If you’re spending the week of July 4th in coastal North Carolina, you’re in luck—New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick Counties are bursting with patriotic spirit. From spectacular fireworks and lively concerts to nostalgic parades and small-town charm, the Cape Fear region offers a full slate of events that honor America’s birthday in true red, white, and blue fashion.
Whether you’re planning a beach day or a walk through historic downtowns, here’s your guide to all the best Independence Day happenings from June 27 through July 4, 2025.
Boat Decorated for 4th of July
🎆 New Hanover County
July 2 – “Stars & Stripes” Concert with the NC Symphony
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Wilson Center, 703 N. Third St, Wilmington
Enjoy a dazzling patriotic pops performance by the North Carolina Symphony in a grand indoor venue. Hear all your favorite Americana classics in a polished, family-friendly atmosphere.
Tickets: Starting at $25
More Info: Wilson Center Tickets
July 2–4 – Wilmington Sharks Baseball & Fireworks
Time: 7:00 PM nightly games, fireworks after
Location: Buck Hardee Field, 2149 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington
Celebrate with America’s pastime and end the night with a bang! Enjoy a Wilmington Sharks home game followed by a fireworks show on July 2, 3, and 4.
Tickets: ~$10
More Info: Wilmington Sharks
July 3 – Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast
Time: Music at 6:30 PM, Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Location: Carolina Beach Boardwalk
Head to the beach for this free community tradition. Live music at the gazebo sets the mood, followed by fireworks over the Atlantic Ocean.
Cost: Free
More Info: Carolina Beach Parks & Rec
July 4 – “Battle for Independence” 5K & 1-Mile Race
Time: 7:30 AM (5K), 7:35 AM (1-mile)
Location: The Pointe at Barclay, Wilmington
Get your Independence Day started early with a flat, fast run down Independence Blvd. Dress up in patriotic gear and bring the whole family!
Race Fee: ~$30 (includes T-shirt); free to watch
More Info: Race Signup
July 4 – Hannah Block Historic USO Open House
Time: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Location: 120 S. 2nd St, Wilmington
Experience a taste of the 1940s with vintage décor, dancing, and free doughnuts and coffee at this WWII-era USO center.
Cost: Free (sodas available for 5¢!)
More Info: Community Arts Center
July 4 – City of Wilmington Celebration & Fireworks
Time: Gates open at 5:00 PM, Music at 7:30 PM, Fireworks ~9:05 PM
Location: Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park, Downtown Wilmington
A full evening of live symphonic music from the Wilmington Symphony and fireworks over the Cape Fear River. Arrive early for great views!
Cost: Free
More Info: City of Wilmington
🎇Pender County
July 3 – Surf City Independence Day Celebration
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Location: Soundside Park, 517 Roland Ave, Surf City
Live music, dancing, food trucks, and patriotic fun—all capped off with a spectacular fireworks display over the water.
Cost: Free
More Info: Surf City Calendar
July 4 – Burgaw 4th of July Parade
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Downtown Burgaw (start at Historic Train Depot)
A homegrown tradition where locals decorate bikes, wagons, golf carts, and more to parade through town. All are welcome to participate—no registration needed!
Cost: Free
More Info: Town of Burgaw
4th of July Kid on Bike
🎇 Brunswick County
June 28 – Freedom Run 5K & 1-Mile
Time: 7:30 AM
Location: Waterfront Park, 146 E. Bay St, Southport
Kick off the Southport festivities with a morning run along the scenic Cape Fear River.
Registration Fee: Required for racers
More Info: Event Info
June 28 & 29 – Patriotic Concert: “A Tribute to All Our Heroes”
Time: 3:00 PM both days
Location: Odell Williamson Auditorium, Brunswick Community College
Enjoy a heartfelt choral tribute to veterans and American heroes. Featuring live orchestration and traditional patriotic songs.
Cost: Free (donations welcome)
More Info: Sea Notes Choral Society
July 1 – Oak Island Beach Day & Fireworks
Time: All day (activities from 8:00 AM, Fireworks ~9:00 PM)
Location: Middleton Park and Oak Island Pier
Games, contests, food vendors, beach fun, and a nighttime fireworks show from the pier. A full day of family entertainment!
Cost: Free
More Info: Oak Island Events
July 3 – Reading of the Declaration at Fort Johnston
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn, 203 E. Bay St, Southport
An inspiring reenactment and reading of the Declaration of Independence with patriotic music and flyovers.
Cost: Free
More Info: NC 4th of July Festival
July 4 – Southport Parade & Fireworks
Time: Parade at 11:00 AM, Fireworks at 9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Southport
Southport hosts one of the state’s most famous Fourth of July celebrations with a massive parade, street vendors, and a waterfront fireworks finale.
Cost: Free
More Info: NC 4th of July Festival
July 4 – Bald Head Island Golf Cart Parade
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Bald Head Island
The quirkiest parade on the coast! Golf carts decked out in patriotic décor roll through the island. Activities continue all day with games and a community cookout.
Cost: Free (Ferry ~$23 round-trip)
More Info:Bald Head Island
4th of July Golf Cart
Make Your Plans Early!
These events draw big crowds—especially in Southport, Carolina Beach, and Wilmington—so it’s a good idea to arrive early, pack sunscreen, and bring lawn chairs. Whether you’re celebrating on the sand or enjoying small-town parades, there’s no better place to experience a classic Independence Day than coastal North Carolina.
Need help finding a place to stay or thinking of relocating? Let us know! We’d love to help you find your dream home in New Hanover, Brunswick, or Pender County.
Happy Fourth of July from all of us at The Cameron Team!
Have a local Independence Day event? Leave it in the comments!
