For over 220 years, Southport, North Carolina has celebrated our nation's independence with patriotic pride, jubilation, and coastal flair. This year, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever in celebration of America’s 250th.
This guide is designed to answer your most common questions including scheduled events, parking information, firework information, where to stay, and what else to do while visiting NC’s Brunswick Islands for the NC Fourth of July Festival.
What is the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival?
The NC Fourth of July Festival is a nine-day festival celebrating our nation’s independence held in Southport, NC every year since 1972. Original celebrations in Southport date back to 1795, making it home of one of the longest running Independence Day celebrations in the country. The NC 4th of July Festival is one of the Southeast’s most anticipated summer events and features a parade, fireworks, flotilla, Freedom Run 5K, naturalization ceremony, live music and entertainment, and lots more family fun.
Patriotic spirit descends on Southport in the days leading up to and following the festival, allowing visitors to explore the coastal town’s sites and attractions with the added air of timely historical significance.
When is the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival?
The North Carolina Fourth of July Festival runs for 9 days from June 26, 2026, through July 4, 2026. Most festival events take place in the week leading up to July 4, with major events including the parade and fireworks occurring on Independence Day.
Arriving early is recommended for the festival’s final three days as downtown streets are blocked off for such signature events. A trolley operating from Southport Elementary School will run July 2 through July 4 to provide easy drop off and pick-up for festival attendees.
Where is the Festival Held?
The North Carolina Fourth of July Festival is held along the waterfront in downtown Southport. Most of the festival events take place along Bay Street in Southport’s Waterfront Park and the Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitor Center front lawn.
The NC 4th of July Festival parade will take place along Howe Street, where food vendors will set up closer to the waterfront.
Other festival events are held at the Southport Fire Department Downtown Substation along Nash Street, Franklin Square Gallery, the Old Smithville Burying Grounds, the North Carolina Maritime Museum, and Old Brunswick Jail.
A trolley operating from Southport Elementary School will run July 2 through July 4 and drop visitors off at various points throughout Southport for the festivities.
For more information on how to reach Southport, please visit our Map & Travel Information page.
What Events Take Place During the Festival?
Freedom Run 5K and Fun Walk
- 5K: Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 a.m.
- 1 Mile Run/Walk: Saturday, June 27 @ 7:00 a.m.
41st Annual Fire Fighters Freedom Competition & Apparatus Expo
- June 27 at 3:00 p.m. at the Southport Fire Department Downtown Substation on Nash Street.
Patriot’s Ball
- June 27 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Southport Community Building
- Tickets required
Independence Eve: Colonial Food & History
- July 1 from 5:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Southport Community Building
- Tickets required
Red, White & Blue Freedom Flotilla
- July 2 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. visible from Waterfront Park
Naturalization Ceremony
- July 3 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. on the Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitors Center lawn
- UNCW Chancellor Dr. Aswani Volety will be the keynote speaker
Festival Parade
- July 4, beginning at 11:00 a.m. along Howe Street in downtown Southport
4th of July Fireworks
- July 4, beginning at 9:00 p.m. and visible from the Waterfront Park and Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitors Center lawn
- Visitors in need of noise canceling headphones to reduce firework noise may stop by the Southport Community Building prior to the show to borrow a pair
Live Music and Entertainment
- Brunswick Summer Wind Ensemble: June 26 at 6:00 p.m. on the Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitors Center lawn
- We the People Gospel Fest: June 28 at 5:00 p.m. in Franklin Square Park
- Whiskey Ridge Outlaws: July 2 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Waterfront Park
- The Conspiracy: July 2 from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. in Waterfront Park
- Deep Creek Soul: July 3 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Waterfront Park
- Sleeping Booty: July 3 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. in Waterfront Park
- Salty Dawgs: July 4 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Waterfront Park
- Irresistible Groove: July 4 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 to10:00 p.m. in Waterfront Park
Arts and Crafts Vendors
- Summer Regional Art Show: June 27, July 1-4 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Franklin Square Gallery
- Celebrating Art in Southport: June 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. hosted by Artisans Gallery on Howe, Franklin Square Gallery, Studio Artists of Southport, and Lantana’s Gallery
- Arts & Crafts Market: July 2 through July 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. along Bay Street. Market will run until 9:00 p.m. on July 4.
