Cookouts, fireworks and parades - what’s not to love about the Fourth of July? I think we all can agree that celebrating our nation’s independence is one of the highlights of the summer season. Luckily for us, the Outer Banks is packed with celebrations, parades and fireworks to fill us with pride and summer nostalgia. Although the island is filled for the Fourth of July, the area offers plenty of small town, down-home holiday traditions for the whole family. Check out our July 4th events guide for festivities in your stretch of OBX paradise.
Corolla Festivities
Visit Historic Corolla Park for a fun-filled day of cornhole tournaments, watermelon eating contests and tasty concessions from local vendors. The waterfront scenery around the Whalehead Club is perfect for families to roam and enjoy the events and scenery before the fireworks show at dusk.
Duck Parades & Live Music
The Town of Duck’s 4th of July Parade is a must-see family event if you’re on the northern end of the island. Grab your coffee and Duck Donuts and make your way to downtown Duck. The parade begins at 9 a.m., going from the crest of the hill on Scarborough Lane toward the ocean, turns left on Ocean Way, goes to Christopher Drive and ends at Pamela Court. The parade is filled with patriotic floats and local giveaways for parade goers. After the festivities, make a trip down to Duck’s Town Park for live music from the Dixieland Band, fresh watermelon and an awards ceremony for the parade participants.
Kill Devil Hills Fireworks
Spend the day at the beach and stick around for fireworks at Avalon Pier at dusk. The surrounding beach accesses in Kill Devil Hills are all great viewing spots.
Nags Head Fireworks
If you’re in the Nags Head area, catch the fireworks going off at Nags Head Fishing Pier at 9:25 pm. Curlew Street, Hollowell Street, Conch Street, Bladen Street, Bittern Street, Bonnett Street, Barnes Street, Blackman Street and Jockey’s Ridge State Park offer great viewing locations if you’re not in walking distance to the beach.
Manteo July 4th Celebrations, Live Music and Fireworks
Stroll around the waterfront, get some shopping in and hang around for the Town of Manteo’s celebrations starting at 3 pm. The festivities will begin at the old downtown courthouse with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by contests, music and dance on the courthouse stage. At dusk, be sure to find your spot along the waterfront to catch one of the area's best firework displays.
Roanoke Island Festival Park will also host a free concert at the pavilion stage beginning at 8 pm. Enjoy Top 40 tunes and classic hits from the band SNAP.
Hatteras Island Fireworks
After your backyard barbecue, stop by Avon Pier to watch the fireworks starting at 9:15 pm.
Travel Tips
- Remember to bring your own chair or blanket to watch the fireworks
- Pack bug spray
- Give yourself enough time to find a parking space
- Watch our for pedestrians and bike riders