The City of Raleigh’s 4th of July fireworks celebration will return to the Big Field at Dorothea Dix Park in 2026. It will take place Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 6 to 10 p.m. The fireworks will be the main event, but the celebration also includes music, activities and food.
This is a free event and no ticket is needed.
Check out a huge list of 4th of July fireworks, parades and celebrations in the Triangle!
What to Expect
- Fireworks show
- DJ and live music
- Craft station
- Lawn games
- Shaded picnic area
- Food and beverage vendors (no alcohol permitted)
Schedule
- 5:30 p.m.: Downtown shuttles begin from Moore Square
- 6:00 p.m.: Gates open at Dix Park; Food trucks, music, and activities begin
- 9:00 p.m.: Last shuttle leaves from Moore Square for Dix Park
- 9:30 p.m.: FIREWORKS!
- 10:00 p.m.: Event concludes; Shuttles begin returning attendees to Moore Square
Parking Options
- Free shuttles from Moore Square. Downtown Raleigh parking decks will be charging a $10 flat fee.
- Limited free parking at NC State University Centennial Campus on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan to walk to the Big Field from these lots: Partners Way Deck, 861 Partners Way Southwest, and Oval West Deck, 914 Partners Way.
- ADA/Accessibility parking for those requiring accommodations. You’ll need a valid state-issued handicap placard, permit, or license plate to access ADA parking, and the person the credential is issued to must be in the vehicle. Enter at Goode Street from Lake Wheeler Road and follow staff directions to designated parking lots. An ADA shuttle will transport attendees to the Big Field.
Bring
- Blankets
- Small, soft-sided coolers with snacks, food, and sealed non-alcoholic beverages
- Refillable water bottles
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Flashlights
Do Not Bring
- Weapons of any kind
- Alcohol
- Smoking or vaping
- Drug use
- Open flames or grills
- Personal fireworks or sparklers
- Drones
- Off-leash dogs (Consider leaving dogs at home due to fireworks noise, crowds, and heat)
- Littering
The fireworks celebration will be part of a full weekend of events across the city to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
You might also be interested in:
More 4th of July Events in the Triangle
Read about all the July 4th fireworks, celebrations and parades in the Triangle.
When
July 4, 2026 @ 6:00 pm-10:00 pm
Cost
FREE
What
City of Raleigh’s 4th of July Fireworks (check back soon for details)
Where
Dorothea Dix Park
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