Guide to Fourth of July Events in the Triangle 2021

The 4th of July holiday this year will start to be more normal than it was last year, as restrictions have been lifted and more people are vaccinated. Here is the run-down of the currently scheduled Independence Day celebrations throughout the Triangle. 

The town of Apex is hosting a Drive Through Red, White & Blue parade on Saturday, July 3rd from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. The processional is limited to 100 cars, which anyone interested in participating can register ahead of time, as long as they are a resident of Apex. Viewing will take place downtown, as social distancing guidelines have been lifted. 

Chapel Hill is hosting a fireworks show at Southern Community Park (1000 Sumac Road) at 9:20 pm on Sunday, July 4th. There will not be any additional festivities this year, in hopes that in 2022 all other programming will resume. 

The Town of Cary will be holding an Independence Day Celebration on Sunday, July 4th, 2021 at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, starting at 5:30 PM, which will include performances by the Cary Town Band, the NC Symphony, and fireworks.

Clayton will be celebrating Independence Day in a big way with the Square to Square Independence Day Street Festival, sponsored by the Town of Clayton and the Downtown Development Association. The festivities kick off on Saturday, July 3^rd at 11:00 am with a bicycle parade, followed by a hot dog eating contest at noon, and a fire truck parade at 2:45 pm. There will be games, activities, contests, face paintings, a rock climbing wall, waterslides, and much more!

There are a few different events happening in Durham for the 4^th of July. The City of Durham is presenting a 4^th of July Weekend Laser Show Saturday, July 3^rd and Sunday, July 4^th, starting at 9:00 pm. While the event is free, advanced registration is required. For the kids, there is the Children’s Independence Day Parade, where kids can decorate their bikes, strollers, or wagons beforehand. Decorating starts at 9:30 am, with the parade starting at 10:30 am on Sunday, July 4^th. There will also be fireworks after the Durham Bulls game on Sunday, July 4^th. The game starts at 6:05 pm with fireworks scheduled for 9:15 pm. The gates will be open for general admission after the 7^th inning based on seating availability and there are some limited areas outside the stadium for fireworks viewing. Durham’s oldest Fourth of July celebration, the Watts-Hillandale Parade and Celebration, starts at 10:00 am on Sunday, July 4^th and is organized by the neighbors in the immediate area. For music lovers, Enofest is back this year for the entire weekend, with 40+ musicians playing both Saturday and Sunday.

The Town of Fuquay-Varina is hosting their annual Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 3^rd. The celebration will include a concert by Spare Change at 6:30 pm, food trucks, and fireworks at 9:15 pm.

Lake Benson will be the site of this year’s Garner Independence Day Celebration. Gates open at 5:00 pm on Saturday, July 3^rd and activities include food vendors, kids crafts, Garner Veterans Memorial tours, live music, and fireworks.

Holly Springs will be holding their Independence Day Celebration on Monday, July 5^th, starting at 6:00 pm at Sugg Farm. Over 20 food trucks will be on-site for the evening, along with live music and a fireworks show around 9:15 pm.

Knightdale will be hosting their 4^th on 1^St celebration at Knightdale Station Park. This celebration includes fireworks, food trucks, inflatables, performances and quarry tours. Fireworks begin at 9:15 pm. 

The City of Raleigh is sponsoring their annual fireworks display at the Carter-Finley Stadium and PNC Arena complex. Parking in the stadium lots is free, and gates open at 6:00 pm. In Brier Creek Commons,  the Star-Spangled Block Party will take place, which features a live DJ from 8:00 pm-9:00 pm, giveaways, and a choreographed fireworks display set to music.

Wake Forest is hosting their annual Independence Day Celebration, which features a fireworks spectacular on Saturday, July 3^rd, with gates opening at 7:30 pm and fireworks starting at 9:30 pm. The Children’s Parade starts at 1:30 pm on Sunday, July 4^th and the Art in the Park event runs from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Throughout the Triangle, this year the Independence Day celebrations will look more normal than last year as COVID restrictions have been lifted. No matter what part of the Raleigh-Durham metro area you call home, there will be a celebration nearby.