Red, white, and blue season is here! Whether your family loves beach fireworks, small-town parades, baseball games, or downtown celebrations, there are plenty of ways to celebrate around Wilmington and the surrounding beaches.

I’ve rounded up Fourth of July events happening across Wilmington, Surf City, Oak Island, Southport, Carolina Beach, Bald Head Island and more, organized by date so you can easily plan your week.

Grab your lawn chairs, patriotic outfits, sunscreen, and wagon, here’s your complete guide.

Wednesday, July 1

Oak Island Beach Day + Fireworks

Location: Oak Island Middleton Park + Beach 48th Street area

Part of the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival festivities, Beach Day includes family activities, entertainment, and evening fireworks over the ocean.

Good to know:
– Beach access fills early
– Bring chairs or a beach blanket and remember paid parking
– Expect heavier traffic leaving after fireworks
– Great option if you’re already planning a beach day

Friday, July 3

Wilmington Sharks Baseball + Fireworks

Location: Legion Stadium: 2149 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington

Take the family out for baseball and stay for fireworks after the game. First pitch is just after 7PM.

Good to know:
– Bathrooms and concessions onsite
– Easier with younger children than larger fireworks events
– Arrive early for parking
– Fun local tradition, especially if you want entertainment before fireworks begin

Surf City Independence Day Celebration

Location: Soundside Park

Celebrate with live music, food trucks, family activities, and fireworks over the sound from 6PM – 9PM

Good to know:
– Large grassy lawn area
– Bring blankets and chairs
– Parking fills quickly
– Great alternative to beach crowds

Carolina Beach Boardwalk Fireworks & Celebration

Carolina Beach Boardwalk

One of the area’s most popular holiday traditions featuring boardwalk fun and fireworks. Live music at 6PM and fireworks at 9PM.

Good to know:
– Grab dinner before fireworks
– Britt’s Donuts line gets long (like, really long)
– Bring beach chairs
– Parking can fill early

Saturday, July 4

Wilmington Fourth of July Celebration

Riverfront Park + Riverwalk – 10 Cowan Street, Wilmington

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with family activities, entertainment, the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, food vendors, and fireworks over the Cape Fear River.

Good to know:
– Gates open around 5 PM
– Fireworks begin around 9 PM
– Fireworks are visible along much of the Riverwalk
– Low chairs and blankets allowed
– Traffic leaving downtown can be heavy

Southport Fourth of July Festival

Downtown Southport, Mult-day

One of North Carolina’s oldest Independence Day celebrations featuring:

• Parade
• Vendors
• Children’s activities
• Live entertainment
• Waterfront festivities
• Fireworks

Good to know:
– Arrive early
– Expect significant traffic, one road in and out
– Ferry areas become busy
– Downtown parking fills quickly

Bald Head Island Fourth of July Celebration

Bald Head Island

A fun small-town celebration known for decorated golf carts and family activities from 9AM – 12PM.

Good to know:
– Golf cart parade
– Family games and activities
– Rent ferry tickets early
– Great slower-paced family option

WilmingtonMom Tips for Fireworks with Kids

🇺🇸 Bring glow sticks for the walk back to the car
🇺🇸 Pack bug spray and extra water
🇺🇸 Bring headphones for little ones sensitive to noise
🇺🇸 Consider parking farther away for an easier exit afterward
🇺🇸 Save this post now because you will forget where you parked

If you have little kids, I highly recommend staying home and sitting on your front or back porch. Chances are you’ll be able to see and hear local fireworks and you can get them in bed instead of fighting the crowds.

Have another event I should add? Send me a message and I’ll keep updating this guide for local families!

Happy Fourth, Wilmington ❤️🤍💙