As we get closer and closer to those warm summer months, there are two things that many of us are looking forward to: the July 4th celebrations and a summer beach trip. For some, those two events will coincide this year in North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
This beautiful stretch of coastline perched on the Atlantic Ocean is popular with tourists and is ready to go each year with lots of incredible events to keep you and your family entertained and give you a wonderful Fourth of July vacation to remember.
With so many fun events and celebrations going on, it can be overwhelming to try and plan. You don’t want to miss or overlook anything, but you also can’t attend every event.
Today, we’re going to help you narrow down a list of the best, most exciting events to put on your list for your 4th of July trip to the Outer Banks this year.
Get to Know the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is a large, vast area that covers miles of beachfront and inland property. Vacationers who frequent the Outer Banks all have their favorite spots. If you’ve been before, you likely have an area that you prefer above all the others. These different areas are referred to as either towns or villages.
The Outer Banks is divided into Corolla, Waves, Southern Shores, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, Hatteras, Manteo, Wanchese, Rodanthe, Duck, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, Nags Head, and Ocracoke. That’s a lot of area to cover if you’re hunting for 4th of July activities!
To help you keep it close to the area you’ve chosen to stay in, we’ve broken our list of activities down into those occurring in the northern Outer Banks (Duck through Nags Head), middle Outer Banks (Manteo and Wanchese, on Roanoke Island), and southern Outer Banks (Rodanthe through Ocracoke).
Also, don’t forget that each year, Independence Day falls on a different day of the week, so be sure to check event listings for when each celebration will happen this year. Without further ado, let’s look at the best Outer Banks Independence Day celebrations.
4th of July Celebrations in the Outer Banks
OBX Fireworks & Independence Day Celebrations
- Website: https://www.visitcurrituck.com
- Address: 1160 Village Lane, Corolla, NC 27927
- Phone: 252-453-0221
At the northernmost point of the Outer Banks is Corolla, which offers the OBX Fireworks and Independence celebration yearly at Historic Corolla Park. The fireworks begin shortly after sundown, which is expected at around 8.25 pm. However, don’t come late, because beforehand, there will be plenty of food vendors, games, and summertime fun. The event opens to visitors at 5 pm.
The Town of Duck Parade
- Website: https://www.townofduck.com
- Address: Scarborough Lane, Duck, NC 27949
- Phone: 252-255-1234
The town of Duck, adjacent to Corolla, holds a large 4th of July parade every year. This annual one-mile parade route starts at the crest of the hill on Scarborough Lane before ending up at Pamela Court close to Duck Road. Don’t miss the concert at Duck Town Park after the parade finishes.
Visitors can also enjoy the patriotic spirit of Duck by watching the proceedings of the local window display contest. Local businesses participate in this lively competition from mid-June each year when they display all their creativity — visitors can vote for their favorite festive storefront.
Kill Devil Hills Freedom 5K
- Website: https://www.theobxrunningcompany.com
- Address: 102 Town Hall Drive, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
- Phone: 252-489-8239
If you like to get active on July 4th, consider the annual Freedom 5K in Kill Devil Hills. If you’re interested in taking part in this all-American event, you should register early as spaces do fill up quickly.
The Fourth of July fireworks display at the Avalon Pier is a great post-run activity. The town of Kill Devil Hills sponsors this show yearly, and you’re not likely to find this scenic pier and the fireworks over the water to disappoint! Head on over around 8 pm to find a good spot for the Kill Devil Hills fireworks.
Nags Head Fireworks
- Website: https://www.outerbanks.org
- Address: 3335 S Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, NC 27959
- Phone: 252-441-5508
If you’re closer to Nags Head than to Kill Devil Hills, you can opt for the fireworks show at the Nags Head Fishing Pier. This annual Town of Nags Head Fireworks Spectacular is typically held on the traditional date and is slated to start at 9.25 pm. In case of bad weather, the make-up rain date will be the fifth.
Manteo Fireworks Show
- Website: https://www.manteonc.gov
- Address: 300 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo, NC 27954
- Phone: 252-473-4101
The middle portion of the Outer Banks consists of the towns on Roanoke Island, a historic area nestled between the Dare County mainland and the Outer Banks proper. In the town of Manteo, you’ll be treated to a 4th of July celebration consisting of a fireworks show over the Manteo waterfront. The event is free and features live music, refreshments from local food vendors, a watermelon eating contest, and an apple pie contest.
If you want to catch the live music part of this event, make sure to head over to the nearby Roanoke Island Festival Park, which will be hosting local bands, including the 208th Army Band, as they play patriotic songs.
Avon Fishing Pier Fireworks
- Website: https://www.outerbanks.com
- Address: 41001 North Carolina Hwy 12, Avon, NC 27915
- Phone: 252-995-5480
While the northernmost areas of the Outer Banks are bustling with Independence Day activity, the southern areas are less frequented by tourists, making it the perfect spot to get away to if you’d like to plan a quiet and calm celebratory weekend. However, if you’re in the area and still want to partake in some celebrations, be sure to swing by the Avon Fishing Pier on Hatteras Island to catch the fireworks show beginning at 9 pm.
Experience the Outer Banks’ Fourth of July Celebrations
If you’re going to be in the Outer Banks for July 4th this year, then you’re in luck! There are plenty of events spaced out throughout the whole area that serve up lots of festive fun for the whole family.
Celebrate America’s independence in style by booking luxurious accommodations for your time in the Outer Banks. From oceanfront condos to affordable options that won’t break the bank, you’re sure to find the perfect vacation rental with First Flight Rentals.