Fourth of July Parade in Kernersville, North Carolina. Image credit Ruth Ann Photos via Shutterstock

These North Carolina Towns Throw Legendary 4th Of July Celebrations

People from all over come together to celebrate history, traditions, and the spirit of summer on Independence Day in North Carolina. Every event, whether it is a fireworks display over a park or river, a festive parade featuring homemade floats, or a naturalization ceremony, highlights the distinct personality and pride of the locals. Towns across the state, including Southport, Kernersville, Waxhaw, Duck, and Farmville, as well as nearby destinations, offer something for everyone with legendary Fourth of July celebrations worth making a trip every year.

Southport

Southport has celebrated Independence Day for centuries, with the first recorded festivities dating back to 1795. Officially established as the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival in 1972, the multi-day event honors the nation’s founding, focusing on patriotism, history, and family fun. Highlights include the reading of the Declaration of Independence, a flag-raising ceremony, a naturalization ceremony, a downtown parade, a freedom run and fun walk, an arts and crafts market, military exhibits, live entertainment, a Freedom Flotilla, and a fireworks show over the Cape Fear River.

Street view in Southport, North Carolina. Image credit christianthiel.net via Shutterstock

Beyond Southport, the festival also features events on nearby Oak Island, including Oak Island Beach Day, which typically includes games, live music, food, and fireworks. In addition to hosting one of the state’s biggest Independence Day celebrations, Southport is known for popular attractions like the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport and Bald Head Island.

Kernersville

Kernersville’s Fourth of July celebration begins with a 5K race, followed by the annual red, white, and blue parade. Organized by the Rotary Club of Kernersville since 1990, the parade marches through downtown and begins with a tribute to veterans. The same course is used for the 5K, where spectators cheer runners as they finish. Attendees can then continue the celebration at Fourth of July Park or head to the football field at Kernersville Elementary School in the evening for fireworks, food trucks, and live music.

A red pickup truck driving through a small town fourth of July parade, Kernersville, North Carolina. — Fourth of July parade, Kernersville, North Carolina. Image credit Ruth Ann Photos via Shutterstock

While in Kernersville, visit Körner's Folly, an intriguing Victorian house museum renowned for its unique architecture and extensive history. Original artwork, furniture, and design elements that capture the essence of designer and artist Jule Körner's life can be found inside. For a leisurely afternoon outside, Triad Park, nearby, provides picnic spaces, walking trails, and disc golf.

Waxhaw

Waxhaw celebrates Independence Day with its beloved parade, a long-time tradition that features decorated floats, marching bands, and local organizations. Afterward, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area, such as Emmet’s Social Table, before heading to the Museum of the Waxhaws, which often hosts special events for the holiday, including free admission for military members and children, arts and crafts for kids, and giveaways.

Military Wall of Honor, Waxhaw North Carolina.

Spend the day in Waxhaw then travel to Charlotte, which is about 45 minutes away, for events like Star-Spangled Nights at Carowinds, North Carolina’s premier amusement park. Enjoy the rides and attractions before watching a dazzling fireworks show synchronized to patriotic music.

Duck

Along the northern Outer Banks, Duck rings in Independence Day with a charming and creative morning parade. Colorful homemade floats, costumed walkers, and decorated bikes make their way through the heart of town. The celebration continues afterward at Duck Town Park with live music, refreshments, and family-friendly activities, making it one of the area’s most popular summer events.

Beyond the Fourth of July festivities, Duck offers the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation. The Duck Boardwalk stretches along Currituck Sound and connects the park with waterfront restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. While there, consider kayaking, paddleboarding, or watching the sunset from one of the scenic overlooks.

Farmville

Farmville typically hosts its Independence Day festivities at the Farmville Town Commons, featuring live music, local food vendors, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The evening concludes with a fireworks display that draws crowds from across Pitt County. Just 20 minutes away, Greenville’s celebration at Town Common Park includes a cruise-in, bounce houses, food trucks, live music, a beer garden, and fireworks.

In the area is the Greenville Museum of Art, which showcases local and modern artwork in a historic setting, and River Park North, which offers peaceful picnic areas, fishing spots, and walking trails for an enjoyable day outdoors.

Charming North Carolina Towns For The Perfect GetawayKnown as the Tar Heel State due to its historic production of tar, pitch, and turpentine, North Carolina has endured significant chapters of American history, including the American Revolutionary War and the American Civil War.

Explore North Carolina's Best Fourth Of July Celebrations

There is something special about Independence Day in North Carolina. Whether it is the joy of spending a summer evening with neighbors, the sound of laughter during a parade, or the sight of families huddled on blankets anticipating fireworks, these are cherished customs that unite people year after year, not merely occasions. Each town adds its own unique touch, but the feeling is the same across the state: pride in where you live and gratitude for the freedoms you celebrate. It is those little moments that make these Fourth of July celebrations legendary.

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