Annual NC 4th of July Festival

The patriotic spirit of America is alive and well in the City of Southport.

For over 200 years this small maritime community has celebrated our nation's independence in a big way! The celebration has grown from colonial times when ships lay anchor in her harbor and shot their cannons to today's festival where 40,000 to 50,000 people come each year to bathe in the richness of spirit commemorating Old Glory.

Incorporated as the N.C. 4th of July Festival in the year 1972 the festival committee strives to keep the focus of the festival on honoring our nation's birthday with a little fun thrown in.

Summary of Activities & Events

Events for this year's festival will be held in and around the Southport and Oak Island areas. For a full schedule of events, complete with locations and times, please visit the official Festival website. 

Friday, June 27th Events

• 9/11 Traveling Memorial, Flyover, Reading of the Declaration of Independence, and Brunswick Big Band

Saturday, June 28th Events

• Freedom Run 5K and 1-Mile, Summer Regional Art Show, 9/11 Traveling Memorial, "AARGH! A Pirate's Life For Me!" at the Amuzu Theater, 40th Annual Fire Frighters Freedom Competition, and A Tribute to ALL Our Heros. Sea Notes Choral Society. 

Sunday, June 29th Events

• Food Vendors, World's Largest Ice Cream, Patriotic Concert with The Sea Notes Choral Society, and Gospel Fest

Monday, June 30th Events

• NC Maritime Museum Open, For Johnston-Southport Visitors Center and Museum Open. 

Tuesday, July 1st Events

• Oak Island Beach Day, Summer Concert, and Oak Island Beach Day Fireworks (see Oak Island Beach Day event page for additional details)

Wednesday, July 2nd Events

• Assumption of Command by 596th Transportation Brigade, 440th Army Band, Stand-Up Paddleboard Parade, 9/11 Traveling Memorial, Summer Regional Art Show, Arts & Crafts Market, Food Concessions, Children's Entertainment, Military Exhibits, Red White & Blue Flotilla, A Salute to Veterans, Brunswick Summer Wind Ensemble, and Cape Fear Radio hosting at Waterfront Stage. 

Thursday, July 3rd Events

• Children's Games, 9/11 Traveling Memorial, Military Exhibits, Summer Regional Artshow, Arts & Crafts Market, Food Concessions, Flag Retirement Ceremony, 440th Army Band, Naturalization Ceremony, Clicks of Confidence and Trick Horses, Humphrey Honey Bunny Farm Traveling Petting Zoo, Waterfront Stage Entertainment, and Street Dance

Friday, July 4th Events

• 9/11 Traveling Memorial, Summer Regional Artshow, Reading of the Declaration of Independence, Flag Raising Ceremony, Festival Parade, Arts & Crafts Market, Food Concessions, Flyover, First Responders Vehicle Displays, UPWA Live Pro Wrestling, Waterfront Stage Entertainment, and 4th of July Festival Fireworks

NC 4th of July Festival Information

For more information on this year's festival, including events, how to purchase the official teeshirt, and so much more, visit the official website.

NC 4TH OF JULY