NC Fourth of July Festival & Fireworks on Oak Island [2026]

What if you could participate in one of North Carolina’s oldest Fourth of July traditions during America’s 250th anniversary celebration?

It doesn’t get much better than spending Fourth of July on Oak Island and in Southport! Each summer, visitors from across the country gather along the Brunswick Islands coast for beach days, fireworks, waterfront concerts, parades, patriotic ceremonies, and one of the most beloved Independence Day festivals in North Carolina. And this year is expected to be even bigger.

In 2026, the NC 4th of July Festival will help celebrate America’s 250th birthday with more than 70 events taking place throughout Oak Island and Southport between June 26th and July 4th. If you are planning a summer trip to the beach, this is one of the most exciting weeks of the entire season to visit.

We want you to have the best vacation, so we’ve collected all of the information that you need to make the most out of your summer trip to Oak Island:

A History Of The NC Fourth Of July Festival

Locals have celebrated the Fourth of July along the Southport waterfront for more than 230 years. The first records describing the NC Fourth of July Festival date back to 1792, though celebrations likely began even earlier following America’s independence in 1776.

Back then, the festivities were much smaller than they are today. Residents gathered along the waterfront in what was then known as Smithville, now Southport, while ships fired their cannons across the harbor in celebration.

Over the generations, the festival grew into the incredible tradition visitors experience today. While the celebration now includes concerts, parades, vendors, fireworks, and family activities across both Southport and Oak Island, the patriotic spirit and small-town coastal charm remain at the heart of the event.

And in 2026, that spirit will feel even more special as communities across the country celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.

Fireworks on Oak Island: When and Where

There are two fireworks celebrations that take place each year: the Oak Island anniversary fireworks on July 1st and the Fourth of July fireworks display on Independence Day in Southport.

The Oak Island beach fireworks will be launched from the Oak Island Pier at 705 Ocean Drive on July 1st at 9pm. It’s never a bad idea to rent an oceanfront beach house so you can watch the show in comfort. Otherwise, grab a beach chair and find a spot on the beach to enjoy the spectacular display!

A few days later, the Fourth of July Festival fireworks will light up the Southport waterfront at 9pm, where residents fired their cannons many years ago. This year’s fireworks are sponsored by American Fish Co and Frying Pan.

You will be able to see both sets of fireworks from just about anywhere in Southport or Oak Island. For safety reasons, professionals launch fireworks directly over the water. There is no sight more stunning than the “double fireworks” reflected across the ocean and waterfront on a warm summer evening.

Please keep in mind that roads are typically closed before the shows, especially near the Oak Island Pier and downtown Southport, so plan accordingly and arrive early whenever possible.

You can learn more about the festivities on the Town of Oak Island’s website.

Celebrate Independence With More Summer Activities And Events

The NC Fourth of July Festival is more than just fireworks. It’s a full week of fun-filled, family-friendly activities that will keep you busy from morning until night! You will want to schedule some time to enjoy the following events in between visits to the beach, piers, parks, and golf courses!

Patriotic Events

The festival organizers have found ways to celebrate history and freedom throughout the week, especially during this year’s America 250 celebration! A few of the traditional patriotic events that you can expect include:

• Reading of the Declaration of Independence
• Flag Raising Ceremony
• Veteran Recognition Ceremonies
• Naturalization Ceremony
• Freedom Flotilla Boat Parade
• Historical programs and guided tours throughout Southport

These are genuinely spirited opportunities to engage with the nation’s history. Visitors looking to dive even deeper into local history can also attend special events like Independence Eve: Colonial Food & History at the Southport Community Building, guided tours of the Historic Chapel of the Cross, tours through the Old Smithville Burying Grounds, and visits to the NC Maritime Museum and Old Brunswick Jail during festival week.

4th of July Parade

If you can’t get enough history, why not check out history on wheels?

The annual Fourth of July Parade in Southport remains one of the most anticipated traditions of the entire week. Decorated floats, classic cars, performers, community groups, and patriotic displays travel through downtown Southport along Howe Street to celebrate.

This year’s parade begins at 11am on July 4th, and many visitors arrive early to explore the waterfront, grab breakfast downtown, or enjoy the Reading of the Declaration of Independence and Flag Raising Ceremony beforehand. You may even catch a glimpse of Miss North Carolina, who traditionally makes an appearance during the festivities each year.

Freedom Flotilla

Why should cars have all the fun? The Freedom Flotilla is essentially a patriotic boat parade featuring decorated vessels cruising along the waterfront while visitors gather around marinas, restaurants, and parks to watch from shore. Many members of the local maritime community go all out with their boat decorations, making this one of the most uniquely coastal traditions of the entire festival week.

The 2026 event will take place on Thursday, July 2nd and begins at 2pm.

Live Music And Performances

You will hear nearly every musical genre you can think of during the Fourth of July festivities on Oak Island and in Southport. There will be live entertainment throughout festival week, including waterfront concerts, street dances, children’s entertainment, local performers, and evening shows overlooking the water.

Some of this year’s featured performances include:

• The Conspiracy at Waterfront Park on July 2nd
• Sleeping Booty waterfront concert and street dance on July 3rd
• Salty Dawgs live on the waterfront on July 4th
• Irresistible Groove closing out the evening before and after the fireworks on July 4th

And, if you’re looking for something a little more dynamic, you can even catch UPWA Live Pro Wrestling between 3pm and 5pm on July 4th.

Full Schedule for the North Carolina 4th of July Festival

This year’s NC 4th of July Festival schedule includes more than 70 events across Oak Island and Southport, taking place between June 26th and July 4th as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration. From waterfront concerts and arts & crafts vendors to pancake breakfasts, historical tours, fireworks, and beachside traditions, there is truly something happening all week long.

You can view the full official schedule of events on the NC 4th of July Festival website before your trip to help plan your week.

Have A Happy Fourth Of July With Salt & Sand Realty

Thinking about a summer vacation to Oak Island for the Fourth of July? One thing is sure, when you rent a vacation home from Salt & Sand Realty, you might have an additional problem on your hands: guests love our rentals so much they don’t want to leave!

Plus, there is no more beautiful place to celebrate our nation’s independence than the breathtaking beaches of Oak Island, North Carolina. With a full week worth of activities and events for the whole family, you won’t regret attending the NC Fourth of July Festival! Not to mention, the sight of the explosive and colorful fireworks reflected against our twelve miles of pristine beaches will be an event you’ll be talking about for years to come.

When you’re ready to start planning, our centrally located oceanfront homes are right in view of the big display! Just keep in mind that this is one of the busiest weeks of the year on this island — so make sure to grab your Oak Island accommodations today before they’re all booked. If you have questions or would like personalized recommendations, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.

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