The 4th of July brings big celebrations to the Outer Banks, with locals and visitors coming together at fireworks shows, parades, parties and live music events. With events happening from Corolla to Ocracoke, there will be something going on near you.
Throwing a bit of a wrench in the holiday plans this year is the fact that the 4th of July falls on a Saturday – typically a super-busy vacation rental changeover day. Note that some events have been moved ahead a day or two to avoid the craziness of a holiday coinciding with a Saturday in July. Whatever day an event near is being held, with the Outer Banks towns at maximum capacity this holiday weekend, expect crowds wherever you go. If you can get to one of these events without getting in your car, that’s your best bet.
This year's 4th of July celebrations carry the extra meaning of it being the Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the United States declaring independence from Britain with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The 250th anniversary of the founding of America is being recognized and celebrated all year long in Dare County., and you can read more about Dare County's A250 celebrations here and here.
What follows is a north-to-south rundown of the local celebrations. Of course, it's only a small portion of what’s going on this holiday weekend. For a whole lot more fun things to do, visit our Daytime and Nightlife events listings. It’s the most comprehensive listing of events for the Outer Banks, and you can sort the listings by location, type of activity and date.
Fireworks at a Glance
Historic Corolla Park, 1160 Village Lane, Corolla, July 3 at Dusk
Muddy Motorsports Park, 5243 Caratoke Highway, Poplar Branch, July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
Avalon Pier, 2111 N. Virginia Dare Trail, MP 6, Kill Devil Hills, July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
Nags Head Fishing Pier, 3335 S. Virginia Dare Trail, MP 11.5, Nags Head, July 4 at 9 p.m.
Downtown Manteo, Roanoke Island Festival Park, July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
Avon Fishing Pier, 41001 N.C. Highway 12, Avon, Hatteras Island, July 4 at 9 p.m.
Ocracoke Fireworks, NPS Docks, July 2 at 9:15 p.m.
Corolla
Corolla Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks
Friday, July 3, 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Historic Corolla Park
With views of the sound, a lush lawn and the shade of live oaks, Historic Corolla Park is the perfect setting for a community celebration. Gather here for free live music with The Dickens, family-friendly activities, several food trucks and fireworks at dusk. Admission and parking are free, but parking is limited so walk or bike to the site if possible.
Duck
Town of Duck 4th of July Parade and Community Celebration
Friday, July 3, 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Duck Village
This annual parade packs a lot of enthusiasm and community spirit into its 1-mile route. The parade begins at the crest of the hill on Scarborough Lane, travels east to Ocean Way and continues onto Christopher Drive to end at Pamela Court, which keeps Duck Road open to traffic. A free post-parade party with music, refreshments, watermelon and parade awards follows at Duck Town Park.
Kill Devil Hills
Outer Banks Freedom 5K, 1 Mile and Little Sparkler Fun Run
Friday, July 3, 5K and 1 mile at 7:30 a.m., Fun Run at 8:10 a.m.
Kill Devil Hills Town Hall, 102 Town Hall Drive
Run through Kill Devil Hills for a good cause with Outer Banks Running Company and Sun Realty. The entrance fee includes a t-shirt, medals, awards, chip timing and snacks and refreshments. Proceeds benefit Outer Banks Giving Tree. Register here.
Kill Devil Hills Fireworks Show
Saturday, July 4 at 9:15 p.m.
Avalon Pier, 2111 N. Virginia Dare Trail, MP 7, Kill Devil Hills
The fireworks will be launched at the pier, but specatators will not be able to watch from the pier. You'll able to see the fireworks from beach acesses to the north or south.
Nags Head
Killer Dunes 2-Miler and 1-Mile Color Fun Run
Friday, July 3, 8 a.m.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Nags Head
Whether you run or walk, this 2-mile race on the dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the tallest natural sand dune system in the eastern United States, is a killer. But it’s memorable for sure! This year they’re also offering a 1-Mile Color Run in honor of Jockey’s Ridge State Park’s 50th anniversary. Proceeds benefit Friends of Jockey’s Ridge. This one starts at 8 a.m. and is sponsored by Outer Banks Sporting Events. Register here.
Town of Nags Head Fireworks Spectacular
Saturday, July 4, 9 p.m.
Nags Head Fishing Pier, 3335 S. Virginia Dare Trail, MP 11.5, Nags Head
The Town of Nags Head's Fireworks Show is moving a little earlier this year to 9 p.m. Fireworks will be launched at Nags Head Fishing Pier, which is not currently open for business due to new ownership and remodeling. Watch the fireworks from the beach at nearby accesses by Curlew, Hollowell, Bladen, Bittern, Bonnett and Blackman. If you're walking or riding bikes to the beach, bring a flashlight.
Manteo
First Friday + All American Summer Music Festival in Manteo
Friday, July 3, 6 to 8 p.m.
Downtown Manteo
Downtown Manteo comes alive every first Friday of the month, but add in the 4th of July celebrations and you've got a real party. Restaurants and shops will stay open and there will be live music all over town.
