This is the big one. America turns 250 this weekend, and Wilmington is throwing a celebration to match. Two fireworks shows over the Cape Fear River at the same time. A world premiere from a local composer. The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra under a summer sky. Free to everyone, right on the Riverwalk.
And yes, we have the parking intel too.
- July 2, 3 & 4: Wilmington Sharks + post-game fireworks, Legion Stadium
- July 3: Carolina Beach Boardwalk Blast (Carl Newton Review + fireworks, free)
- July 3: Surf City Independence Day, Soundside Park
- July 4: Downtown Wilmington, Riverfront Park (free, gates 5:30 PM)
- July 4: Burgaw Parade, 10 AM, zero parking stress
- July 4: Bald Head Island Golf Cart Parade, 9 AM
This Is Not a Normal Fourth of July
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the City of Wilmington is launching two simultaneous fireworks shows: one from across Riverfront Park, and a second from a barge near the USS North Carolina Battleship. The Wilmington Symphony Orchestra takes the stage at 7:30 PM, including the world premiere of a commissioned work by local composer Chelsea Loew, written specifically for this milestone. The whole thing is free, and Sunny 103.7 is a proud sponsor.
Plan accordingly.
Full event details from the City of Wilmington.
Three Events That Are NOT a Parking Nightmare
Here are the picks where you won’t spend the better part of an hour trying to exit a parking deck.
Wilmington Sharks Baseball and Fireworks (July 2, 3, and 4)
Legion Stadium, 2149 Carolina Beach Rd.
Here is the open secret: the Sharks play three nights in a row with post-game fireworks after every single one. July 3rd is the sweet spot. You get a cold drink, live baseball, fireworks over the outfield, and you’re home before midnight without the July 4th crowd. Legion Stadium has its own dedicated lot. First pitch is just after 7 PM and tickets start at $10.
This is also one of the best options for families. Structured, contained, concessions on-site, and the kids stay entertained from first pitch through the last firework.
Get Sharks tickets here. | See their theme nights and promotions.
Source: Wilmington and Beaches CVB
Burgaw Fourth of July Parade (July 4)
Downtown Burgaw, 10 AM
Burgaw does the Fourth the old-fashioned way: a real parade down a real small-town street, neighbors on floats, kids chasing candy, parking as complicated as a Tuesday morning. Mayor Olivia Dawson put it well: “This parade is a wonderful tradition that brings neighbors, families, and friends together to celebrate our country and our community. As we mark America’s 250th Anniversary, we encourage everyone to join us and show their patriotic spirit by decorating in red, white and blue.”
You’re done by noon and can still make the downtown fireworks that evening.
Source: WECT
Bald Head Island Golf Cart Parade (July 4)
Bald Head Island, 9 AM to noon
There are no cars on Bald Head Island. The whole island runs on golf carts, and on the Fourth, residents decorate them and parade them around while families line the road. It is one of the most charming things you can do anywhere in the Cape Fear area, and parking is not an issue because there is nothing to park on the island in the first place.
You take the ferry from Southport. Book your tickets well in advance. If you’re going the same weekend as the NC 4th of July Festival in Southport, give yourself extra time getting to the ferry terminal.
Source: WilmingtonMom
The Main Event: Downtown Wilmington (July 4)
Riverfront Park / Live Oak Bank Pavilion, 10 Cowan Street
Free. No tickets required.
- 5:30 PM — Gates open
- 6:30 PM — Mackenzi Morris and Joshua Alan Rupp, featuring the Theater for All chorus
- 7:30 PM — Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, world premiere by Chelsea Loew
- 9:00 PM — Two simultaneous fireworks shows
The fireworks are visible along almost the entire 2-mile Riverwalk. You do not have to be packed into Riverfront Park to see them. Spreading out is a completely valid strategy.
Sources: City of Wilmington, Wilmington Symphony Orchestra
Great for Families and Kids
Beyond the Sharks and Bald Head Island listed above, here are a few more family-friendly picks:
Carolina Beach Boardwalk Blast (July 3, not July 4)
Live music starts at 6:30 PM with Carl Newton Review (R&B and soul), fireworks at 9 PM. Free. Britt’s Donuts will have a line. It always has a line. Budget time accordingly and bring cash for the boardwalk because the donut stand is not the city’s cashless policy.
Full details: Fireworks by the Sea and Boardwalk Blast.
Surf City Independence Day Celebration (July 3)
Soundside Park, 6 to 9 PM. Live music, family activities, and fireworks over the sound. Good option if you want fireworks with a water view and a lot less traffic than the beach towns on the Fourth itself.
Source: WilmingtonMom
Something a Little Different: Battle for Independence Road Race (July 4)
If you want to earn your cookout, the Battle for Independence Road Race offers a 5K or a one-mile course along the Gary Shell Cross City Trail. You are done before the heat of the day kicks in, and you will feel approximately zero guilt about the potato salad later.
Source: Wilmington and Beaches CVB
The Stuff Nobody Else Is Telling You
Before you go downtown, read this.
Street parking is free on July 4th. On-street metered parking costs nothing. City parking decks charge a $10 event fee after 4 PM.
Park on the right side of Red Cross Street. North of Red Cross St. means you exit toward MLK Parkway and the Isabel Holmes Bridge. South of Red Cross St. means you exit toward Market St. and the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. This will save you real time on the way out.
It’s cashless. No cash accepted at any food or drink stand inside Riverfront Park. Debit, credit, Apple Pay, and Google Pay only.
No outside food or drinks. Water only, up to one gallon in a factory-sealed or empty bottle.
Chair legs cannot be longer than 9 inches. Beach chairs and blankets are fine. That tall camp chair stays home.
WECT is reporting dangerous heat across North Carolina all weekend. Start hydrating early. Bring more water than you think you need. Find shade before the evening program begins. Source: WECT
America has made it 250 years. Get out there and celebrate it right.
Happy Fourth from Sunny 103.7. See you on the Riverwalk.
Sources: Wilmington and Beaches CVB | City of Wilmington | Wilmington Symphony Orchestra | WECT | WilmingtonMom