What to expect at America 250 July 4th celebration, fireworks at Dix Park in Raleigh

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The City of Raleigh is locked in with its 2026 Fourth of July plans. ABC11 is once again the presenting station.

City leaders are expecting a much larger turnout because Independence Day falls on a Saturday and America is celebrating its 250th birthday.

Due to the extreme heat warning in effect, turnout could be impacted and everyone is being asked to put their health and safety first.

The big event is moving back to downtown after the city went with a different location in 2025. It was held at the Lenovo Center.

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Shuttle, 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

Lots to enjoy before the fireworks

• DJ and live music

• Craft station

• Lawn games and inflatables

• Shaded picnic area

• Food and beverage vendors (no alcohol permitted)

Other America 250 events 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

Bring and Don't Bring List

These items will be allowed at Dix Park:

• Blankets

• Small, soft-sided coolers with snacks, food, and sealed non-alcoholic beverages

• Refillable water bottles (filling stations and canned sparkling water will be available at no cost)

• Comfortable closed-toe shoes

• Sunscreen and bug spray

• Flashlights

Not Allowed at Dix Park

• Weapons of any kind

• Alcohol

• Smoking or vaping

• Drug use

• Open flames or grills

• Personal fireworks or sparklers

• Drones

• Off-leash dogs (Consider leaving furry friends at home due to fireworks noise, crowds, and heat)

• Littering

Free Parking Options

• Limited free parking is available at NC State University Centennial Campus on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees parking in these locations should plan to walk to the Big Field at Dix Park.

• Partners Way Deck - 851 Partners Way Southwest

• Oval West Deck - 914 Partners Way

ADA Parking

• Accessible parking is available for attendees requiring accommodations. A valid state-issued handicap placard, permit, or license plate is required to access ADA parking, and the person the credential is issued to must be in the vehicle.

• Enter at Goode Street from Lake Wheeler Road and follow staff directions to designated parking lots

• An ADA shuttle will transport attendees to the Big Field

Rideshare

Uber, Lyft, taxis, and family/friend drop-offs will be available on both the east and west sides of Dix Park.

• East side of 1030 Richardson Drive

• West side of Centennial Parkway & Blair Drive

Bags Policy

Warning: All bags will be searched before entry into the park.

• Small clutch purses and fanny packs that are 6" x 9" or smaller do not need to be clear but can have no more than one pocket.

• All other bags larger than 6" 9" must be smaller than 12" x 6" x 12" and clear.

• Medical and diaper bags are allowed.