4th of July 2024 Celebration Round Up in Coastal North Carolina

Stars, stripes, and star-spangled celebrations await when visiting coastal North Carolina for the 4th of July holiday. Independence Day is one of the busiest times of year to revel in our exciting beach towns full of activities and festivities to celebrate the holiday.

We’re thrilled to host you in our Sea Scape Properties vacation rentals, where you’ll be immersed in all the action. Whether you want to watch the spectacular fireworks over the beach, jam to live music performances, or wave the American flag proudly during an Independence Day parade, we’ve got tons of events you’ll love.

Here’s a roundup of all the 4th of July celebrations happening in the area (dates subject to change)

Wilmington

One of the biggest Independence Day celebrations near coastal North Carolina happens in Wilmington. There are several ways to celebrate America’s birthday during your stay. So, get dressed in your favorite red, white, and blue outfit and join in the summer holiday festivities.

Arrive early to take advantage of the pre-holiday celebrations. The summer collegiate league for the Wilmington Sharks is in full swing, and they hit it out of the park every year for the 4th of July holiday. Their schedule includes home games at the Legion Sports Complex on July 2nd and 3rd that conclude with a fantastic firework show at the end of the 9th inning. Sing along to the star-spangled melodies orchestrated by the North Carolina Symphony for their Stars & Stripes concert happening on July 2nd at the Wilson Center.

The main event everyone will be talking about is the annual Wilmington 4th of July Celebration. The Wilmington Riverwalk transforms the Riverside Historic Downtown district into a citywide festival full of live music performances, food vendors, face painting, and an incredible fireworks show you don’t want to miss. For a unique viewing experience, set sail on the 4th of July Firecracker Cruise with Wilmington Water Tours to watch the fireworks from the Cape Fear River.

Check out these Wilmington vacation rentals.

Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach is always the perfect setting for celebrating Independence Day. Stand on the balcony of your Wrightsville Beach oceanfront vacation home and watch the neighbors illuminate the sky with a colorful fireworks display. Or make your way down to the beach with your own sparklers to light up the night.

Carolina Beach

If you thought the Carolina Beach boardwalk was exciting before, wait until you see how lively it gets for Independence Day. Locals and vacationers can hardly wait until the 4th, so it kicks off the holiday celebration a day early on July 3rd for the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Blast. The Gazebo Stage hosts a range of live music performances and the amusement park is packed with people enjoying the rides, games, and ice cream. You’ll have a few hours of entertainment before the fireworks show at 9pm.

Head to the North End for a boozy cruise on the Sea Legs Pedal Pub Summer Fireworks Pedal Cruise. This overwater bar takes you and your group on a two-hour water excursion along the coast for drinks and watching fireworks.

Browse accommodations in Carolina Beach or nearby in Kure Beach to stay just minutes away from these exciting events.

Ocean Isle Beach

Ocean Island Beach is a small seaside community that erupts in size for the 4th of July. Gather along the sidewalks at 10am to watch the band of patriotic floats, bikers, and local organizations parading down E Second Street for the annual OIB 4th of July Parade. Don’t forget your camera because you’ll see plenty of jaw-dropping golf carts decorated with American Pride.

The fun doesn’t end there! After the parade, walk over to the Ocean Isle Beach Pier in time for the Independence Day fireworks launching over the Atlantic Ocean.

Stay in our Ocean Isle Beach vacation rentals to be in the heart of the action.

Topsail Island

Save your oceanfront fun for the daytime because, during the evening, the Intracoastal Waterway lights up with excitement for the Surf City Independence Day Celebration. Visit Soundside Park on July 3rd for family-friendly activities, live music, food trucks, and fireworks.

Check out our Topsail Island vacation rentals just minutes away from the park.

Things to Know Before Celebrating 4th of July in North Carolina

Independence Day is one of the most popular holidays for planning a beach getaway in North Carolina. Celebrate responsibly by following local laws regarding consumer fireworks. Here’s what you need to know:

• Consumer fireworks (handheld or stay on the ground) are permitted on the beach and nearby areas. This includes sparklers, poppers, snakes, glow worms, smokers, and other noisemakers. Be sure to abide by noise regulations on the beach and local communities.
• All aerial fireworks are illegal without a permit and are punishable by fines or jail time for violations.
• You must be age 16 or older to purchase fireworks in North Carolina.
• Be sure to clean up and properly dispose of fireworks after use.