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City of Wilmington's Fourth of July Celebration event

City of Wilmington's Fourth of July Celebration

Riverfront Park, 10 Cowan Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
  • Date: 7/4/2026
  • Starts: 5:30PM
  • Ends: 11:00PM

Wilmington throws down for America's 250th this year! A full evening of live music, family fun, and not one but two fireworks shows lighting up the Cape Fear River. This one's extra special, it's part of the nationwide America 250 celebration.

Fireworks light up the sky at 9 PM, launched from both Riverfront Park and a barge near the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, visible all along the Riverwalk.

5:30 PM — Gates open
6:15 PM — Performance by Mackenzi Morris and Joshua Alan Rupp, featuring the Theater for All chorus
7:30 PM — Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, presenting an America 250th Pops program including a new work by local composer Chelsea Loew
9:00 PM — Double fireworks show, launched simultaneously from Riverfront Park and a barge near the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA

Good to know:

  • Free and open to the public
  • Best fireworks views along the nearly two mile Riverwalk, with Riverfront Park offering the closest vantage point
  • Lawn seating available on the Great Lawn, beach chairs under 9 inches and blankets allowed
  • City parking decks charge a $10 event fee after 4 PM, on street metered parking is free
  • Boating safety zone in effect for 30 minutes after fireworks near the launch site
  • Plan for 1 to 2 hour delays leaving downtown after the show