Fireworks in The Triangle
Plus 4th of July - Instagram vs Reality
Any big plans for the 4th? For me and my boys the answer is… no. 4th of July parties sound fun in theory but in actuality my little ones do not thrive in crowds, nor in the heat. They will look at bowls of potato salad with disdain as I beg them to at least eat some Goldfish before the hangry kicks in. They will focus on the patriotic sugar cookies and/or popsicles. They will get cranky. I will get cranky. I will start sweating from running around keeping them from cattle branding each other with sparklers. I will glare at my relaxed husband drinking a beer with the same disdain as the boys looked at the potato salad. And after staying 2 courtesy hours we will leave.
(If you are a 4th of July party person I support you and wish to re-join your ranks one day)
SO! Knowing this, we will be carving out our own fun. We will do a pinterest-y firework craft and get messy. We will clean off playing in the sprinkler. We will go to the empty neighborhood pool. Afterwards I will dress them in a preppy patriotic outfit for no reason other than my own joy. I aspire to eat a hot dog with baked beans (favorite healthy-ish recipe here), and coleslaw. Maybe some chips. Definitely a beer. And this year, we might just let them stay up late to see some fireworks.
Speaking of fireworks! Here are some local places to catch them (including some tonight!) and tips for navigating. But first a gallery of 4th of July fashions + messy craft.
Raleigh
Dorothea Dix Park - 101 Blair Drive, Raleigh, NC
July 4, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Fireworks at 9:30 PM - Free
Family-friendly with food trucks, live music, and activities.
Parking tips: Free shuttles from Moore Square and ADA shuttle service from designated lots. Plan for walking distances. Bring blankets, chairs, and refillable water bottles. No alcohol, pets, or personal fireworks allowed.
Durham
Durham Bulls Athletic Park - 409 Blackwell Street, Durham, NC
July 4, after the 6:35 PM baseball game
Game tickets required - or just go to the top of the Cocoran Street Parking Garage
Cary - Koka Booth Amphitheatre
July 4, Doors open at 3:30 PM, Fireworks after the NC Symphony performance - Free
Parking on site.
Bring blankets and chairs, enjoy live patriotic music.
Chapel Hill - Southern Community Park - 1000 Sumac Road
July 4, Fireworks at 9:00 PM, parking starts at 7:00pm - Free
Family-friendly event, best viewing from ball fields
No tents, pets, alcohol, or glass allowed.
Wake Forest - Heritage High School
July 3, Gates open at 5:30 PM, Fireworks at 9:30 PM - Free
Music by Band of Oz
Arrive early for a good spot, bring chairs and blankets.
Morrisville - Cedar Fork District Park - 228 Aviation Parkway
July 3, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Fireworks at dusk - Free
Live entertainment, food trucks, family-friendly games
Bring cash for food trucks and chairs
