Fourth of July in Raleigh: From downtown to Dix Park, an all-day party for America 250

The City of Raleigh's fireworks celebration will move back to Dix Park in 2026.

2026-04-07

The city is considering spending an additional $500,000 from the general fund to support security, logistics and programming for events both at Dix Park and a "daytime event in downtown," according to the agenda for Tuesday's meeting of the city council.

The expanded holiday celebration is in line with the nationwide America 250, marking 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.  

The city plans to spend $60,000 on fireworks alone.

Details of the downtown and Dix Park events have yet to be announced.

The Fourth of July falls on a Saturday in 2026, and America 250 celebrations across the country are expected to draw big crowds. The council agenda notes that Raleigh's celebration grew in popularity each year from 2022 to 2024, when it was held at Dix Park.

The city's fireworks were shot from Lenovo Center in 2025, but move back to the park for 2026.