The Blue Crab Boys at the Dare Arts Courtyard
The Other Brothers at The Davis Lot
Bill & Friends at Magnolia Pavilion
Tim Hall & Buffalo Country at Poor Richard's Sandwich Shop
The Bar Cats Duo at NouVines
Joe Bowling at Old Tom's Beer Wine & Provisions
DJ Night with Lady Lux at Lost Colony Tavern
All American Summer Music Festival at The Pioneer Theater featuring Austin, Texas, bands The Ransom Brothers, The Chili Dawgs and Brother Thunder followed by a special performance from Charles Esten.
Independence Day at Island Farm
Saturday, July 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
1140 N. U.S. Highway 64, Manteo
Enjoy on Island Farm’s grassy lawn and celebrate of the nation’s birth with musket-fire, traditional games, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and much more. A living history farm, Island Farm offers a glimpse into coastal history and the realities of life on Roanoke Island in the mid-1800s. Admission to the site is $11, and children 3 and younger are admitted for free.
Apple Pie Contest & Music
Saturday, July 4, 1 to 3 p.m.
Bough & Vine, 408 Queen Elizabeth Avenue, Manteo
This year the traditional Apple Pie Contest is being held at Bough and Vine at Magnolia Market. In addition to pie tasting and judging, there will be cool treats and drink sand live music with Low Tide Jam. Drop off pies between 1 and 2 p.m. Judging begins at 2 p.m. Find more information here.
Town of Manteo Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks
Saturday, July 4, 6 to 9 p.m.
George Washington Creef Park, Downtown Manteo
For a slice of small-town charm, you can’t beat the Town of Manteo’s 4th of July festivities. The party will be held downtown on the waterfront, with music by DJ Mixin Mike, children's games and activities, food and drinks from local vendors and fireworks over the sound at 9:15 p.m.
A250 4th of July Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 6 to 9 p.m.
Roanoke Island Festival Park, Manteo
Across the water from Downtown Manteo, Roanoke Island Festival Park and Live From OBX will host live music by Divergent Soundz along with food vendors and the Manteo fireworks show starting at 9:15 p.m. Admission is free.
Hatteras Island
Hatteras Village Golf Cart Parade and Community Cookout
Thursday, July 2, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Hatteras Village
Locals and visitors come together for this festive holiday parade in Hatteras Village. All are welcome to participate, so if you have a golf cart or have rented one, decorate it and join in the fun. Meet at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum parking lot by 5:45 to get in the parade line. If you’re spectating, watch along N.C. Highway 12 from the museum north to the village center. The Community Cookout in the village center runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. with free hot dogs and hamburgers and an awards ceremony following the parade.
4 on the 4th and 1,776-Foot Dash
Friday, July 3, 7 a.m.
Kinnakeet Shores, 41184 Kinnakeet Boulevard, Avon
Kick off the day with a 4-mile run or walk through beautiful Kinnakeet Shores in Avon. All registered runners receive an eco-friendly cup for use on the course, a cold towel at the finish, a finisher's medal, a performance t-shirt and a delicious breakfast/post-race party! There’s also a 1,776-foot dash for the kids. Sponsored by Barrier Island Group, this run benefits Hatteras Island Meals, Hatteras Island CERT Team, Mighty Milly and Chicamacomico Life Saving Station Historic Site. Register here.
Avon 4th of July Fireworks
Saturday, July 4, 9 p.m.
Avon Fishing Pier, 41001 N.C. Highway 12, Avon
Fireworks will fly over the Avon oceanfront on July 4. Head to the beach north or south of Avon Pier to enjoy the view.
Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke Island Independence Day Celebrations
July 2 to 4
Ocracoke Village
Ocracoke goes all out for the 4th of July, with three days of celebrations.
Thursday, July 2
7 p.m. Pre-Fireworks Gathering with DJ Tommy Hutcherson at the NPS Docks
9:15 p.m. Fireworks at NPS Docks
Friday, July 3
4 to 6 p.m. Fundraising Fish Fry and Open House at Ocracoke Commons Visitor & Cultural Center
7 to 8:30 p.m. Old Fashioned Ocracoke Square Dance in the Ocracoke School Gym with Molasses Creek. $5 for ages 13 and older
Saturday, July 4
9:30 a.m. to Noon: 44th Annual Sand Sculpture Contest at the NPS Lifeguard Beach. Sign up starts at 9 a.m. Open to all ages, individuals and groups.
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Ocracoke Lighthouse open.
4 p.m.: Independence Day Parade. Theme: The 250th anniversary of the United States. All are welcome to enter the parade to vie for Best Walk & Roll, Best Wheels, Best Float, Best Theme, and Best in Show. Sign-up starts at 3 p.m. at Old Beach Road and Irvin Garrish Hwy. The line-up also starts there at 3:30 p.m. The Parade ends at the Old Beach Road and ends at NPS docs. No throwing water, political themes.
5:30 p.m.: Awards presentation for Parade & Sculpture Contest winners at Books to Be Red yard. No golf carts on the lawn. BYO seating.
6 p.m.: Fundraising cookout at the Ocracoke United Methodist Church
7 to 10 p.m.: Community Beach Fire under the Stars at the Ocracoke Day Use Area/NPS Lifeguard Beach. BYO beach blankets, chairs, marshmallows, and roasting sticks.
I hope everyone has a fun weekend ahead. Be safe!
About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.
