NC July 4 live updates: Independence Day celebrations, fireworks and heat across North Carolina
Last updated: Sunday, July 5, 2026 3:35AM GMT
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolinians are celebrating Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary under dangerous heat conditions across much of the state.
From parades and festivals to fireworks shows and community gatherings, thousands are expected to take part in Fourth of July events throughout the Triangle and beyond. At the same time, extreme heat warnings and heat advisories remain in effect across central North Carolina, with heat index values climbing into the triple digits.
Follow along throughout the day as ABC11 tracks America 250 events, traffic, fireworks displays and the ongoing heat wave.
Trump makes speech hours after storms delay July Fourth show
President Donald Trump is speaking at the July Fourth celebrations in Washington, D.C., marking America's 250th birthday -- hours after the event was evacuated because of weather conditions Saturday evening.
The president took stage shortly after 11:15 p.m. ET, after the "Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks" celebration was delayed by several hours.
Miki Sudo repeats as women's hot dog eating champ in Nathan's Famous contest
Miki Sudo captured her 12th title at the Nathan's Famous hot dog eating contest at New York's Coney Island on Saturday.
Sudo downed 38.75 dogs to win the annual event again. She also holds the women's record of 51 dogs.
Miki Sudo consume hot dogs during the 2026 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest at Coney Island in New York, Saturday, July 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Anna Connors)
Competitors consume as many hot dogs and buns as possible in 10 minutes, usually dunking the wieners in water first to make them easier to swallow.
Coverage of the men's competition airs at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2, and will re-air on the same channel at 4 p.m. ET. ABC will simulcast coverage beginning at 12:30 p.m. ET for 30 minutes.
Jul 04, 2026, 2:50 PM GMT
Spectacular military flyover ahead of Sail4th 250 on the Hudson
A parade in the sky of military aircraft led by the Navy's Blue Angels took place during Sail4th 250, a gathering of tall ships and military ships celebrating America's 250th birthday.
The French Air Force acrobatic squad Patrouille de France released a stream of red, white and blue while flying over the Hudson River and New York Harbor.
Raw video of the flyover featuring the Blue Angels ahead of the tall ships parade on the Hudson
Crowds lined Fayetteville Street on Saturday as Raleigh's annual "First in Freedom" parade made its way through downtown.
Families, veterans and visitors gathered along the parade route, waving flags and celebrating Independence Day weekend as bands, community groups and performers marched through the heart of the city.
The parade is one of several events taking place across the Triangle as communities mark the Fourth of July holiday with patriotic celebrations, live entertainment and fireworks.
Jul 04, 2026, 11:24 AM GMT
Sheryl Lee Ralph sings Star-Spangled Banner next to Liberty Bell
Beloved actor, singer and trailblazer Sheryl Lee Ralph delivered a powerful and heartfelt rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner from beside the historic Liberty Bell in Philadelphia to mark America's 250th birthday.
