Published by Carl. Last Updated on August 8, 2024.
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July in North Carolina is often spent on trips to the beach, especially around Independence Day. It’s also our hottest month of summer, which means visitors and residents need some ways to cool off while still enjoying travel around North Carolina.
So that’s why you’ll find some of the year’s best local events during this month. With a mix of patriotic celebrations, food, drink, music festivals, and much more, there are plenty of things to do in North Carolina in July!
In case you’re looking for specific July events in NC or something else this month, here’s how we’ve organized this guide:
- Featured NC Events in July
- Fourth of July Events in North Carolina (from June 30-July 4)
- Month-Long Things to Do in North Carolina in July
- More Things to Do in North Carolina in July
Events are ordered by starting date within these two categories and alphabetized by the city when events simultaneously occur. Also, if you’d like to add to our July Events guide and represent a tourism bureau, destination marketing organization, or PR agency, please contact us.
Read More: June in North Carolina
Independence Day and Fourth of July Events in NC
The Fourth of July in North Carolina is a big event, no matter where you happen to be.
We’ve created a massive guide to July 4th events, but here are some of the biggest Independence Day Celebrations in the state. If there’s one you think we should know about, please kindly let us know by email.
Independence Day Fireworks by the Sea and Boardwalk Music in Carolina Beach
2024 Event Dates: July 3, 2024
Event Info
The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is the place to be during its Independence Day Fireworks by the Sea. There’ll be live music followed by fireworks in a truly beautiful setting.
And if you arrive early, you’ll have a nice spot at the gazebo. If not, just bring some beach chairs so you can watch the live entertainment in style.
Read More: Carolina Beach State Park (and 7 Great Things to Do There!)
NC 4th of July Festival in Southport and Oak Island
2024 Event Dates: July 4, 2024
Event Info
The North Carolina Fourth of July Festival has commemorated our nation’s independence since 1792 (then known as the “Festival of Free Men”) and shows no signs of slowing down. For 2024, events will be held in Southport and Oak Island and a calendar is available here.
Along with fireworks, visitors can attend a reading of the Declaration of Independence. You can explore 100-plus arts and crafts booths, enjoy festival food, and much more.
Read More: Holden Beach (How To Enjoy The Family Beach Of North Carolina)
July Fourth Celebration in Blowing Rock
2024 Event Dates: July 6, 2024
Event Info
Downtown Blowing Rock’s July Fourth Celebration starts at 10:00 am with a parade along Main St. Local families, musicians, organizations, and characters participate in the patriotic procession, which makes this one of the best Independence Day parades!
Staying for the weekend? We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for things to do in Blowing Rock, as well as its must-eat restaurants
EnoFest in Durham
2024 Event Dates: July 4 & 6, 2024
Event Info
Durham’s Festival for the Eno (EnoFest) mixes a family-friendly celebration with education and fundraising for the Eno River Association.
Over sixty bands playing on four stages will accompany delicious food, an awesome collection of artists, and more.
The festival will be held at West Point on the Eno, one of our favorite places to enjoy the outdoors in Durham. We also included this extravaganza in our guide to kid-friendly events in North Carolina.
Read More: 17 Amazing Eno River State Park Trails (+ Bonus Hikes)
Independence Day Celebrations in Lake Junaluska
2024 Event Dates: July 2-5, 2024
Event Info
Head out to Lake Junaluska for their four-day Independence Day Celebration. The weekend will feature live entertainment, a July Fourth Parade, lantern lighting, fireworks, and more! Come out for this jubilant celebration to commemorate our nation’s birthday.
Fireworks Over Lake Glenville in Cullowhee
2024 Event Dates: July 5, 2024
Event Info
The 27th annual Fireworks Over the Lake will return on Friday, July 5. As if you need another reason to visit Jackson County, Lake Glenville’s celebration is one of the best Fourth of July experiences in the state.
Many folks will be watching this early commemoration from their boats, which you can rent and enjoy beyond this celebration.
Independence Day Celebration in Surf City
2024 Event Dates: July 3, 2024
Event Info
Head to Soundside Park at Surf City for their annual Independence Day Celebration. Held each year on July 3, this is a great way to kick off festivities with music, food, and much more in one of our favorite coastal towns!
Read More: The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (History + How to Visit)
July 4th Celebration in Swansboro
2024 Event Dates: July 3, 2024
Event Info
The July 4th Celebration in Swansboro commences with family-friendly activities and keeps the festivities going all evening. Check out live music at Olde Town Square, on the corner of Front and Church streets.
Finally, there will be a spectacular fireworks show over the water for all to see.
