Phenomenal Fourth of July fireworks shows in North Carolina

Check out these magnificent Fourth of July fireworks shows in North Carolina over mountains, cityscapes, or the sea.

Apple pie and vanilla ice cream. Sun and surf. Red, white, and blue. Some things are just better when they’re paired together. What better way is there to celebrate the Fourth of July than with a thrilling fireworks shows in North Carolina painting the night sky in brilliant shades?

For those living in North Carolina, there is no shortage of awe-inspiring fireworks shows sure to get audiences in a patriotic spirit. By no means a complete list, here are some of the most phenomenal Fourth of July fireworks displays across the Tar Heel State:

Symphony in the Park and Fireworks

Fireworks enthusiasts living near Cornelius don’t have to wait until the Fourth to get their fix. On June 21 from 6-10 p.m. at Bailey Road Park, Symphony in the Park features a performance of patriotic and classical tunes from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra before a fireworks display promises to wow audiences.

The free event, located in a suburban town about 20 miles north of Charlotte, also features two dozen food vendors and concession stands, as well as beer and wine from five local breweries and vineyards. Organizers of Symphony in the Park encourage guests to arrive at the event by walking or biking to avoid traffic backups.

Outer Banks 4th of July

Spending your 4th of July by the sea in North Carolina’s Outer Banks means you have four fireworks shows to choose from. Top off a day spent boating, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or simply flopping around in the shallows with one of the following fireworks displays:

Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills will begin its show at 9:15 p.m., so arrive early to find the perfect spot on the nearby beaches. The fireworks spectacular organized by the town of Nags Head promises awe-inspiring colors and advises parking west of the Beach Bypass before heading to the shoreline. Downtown Mateo offers small-town charm and nostalgia during its patriotic bike parade and apple pie contest, leading up to a waterfront fireworks display. Finally, the Avon Fishing Pier in the village of Avon on Hatteras Island offers a patriotic fireworks display beginning at 9 p.m.

Downtown Asheville Independence Day Block Party

Nothing says 4th of July like a block party. Bring all your loved ones to Asheville’s South Slope area for an all-day affair on Coxe and Butxon Avenues, hosted by the Asheville Downtown Association and the city of Asheville.

The event begins at noon with an adorable performance from the Ultimate Airdogs paired with vendors offering local food, beverages, goods, and crafts. Music runs throughout the day, with sets from the Rock Academy, The Legendary Tuesday Night Funk Jam House Band, and Athens country-rockers The Pink Stones. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m., and admission is free.

Star-Spangled Nights at Carowinds

This 4th of July weekend, pair an adventure-filled day at Carowinds, the Charlotte amusement park home to roller coasters and water slides galore, with a Star-Spangled Night.

Every night between July 4 and 6 at 9:30 p.m., the sky above Carowinds will ignite with a colorful fireworks display set to patriotic music. Star-Spangled Nights will also feature Carowinds’ year-round offerings of frozen alcoholic drinks, slow-smoked barbecue meats, and funnel cake coated in powdered sugar. Daily tickets to Carowinds start at $40.

North Carolina 4th of July Festival

Every year since at least 1795, the city of Southport has commemorated the 4th of July with a patriotic blend of fanfare, festivities, and even cannon fire. These days, the North Carolina Fourth of July Festival gathers crowds numbering in the tens of thousands for live music and entertainment, a parade, an arts and crafts show, a 5K run, and more.

The 2025 festival runs from June 27 through July 4, with events throughout Southport and Oak Island. It culminates in a bombastic fireworks show at Southport’s Waterfront Park at 9 p.m. on July 4.

Independence Day Celebration at Lake Junaluska

Watch fireworks bend like so many weeping willows from the comfort of a kayak this Fourth during the Independence Day Celebration at Lake Junaluska. This family-friendly event runs from June 26 through July 6 at Lake Junaluska, located 30-minute s from Asheville in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Spend a sun-filled day in the lakeside swimming pool or on the golf course before cruising the lake by paddleboard, kayak, canoe, or pontoon boat. Nightfall will bring concerts and nightly fireworks displays.

Skyshow Charlotte

On July 3, the Charlotte skyline will illuminate in bursts of color when Skyshow Charlotte launches from Truist Field. After the Charlotte Knights host the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp in Uptown Charlotte, one of the Southeast’s biggest fireworks shows will set the sky ablaze. Tickets start at $30.

Not a fan of minor league baseball? One might bet you could get just as good of a view of the fireworks show—and a delicious cocktail or two—from Aura Rooftop, above the JW Marriott, or Merchant and Trade, atop the Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel.

Fireworks Extravaganza at Tweetsie

The 4th of July coincides with the anniversary of Tweetsie Railroad’s opening, so the Wild West-themed park in Blowing Rock will celebrate with extended hours and one night of fireworks, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Bring the little ones early (the park opens at 10 a.m.) for amusement park-style rides, old time song and dance shows, and face painting.

Pro tip—if you arrive after 3 p.m., your ticket gets you in for free the next day, too.

Greenville 4th of July Celebration

Those in the Greenville and Pitt County area can plan for an action-packed Fourth beginning at 3 p.m., when the Greenville 4th of July Celebration officially begins at the Greenville Town Common. A cruise-in will fill First Street with awe-inspiring cars, while a beer and wine garden invites attendees to try local brews and wines. Six hours of live music will culminate in a live performance of the National Anthem, followed by a fireworks show, slated for 9:15 p.m. Bring the entire family to enjoy a bounce house, a game truck, and plenty of local food trucks.

Independence Day Celebration at Kerr Lake

Fans of water recreation should plan to spend the 4th of July at Kerr Lake, a 50,000-acre reservoir situated not far from the Virginia border. Kerr Lake’s Independence Day Celebration, held from 6-10 p.m., promises a thrilling fireworks show over the lake, DJ sets keeping the energy levels high, and food and drink from local vendors. Pair an exciting evening with a day spent enjoying Kerr Lake’s abundant opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, and paddling—after all, parking only costs $7 for the entire day.