Friday, July 4, 2025

Happy Independence Day! On this day in 1783, the country’s first documented Fourth of July celebration took place in Salem, now known as Winston-Salem. A circular plaque marks the celebration’s spot in Salem Square and commemorates the 200th anniversary of Salem’s founding in 1766.

Celebrate Independence Day like it’s 1783 again at this year’s Old Salem July 4th Celebration. Or, check out our roundup below to find a patriotic celebration closer to your neck of the woods.

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Today’s edition of Flyover North Carolina is a bit shorter than usual as our team takes time off to observe the Fourth of July holiday weekend with loved ones. We’ll be back Monday with your full roundup of the news that matters most across the Tar Heel State.

Today, Service Plus Home Warranty is sponsoring us and offering a special Fourth of July sale to our readers.

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Celebrate July 4th Around NC

Independence Day fireworks shows and celebrations are lighting up cities across North Carolina tonight. In Eastern North Carolina, Wilmington’s Fourth of July celebration starts at 5 p.m. and features the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra and a fireworks display at 9:05 p.m.

The 230th North Carolina July 4th Festival in Southport—North Carolina’s oldest Independence Day celebration—wraps up a week of events with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. on the waterfront.

Raleigh’s fireworks display starts at 9:30 p.m. at the Lenovo Center and Carter-Finley Stadium complex, and Charlotte residents can watch fireworks during Carowinds’ Star-Spangled Nights tonight and tomorrow at 9:30 p.m.

A golf cart parade, fireworks shows, concerts, and other events are scheduled across the Outer Banks today. Looking for pet-friendly celebrations? Check out our Fourth of July special section below for some ideas.

NC’s Highland Games Return July 10-13

The 69th Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games return to Western North Carolina’s High Country at MacRae Meadows, July 10-13.

The games kick off with the dramatic Torch Light Ceremony and the “raising of the clans,” when representatives announce their families’ participation. Approximately 109 clans from across the country and the world plan to attend, with Clan MacLaren serving as the honored clan and Clan MacAlister claiming the distinguished clan title.

The four-day event also features live music from Celtic rock band Seven Nations and the traditional Seán Heely Band. Attendees can enter Highland dance competitions, enjoy Scottish foods, wear costumes, and shop at vendor tents.

Online ticket sales have ended, but ticket packages are available at the festival office and on-site during the games.

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➤ Statewide: State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor issued warnings to North Carolinians of fireworks-related injuries and extreme heat risks, urging caution, hydration, and awareness during the July 4 holiday. (See Guidance)

➤ NC cities: A comparison of how the 100 largest cities stack up in terms of July 4 holiday celebrations ranked Charlotte 33, Raleigh 35, Winston-Salem 71, Durham 79, and Greensboro 81. Raleigh also ranked among the cities with the fewest DUI-related fatalities per capita during the holiday. (See Rankings)

➤ NC beaches: Officials are reminding beachgoers not to dig and leave behind deep, wide holes in the sand, which pose dangers to people and can trap or disorient sea turtle hatchlings. (More)

➤ Wrightsville Beach native and NC State alumna Lara Trump says she is considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat that will be vacated by Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., in 2026. Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C. 10, says he will support her if she runs. (More)

➤ Wilmington, meanwhile, made USA Today’s list of best buffet restaurants, which ranked Casey’s Buffet No. 8 thanks to its barbecue, fried chicken, comfort sides, and desserts like bread pudding and cherry cheesecake. (See List)

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➤ Day two of the Whitewater Center’s Fourth of July Celebration kicks off at 8:30 a.m. today with a Tread, White & Blue 5K Trail Race. The center is pet-friendly for leashed animals and offers 70 acres of off-leash grounds. (Festival and Off-Leash Info)

➤ Bryson City welcomes leashed dogs at today’s Freedom Fest, which features a Firecracker 5K at 8 a.m., festival at 10 a.m., and four music acts between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. (More)

➤ Pinehurst’s patriotic pet parade celebration kicks off today at 9:45 a.m. All pets are welcome, but must be in a carrier or on a leash. The Fourthfest Parade follows at 10 a.m. (More)

➤ Waterline Brewing Co. in Wilmington hosts Freedom Fest from 2-6 p.m. today, a family- and dog-friendly event featuring face painting, fairy hair, a reptile rescue, food, beer, games, and more. Enjoy live music from 7-9 p.m. with downtown fireworks visible at 9:05 p.m. (More)