Celebrate Independence Day in a big way this summer as the City of Raleigh brings back the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration to Dorothea Dix Park. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Raleigh residents and visitors can enjoy an evening packed with fireworks, live music, food trucks, lawn games, family-friendly activities, and community celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026.

Presented in partnership with ABC11 WTVD-TV, the free event is expected to draw thousands to Dix Park for one of the largest Independence Day celebrations in the Triangle.

Raleigh Fourth of July Fireworks Schedule at Dix Park

Saturday, July 4, 2026

• 5:30 p.m. – Downtown Raleigh shuttle service begins from Moore Square
• 6:00 p.m. – Gates open at Dix Park with food trucks, music, games, and family activities
• 9:00 p.m. – Last shuttle departs Moore Square for Dix Park
• 9:30 p.m. – Fireworks begin
• 10:00 p.m. – Event concludes and return shuttles begin operating back to downtown Raleigh

What to Expect at the Raleigh Fireworks Celebration

The Fourth of July event at Dix Park is designed as a fireworks-focused community gathering with plenty of entertainment before the big show lights up the sky.

Visitors can enjoy:

• Spectacular fireworks show
• DJ and live music performances
• Family craft stations
• Lawn games and open space activities
• Shaded picnic areas
• Local food and beverage vendors
• Community celebration atmosphere

Please note that alcohol is not permitted at the event.

How to Get to Dix Park for Fireworks

There will be no public parking available directly inside Dix Park, so organizers encourage attendees to plan transportation in advance.

Park & Ride Shuttle Service

Attendees can park in downtown Raleigh parking decks for a $10 flat event rate and take a free shuttle from Moore Square to Dix Park.

Shuttles begin operating at 5:30 p.m.

ADA & Accessibility Parking

Accessible parking will be available for guests requiring accommodations.

Requirements include:

• Valid handicap placard, permit, or license plate
• Credential holder must be inside the vehicle

ADA parking access:

• Enter via Goode Street from Lake Wheeler Road
• ADA shuttles will transport attendees to the Big Field

Free Parking Options Near Dix Park

Limited free parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at North Carolina State University Centennial Campus.

Parking locations include:

• Partners Way Deck – 851 Partners Way SW
• Oval West Deck – 914 Partners Way

Guests arriving after 8 p.m. are encouraged to use downtown Raleigh parking and the Park & Ride shuttle system instead.

Walk, Bike, Scooter, or Take Public Transit

The City is encouraging alternative transportation options for the celebration.

Recommended Greenway & Bike Routes

• Rocky Branch Greenway via Hunt Drive and Western Boulevard
• Centennial Bikeway Connector via Blair Drive and Centennial Parkway

Bike and scooter parking areas will be available at:

• Hunt Drive & Western Boulevard
• Blair Drive & Centennial Parkway
• Chapel Parking Lot C

GoRaleigh Transit Routes

Public transit riders can use:

• Route 11 Avent Ferry
• Route 21 Caraleigh

Rideshare Drop-Off Areas

Uber, Lyft, taxis, and personal drop-offs will be available at:

• 1030 Richardson Drive
• Centennial Parkway & Blair Drive

No Tickets Required for Raleigh Fireworks Event

The Dix Park Fourth of July celebration is completely free and open to the public. No tickets or registration are required.

Guests planning to use the shuttle system from Moore Square are encouraged to submit the optional shuttle headcount form to help organizers prepare for attendance.

What to Bring to the Raleigh Fireworks Celebration

Allowed Items

• Blankets
• Small soft-sided coolers
• Snacks and sealed non-alcoholic beverages
• Refillable water bottles
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Flashlights
• Comfortable closed-toe shoes

Prohibited Items

• Weapons
• Alcohol
• Smoking or vaping
• Drones
• Personal fireworks or sparklers
• Grills or open flames
• Off-leash dogs
• Drug use
• Littering

Security screening will be in place at all designated entry gates, and the Big Field area will be fenced for safety.

Other Fourth of July Weekend Events Around Raleigh

First in Freedom Parade

A patriotic downtown Raleigh parade honoring America’s founding and North Carolina’s role in independence.

When: Saturday, July 4 | 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Downtown Raleigh

North Carolina Freedom Fest

Hosted by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources with live music, food trucks, history exhibits, and family activities.

When: Saturday, July 4 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: North Carolina State Capitol

America’s Cookout

A community-focused event hosted by the City of Raleigh featuring games, food, activities, and opportunities to connect with local departments.

When: Sunday, July 5 | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Abbott’s Creek Community Center

Stay Updated with Raleigh Event Alerts

Residents can sign up for real-time alerts regarding weather, traffic, and safety updates during Fourth of July weekend.

Text RALEIGH250 to 888777 for updates.

Raleigh’s Fourth of July celebration at Dix Park is shaping up to be one of the city’s biggest summer events, bringing together fireworks, music, food, and community spirit to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

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Published by Bryan Tomlinson | BTDesigns.pro | DoRaleigh.com