Read More: Excellent Day Trips from Wilmington Within 2 Hours
Family Fun Fourth of July Parade and Festival in Banner Elk
2024 Event Dates: July 4, 2024
Event Info
The Fourth of July Parade and Festival in Banner Elk starts at the Lees-McRae campus and meanders through the center of this mountain town. Bring a blanket or chairs and watch the concerts, chow on festival food, and enjoy the festivities! Kids will also have a blast with watermelon eating stations and duck races.
Read More: 13 Amazing Restaurants in Banner Elk and Nearby (+ Where to Drink!)
Fourth of July Fireworks in Chapel Hill
2024 Event Dates: July 4, 2024
Event Info
Head to Chapel Hill‘s Southern Community Park for their Fourth of July Fireworks! Doors open at 7 PM, with food, live music, face painting, and picnic blankets keeping you occupied until fireworks at 9 PM.
Independence Concert and Fireworks in Fayetteville
2024 Event Dates: July 4, 2024
Event Info
Celebrate Independence Day at Festival Park in Fayetteville. The Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra is coming in hot for a free Independence Concert that features the Fayetteville Symphonic Band and the 82nd Airborne Division All-American Band.
Following a series of patriotic and popular songs, fireworks will close out the evening. Gates open at 6:00 pm and the concert starts at 7:15 pm.
Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways!)
4th at the Fort (Liberty)
2024 Event Dates: July 4, 2024
Event Info
Fort Liberty’s celebration features a flag ceremony, parachute free-fall demonstrations, and vendors. Kids and families will enjoy Kiddieland, full of free and engaging activities for the young ones.
Three big-name headliners, including Flo Rida, Plain White T’s, and Maddie & Tae’s, will take the state during 4th at the Fort.
The night closes with an impressive fireworks show.
Fireworks Show in Kill Devil Hills
2024 Event Dates: July 4, 2024
Event Info
The Town of Kill Devil Hills will host its Fireworks Show from the Avalon Fishing Pier (MP 6). Hosted annually at 8 PM, this show is one of the most anticipated events of the season.
Residents and visitors can enjoy the show from anywhere on the surrounding beach. Bring a blanket and arrive early as it’ll likely be packed!
Fourth of July Celebration in Lincolnton
2024 Event Dates: July 4, 2024
Event Info
Lincolnton’s Fourth of July Celebration starts with a parade at 8:30 pm, followed by a 9:30 pm Fireworks Show at Lincolnton High School Stadium. All are invited to join the fun!
Fireworks Spectacular in Nags Head
2024 Event Dates: July 4, 2024
Event Info
Just over the bridge from Manteo, the Outer Banks town of Nags Head will host the Fireworks Spectacular at the Nags Head Fishing Pier (MP 11.5). Visitors who park west of US 158/S Croatan Highway are advised to use extreme caution when crossing the busy highway.
By the way, we’ve created guides on restaurants in the area and things to do in the Outer Banks.
Read More: Sanderling Resort in Duck (+ 7 Things We Love About It!)
Fourth of July Fireworks in Sylva
2024 Event Dates: July 4, 2024
Event Info
Sylva’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks will light up the town. The Carolina Soul Band will perform, after which the fireworks show will begin.
Read More: Delicious Restaurants in Sylva and Nearby!
Fourth of July Celebration in Wilmington
2024 Event Dates: July 4, 2024
Event Info
The City of Wilmington’s Fourth of July Celebration will light up the Cape Fear River. Before they start, you can hang out in Downtown Wilmington, grab some food, and make sure you’ve got a good spot to take in the fireworks.
Read More: 50+ Awesome Things to Do in Wilmington
Month-Long Things to Do in North Carolina in July
Before we get into specific dates, here are some (mostly) month-long things to do in North Carolina.
The Beach
We have already mentioned a few places on the coast and understand that you may not be able to spend the whole month of July at the beach.
Just remember that North Carolina’s beaches are always waiting and could make a great day trip, especially from Raleigh and Durham in the Triangle and from Fayetteville.
Read More: Amazing Beaches Near Wilmington (Which One is the Best?)
Stepping into the Craft Saturdays in Seagrove
2024 Event Dates: Weekends in July 2024
Event Info
“Stepping into the Craft” will be held each weekend in July, with events happening around the Seagrove Pottery Community. Visitors can attend various hands-on activities or sit back and watch demonstrations by some of the area’s most talented potters.
Note that some potters may require a reservation to be included in activities.
Read More: 20+ Things to do in Asheboro and Randolph County (NC Zoo, Seagrove, and More!)
More Things to Do in North Carolina in July
The Fourth is a big deal here, but there are plenty of other things to do in North Carolina during the month!
Southeast Old Threshers Reunion in Denton
2024 Event Dates: July 2-6, 2024
Event Info
The annual Southeast Old Threshers Reunion returns to Denton, filled with fun on the ground and above. Tractor pulls, music, and train and even helicopter rides headline this Davidson County extravaganza.
