Is there a better place to celebrate July 4th than on the Outer Banks? We don’t think so, although we may be biased! Whether you’d like to spend your 4th of July lounging at the beach, enjoying a festive local event, or simply spending time with loved ones at your OBX beach house, we’ve got a recommendation for you. There’s an Independence Day celebration nearby no matter which OBX town you’re staying in. There will be fireworks!
July 4th falls on a Saturday this year, which is a busy travel day on the Outer Banks. Some towns have chosen to hold their Independence Day celebrations on Friday, July 3, 2020. Duck and Corolla are holding their celebrations on Friday, July 3rd. Fourth of July events are being held throughout the Outer Banks the entire weekend.
Pro Tip: Book your OBX vacation the week beginning June 27th or June 28th. Staying on the Outer Banks the week of June 27th through July 4th allows you to celebrate Independence day in Duck and/or Corolla on July 3rd and make it back home in time to celebrate the 4th of July in your hometown. Staying the week of June 28th through July 5th allows you to celebrate in Duck and/or Corolla on Friday, July 3rd, and spend the 4th in at the celebration in Downtown Manteo.
Fireworks
Duck Parade
Races
Other events
*The date and time for some OBX 4th of July fireworks have not been confirmed yet. We will update this post as details emerge.
OBX Fireworks
Corolla’s Annual Festival of Fireworks
Historic Corolla Park (The Whalehead Club)
1100 Club Drive
Corolla, NC 27927
Friday, July 3, 2020
Time: TBD
The annual festival in Corolla is returning to Historic Corolla Park on Friday, July 3rd. Past years’ celebrations have included live music, a cornhole tournament, a watermelon eating contest, various food vendors, and games for kids. The celebration concludes with fireworks over the Currituck Sound. It’s a fun afternoon and evening for all, including furry family members who are also welcomed as long as they’re leashed.
Town of Manteo Fourth of July Celebration
Downtown Manteo
Queen Elizabeth Avenue
Manteo, NC 27954
Saturday, July 4, 2020
Time: TBD
Live music, fun contests, and, fireworks over the water are returning to downtown Manteo on July 4th. Past years’ celebrations have featured live bluegrass and folk music on both the Courthouse Stage and Boathouse Stage. Festive contests have included a Wacky Hat Contest, Decorated Bike Contest, and Apple Pie Contest. The event concludes with fireworks over the water around 9:30 pm.
Town of Kill Devil Hills Fireworks
Avalon Pier
2111 N. Virginia Dare Trail
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Milepost 6 on the beach road
Date and Time: TBD
Traditionally, the town of Kill Devil Hills has provided an impressive fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean that begins after dark. The fireworks are launched from Avalon Pier. Law enforcement will be on hand to assist with foot traffic crossing North Virginia Dare Trail (the beach road) and North Croatan Highway (the bypass) at Avalon Drive and Sportsman Drive.
Town of Nags Head Fireworks
Nags Head Fishing Pier
3335 S. Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
Milepost 11.5 on the beach road
Date and Time: TBD
In past years, the town of Nags Head’s Fourth of July Fireworks Display over the ocean has been launched from Nags Head Fishing Pier. Fireworks have started around 9:25 pm in past years.
Town of Duck Parade
Town of Duck’s 16th Annual 4th of July Parade & Community Celebration
The parade begins on Scarborough Lane, travels east towards the ocean then turns left on Ocean Way, turns left on Christopher Drive, then ends at Pamela Court. The community celebration, including parade awards, is at Duck Town Park immediately following the parade.
Friday, July 3, 2020
Time: 9:30 am
Duck’s 4th of July parade and community celebration is a fun way for the whole family to kick-off Independence Day weekend. Local folks don their most patriotic ensembles and creatively decorate vehicles in hopes of winning the Town of Duck Parade bragging rights. Parade winners are announced immediately after the parade at the community celebration at Duck Town Park. Enjoy watermelon on the lawn as a live Dixieland band plays music.
Races
OBX Freedom 5K
102 Town Hall Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Sunday, July 5, 2020
8:00 am
Independence 1 Mile Beer Run
Outer Banks Brewing Station
600 S. Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Sunday, June 28, 2020
11:00 am
Other Events
Carova Beer Band & BBQ Fundraiser
Carova Beach Volunteer Fire and Rescue Station #7
2169 Ocean Pearl Road
Carova, NC 27927
At the 21.5 mile marker, approximately 8.3 miles up the 4×4 beach
Thursday, July 2, 2020
4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The third annual event takes place at Carova Beach Volunteer Fire Department. The event is a fundraiser for Carova Beach Volunteer Fire and Rescue Station #7.
Manteo’s First Friday
Downtown Manteo Waterfront
Queen Elizabeth Avenue and the surrounding area
Manteo, NC 27954
Friday, July 3, 2020
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
On the first Friday of each month, April through December, downtown Manteo is transformed into an exciting street festival. On the sidewalks, live music, magic, local artisans, period-dressed actors, and much more add to the festive atmosphere. Many of the local restaurants and businesses offer their own First Friday celebrations and specials.
Staying at Your Beach House to Grill and Chill on the 4th?
Spending the morning at the beach and the afternoon grilling with family sounds like a fantastic way to spend the holiday. Butcher Block in Corolla can fulfill all of your meat and seafood needs, as well as beer and wine for your grill and chill session. While you’re there shopping for dinner, grab one of their tasty deli sandwiches for a quick lunch.
