Beat the Heat with These Raleigh, NC Events This July
Summer is heating up and so is the Raleigh events calendar! Whether you're into fireworks, live music, quirky festivals, or shopping under the sun, there's something happening every week to help you soak up the season. Here’s your go-to guide for what’s happening in Raleigh (and nearby) this July—organized week-by-week so you can plan ahead!
Week of July 1st - July 7th
left image from Thriving in Raleigh | right image from enofest.org
Zinchouse Winery & Brewery Independence Day Celebration
When: Thursday, July 3rd from 3pm - 11pm
Where: Zinchouse Winery
Cost: FREE (21+ only)
Description: Celebrate Independence Day early at Zinchouse with a patriotic party that has it all… craft cocktails, wine, cold brews, and a whole lot of fun. Enjoy live music throughout the evening with performances from Ray Martin and Your Mamas New Boyfriend (4–7 PM), followed by 8-Track Minds (7–10 PM). Local food trucks will be on-site to keep you fueled, and the night wraps up with a fireworks show at 9 PM. It’s the perfect way to kick off the holiday weekend!
July 3rd Celebration in Downtown Cary Park
When: Thursday, July 3rd from 4pm - 10pm
Where: Downtown Cary Park
Description: Downtown Cary Park is celebrating Independence Day a little early with an evening full of festive fun! Catch a screening of Top Gun (PG-13) on the big screen, enjoy family-friendly games and crafts, and grab dinner from local food trucks. Don’t forget to snag one of the limited-edition Top Gun-themed stickers available at The Nest Pavilion and on the Great Lawn.
When: Friday, July 4th & Saturday, July 5th
Where: West Point of Eno River City Park
Cost:
1 day adult ticket: $35
2 day adult ticket: $65
1 day youth ticket: $10
2 day youth ticket: $15
9 & Under: FREE
Description: Looking for a chill, nature-filled way to celebrate the 4th? Head to West Point on the Eno in Durham for this iconic festival featuring over 60 local bands, handcrafted art, food trucks, and river activities like canoeing. It’s a beautiful blend of music, culture, and conservation—and a great excuse to spend the day outdoors.
Raleigh’s July 4th Fireworks Celebration
When: Friday, July 4th from 6:30pm - 10pm (fireworks begin at 9:30pm)
Where: Lenovo Center & Carter-Finley Stadium
Cost: FREE
Description: Celebrate Independence Day at the stadium complex around the Lenovo Center and Carter-Finley Stadium. This year, they are going back to the basics. The celebration will be all about the show in the sky, with no stage, vendors, or festival activities. The huge fireworks show starts at 9:30 PM.
When: Friday, July 4th from 4pm - 9pm
Where: State Farmers Market
Cost: FREE
Description: Skip the grill this year and let someone else do the cooking! Head to the State Farmers Market for a festive lineup of food trucks, live entertainment, and delicious desserts. It’s the perfect way to eat your way through the holiday—plus, you can still make it in time for the fireworks celebration at the stadium complex around the Lenovo Center and Carter-Finley Stadium.
EVEN MORE PLACES TO WATCH FIREWORKS:
Red, White & BOOM - Morrisville, NC
When: July 3rd from 5pm - 9:30pm (fireworks start at 9pm)
Where: Cedar Fork District Park
Garner Independence Day Celebration
When: July 3rd from 5pm - 10pm (fireworks start at 9:30pm)
Where: Lake Benson Park
Fuquay Varina Independence Day Celebration
When: July 1st from 6pm - 10pm (fireworks start at 9:15pm)
Where: South Park
Holly Springs Independence Day Celebration
When: July 5th from 6:30pm - 10:pm (fireworks start at 9:15pm)
Where: Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park
City of Durham Fireworks - Durham Bulls Game
When: 6:30pm - 10pm (fireworks start at 9:15pm)
Where: Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Town of Cary Independence Day Celebration & Fireworks
When: July 4th from 3:30pm - 9:30pm (fireworks start at 9:25pm)
Where: Koka Booth Amphitheater
Click here for more info!Apex Fireworks Frenzy
When: July 3rd from 5pm - 10pm (fireworks start at 9:30pm)
Where: Hunter Street Park
Wendell Fireworks Show
When: July 2nd from 6pm - 9:30pm (fireworks start at 9pm)
Where: Wendell Community Park
Wake Forest Independence Day Celebration
When: July 3rd from 5:30pm - 10pm (fireworks start at 9:30pm)
Where: Heritage High School
Rolesville 4th Celebration
When: July 4th from 5pm - 10pm (fireworks start at 9:15pm)
Where: Redford Place Park
Downtown Smithfield Fireworks
When: July 3rd (fireworks start at 9:05pm)
Where: Neuse River Amphitheater
Chapel Hill 4th of July Celebration
When: July 4th from 7pm - 10pm (fireworks start at 9:20pm)
Where: Southern Community Park
Star Spangled Block Party in Brier Creek
When: July 4th from 8pm - 10pm (fireworks start at 9pm)
Where: Brier Creek Commons Clock Tower
Week of July 8th - July 14th
left image from Canva Gallery | right image from Thriving in Raleigh
When: Thursday, July 10th - Sunday, July 13th
Where: Theatre Raleigh Arts Center
Cost: $47+/person
Description: Get ready for something a little weird and a lot of fun. The Raleigh Fringe Festival showcases 14 ticketed shows in their primary lineup, street performers/buskers throughout the lobby and outside, community events like a Prop Swap, Fringe on Film, and more. This festival is full of surprises—and no two shows are ever the same!
