Weekend best bets: July 4 fireworks, outdoor movies and fun

The month of July features Independence Day celebrations, festivals, movies in the park and so much more.

WRAL has a full list of Fourth of July events and fireworks in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Apex, Knightdale, Garner, Clayton and more. You can also find events in the Triangle specific to America 250 celebrations.

Here are some highlights:

July 3: Celebration in Downtown Cary Park -  Get ready to kick off your July 4th festivities early at our July 3rd Celebration in the Park. Join us for a star-spangled extravaganza featuring a movie screening, family-friendly activities, and a mouthwatering lineup of food trucks.

July 3: Apex Fireworks Frenzy - Kick off your Fourth of July celebrations with an evening of food, games, a uniquely-Apex drone show, and a spectacular fireworks display. Because the Olde Fashioned Fourth of July event is canceled for 2026, the Parade of Wheels and Apex Fire Department Splash Down will be moved to the Fireworks Frenzy event.

July 3: Clayton Independence Day Fireworks - This year’s Independence Day Fireworks Display will not be held in conjunction with the Square-to Square Street Festival. Due to construction of the new Clayton High School, fireworks will be launched from Clayton Middle School on Friday, July 3.

July 3: Garner July 3rd Independence Day Celebration - Starting at 5 p.m., spend the evening celebrating America one day early. Enjoy a selection of food trucks, games and performances by the N.C. Symphony and more. The night ends with a firework show immediately after the symphony performance, around 9:30 p.m.

July 3-5: Fireworks at the Durham Bulls - Bulls fans will be treated to three consecutive fireworks shows starting on Friday, July 3, followed by shows on Saturday, July 4 and a special post-game fireworks show on Sunday, July 5. 

July 4: Cary Presents: Independence Day Celebration - There will be music from the North Carolina Symphony. Enjoy patriotic favorites, high-spirited classics, fun activities for kids and a dazzling firework display over Symphony Lake. General admission lawn is free and does not require a ticket. The event begins at 3:30 p.m. on July 4, and fireworks begin at 9:25 p.m.

July 4: Raleigh’s July 4th Fireworks Celebration - The city of Raleigh's annual July 4 fireworks display has moved to Dix Park. Gates open at 5 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.

July 4: Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest - An all‑day event at the State Capitol in Raleigh marking the United States' 250th birthday. Organizers say it’s a chance to honor North Carolina’s ‘First in Freedom’ legacy while celebrating arts, history, and culture.  The festival will also feature music from Tift Merritt and Rissi Palmer.

July 4: Children's Independence Day Parade at Durham Central Park - Bring the whole family to Durham Central Park on July 4 for the annual Children's Parade! Come and decorate those bike, trikes, wagons and strollers! All are welcome at 9:30 a.m. Then, parade through the park at 10:30. Following the parade there will be free popsicles and fire truck tours.

July 4: Fourth on First Avenue at Knightdale Station Park - The event will include a bike parade, live music, food trucks, inflatables and giveaways. There will also be a DJ performing at the splashpad, which will be open to help people cool off. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Knightdale Station. It will not include fireworks.

July 3: Carolina Theatre Company: Zombies - See it at Fletcher Opera Theater.

July 3: Devi Sri Prasada - Devi Sri Prasad, also known as DSP or Rockstar, plays at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.  

July 3: First Friday Market & Movie: Hamilton - Enjoy a market and outdoor movie in Raleigh's Moore Square.

July 3: Movie Night: Independence Day - Catch the film at the Downtown Cary Park.

July 5: Madison Beer, The Locket Tour - The singer comes to Red Hat Amphitheater.

July 5: Harry Connick Jr. - See Harry Connick Jr. at DPAC.

July 4: Sunis Out, Buns Out - Spend July 4 on the roof of the Durham Hotel with hot dogs, cold drinks, downtown Durham views, and a DJ.

July 5: The Market at NCMA - Browse the galleries, enjoy the museum park, and shop local!