Are you ready for some patriotic fun next week? With parades, family fun and fireworks, the whole family will enjoy these events inspired by Independence Day!
JULY 3
Get a jump on the fun at Morrisville’s celebration July 3 at Morrisville Community Park. Food trucks and music get the party started at 6 p.m. with fireworks launching at sundown. Bring blankets and chairs so you can hang out until the show begins. townofmorrisville.org
The Town of Fuquay-Varina celebrates Independence Day on July 3.
Fuquay-Varina also celebrates Independence Day July 3. Head to South Park for live music, food vendors, free inflatable rides and a soaking at the splash pad for the kids. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the fireworks begin at sundown. fuquay-varina.org
Known as “The War to End All Wars,” World War I ended Nov. 11, 1918, 100 years ago this November. To commemorate this upcoming anniversary, the Cary Town Band’s 31st annual Independence Eve Celebration at 7:30 p.m. at the Cary Arts Center musically recalls the wonderful tunes written during that war. The free performance will feature patriotic music and will include a salute to military service personnel past and present. The preshow featuring Applause! Cary Youth Theatre begins at 6:30 p.m. carytownband.org
JULY 4
Start your day in Morrisville at the annual July 4th Pancake Breakfast. At Fire Station No. 1, 200 Town Hall Drive, the Morrisville Fire Department invites the community for flapjacks, sausage and orange juice. Breakfast will be served 8-10 a.m., but get your tickets ahead of time to make sure you have a place at the table. Tickets are $2-5 and can be purchased at Cedar Fork Community Center, Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center or the Parks Administration Building. townofmorrisville.org
In Apex, kids 12 and younger can decorate their bikes, trikes and scooters for Uncle Sam’s Parade of Wheels.
Head to historic downtown Apex for the town’s Olde Fashioned Fourth of July from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Family-friendly entertainment includes carnival games, a giant slide, climbing wall and more. At noon kids 12 and younger can join Uncle Sam’s Parade of Wheels for a patriotic trip down Salem Street. Decorate your bikes, wagons, tricycles or other non-motorized vehicles in patriotic colors. Festivities conclude with the Apex Fire Department Splash Down! apexnc.org
The Independence Day Olde Time Celebration at Bond Park is sure to be lots of fun for the whole family! Activities start at 8 a.m. and include a fishing tournament, parade, a donut-eating contest and a watermelon-seed-spitting contest. The Boathouse is open for rentals all day, if you’d prefer to paddle around the lake. townofcary.org
Cary will have its celebration July 4 at Koka Booth Amphitheatre with a scavenger hunt, magicians, a watermelon-eating contest, a Ferris wheel and patriotic music by the N.C. Symphony and the Cary Town Band. Activities begin at 3 p.m. with fireworks following the 7:30 p.m. concert. townofcary.org
The North Carolina Courage, members of the National Women’s Soccer League, compete against the Chicago Red Stars starting at 7 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park. nccourage.com
Dive into Raleigh history at the Joel Lane Museum House, also known as “The Birthplace of Raleigh,” at the 27th annual Independence Day Open House, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Historians will demonstrate various aspects of colonial life, and kids can participate in hands-on activities like making rag dolls and writing with a quill pen. Admission is free. joellane.org
Raleigh hosts an Independence Day celebration at the State Capitol from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free event includes live music, carriage rides, birthday cake for America and food trucks. Don’t miss the outdoor naturalization ceremony for new citizens on the Capitol’s south grounds at noon.
On July 4, The Raleigh fireworks will be launched from the Varsity Lot at N.C. State University, adjacent to PNC Arena, Carter-Finley Stadium and the fairgrounds. PNC Arena will open gates at 6 p.m. and the fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. raleighnc.gov
JULY 5
Holly Springs hosts its annual holiday festival July 5 at Sugg Farm in Bass Lake Park. Admission is free, and leashed pets are allowed. There will be face painting, inflatables and rides, food vendors, crafts for kids, live music from the Holly Springs Community Band and The Holiday Band. Family-friendly fun starts at 5 p.m. and fireworks are scheduled for 9:15 p.m. hollyspringsnc.us
