Leave your lighter at home — you won’t need it to light any of the big fireworks on this list of events happening across the state this weekend. And some will even be fired off a battleship.

But that’s not all on the agenda, you can also slap on some sunscreen and hit the ballpark, or clip some eucalyptus at an annual festival.

Here are some ways to celebrate Independence Day or enjoy other events:

(Battleship N.C. Friends website)

Raleigh’s July 4th Fireworks Celebration

Join in the fun and see fireworks Friday night for free at the Stadium complex in the Lenovo Center and Carter-Finley Stadium area as the City of Raleigh puts on a traditional Fourth-of-July display. Pack your own snacks and refreshments but leave pets and personal fireworks at home. Tailgating is allowed, but guests are asked not to take up multiple parking spaces or park illegally.

Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. but parking opens at 6 p.m. Event organizers with the city said this year’s holiday celebration is all about the fireworks with no vendors, stage or festival activities planned. But there will be a feast for the eyes!

Friends on the Fantail Fireworks Celebration

Though many will be firing off their displays from land this weekend, only one in the state will be able to claim theirs shot off of the Battleship North Carolina.

That’s happening in Wilmington Thursday, July 4 at 1 Battleship Road.

Only members of the Friends of the Battleship North Carolina are allowed to purchase tickets for the night of fun, but you can join here.

Faith 4th Celebration

The small town of Faith in Rowan County is once again doused in red, white and blue this weekend. They’re welcoming the public with banners, flags and festive clothing as far as the eyes can see, and they’ve been doing it on and off since the 1920s.

“The original Fourth celebrations were more like family picnics than the celebration of today," organizers said.

Those who plan on taking part this year can expect fireworks, barbecue, patriotic choirs, a midway, games and a traditional Main Street parade honoring veterans.

Rides and food open at noon July 4. Fireworks are set for 10:30 p.m. Armbands for entry are $30, and organizers ask that you leave your pets at home.

 

Shindig on the Green

The weekly musical gatherings in downtown Asheville, known as the Shindig on the Green, begin this weekend.

The event, which starts “along about sundown” each Saturday, will run through August, featuring southern Appalachian traditional music in stage shows, informal jams and dancing at Pack Square Park. The Shindig, now in its 59th year, takes a break the first week of August.

“From young children perfecting their square dance steps to great-grandmothers singing ballads passed down through the years, the region’s wealth of traditional talent takes center stage,” according to Asheville’s Folk Heritage Committee. 

Performers include the long-standing house band The Stoney Creek Boys, Big Circle Mountain Dancers and storytellers.

It’s free, and there will be food and drinks.

America’s Pastime

“Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd.”

North Carolina’s MiLB teams are busy during this July Fourth weekend. The Durham Bulls, the Hickory Crawdads and the Fayetteville Woodpeckers all have home games (and fireworks) this weekend.

Triple-A

  • Durham Bulls are at home with games and fireworks Friday, Saturday and Sunday
  • Charlotte Knights are away in Jacksonville, Florida

High-A

  • Asheville Tourists are at home Friday (with fireworks), Saturday and Sunday
  • Greenville Grasshoppers are away in Aberdeen, Maryland, this weekend
  • Winston-Salem Dash are also away this weekend in Spartanburg, South Carolina

Single-A

  • Carolina Mudcats are away in Fayetteville this weekend
  • Fayetteville Woodpeckers host the Carolina Mudcats Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with fireworks the first two days
  • Hickory Crawdads host the Kannapolis Cannonballers Friday (with fireworks), Saturday and Sunday
  • Kannapolis Cannonballers will be in Hickory, North Carolina, for the weekend. But the ballpark will still have fireworks and host USA Baseball CNT vs. Appalachian League Select Team on Friday

Carolina Eucalyptus Festival

You've probably been to a pumpkin patch, maybe a sunflower field, but why not cross this one off your list.

From Friday, July 4 through Sunday July 6, you can head to Carolina Lavender & Eucalyptus Farm at 188 Meek Rd in Gastonia for the Carolina Eucalyptus Festival. You are asked to bring a pair of clippers and a bucket with water so the plants can make it home.

For $25 per ticket, you can wonder through the field and pick your own fresh bundles. Organizers say the plant is great for therapeutics, crafting and home decor. 

There will also be a variety of products for sale like essential oils, lotion, soap and linen sprays. 

The festival lasts from Friday, July 4 to Sunday, July 6. (Carolina Eucalyptus Festival)