City of Raleigh reveals plans for its 2026 Independence Day celebration in downtown

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The City of Raleigh has revealed its 2026 Fourth of July plans. City leaders are expecting a much larger turnout because Independence Day falls on a Saturday and America is celebrating its 250th birthday.

Once again, ABC11 is the official media partner for the event, which will move back to Dorothea Dix Park in downtown Raleigh.

The City of Raleigh changed the location of its 2025 July 4th Fireworks display. It was held at the stadium complex around the Lenovo Center and Carter-Finley Stadium.

Earlier this month, ABC11 asked Raleigh Parks Director Stephen Bentley about bringing the party back to Dix Park.

"Having fun in a park is always exciting. We'll have fireworks. We'll have hopefully some live entertainment and, all around, it's a big community event," said Bentley.

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The celebration will launch in the mid-afternoon and run through the night.

Event Schedule

• 5:30 p.m. - Downtown shuttles begin from Moore Square

• 6 p.m. - Gates open at Dix Park; Food trucks, music, and activities begin

• 9 p.m. - Last shuttle leaves from Moore Square for Dix Park

• 9:30 p.m. - Fireworks start popping off

• 10 p.m. - Event ends: Shuttles begin returning attendees to Moore Square

Other Events to celebrate America 250 in Raleigh

First in Freedom Parade

Before the fireworks, there is a July 4th parade in downtown Raleigh. It is being organized by the Celebrate America Foundation and the N.C. Department of Labor to honor the nation's founding and North Carolina's role in the fight for independence.

• When: Saturday, July 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• Where: Downtown Raleigh; exact location is TBD for now.

North Carolina Freedom Fest

A free celebration organized by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources featuring live music, food trucks, history exhibits, and family activities.

• When: Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Where: NC State Capitol

Sunday event

America's Cookout

You can't celebrate a big birthday without food! America's Cookout is a fun, family-friendly community event organized by the City of Raleigh.

In addition to food, there will be games, activities, and opportunities to connect with City departments as we honor our shared history and build stronger community connections.

• When: Sunday, July 5, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

• Where: Abbott's Creek Community Center; 9950 Durant Road

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