Prepare to have a patriotic Fourth of July celebration through an encounter with history or an adventure with nature at N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (NCDNCR) attractions this year.
Enjoy the spirit of revolution at a historic site, a quiet walk in nature at one of 39 state parks and recreation areas, or a walk on the wild side at the North Carolina Zoo. The State Capitol will host a naturalization ceremony for new citizens and a day of fun activities for all.
Many NCDNCR destinations will provide free or modestly priced recreation for the family and across age groups. All state parks and recreation areas will be open regular hours July 4th. The North Carolina Zoo, BATTLESHIP North Carolina and N.C. Aquariums will be open also. Most historic sites will be closed July 4, but some offer programs during Fourth of July weekend.
The July 4th schedule:
East
Jockey's Ridge State Park, Nags Head. July 4. 100th Anniversary Killer Dunes 2-Miler and Fun Run.Two-mile footrace on Jockey's Ridge at 8:30 a.m. and .25 mile Fun Run at 9 a.m. with award ceremony and light refreshments immediately following. Packet pickup on July 3rd from 4 to 7 p.m. or on race morning from 7:30 to 8 a.m. Registration $20 to $30 depending on age for 2-miler; Fun Run $5.
Jockey's Ridge State Park, Nags Head. July 4. N.C. Parks at 100. This year marks 100 years since the first purchase that began the state park system. "Saving the Best" documentary explores North Carolina's tribute to the work of park staff. The video features scenery and landscapes found across the state. Every Monday at 2 p.m. Free.
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson. July 2. Saturday Guided Tours. Visit areas of the site not normally accessible to the public. Explore the ruins of an 18th century home or view the Cape Fear River from atop Fort Anderson! Site historians in period attire will conduct tours that last approximately 45 minutes. As all tours are outdoors, they will not be held in the event of inclement weather. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. $5 for ages 13 and up, younger free.
North Carolina Symphony, Wilmington. July 2. Stars and Stripes. Beat the summer heat and join us for a good, old-fashioned salute to the red, white and blue at Cape Fear Community College. Hear patriotic favorites and high-spirited classics as we honor the birthday of the USA. Enjoy the suite from the film, "Gettysburg," "Hoe Down" from the musical "Rodeo," and more. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15-$71.
Fort Fisher, Kure Beach. July 2. Beat the Heat Lecture. During World War II, the Women's Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP, were the first women trained to fly our military's front line arsenal. Krystal Lee, an independent researcher, will share research on this program and its connection with Fort Fisher and the Anti-Aircraft School at Camp Davis. Please check and like our Facebook page for updates. 2 p.m. Free.
Historic Edenton, Edenton. July 4. Reading of the Declaration of Independence in the Courthouse Green and Bell Toll. A reading of the Declaration of Independence at the Joseph Hewes Monument by the Daughters of the American Revolution. A short biographical sketch of Hewes, an Edenton resident and signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, a prayer and wreath laying. The American Legion Post 40 Color Guard will present the colors. 10 a.m. Free.
Historic Halifax, Halifax. July 4. Independence Day Celebration. Join Historic Halifax State Historic Site and the Town of Halifax for a small-town Independence Day Celebration. Tour historic buildings and participate in hands-on activities at Historic Halifax during the day, and enjoy a late-afternoon festival on the grounds of the Halifax County Courthouse featuring, food vendors, children's rides and activities, plus live music and fireworks at dark. 9:30 a.m. Free.
Roanoke Island Festival Park, Manteo. July 4. July 4th Celebration. Enjoy patriotic tunes from the 440th U.S. Army Band in the outdoor pavilion. Fireworks provided by the town of Manteo at dark. Food vendors. Music starts at 8 p.m.; gates open at 6 p.m. Free.
