Celebrate America's 250th anniversary on the Outer Banks! Fireworks shows, parades, live music, and community events make it easy to show your patriotic spirit. Here's a look at what's happening up and down the beach this Independence Day.
Hatteras Island
Avon Fishing Pier 4th of July Fireworks Show - 41001 NC Hwy 12, Avon
The Avon Pier will be hosting its fireworks display at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th. The fireworks will be visible all along the Avon beach, so bring a chair or blanket to take in the views. Parking is limited, so visitors are encouraged to walk, bike, or carpool to their closest beach access. This event is sponsored by the Avon Property Owners Association and is funded in part by the Outer Bank Visitors Bureau, along with generous donations from Hatteras Island residents, property owners, guests, and business community, including Sun Realty.
Golf Cart Parade – 59200 Museum Drive, Hatteras
The 13th Annual Golf Cart Parade in Hatteras Village begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 2nd. Decorate your golf cart or just be a spectator at this free, family-friendly event. Participants need to register here and be at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum parking lot by 5:45 on July 2nd to line up. The parade will head down Highway 12, through the village and cut down Eagle Pass. Stop by the free community cookout in the Village Center from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for burgers and hot dogs and hear the parade winners announced at 7 p.m.
Roanoke Island
4th of July Celebration - Downtown Manteo
Kick off July 4th in Downtown Manteo from 6-9 p.m. at the Party in the Park with music from DJ Mixin Mike, children’s games, and a lineup of food trucks serving up classic favorites. Cap off the night with a spectacular fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. over Shallowbag Bay. This event is sponsored by The Town of Manteo, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, and Roanoke Island Festival Park.
Central Beaches
Freedom 5k - Kill Devil Hills
Sun Realty is proud to sponsor the Annual Freedom 5k and Little Sparkler ¼ mile Fun Run, hosted by the Outer Banks Running Company. Beginning at 7:30 a.m. on July 3rd, this star-spangled race begins at the Kill Devil Hills Town Hall 102 Town Hall Drive. Watermelon, pastries and light refreshments are provided for a little post-race celebration. Find more information and register for this event here.
Town of Nags Head Fireworks Spectacular - 3335 South Va. Dare Trail, Nags Head
Beginning at 9 p.m. on July 4th, this fireworks show is located at the Nags Head Fishing Pier at milepost 11.5. Bring along chairs or blankets for views all along the local beaches. This event is hosted by the Town of Nags Head, in conjunction with the Nags Head Fishing Pier and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.
Things to know:
- Attendees are encouraged to park east of U.S. Highway 158/South Croatan Highway and use designated crosswalks.
- Parking at or near the fireworks display site will be directed by the Nags Head police department.
- Be sure to stay off the dunes and respect private property – like rental homes and privately owned gazebos – that may be adjacent to the beach.
Town of Kill Devil Hills Fireworks Show - 2111 North Va. Dare Trail, Kill Devil Hills
Located near milepost 7 in Kill Devil Hills, this fireworks display at Avalon Pier begins at 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 4th. In honor of America’s 250th, the 2026 fireworks display will be bigger than before! Parking is limited, so visitors are encouraged to walk, bike, or carpool to their closest beach access, where chairs can be set up to watch the spectacular show. This event is hosted by the Town of Kill Devil Hills, in conjunction with the Avalon Fishing Pier and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.
Northern Beaches
4th of July Parade - Downtown Duck
The annual one-mile Independence Day parade hosted by the Town of Duck will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 3rd. The parade route begins at the crest of the hill on Scarborough Lane, travels east towards the ocean, turns left onto Ocean Way, and then continues onto Christopher Drive to end at Pamela Court. The parade is immediately followed by a Community Celebration at the Duck Town Park, featuring live music, cold refreshments, and an award ceremony.
Independence Day Celebration - 1100 Hunt Club Drive, Corolla
Beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 3rd, the Currituck County Department of Travel & Tourism invites visitors to its annual Independence Day Celebration at Historic Corolla Park. Enjoy live music and fun family activities, culminating in fireworks at dusk. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase by local vendors.
Things to know:
- Admission is free and free parking is available at the park until the lots are full. Onsite parking spaces are expected to fill up early, so please plan accordingly.
- Coolers, alcohol and on-street parking are not permitted in the park.
- The Historic Corolla Park boat ramp will be closed from 3 p.m. on July 2nd until noon on July 4th. No boat docking will be allowed.
- The air up stations in Historic Corolla Park will be closed on July 3rd starting at 2 p.m.
- Only leashed dogs are permitted. However, due to the noise from the fireworks, dogs are not recommended at this event.
Stay Safe
For the safety of yourself and others, please leave the fireworks to the professionals. Please note that any devices that leave the ground – such as bottle rockets, mortars, roman candles and aerial fireworks – and that have a report or make a “bang” are illegal in North Carolina.
All fireworks are illegal in the following areas – including “safe and sane” pyrotechnics which do not leave the ground, such as caps, snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers, snappers, and sparklers:
- Town of Duck
- Town of Southern Shores
- Town of Nags Head
- Town of Manteo
- Hatteras Island
- Some sections of unincorporated Dare County
- Currituck County
Safe and sane fireworks are legal in Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Roanoke Island, and the Dare Mainland. Find more information on fireworks regulations in Dare County here.