Summer is at its peak by the time the Fourth of July rolls around, which means it is a great time of year to experience the best of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. From our famous festival to good old summertime fun in the year of America 250, there’s plenty to do to celebrate Independence Day in the Brunswick Islands. Check out our recommendations below and check back here for updates on additional holiday celebrations.

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parade float driving down the street in Southport

NC 4th of July Festival

Each year, thousands of people travel from far and wide to the charming coastal town of Southport for the North Carolina 4th of July Festival. Officially incorporated as a state festival in 1972, the celebrations actually date back over 220 years, to 1795, when ships in the harbor discharged cannons to recognize our nation’s independence.

Throughout the years the festival has evolved into a now nine-day celebration (June 26, 2026- July 4, 2026) with events that locals and visitors alike look forward to.

This year, the festival’s signature events are bigger and better than ever in celebration of America 250.

  • 41st Annual Firefighters Freedom Competition & Apparatus Expo
  • Patriots’ Ball 
  • We the People Gospel Fest
  • World’s Largest Ice Cream Sundae
  • Independence Eve: Colonial Food & History 
  • Red, White & Blue Freedom Flotilla
  • Reading of the Declaration of Independence
  • Hometown Heroes: Oak Island Loggerheads vs. Shallotte Shallywags Baseball Game
  • Arts & crafts market
  • Clicks of Confidence and Trick Horses 
  • All Veterans Jump
  • UPWA Live Pro Wrestling

Plus, there’s more! A veteran recognition ceremony, flag raising ceremonies to recognize and honor the spirit of American independence, live music, lots of food, and much more.

The beloved Fourth of July parade featuring floats, marching bands, military units, entertainers, and fire departments from across the Brunswick Islands will also take to the streets of Southport for a display full of red, white, and blue. Finally, an evening firework display over the Cape Fear River brings the festival to a close.

Group of guys playing beach volleyball

Oak Island Beach Day

In conjunction with the NC 4th of July Festival, festivities also take place on nearby Oak Island. The top among them is Oak Island Beach Day, celebrated across the island on July 1.

Family-friendly activities fill the agenda here, including inflatables, a volleyball tournament, sandcastle building competition, and much more. Food, live music, and a Shag dancing contest are other highlights as well.

Beach Day also boasts the first firework display of the season launched from the Oak Island Pier and visible for miles along the beach.

Firework Displays at the Beach

  • Oak Island Beach Day: July 1, 2026 at Sunset
  • North Carolina 4th of July Festival Fireworks Display: July 4, 2026 at 9:00 p.m.
  • Ocean Isle Beach Fireworks: July 5, 2026 at 9:15 p.m. 

For suggested viewpoints, what to bring, and when to arrive, check out our "4th of July Fireworks in the Brunswick Islands: Where to Go and What to Know" blog. 

This Independence Day remember to leave the firework displays to the town approved professionals; fireworks capable of leaving the ground are illegal in North Carolina. 

golf cart decorated in American flags

Other Celebrations in the Brunswick Islands

Traditionally, visitors and locals on Ocean Isle Beach, Sunset Beach, and Bald Head Island can expect even more Independence Day merriment.

  • Ocean Isle Beach's annual golf cart parade takes place July 3, at 10 a.m. and will travel down E. Second Street.
  • The Old Bridge Historical Society in Sunset Beach will hold its annual parade on July 4, at 9 a.m at the Sunset Beach Swing Bridge.
  • The town of Sunset Beach will host its own island golf cart parade on July 4 at 7:00 p.m. 

Participants are encouraged to decorate themselves, bicycles, strollers, and wagons in the spirit of Independence Day before following Uncle Sam across the Old Bridge. Refreshments, games, and face painting will follow.

  • Bald Head Island’s own golf cart parade also traditionally takes place on July 4, at 10 a.m.

Spectators can view the parade and prize ceremony from Old Baldy grounds or anywhere along the parade's route on N Bald Head Wynd, Stede Bonnett Wynd, S Bald Head Wynd, and W Bald Head Wynd. 

market

More Summertime Fun

Before and beyond the Fourth of July holiday there is lots to do in the Brunswick Islands.

  • Free outdoor summer concerts are taking place on Oak Island, Sunset Beach, and Holden Beach. The towns of Calabash and Shallotte will also host concerts ahead and following the holiday.
  • Fresh fruits, locally grown vegetables, and unique crafts also await visitors to the ongoing summer markets taking place in Oak Island, Calabash, and Sunset Beach.
  • Ocean Isle Beach hosts their weekly Movies in the Park series and scavenger hunts for kids this time of year.

For timing and more information on any of these events head over to our events page.

Plan Your Fourth of July Visit

Of course, a trip isn’t complete without a day spent on the beach and an evening spent dining on fresh seafood. So, soak up that sun and enjoy the perfect summer beach vacation down here in the Brunswick Islands.

From our festivities to classic summertime experiences, come the Fourth of July, fun is found in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands! Ready to join us? Visit our website to start planning your trip.