The Fourth of July is Thursday, here’s everything you need to know to have a safe and fun holiday.
No matter how you plan on celebrating, it’s going to be hot next week. Much of the state will get highs in the mid-90s, with the mountains and coast a little bit cooler. Some clouds and potential afternoon thunderstorms are also expected, so be sure to check the forecast before any outdoor activities.
Looking for a place to see fireworks? Here's some events that promise a spectacular show.
Events
Raleigh’s July 4th Fireworks Celebration at Dix Park: The city of Raleigh is hosting a celebration at Dix Park with music, games, food and fireworks from 6-9:30 p.m.
Independence Day Celebration at Durham Bulls: The Bulls are celebrating with a fireworks show after their home game against the Norfolk Tides, which starts at 6:35 p.m.
Wilmington’s 4th of July Celebration: The City of Wilmington will host an evening of music and celebrations at the Downtown Wilmington Riverwalk ending with a firework show at 9:05 p.m.
North Carolina 4th of July Festival: An over 200-year-old tradition with thousands of attendees will continue this year in Southport. The festival begins on June 28 and features food, music and arts and crafts. The celebration will wrap up on the 4th, with a parade in downtown Southport and a fireworks show at 9 p.m.
Downtown Asheville Independence Day Block Party: The annual block party is moving to the South Slope area this year and begins at noon. A performance by the Ultimate Airdogs will kick the party off, followed by plenty of food, music and a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
SkyShow 2024: A firework show will follow the baseball game between the Charlotte Knights and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp at Truist Field, the game starts at 6:35 p.m.
Star-Spangled Nights Fireworks Spectacular at Carowinds: Wednesday, July 3 and Thursday, July 4, Carowinds will have a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
Fun Fourth Freedom Fest: Starting at 1 p.m., Greensboro's annual Fourth of July celebration will have food, music, activities and more leading up to the fireworks show at First National Bank Field after the Greensboro Grasshoppers take on the Aberdeen Ironbirds at 6:30 p.m.
Safety
More pets go missing during Fourth of July celebrations than any other time of the year, mostly due to all of the unfamiliar loud sounds, places and people that can easily spook them.
To avoid the chance of pets getting lost or hurt, it’s safest to leave pets at home when you go to any parades or celebrations, ideally in an enclosed space where they can’t escape or do any damage if they get scared.
Most of the state will also likely experience intense heat, which can be just as dangerous to pets as it is to people. If your furry friends are joining in on the festivities, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends making sure they have access to plenty of shade and water and aren’t left in the heat for extended periods.
When celebrating at home, you can help prevent accidents by closely following written directions on fireworks, or anything else that requires a match. It’s important to keep children and pets away from any firework supplies, and have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of emergencies.
If you’re doing any traveling for the holiday, always make sure you have a safe way home. The Fourth of July is one of the most dangerous holidays to be on the road, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 2,228 people were killed in car crashes over the holiday weekend from 2018 to 2022.
N.C. fireworks law
States have a wide range of laws regarding fireworks, and North Carolina has some of the stricter regulations.
Generally, if it leaves the ground or explodes, it’s illegal. That includes Roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets, mortars and more. In addition, you have to be at least 16 to buy and use fireworks of any kind.
North Carolina residents have been known to occasionally travel south and buy fireworks in South Carolina, which has much more relaxed regulations. However, anyone caught in violation of the state laws could face a fine or up to six months of jail time.
If you’re wondering how the events listed above can have big firework displays, it’s because they apply for a special permit. Cities, towns and large venues can get permission to use big fireworks, individuals cannot.
You can still have plenty of fun at home without any special licenses. Sparklers, poppers, glow worms, smoke bombs or anything else that doesn’t leave the ground or explode are all legal.
Related article: ‘Plea to the public’: Surgeon urges people to leave fireworks to the professionals