When: Friday, July 11th from 6pm - 9pm
Where: Downtown Wake Forest
Cost: FREE
Description: This popular summer concert series in downtown Wake Forest is worth the short drive. Grab a bite from food trucks, enjoy local craft brews, and dance along to live music in the street. It's a relaxed, welcoming vibe that draws families, couples, and friend groups alike.
When: Saturday, July 11th from 11am - 8pm
Where: Raleigh City Plaza
Cost: FREE
Description: Downtown Raleigh brings the tropical vibes with this fun, music-filled evening in Raleigh City Plaza. Expect DJs, dancing, splash zones, games, and tasty treats from food vendors. It's a great way to wind down the week and enjoy a laid-back evening with friends or family.
Week of July 15th - July 21st
left image from Thriving in Raleigh | right image from @natebargatze IG
When: Friday, July 18th - Monday, July 21st
Where: North Hills
Cost: FREE
Description: If you're in the mood for a little retail therapy, don't miss the annual North Hills sidewalk sale. Dozens of local boutiques and name-brand stores are offering deep discounts—plus there are pop-ups, giveaways, and maybe even a sweet treat or two while you shop.
Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour
When: Thursday, July 17th & Friday, July 18th
Where: Lenovo Center
Cost: FREE
Description: The “nicest man in stand-up” is bringing his hilarious, family-friendly comedy to Raleigh for two nights only. Known for his clean humor and deadpan delivery, Nate Bargatze has been a hit on Netflix and late-night TV. These shows are sure to sell out fast, so grab your tickets early if you're in need of a laugh!
Week of July 22nd - July 31st
left image from monsterjam.com | right image from Thriving in Raleigh (throwback to 2019 🤪)
When: Thursday, July 24th - Sunday, July 27th
Where: Raleigh Convention Center
Cost:
Kids 4 and under: FREE
Kids 5-9: $20+
Single Day - 4 Day Premium Reserve VIP : $45 - $2700
**USE CODE GALAXY20 FOR 20% OFF ADMISSION
Description: Calling all comic fans, cosplay lovers, and pop culture enthusiasts—GalaxyCon is back! This massive convention takes over the Raleigh Convention Center with celebrity guests, artist meet-and-greets, vendor booths, panel discussions, and so much more. Whether you're into anime, gaming, superheroes, or sci-fi, there’s something for every kind of fan here.
When: Saturday, July 26th & Sunday, July 27th
Where: Lenovo Center
Cost: $35+/ticket
Description: Feel the roar of the engines as massive trucks fly, flip, and crush their way through an adrenaline-pumping arena show. It’s loud, it’s wild, and it’s a blast for all ages—especially those who love anything with wheels.
When: Sunday, July 27th starting at 3:45pm
Where: Coastal Credit Union
Cost: $30/ticket
Description: Spend your Saturday night with legends like Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and more at this star-studded stop of the Outlaw Music Festival. Held at Coastal Credit Union, it’s an outdoor concert experience you won’t forget—especially with a summer sunset and cold drink in hand.
There’s nothing quite like summer in Raleigh—late sunsets, outdoor concerts, and the perfect mix of local culture and laid-back charm. Bookmark this list, grab your sunscreen, and make the most of every weekend. Whether you’re celebrating with fireworks or dancing the night away, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy July in the Triangle.
For even more events to explore in Raleigh this July, be sure to check out our full events calendar!
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