BANNER ELK

Star-Spangled Banner Elk Fourth of July

Banner Elk’s Fourth of July celebration is a day that makes Uncle Sam proud, beginning with one of the most popular July 4th parades in North Carolina and ending with the Party in the Park and Duck Race in Tate-Evans Town Park. The parade begins at 11 a.m. and is open to all who wish to enter a vehicle, float or march. Furry friends are welcome as well. The day continues at 12 noon with the party and rubber duck race in the town park. Food vendors, old-fashioned games like egg tosses and three-legged races, and inflatables add to the fun. https://www.bannerelk.com/event/star-spangled-banner-elk-fourth-of-july.

BOONE

Boone 4th of July Parade

The Downtown Boone annual 4th of July parade travels east on King Street at 11am. Following the parade, the Town of Boone continues the celebration on the lawn of the Jones House Cultural Center. Arrive early to find a parking spot and breakfast. Be aware that King Street will be closing for the parade! (All downtown Boone parking is FREE on July 4th!) Head over to Clawson-Burnley Park for the fireworks display later in the evening.

CHERRYVILLE

Cherryville’s annual Independence Day Celebration

Cherryville’s annual Independence Day Celebration on Thursday, July 2, featuring live music, food trucks, and family activities in downtown Cherryville. The event runs from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM and culminates with a fireworks display at 10:00 PM (weather permitting).

HICKORY

All-American Food, Family & Fireworks Bash

Celebrate Independence Day at the Hickory American Legion Fairgrounds! Enjoy a fun-filled evening with delicious food, a beer garden, bounce houses for the kids, and a spectacular fireworks show. Live Music All Night Long Featuring: Caleb McArthur & The Whiskey Ridge Outlaws, Sigmon Stringers, and Nick Mac & The Noise.

Admission: $25 per 6-passenger vehicle • $35 for 7+ passenger vehicles. Gates open at 2pm!

Bring your lawn chairs and celebrate with family and friends!

Visit https://hickoryfair.com

Crawdads’ July 4th Music Festival and Firework Show

Presented by Mumy Financial and New Beginnings Hickory, in celebration of America’s 250th birthday. The July 4th Music Festival and Firework Show will be headlined by Jordan St. Cyr before a booming patriotic firework show lights up the sky. The live music kicks off at 5:30pm with Scout and the Saints followed by the Boys from Oak Ridge. Doors open at 4:30pm. There is no game!

Seats in the lower bowl will be $30 and the upper level of seats will be $25. Proceeds from the event will go to New Beginnings Hickory.

Season ticket holders can purchase discounted tickets for the event at the Mike Johnson Toyota Ticket Office or by reaching out to John at jellison@hickorycrawdads.com. Undated ticket vouchers will not be eligible for redemption for the event. For more info, visit: www.milb.com/hickory.

LENOIR

Lenoir’s annual Fourth of July Celebration and fireworks show

The City of Lenoir hosts an annual Fourth of July Celebration and fireworks show at the Mulberry Recreation Center (720 Mulberry Street SW). The 2026 festivities begin at 5:30 PM with live music, food trucks, games, and foam sprayers, leading to a free fireworks display at 9:30 PM.

Public parking is available at nearby locations including Waterlife Church, CubeSmart, and the old mall parking lot.

Live Music: The 2026 entertainment lineup features the Purple Squirrel Big Band, Tenley Hefner, and the Gunpowder Creekers.

Road Closures: Mulberry Street directly in front of the recreation center is typically closed to traffic starting around 4:30 PM to prepare for the show.

Park Closures: The adjacent Lenoir Optimist Park is closed all day on July 4th for the fireworks setup.

LINCOLNTON

4th of July Parade

Join us in celebrating 250 years of Independence on Saturday, July 4 in Downtown Lincolnton. Parade begins at 11am. East Main Street to Court Square to LHS.

MARION

Marion’s Independence Day Celebration

Join us on July 4th for our America 250 Independence Day Celebration in Downtown Marion from 6pm-10pm! Free Inflatables for the kids, Food Vendors! Bring your folding chairs!

6:00 p.m. 4th of July Parade

6:30 p.m. Street Dancing with Tanya Road Runnerz

9:30 p.m. Fireworks

MORGANTON

4th of July Fireworks Show

The City of Morganton Presents 4th Of July Fireworks Show at 9:45pm* (contingent on weather) on Saturday, July 4th at Freedom Park in Morganton. Citizens will be able to watch the fireworks by parking at nearby locations. Freedom Park will be closed to the public ALL DAY Friday and Saturday for setup.

STATESVILLE

Statesville’s annual Fireworks Celebration

The City of Statesville hosts its annual Fireworks Celebration on Friday, July 3, 2026, with the dazzling display kicking off at approximately 9:30 p.m.. This free, family-friendly community event features several excellent viewing spots with plenty of parking nearby.

You can watch the show from these convenient, designated parking areas around the city:

Signal Hill Mall: 1685 E Broad Street (Former Bi-Lo parking lot)

Statesville Park & Soccer Complex: 2012 Simonton Road

King of the Sea: Restaurant parking lot

VALDESE

Fireworks, Music & Small-Town Tradition

Get ready to wear your red, white, and blue and celebrate freedom, community, and the spirit of America in downtown Valdese! Join us on Saturday, July 4th for Valdese’s annual Independence Day Celebration, our biggest event of the year and a special opportunity to kick off the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

Event Schedule

5:00 PM – Main Street Closes / Kids Area & Food Trucks Open

5:30 PM – Classic Car Cruise-In on Main Street

6:45 PM – Opening Announcements & Mayor’s Welcome

  • National Anthem by Valdese Police Officer George Isbell

Presentation of Colors by Valdese American Legion Color Guard

  • Special Presentation by Old Colony Players – From This Day Forward

7:00 PM – 10:30 PM – LIVE Music & Dancing with The Tonez (Corner of Main & Rodoret St)

9:30 PM (approx.) – FIREWORKS! Grand Finale Sponsored by Farris Insurance Agency

Bring your lawn chairs, gather your family and friends, and celebrate Independence Day where heritage meets celebration. From classic cars and live music to fireworks and hometown traditions, there’s no better place to begin honoring America’s 250 than right here in Valdese.

For updates and event information, contact the Valdese Community Affairs Department at 828-879-2129, go to visitvaldese.com or on social media @valdesenc.