Celebrate Fourth of July from River to Sea

Wilmington Events

• Kick off your weekend fun during Reggae at the Pier June 30 with live music from Steel Pulse, Collie Buddz, Signal Fire and more. Tickets begin at $50.
• 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 $20 each.
• Root for the home team as the Wilmington Sharks take to the field July 2-3. Stick around after the games for spectacular fireworks displays.
• Take in seasonal blooms at Airlie Gardens and check out the Airlie Gardens' Butterfly Release July 4.

• 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.

Island Happenings

• Head to the Carolina Beach Boardwalk for Independence Day Fireworks by the Sea & Boardwalk Blast June 30. Enjoy live entertainment, family-friendly activities and more. Then, pick your spot on the beach to catch the fireworks.
• Pair fresh-to-table meals with scenic views and live music from Josh Lewis at Oceanic or stop by Bluewater Waterfront Grill in Wrightsville Beach to enjoy craft cocktails and live tunes from Jam Sandwich July 2.
• Pack a picnic and grab your lawn chairs to see “Top Gun Maverick” during Free Movies at the Carolina Beach Lake in Carolina Beach July 2.

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 located in the Cargo District 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 grilled 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 and funnel cakes. 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 at Banter and try the William DeStrac, a signature cocktail made with elderberry flowers, lavender and lemon mixed with vodka and champagne. 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, check out what’s on tap at The Sandspur, a new dive bar and restaurant 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.