Your Ultimate First Friday + Independence Day Rundown

Downtown Raleigh is the place to be this Friday, July 4, as the city combines First Friday festivities with Fourth of July celebrations for one packed, all-day party. Whether you’re in the mood for cocktails, tattoos, vintage shopping, movie nights, or fireworks after dark, this guide will help you hit all the highlights.

Here’s everything happening in the heart of the city this Independence Day:

🌞 Start Your Day Early

Feel Good Fridays at The Mecca

🕢 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM

📍 The Mecca Restaurant

Start your day the old-school Raleigh way with a hearty breakfast or lunch at one of the city’s most iconic diners.

Beat the Heat Party at Origami Styling

🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Origami Styling

Cool down with chilled vibes, local vendors, and maybe even a stylish surprise.

🛍️ Afternoon Shopping & Social Stops

4th of July Sale – $5 Bins at The Burrow

🕛 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

📍 The Burrow

Dig through deals and steals during this one-day-only vintage and local goods sale.

First Friday Flashes at Le Dive x Old Ghosts Tattoo

🕔 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

📍 Le Dive

Snag a fresh flash tattoo while sipping cocktails—because nothing says freedom like spontaneous ink.

🎉 First Friday Festivities Begin

First Friday Market & Movie Night

🕔 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

📍 Moore Square

Browse the local vendor market, enjoy live entertainment, and stick around for an open-air movie screening (perfect for families or date night).

First Friday at Captain Cookie & the Milkman

🕕 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

📍 Transfer Co. Food Hall

Sweeten your night with gourmet cookies, ice cream, and the buzz of First Friday energy.

Mimicry: Art Opening at The CoLab

🕕 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM

📍 The CoLab

Explore a new visual art exhibit with a mix of music and mingling.

First Friday at Good Trip Gallery

🕖 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

📍 Good Trip Ink

View work by local artists in a funky, creative space—perfect for art lovers and collectors alike.

First Friday at The Times

🕖 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

📍 The Raleigh Times Bar

Live music, beer, vendors, and good vibes at this downtown favorite.

🍸 Downtown Parties After Dark

First Friday Cocktail Mixer & DJ Party

🕗 Evening

📍 The Architect Bar and Social House

Sip creative cocktails and dance to beats from live DJs in one of Raleigh’s best nightlife spots.

Ladies Night at The Merchant

📍 The Merchant

Raise a glass to independence with drink specials and DJ sets for ladies and friends.

4th of July Party at Slim’s

🕓 4:30 PM – 2:00 AM

📍 Slim’s Downtown

The city’s beloved dive bar is going full throttle with live music, drinks, and nonstop energy all night long.

4th of July First Friday at The Haymaker

🕘 9:00 PM

📍 The Haymaker

Celebrate the Fourth with craft cocktails and rooftop vibes.

July First Friday Amateur Talent Show

🕘 9:00 PM

📍 Legends Nightclub Complex

You never know what kind of magic (or mayhem) you’ll see on stage. It’s bold, it’s fun, and it’s 100% Raleigh.

🎆 Stay in the Know

For even more events happening across Raleigh on July 4—and every day—visit 👉 DoRaleigh.com

Whether you’re chasing fireworks or a dance floor, Friday in Downtown Raleigh has something for every kind of celebration. Grab your friends, your red-white-and-blue, and let’s party like it’s 1776 (with better drinks and air conditioning). 🇺🇸✨