Children’s Activities
- World’s Largest Ice Cream Sundae: June 28 at 6:00 p.m. in Franklin Square Park
- Children’s Entertainment and Kid Zone: July 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Taylor Field Park. Includes inflatables, water slides, and petting zoo.
Patriotic Ceremonies and Displays
- Reenactment of the First 4th of July Celebration in Southport: June 26 at 5:45 p.m. on the Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitors Center lawn
- Reading of the Declaration: July 2 at 5:30 p.m. in Waterfront Park and July 4 at 10:15 a.m. at the intersection of Moore and Howe Streets
- Flag Retirement Ceremony: July 3 at 2:00 p.m. in Waterfront Park
- Flag Raising Ceremony: July 4 at 10:00 a.m. at the intersection of Moore and Howe Streets
- First Responders Vehicle/Helicopter Display and Coast Guard Activities: July 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Waterfront Park
- All Veterans Jump: July 4 at 2:00 p.m. landing in Waterfront Park
Food Vendors
- Will operate July 2 to 4 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. along Howe Street
What Time Do the Fireworks Start?
The Fourth of July fireworks in Southport are typically launched from the waterfront and can be viewed throughout downtown Southport and nearby waterfront locations. Please plan to arrive earlier than the show’s 9:00 p.m. start to ensure you have time to set up any chairs or blankets.
Festival organizers also ask that you pack your patience after the show, as local authorities will be directing traffic and many roadblocks may still be in place.
For information on other firework displays this summer in the Brunswick Islands, please visit our 4th of July Fireworks blog.
Where Should I Park for the Festival?
- Visitors to the NC 4th of July Festival from June 26 to July 1, 2026, can park in any marked parking spaces in downtown Southport. Parking in Southport is free.
- Visitors to the NC 4th of July Festival from July 2 to July 4, 2026, are encouraged to park at Southport Elementary School and utilize the free passenger trolley operating to and from the festival.
- Handicap parking is limited near festival venues. Guests needing mobility assistance may be dropped off inside the festival footprint while drivers may park and ride the trolley back into downtown.
- Please note parking will not be available along South Davis and Bay Streets beginning from July 1 at 6:00 a.m. through July 4 to allow for arts and crafts vendor set up.
- Please note parking will also not be available along South Howe Street from July 1 beginning at 5:00 p.m. through July 4 to allow for food vendor setup.
Is the Festival Family Friendly?
Yes, the North Carolina 4th of July Festival is designed for families to attend!
Many of Southport’s museums and attractions, including the North Carolina Maritime Museum, Fort Johnston Southport Museum and Visitors Center, and Old Brunswick Jail, hold open houses throughout the festival’s dates and encourage families to stop in.
Other great events designed for families with children are listed above in this blog’s “What Events Take Place During the Festival?” section.
Can I Bring Pets?
- While leashed pets are allowed on festival grounds, they are not encouraged to attend. The NC 4th of July Festival is in large part a street festival and high summer temperatures may hurt your pets’ paws and create other discomfort.
Where Should I Stay for the Fourth of July Festival?
Because the festival attracts thousands of visitors each year, accommodation often fills up quickly. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy the full festival experience without worrying about traffic, parking, or driving home after the fireworks.
Plus, after spending the night you can awake to the sight of sunrise on the coast and days full of beach time, dining, and shopping opportunities.
Hotels in Southport
Many brand name hotels operate outside of Southport’s downtown footprint, providing easy access to the NC 4th of July Festival’s planned activities.
Visitors may also opt for locally operating hotels such as the River Hotel of Southport, Riverside Motel, or bed and breakfasts for a closer and more charming stay.
Vacation Rentals
Many families and groups opt to stay in a vacation rental during their stay. Staying in a vacation rental provides the comforts of home away from home.
What Beaches Are Near the Festival?
North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is home to six beaches across five barrier islands, many of which are not far from NC 4th of July Festival celebrations in Southport. Extending your stay to enjoy time on our beautiful Atlantic coast beaches is often the best part of every trip.
Caswell Beach and Oak Island
Caswell Beach and Oak Island share the island of Oak Island. Together the two beaches provide over 12 miles of pristine coastline to enjoy and are located a 20–30-minute drive from Southport.
On July 1, the Town of Oak Island hosts its annual Beach Day celebrations, including sports competitions, sandcastle building competition, and an evening with live music. Beyond that, you can explore things to do on Oak Island and Caswell Beach in addition to attending the NC 4th of July Festival.
Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island is the only Brunswick Islands beach accessible only by ferry or private boat. Leaving from Southport, the public ferry takes passengers on an approximately 20-minute journey to the island where cars are not allowed.
On Bald Head Island visitors can look forward to time on the beach, exploring the Bald Head Island Conservancy, climbing to the top of North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse, nature trails, biking, golf carting, and more.
Where Can I Eat During the Festival?
- Classic fair food vendors will operate along Howe Street during the NC 4th of July Festival from July 2 through July 4.
- Southport has a rich fishing history reflected in its numerous dining options along the historic Yacht Basin. Waterfront options include Oliver's on the Cape Fear, The Frying Pan, Provision Company, Edgewater 122, and Fishy Fishy Café.
- To explore other dining options in Southport, visit our Southport Restaurants page.
- Looking for a sweet treat or caffeine pick me up? Visit our Sweets and Coffee pages for more information.
What Else Can I Do While Visiting Southport?
Explore the Historic Waterfront
- Find maps and brochures (also found online) to help you along a self-guided walking tour through historic Southport. Stop by the Old Smithville Burying Grounds, old River Pilots Tower, and the Yacht Basin.
- Explore other nearby attractions and activities in Southport.
Visit Museums
- Visit the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport, Fort Johnston Visitors Center and Museum, and Old Brunswick Jail, all hosting open house hours during the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival.
Shop Local Stores and Boutiques
- Explore endless shopping opportunities in downtown Southport. From art galleries to boutiques, gift stores and more.
- Popular stops include:
- Southport Market
- Bullfrog Corner
- The Christmas House
- Duck Duck Goose
- Boo & Roo’s
- Sienna’s of Southport
Take a Ferry Adventure
- Take a passenger ferry to nearby Bald Head Island or Fort Fisher.
Take Part in Other Coastal Events
- Oak Island hosts its annual community celebration, Beach Day on July 1.
- Numerous coastal towns and islands host free outdoor summer concerts and markets before and after the Fourth of July holiday. Explore our events calendar for more details.
Discover Nearby Islands
- Explore the nearby Brunswick Islands beaches of Caswell Beach, Oak Island, and Bald Head Island.
- Other beaches including Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Sunset Beach are located approximately 45 to 60 minutes away from Southport.
Make it a Fourth of July Getaway
The North Carolina Fourth of July Festival is more than a one-day event—it's the perfect opportunity to experience the charm of Southport and North Carolina's Brunswick Islands. Extend your stay to enjoy nearby beaches, fresh coastal dining, unique shopping, and unforgettable summer memories.
Begin planning your trip by exploring places to stay, discovering local restaurants, getting to know nearby beaches, and browsing other things to do. For more insider recommendations and trip-planning resources, request your free NC’s Brunswick Islands vacation guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival
1. Is the festival free to attend?
Yes, the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival is free to attend, although some events do require a paid ticket. Please visit the festival’s official website for individual event details.
2. How many people attend?
It is estimated that thousands of people visit Southport throughout the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival’s days long run, meaning it is a can’t miss event for visitors and locals alike.
3. Are there public restrooms?
There are public restrooms available behind the Fort Johnston Museum and Visitors Center.
4. Is the event wheelchair accessible?
The North Carolina Fourth of July Festival takes place across the streets and buildings of downtown Southport. Some indoor spaces may not be wheelchair accessible, although all outdoor live entertainment, fireworks, and flotilla viewing are wheelchair accessible.
Visitors requiring mobility assistance may be dropped off within the festival’s footprint while drivers are encouraged to take to the trolley leaving from Southport Elementary to reach festival grounds.
5. Can I bring a cooler?
Yes, you can bring a cooler, chair, and/or picnic blanket with you to enjoy the live entertainment, flotilla, and fireworks visible from the Waterfront Park.
6. How early should I arrive?
Look at the highlighted events above to determine which events you’d like to attend. Please account for an additional 10 minutes of travel time by trolley for events taking place July 2-4, 2026.
Fireworks will begin promptly at 9:00 p.m. on July 4. Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes earlier to settle and allow others to see.
7. Where can I find the official festival schedule?
Visit our NC Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks event listing for more information and link to the festival’s official website and schedule.