NC July 4 live updates: Independence Day celebrations, fireworks and heat across North Carolina
Last updated: Sunday, July 5, 2026 6:27PM 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.
Key Headlines
Here's how the news is developing.
2 hours and 26 minutes ago
Wilson County fireworks show ends early after accident
A fireworks show at the Wilson County Fair was cut short Saturday night after an accident occurred during the display.
In a Facebook post, organizers said the remaining fireworks were canceled for safety reasons following the incident.
"We cannot detonate the remaining fireworks," the statement said. Organizers also thanked attendees for coming out and asked the community to keep an injured individual involved in the incident in their thoughts.
Officials have not released additional details about the injured person's condition.
3 hours and 13 minutes ago
Zebulon clarifies fireworks plans after confusion
The Zebulon Police Department is reminding residents that there are no fireworks scheduled at Zebulon Community Park on July 4 despite incorrect information circulating online.
Instead, the Town of Zebulon's Independence Day fireworks celebration will take place Sunday, July 5, at Nomaco Park following the Zebulon Devil Dogz baseball game. First pitch is set for 6 p.m., and fireworks will begin after the game.
Officials said people who only want to attend the fireworks show will be allowed to enter beginning at the bottom of the seventh inning.
ByByIvan Pereira, Nicholas Kerr and Lauren Minore 
Trump makes speech hours after storms delay July Fourth show
President Donald Trump delivered July Fourth remarks from the National Mall on Saturday evening, hours after the event was evacuated due to weather conditions.
Read more.
National Mall reopening at 9:45 p.m. ET, Trump to speak at 11 p.m.
After the "Salute to America 250 Celebration & Fireworks" event in Washington, D.C., was delayed Saturday night amid thunderstorms, Freedom 250 officials announced that the National Mall will reopen at 9:45 p.m. ET "at President Donald J. Trump's direction."
Trump will deliver remarks at 11 p.m. ET, followed by fireworks, organizers said.