Tryon Palace, New Bern. July 4. Glorious Fourth and Independence Night. Celebrate the anniversary of the birth of America at Tryon Palace with historical interpreters, games, crafts, exhibitions, free access to the gardens, and a live reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Palace steps. Event starts at 10 a.m. Free. Independence Night at the North Carolina History Center offers live music, fireworks and fun. Enjoy a buffet of hamburgers, hot dogs and the best waterfront view of the city's fireworks. Independence Night starts at 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 adults/$5 children, under 5 free.
Piedmont
North Carolina Symphony, Fayetteville. July 1. Concerts in Your Community-Independence Day. Bring the kids, curl up on a blanket and relax as we honor the birthday of the USA with patriotic favorites, high-spirited classics and fireworks at Festival Park. Hear the "Star-Spangled Banner," "Yankee Doodle," "Amazing Grace," and more. 8 p.m. Free.
Kerr Lake, Raleigh. July 2. Centennial Birthday Party. Come celebrate 100 years of NC State Parks at Satterwhite Point with beach music, food vendors, ranger programs and activities for children. 3 p.m. Free.
Bentonville Battlefield, Four Oaks. July 2. Follow the Fight Tours. A guided tour of significant stops on the 20,000-acre Civil War battlefield, including the headquarters of Union Gen. William Sherman and Confederate Gen. Joseph Johnston. A rare guided tour opportunity for individuals or small groups. Tours depart at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and are limited to the first 12 cars. Tours may not be suitable for a younger audience. $5 per person ages 12 and older; under 12 free.
North Carolina Symphony, Garner. July 3. Concerts in Your Community-Independence Day.Bring the kids to Lake Benson Park and relax as we honor the birthday of the USA with patriotic favorites, high-spirited classics and fireworks. Enjoy selections from "Old American Songs" and "Stars and Stripes Forever." 7:30 p.m. Free.
State Capitol, Raleigh. July 4. Salute to Independence. The event will offer musical performances, historical and military displays, carriage rides, face painting and several hands-on and play activities for children. Visitors will delight in patriotic music from the Raleigh Concert Band, other performances and reading of the Declaration of Independence. Guests can take a narrated trolley ride through historic downtown Raleigh. A naturalization ceremony for new citizens at noon starts the event. Food vendors. Free.
N.C. Museum of History, Raleigh. July 4. Independence Day. Enjoy some festivities downtown, then cool off with a visit to check out the museum's exhibits. Be sure to see "Southern Impressions: Paintings from the James-Farmer Collection" before it closes that day. The exhibit features 40 loaned paintings from the collection of Dr. Everette James and Dr. Nancy Farmer of Chapel Hill. 9 a.m. Free.
North Carolina Symphony, Cary. July 4. Summerfest-Independence Day. Relax on a blanket under the pines at Koka Booth Amphitheater as we honor the birthday of the USA with patriotic favorites, high-spirited classics and fireworks. Hear the "1812 Overture," "Americana Suite" and more. 7:30 p.m. Free.
Historic Stagville, Durham. July 2. Antebellum Games. Come to learn and play games. Try your hand at games from the 1800s, such as cup and ball, jacks and others. Make a toy to take home. Noon-1 p.m. $1 per person (cash or check only).
West
Chimney Rock State Park. Chimney Rock July 2-4. July 4th Family Weekend Fun. Meet woodland friends or possibly our birds of prey, a red-tailed hawk and great horned owl. Our resident animal educators explain each animal's role in the ecosystem and lessons on how to help protect wildlife. Meet at the Outdoor Classroom Saturday and Sunday and at Grady's Animal Discovery Den Monday for our Animal Encounters. Defy gravity with one free climb per person on the Climbing Tower, then round out your day by taking a hike along our Great Woodland Adventure trail with 12 interactive education stations. Free with paid admission to Chimney Rock.
Gorges State Park, Sapphire. July 2. Deck Party. Live Music on the Visitor Center's covered decks to promote 100 years of State Parks and Independence Day! A variety of live instrumental groups will play continuously from noon to 6 p.m. Grab your family and friends and pack a picnic lunch and enjoy an afternoon of relaxing, a great view and live music. Free.