Check out the local celebrations in coastal NC. These are in order by date of occurrence.
NC 4th of July Festival | Southport & Oak Island
Friday, June 30 – Saturday, July 1, 2023
See detailed scheduled for locations
The N.C. 4th of July Festival is held annually in the City of Southport with many events also held in Oak Island. The festivities kick off with a Welcoming Ceremony on June 30 at 6:30 pm on the Fort Johnston lawn in Southport. Oak Island will hold its Welcoming Ceremony at 5:45 pm on July 1 at Middleton Park Extension followed by a free concert. July 1 also includes traditional Oak Island Beach Day activities such as games, music, food and fireworks. Other festival events in Southport include: Reading of the Declaration of Independence, Flag Raising Ceremony, Naturalization Ceremony, Parade, Arts and Crafts Market, Music and Entertainment, Freedom Flotilla and more fireworks.
Carolina Beach Independence Day Celebration by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast
Friday, June 30, 2023 | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Presented by Carolina Beach Parks and Recreation is free for spectators. Enjoy music until fireworks at 9:00 PM.
Surf City Independence Day Celebration
Monday, July 3, 2023 | 6:00 PM – 9:25 PM
Soundside Park – 517 Roland Ave., Surf City, NC
Free Band – Jim Quick and the Coastline Band + Food Trucks + Fireworks at 9PM
Parking details here
City of Wilmington 4th of July Celebration
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 | 5:00 PM – 9:25 PM
Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park, 10 Cowan St., Wilmington, NC
Free | Food & Drinks available for purchase (no cash)
This City of Wilmington’s family friendly event will include music featuring the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, other entertainment, kids activities, food, fireworks & more!
Stage Schedule:
5:00 pm – 6:30 pm – Cumulus Media (entertainment)
6:30 pm – Rukus (musical entertainment)
7:30 pm – Wilmington Symphony Orchestra
9:05 pm – Fireworks will take place at 9:05 pm (best viewed along riverfront)
Food
Food and beverages (soft drinks, beer & wine) will be sold at the park. No outside food or drink can be brought inside the park with the exception of water up to 1 gallon in a factory sealed or empty bottle.
Parking
Parking is available on the street and in downtown parking lots. Street parking on July 4 is FREE.
Parking Information
Cashless Payments
This is a cashless event – no cash accepted. All food and beverage sales will ONLY accept debit, credit, or mobile pay (Apple Pay or Google Pay).
Seating for Lawn Area
Beach Chairs (with legs no longer than 9 inches) and blankets will be allowed on the lawns.
Animals
No animals allowed inside the venue with the exception of registered, working service animals.
Burgaw 4th of July Parade
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 | 10:00 AM
Parade
Bald Head Island 4th of July Parade
Tuesday, July 4, 2023 | 10 AM
As always, if you attend any of these events, feel free to tag me on social media! Share tips before folks go or send updates to share.