Celebrate Fourth of July in Wilmington, NC and Island Beaches

Wilmington Events

• Salute to the Stars and Stripes with the North Carolina Symphony as they play patriotic classics at The Wilson Center July 2. Tickets begin at $23 each.
• Root for the home team as the Wilmington Sharks take to the field July 2-4. Stick around after the games for spectacular fireworks displays.
• Take in seasonal blooms at Airlie Gardens and check out the Airlie Gardens' Butterfly House.

• Run along the Cross-City Trail at the Battle for Independence Road Race July 4. Choose from the one-mile or 5k race, don your red, white and blue gear and hit the pavement for all-ages fun.
• Put a historical twist on your celebration at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center July 4th Open House. Enjoy free coffee and doughnuts served by staff in 1940s era costumes and a special viewing of "Home Away From Home - The USO at 2nd and Orange."
• Enjoy Wilmington's epic 4th of July Fireworks along the historic downtown riverfront. Before the fireworks display, find alfresco dining options, breweries along the Wilmington Ale Trail, craft cocktails at sunset on our rooftop bars, and specialty shops along the Wilmington Riverwalk and main streets. Plus, discover all that historic downtown has to offer.
• Catch live tunes riverside at Friday Night Live! On the Pier at Port City Marina July 5. Or, see Michael Franti & Spearhead perform live lakeside at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater July 5.

Island Happenings

• Head to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for Independence Day Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast July 3. Enjoy live entertainment, family-friendly activities and more. Then, pick your spot on the beach to catch the fireworks.
• Pack a picnic, grab your lawn chairs and catch a movie during Free Summer Movies at the Carolina Beach Lake in Carolina Beach July 7.
• Groove to live tunes during Boogie in the Park Concert Series July 7 at Kure Beach Ocean Front Park & Pavilion.

Kid-Approved Restaurants

From barbecue to grilled hotdogs and kid-friendly meals, find food options for even the most discerning palates. Make a stop at Capt'n Bill's Backyard Grill in Wilmington for finger-lickin' barbecue dishes and made-to-order sandwiches with a little sand volleyball served up on the side. For a unique twist on grilled cheese sandwiches, check out CheeseSmith in the Cargo District or their new location in the Landfall Shopping Center and try the Southern Charm made with cheddar cheese topped with hickory pulled pork and Southern slaw. In Wrightsville Beach, try Trolly Stop for fresh hot dogs and more than 1,000 topping combinations possible. Get a fresh burger to go at the seaside walkup Beach House Burgers, a local favorite in Kure Beach. Head to Topsail Steamer in Wrightsville Beach or Cape Fear Boil Company in Carolina Beach to pick up steam pots perfect for a vacation rental low country boil. In Carolina Beach, feel nostalgic at Pop’s Diner, where the kids can enjoy chicken fingers baskets and desserts like fried Twinkies. Or, visit the Lazy Pirate Island Sports Grill for family-friendly entertainment including giant Jenga, cornhole, live music, kid-friendly eats, Calabash style seafood and more.

Adult Beverages & Brews

Drink in spectacular riverfront views rooftop with craft cocktails at aView Rooftop Bistro or Cloud 9. Raise a glass from the tequila library at Tequila Comida & Cantina Waterfront, a new restaurant overlooking Port City Marina. Or, stop by The Underfront Company for a unique taste of cocktail creations and flavors including the bold and smokey Rusted Agave or the fresh and fruity Blue Velvet. In Carolina Beach, visit The Tropical, a three-floor bar right along the Boardwalk featuring craft cocktails and a rooftop bar, or swing by Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar for the best fireworks view from the pier. Watch the boats navigate the Intracoastal Waterway while sipping a Yacht Bill Pain Killer at Bluewater Waterfront Grill in Wrightsville Beach. At Shark Bar & Kitchen, sip on margaritas like the Sayulita Sandia or try a refreshing Aguas Frescas. Those who enjoy craft beers will want to check out the Wilmington Ale Trail, featuring more than 20 local craft breweries in Wilmington and its nearby beaches.