. | 🎆 Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Holly Springs celebrates the Fourth a day later than most, but with full fanfare. The town’s Independence Day Celebration at Sugg Farm features live music, inflatables and games for kids, food trucks offering local favorites, and a festive atmosphere perfect for families. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display at 9:15 p.m.
This is one of the biggest annual events in town. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets. Parking is available on-site but fills quickly—many residents walk or carpool.
More Info:
🔗 https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/358/July-5-Independence-Day-Celebration
🎇 2. Apex – Two-Day Celebration
📅 Thursday, July 3 – Fireworks Frenzy
📍 Hunter Street Park
🕔 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. | 🎆 Fireworks + Drone Show at Dusk
Apex kicks things off on July 3 with Fireworks Frenzy, a high-energy evening at Hunter Street Park. The event features bounce houses, live music, and food trucks. This year includes a new drone light show, followed by traditional fireworks to cap the night.
More Info:
🔗 https://www.apexnc.org/fireworks
📅 Friday, July 4 – Olde Fashioned Fourth of July
📍 Downtown Apex
🕘 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Celebrate Independence Day with small-town charm in downtown Apex. The day starts with a flag-raising ceremony and continues with patriotic karaoke, carnival games, inflatables, face painting, and food trucks. Kids can decorate and ride in the Parade of Wheels, and the fire department finishes it all with a splashdown.
More Info:
🔗 https://www.apexnc.org/532/Olde-Fashioned-Fourth-of-July
🎉 3. Fuquay-Varina – Independence Day Celebration
📅 Tuesday, July 1
📍 South Park
🕕 Gates open at 6:00 p.m. | 🎆 Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Fuquay-Varina celebrates early with its Independence Day Celebration at South Park. Heads Up Penny will perform live starting around 6:30 p.m., while kids enjoy the splash pad, which is open until 8:30 p.m. A variety of food trucks will be on hand with summer eats, and the evening ends with fireworks at 9:15 p.m.
Coolers are permitted, and the event is free and open to all, perfect for families seeking a laid-back way to celebrate the holiday.
More Info:
🔗 https://www.fuquay-varina.org/840/Independence-Day-Celebration
🇺🇸 4. Cary – July 3 & 4 Celebrations
📅 Thursday, July 3 – Downtown Cary Park Celebration
📍 Downtown Cary Park
🕓 4:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Downtown Cary Park transforms into a family-friendly playground, featuring stomp rockets, VR flight simulators, an Aquarena splash zone, paper airplane challenges, and food trucks throughout the park. At 7:30 p.m., the Cary Town Band plays patriotic tunes, followed by an outdoor screening of Top Gun at 8:30 p.m. on the Great Lawn.
This event is free, festive, and highly walkable for downtown residents.
More Info:
🔗 https://www.carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events/holiday-events/independence-day-events
📅 Friday, July 4 – Koka Booth Amphitheatre Celebration
📍 Koka Booth Amphitheatre
🕞 3:30 – 10:00 p.m. | 🎆 Fireworks at 9:25 p.m.
Cary’s biggest July 4 event features eating contests, rides (including a Ferris wheel, carousel, and climbing wall), and magic shows for kids. At 7:30 p.m., the North Carolina Symphony performs a patriotic concert, followed by fireworks over Symphony Lake at 9:25 p.m.
Lawn seating and parking are complimentary; reserved tables are available for purchase.
More Info:
🔗 https://www.carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events/holiday-events/independence-day-events
🎇 5. Raleigh – Capitol Events & Stadium Fireworks
📅 Friday, July 4
📍 NC State Capitol Grounds
🕚 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Capitol celebration offers colonial games, reenactments, and activities like “Pie the Redcoat,” where kids can dunk a British soldier with whipped cream pies. There are also photo ops, dress-up stations, and historical lessons—all free and family-oriented.
More Info:
🔗 https://www.dncr.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/06/27/fourth-july-north-carolina-state-capitol
📍 Carter-Finley Stadium / NC State Fairgrounds Fireworks
🕕 Gates open at 6:00 p.m. | 🎆 Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Raleigh’s largest fireworks show happens near Carter-Finley Stadium. While there are no vendors or entertainment this year, the fireworks display is massive, and free parking is available at the NC State Fairgrounds Bunn Field lots. Bring lawn chairs, coolers, and your own snacks for a relaxed, self-guided viewing experience.
More Info:
🔗 https://raleighnc.gov/community/raleighs-july-4th-fireworks-celebration