While life isn’t entirely free of pandemic issues and the need for safety measures, vaccination numbers are rising and municipalities that canceled activities in 2020 are forging ahead with Fourth of July 2021 activities. Eastern North Carolina towns and organizations are holding vendor events, outdoor gatherings, and planning fireworks shows to celebrate the “birthday” of the United States of America.
Starting with the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, that means July 4, 2021 is the 245th birthday of the USA. Local, public events planned for the weekend of Independence Day celebrate its continuation.
Use the links provided to check for changes and updates, or contact the organizers directly.
Selma, NC: Fireworks Show (Friday, July 2, 2021 @ 6:30pm-after dark)
Presented by Selma Parks and Recreation, rain or shine. Live entertainment starting at 6:30pm, fireworks after dark around 9:15pm. Music at Blackstone Plaza, 155 Meghan Circle, Selma, NC — festival grounds are behind the Police Station. Follow updates here.
Wake Forest, NC: 2021 Independence Day Celebration (July 3 & 4, 2021)
This two-day event includes the Fireworks Spectacular, a children’s parade, and Art in the Park. See details, hours, and locations in this article.
Clayton, NC: Square to Square Independence Day Street Festival: (Saturday, July 3, 2021 @ 11am)
The Town of Clayton’s festival will feature fun activities for kids, a bicycle parade, an Emergency Vehicles parade, food trucks, free goodies, contests, a market, and more. Held along Main Street, Clayton, NC. See details here.
Rocky Mount, NC: Red, White and Bluegrass (Saturday, July 3, 2021 @ 6-9:30pm)
Presented by and at the Nash County Farmers Market. Food available for purchase (Southern Q), and live music (Shannon Baker & sometime soon). Address is 1006 Peachtree Street, Rocky Mount, NC, and this event is open to the public. See event here.
Rocky Mount, NC: Independence Celebration (Saturday, July 3, 2021 @ 6-9pm)
Imperial Centre’s website includes information for vendors. The celebration will be held at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex, 600 Independence Drive, Rocky Mount, NC. See city flyer.
Garner, NC: July 3rd Independence Day Celebration (Saturday, July 3, 2021 @ gates open 5pm)
The Town of Garner will hold the town’s July 3rd Independence Day Celebration including the NC Symphony, food vendors, fireworks, and more. Held at Lake Benson Park, 921 Buffaloe Road, Garner, NC. See details here.
Knightdale, NC: National Parks And Recreation Month Celebration (Saturday, July 3, 2021 @ noon-3pm)
The Town of Knightdale will be holding this special celebration with inflatables, a DJ, and food trucks offering goodies for sale. The splash pad is expected to be open. Held at the Knightdale Station Park, 810 N First Avenue, Knightdale, NC — See details here.
Farmville, NC: Independence Day Celebration (Saturday, July 3, 2021 @ 6-9:30pm)
A little beyond the five county area, this Pitt County outdoor event (bring chairs and blankets) offers live music by P&J Saxophone Ensemble, food available, and fireworks after dark. Held on the Farmville Town Commons, Farmville, NC (Pitt County). See details here.
Wendell, NC: 4th of July Picnic at the Park (Sunday, July 4, 2021 @ 11am-2pm)
This community picnic will include lawn games, food trucks, and bounce houses. Held at Wendell Park, 601 W Third Street, Wendell, NC. See flyer here.
Stantonsburg, NC: July 4th Celebration (Sunday, July 4, 2021 @ 3-7pm)
The Town of Stantonsburg will have food trucks, music, and more organized by the Stantonsburg Events Committee. Held at Stantonsburg Park, Stantonsburg, NC. Follow the town for any updates here.
(No fireworks; event goers are directed to Wilson Fair grounds, after this event, if wish to watch fireworks.
Wilson, NC: Fireworks at the Fairgrounds (Sunday, July 4, 2021 @ gates open 7pm)
Fireworks will start after dark at the Wilson County Fair grounds, 2331 US-301, Wilson, NC. Visit wilsoncountyfair.org for more details including parking information.
Tarboro, NC: July 4th Celebration (Sunday, July 4, 2021 @ 6-9pm)
This three-hour event includes food vendors, games, inflatables, music, and fireworks after dark. Held in Braswell Park, 1501 Western Blvd, Tarboro, NC. Check out the Tarboro Parks and Recreation flyer and social media updates.
In addition to the above events in the Five County area and beyond, check out this Coastal NC event:
- Independence Day Celebration at Historic Corolla Park (Monday, July 5, 2021 @ 5-9pm) — www.visitcurrituck.com/events/independence-day-celebration
________
Ed. Note: Originally published June 26, 2021. Updated July 2 with additional events.