Ocean City Jazz Fest in North Topsail Beach
2024 Event Dates: July 5-7, 2024
Event Info
This year, the annual Ocean City Jazz Festival will be held in North Topsail Beach. For those unfamiliar with the Ocean City community’s history, it was once the only place African Americans could purchase coastal property in North Carolina.
Since then, it has been designated a historical site on the Jacksonville-Onslow County African American Trail, and this festival commemorates its place in history. This year, the festival celebrates the community’s 75th anniversary, with special guests NC Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green and Rolanda Watts.
The jazz-inspired festival aims to foster an appreciation for jazz and bring artists and audiences together. The 2024 lineup features artists like:
- James “PJ” Spraggins
- Phylicia Rae
- The Braxton Brothers
- The John Brown Little Big Band with Special Guest Fred Wesley
- Kim Waters
- Lin Rountree
- The John Brown Little Big Band with Special Guest Nnenna Freelon and Gerald Albright
The event will include vendors, food, and a silent auction.
Read More: 15 of the Best Topsail Island Restaurants (Great Food for All!)
Highland Games at Grandfather Mountain
2024 Event Dates: July 11-14, 2024
Event Info
Grandfather Mountain will go full-on tartan again during the annual Highland Games. The four-day event is known as “America’s grandest games,” thanks to the beautiful setting that’s reminiscent of Scotland.
Read More: 20 of the Best Day Trips from Boone (Within a 2-Hour Drive)
Cantaloupe Festival in Ridgeway
2024 Event Dates: July 13, 2024
Event Info
For the first of a few fruity things to do in North Carolina in July, drive north on US 1/158 through Warren County for Ridgeway’s Annual Cantaloupe Festival. Hosted by the Ridgeway Historical Society, you’ll find cantaloupes, festival food, kid-friendly fun, and much more.
Read More: Colorful Fall Hikes in North Carolina (+ 20 Beautiful Places to Explore!)
Fine Arts and Master Crafts Festival in Sugar Mountain
2024 Event Dates: July 19-21, 2024
Event Info
Sugar Mountain’s Fine Arts and Master Crafts Festival in July will be the first of two juried events, with the second taking place in August. Vendors will bring their hand-produced photography, jewelry, paintings, and glass art, among other crafts.
Read More: Amazing Hikes near Boone
Wright Kite Festival in Kill Devil Hills
2024 Event Dates: July 19-20, 2024
Event Info
The 45th annual Wright Kite Festival will take over the Wright Brothers National Memorial in commemoration of the first flight. Once things kick off, you’ll have a chance to partake in kite flying lessons and a kite-making station.
Read More: Jockey’s Ridge State Park (ALL to Know About Those Beautiful Sand Dunes)
Sunflower Fields in NC (Mid-to-Late July)
Visiting sunflower fields in NC is one of our absolute favorite things to do in North Carolina in July each year. We’ve made it a tradition and look forward to seeing those beautiful sunflowers at Dorothea Dix Park or the NC Museum of Art in Raleigh.
Of course, there are other sunflower fields in NC, not just in Raleigh. We’ve created this map (via Google Maps) to help you visually travel to sunflower fields all over the state.
Read More: Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh (Wonderful Things to Do, Background Info, and More)
North Carolina Watermelon Festival in Fair Bluff
2024 Event Dates: July 27, 2024
Event Info
Fair Bluff’s North Carolina Watermelon Festival is the first of two events that celebrate this awesome summer-friendly fruit. This Columbus County town hosts a variety of yummy events, including contests to determine the largest watermelon and most delicious in our state.
Read More: 50+ Easy Day Trips from Fayetteville (Great Getaways!)
Brushy Mountain Peach and Heritage Festival in Wilkesboro
2024 Event Dates: July 26-27, 2024
Event Info
The last of our things to do in North Carolina in July was already mentioned in our “featured” section, but here’s another reminder.
Traditionally held on the last Saturday of July, the Brushy Mountain Community Center in Wilkes County will hold its Peach and Heritage Festival and showcase local artisans, home-grown peaches, and Brushy Mountain’s rich heritage.
Read More: Delicious Restaurants in Wilkesboro and North Wilkesboro
Got Things to Do in North Carolina in July to Add?
We hope you’re as excited as we are to check out these things to do in North Carolina in July. Summer is truly an awesome time to be in our state, and we look forward to taking you through August as the hottest season nears its end.
Before we head to the next month, we’d love to know which of these events stands out to you?
Also is there something we should add to this list? Let us know about it here or via email and we’ll gladly take a look!
Finally, don’t forget to share your adventures during July in North Carolina in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group.
