As our nation prepares to celebrate the 243rd anniversary of its independence, locals are preparing for their fourth of July celebrations as well. Of course, you can always have a good old-fashioned cookout in your backyard to celebrate our nation’s birthday, but if you’re looking for a bigger shindig then we’ve got some ideas on where you can go to celebrate July 4th:
Southport, NC
For over 200 years, Southport has celebrated our nation’s Independence in a big way, and they invite you to join the celebration! The city of Southport first celebrated our nation’s independence in 1792 as the “Festival of Free Men,” and continued the celebrations for two centuries, when the festival incorporated as the N.C. 4th of July Festival in 1972. Today, the festival remembers the sacrifices, celebrates freedom, and promotes family fun.
The N.C. 4th of July Festival is held annually in the City of Southport. Join the over 50,000 people who attend the N.C. 4th of July Festival each year. Annual festival events include: Reading of the Declaration of Independence, Military Band Concert, Naturalization Ceremony, Flag Raising Ceremony, Flag Retirement Ceremony, Veteran’s Recognition Ceremony, Fire Fighter’s Freedom Competition, over 100 arts & craft booths, food vendors, parade, children’s games and entertainment, live stage entertainment, and fireworks. Visit Franklin Square Art Gallery’s National Art Show, Shine & Show’s Classic Car Show, voter registration, Old Jail tours, Lions Club Boat raffle drawing, Cape Fear Yacht Club’s Commodore Regatta, St. Philip Church’s self-guided tours, Old Smithville Cemetery tours, a pancake breakfast, and more.
There will also be the annual Beach Day Events on Oak Island. For updated and detailed festival information, please visit www.nc4thofjuly.com
Oak Island, NC
Join Oak Island Parks & Recreation as we celebrate Beach Day on Monday, July 1st, 2019 from 8 am to 8 pm! Serving as part of the NC Fourth of July Festival, this community-wide event will have island residents and guests celebrating all that coastal living has to offer!
Take part in food, shopping, live music, and youth activities (inflatables, games, and rides, etc.) at Middleton Park before making your way to the Cabana area to sign up of various tournaments for classic beach games. Mark your calendars, and call your friends, because the beach is waiting to make this your best summer ever!
Bald Head Island, NC
Join Old Baldy Lighthouse on July 4th, at 10 am for one of Bald Head Island’s most beloved events- the 4th of July Golf Cart Parade!
Dress your golf cart up in one of the following categories: Patriotic, Tacky Tourist, and Anything BHI! The only limitation is your imagination!
Ocean Isle Beach, NC
We all love Independence Day at Ocean Isle Beach every year, but you have something else to look forward to this year! A fireworks display will take place from the Ocean Isle Beach Pier on Wednesday, July 3rd at approximately 9 PM.
The fireworks display will last approximately 20 minutes. Viewers will be able to the display from the pier, the beach, or anywhere on the Island.
The annual 4th of July parade will take place on Thursday, July 4th featuring decorated golf carts and bicycles will begin at 10 am. Participants should meet in the parking lot of the Museum Planetarium at 9:15. The parade will head down second street down to Lee Street. With all these great activities planned, Ocean Isle Beach will be the place to be this Independence Day!
Sunset Beach, NC
Start the holiday right with a parade over the Old Bridge!
On July 4th beginning at 9:00 a.m. children (and adults) are encouraged to bring their decorated bicycles, wagons, strollers or sneakers to ride or march across the Old Bridge in step to the rousing patriotic music. This parade is a perfect photo opportunity for grandparents and parents to capture the children in all of their red, white, and blue splendor.
There will light refreshments, activities, and games for the children. For many familiar with Sunset Beach and the Old Bridge, the parade over the Old Bridge on the Fourth of July has become a family tradition. So plan to start Independence Day 2019 at the Old Bridge in Sunset Beach, 109 Shoreline Drive West, Sunset Beach!
Myrtle Beach, SC
No one does the Fourth of July quite like Myrtle Beach. With fireworks and festivities galore, you’ll find plenty of ways to celebrate Independence Day at the beach.
Fireworks will light up the sky all around Myrtle Beach-area communities. Here are some scheduled displays:
Broadway at the Beach
Broadway at the Beach hosts fireworks displays each Tuesday and Friday throughout the summer, with a special Independence Day celebration taking place Thursday, July 4, 2019. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. and will be shot off over Lake Broadway. The display can be viewed from many areas around the complex, but popular locations include near each of the bridges crossing the lake.
Cherry Grove Pier
Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle Beach will host its annual fireworks display starting at around 9:30 p.m., Thursday, July 4. Spectators can see the show from the beach and their hotel balconies near the pier.
Murrells Inlet Marshwalk
Fourth of July fireworks in Murrells Inlet begin at 10 p.m. Thursday, July 4, at the end of Veterans Pier, and can be seen from anywhere along the Marshwalk as well as down the marsh shoreline at Belin United Methodist Church and Hot Fish Club.
Barefoot Landing
Barefoot Landing will host a special Independence Day fireworks display on Thursday, July 4, 2019, beginning at 10 p.m. The complex also hosts fireworks each Monday throughout the summer as part of its summer entertainment series.
