Holly Springs, NC, Jun. 19, 2026 — From live music and food trucks to drone shows, patriotic concerts, and spectacular fireworks displays, South Wake County communities are offering a week full of Independence Day festivities as America celebrates its 250th anniversary. Here’s a detailed guide to celebrations in Holly Springs, Apex, Fuquay-Varina, and Cary.
Quick Dates & Times
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July 1:Fuquay-Varina Independence Day Celebration — Gates open at 6:00 p.m.; fireworks approximately 9:15 p.m.
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July 3:Apex Fireworks Frenzy — 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.; fireworks approximately 9:30 p.m.
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July 4:Cary Independence Day Celebration — Gates open at 3:30 p.m.; fireworks at 9:25 p.m.
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July 5:Holly Springs Independence Day Celebration — 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; fireworks approximately 9:15 p.m.
Holly Springs Independence Day Celebration
Celebrating 250 Years of America and 150 Years of Holly Springs
Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.Fireworks: Approximately 9:15 p.m. (weather permitting)Location: Sugg Farm, 2401 Grigsby Ave., Holly Springs
Event Summary
Holly Springs will cap off Independence Day weekend with a community celebration that also launches the Town’s year-long 150th anniversary celebration. Residents can commemorate both America’s 250th birthday and Holly Springs’ sesquicentennial with an evening of live entertainment, family activities, food trucks, local history exhibits, and fireworks.
Event Highlights
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Launch of Holly Springs’ 150th anniversary celebration
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Limited-edition commemorative giveaways
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Town history walk-through exhibit
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Selfie stations and photo opportunities
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Live music and entertainment
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Family-friendly games and activities
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Fireworks finale
Special Features
Visitors are encouraged to stop by the Town of Holly Springs tent to pick up:
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Commemorative fireworks glasses
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Holographic anniversary stickers
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Other limited-edition anniversary swag
A special historical exhibit showcasing Holly Springs’ 150-year history will also be available.
Food & Beverage
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Multiple food trucks will be on-site
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Attendees may bring coolers and picnics
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Plenty of water is recommended
Restrictions & What to Bring
Allowed
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Lawn chairs
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Blankets
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Outdoor games
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Coolers and picnic food
Not Allowed
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Alcohol
Schedule at a Glance
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6:00 p.m. Event begins
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Throughout the evening: Live music, food trucks, games, anniversary exhibits
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9:15 p.m. Fireworks (weather permitting)
Apex Fireworks Frenzy
Parade of Wheels, Drone Show, and Fireworks Take Center Stage
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026Time: 4:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.Location: Hunter Street Park, 1250 Ambergate Station, Apex
Event Summary
With downtown construction resulting in the cancellation of Apex’s traditional Olde Fashioned Fourth of July celebration, two favorite traditions, the Parade of Wheels and Apex Fire Department Splashdown, have been incorporated into Fireworks Frenzy. The event combines family activities, food, an expanded drone light show, and fireworks into one of the area’s most unique Independence Day celebrations.
Event Highlights
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Parade of Wheels
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Apex Fire Department Splashdown
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Expanded drone light show
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Fireworks display
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Kids Zone with inflatables and games
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Food trucks
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Sensory-friendly accommodations
Special Features
Parade of WheelsChildren are invited to decorate bicycles, wagons, tricycles, and other non-motorized vehicles in patriotic themes before participating in the parade.
Drone Light ShowA larger-than-ever drone display designed specifically for Apex will light up the sky before the fireworks.
Sensory-Friendly ExperienceThe Apex Senior Center will host:
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Quiet sensory room
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Sensory bags available for checkout
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Alternative viewing areas for fireworks
Food & Beverage
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Food trucks and Kids Zone activities are available from approximately 5:00 p.m. until 8:45 p.m.
Restrictions & What to Bring
Recommended
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Towels for Splashdown participants
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Lawn chairs and blankets
Sensory ConsiderationsA planned break between the drone show and fireworks allows guests with sensory sensitivities time to relocate or leave before fireworks begin.
Schedule at a Glance
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4:00 p.m. Parade participants line up
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4:30 p.m. Parade of Wheels and Splashdown
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5:00 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Food trucks, inflatables, and Kids Zone activities
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8:45 p.m. Drone light show
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9:00 p.m. Sensory transition period
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9:30 p.m. Fireworks display
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10:00 p.m. Event concludes
Fuquay-Varina Independence Day Celebration
Music, Fireworks, and the Town’s Biggest Display Yet
Date: Wednesday, July 1, 2026Gates Open: 6:00 p.m.Fireworks: Approximately 9:15 p.m.Location: South Park, 900 S. Main St., Fuquay-Varina
Event Summary
Fuquay-Varina kicks off Independence Day week with an evening of live music, food trucks, family activities, and what organizers are calling the Town’s largest fireworks display ever. The celebration marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and offers families multiple opportunities to enjoy the park before the fireworks begin.
Event Highlights
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Live concert by Bounce
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Massive fireworks display
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Splash Pad access
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Town swag giveaways
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Kids craft station
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Patriotic photo opportunities
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Line dancing during the concert intermission
Special Features
Live MusicBounce takes the stage at 6:30 p.m., performing popular dance and sing-along favorites from multiple decades…