America 250 July 4th celebration and fireworks at Dix Park Presented by ABC11

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Despite the extremely hot weather, the City of Raleigh had a huge turnout for the fireworks in Dix Park. They were expecting a massive crowd because Independence Day is on a Saturday this year and America is celebrating its 250th birthday.

However, due to the extreme heat and the hottest Fourth of July on record in Central North Carolina, everyone who did venture out was asked to make their health a priority.

ABC11 was the presenting station for the 2026 event, which returned to Dorothea Dix Park in downtown Raleigh.

The "ABC11 Presents Raleigh Fireworks at Dix Park" special started promptly at 9:00 p.m.; fireworks started popping at 9:30 p.m.

The full Encore presentation is the featured video.

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