When it comes to Fourth of July celebrations, the Outer Banks says go big or go home! Festive parades, wacky contests, live music, and dazzling fireworks displays are just a few of the ways to celebrate America’s Independence here. From Corolla to the Southern Shores, here are some of the best Outer Banks Fourth of July celebrations! Come join in the fun, and be sure to request access to our free Vacation Guide for more recommendations about things to see and do in the Outer Banks!
Where to Celebrate an Outer Banks Fourth of July This Year!
Corolla
There’s nothing quite as magical as watching a dazzling fireworks display over the Atlantic, and the one at Corolla is second-to-none. The Independence Day Celebration
held at the Historic Corolla Park begins at 5 p.m. with a variety of fun family activities, live music, and so much more! Admission is free, and complimentary parking is also available until the lots are full.
Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be for sale from local businesses, so you can make a full evening out of the celebration. While Fido is certainly welcome to attend, the loud noise of the fireworks may cause distress, so it’s probably best to leave them behind at your Paramount Destinations pet-friendly vacation rental.
Duck
You definitely won’t want to miss the Annual Duck Fourth of July Parade! The grand affair begins at 9 a.m. at the top of the hill on Scarborough Lane, then marches on toward the ocean. The one-mile procession turns left onto Ocean Way and continues onto Christopher Drive, commencing at Pamela Court. After the parade, stroll down to Duck Town Park for live Dixieland music, cold refreshments, watermelon slices, and the awarding of parade trophies!
Awards will be given for the Best Local Business Entry, Best Community Entry, the Spirit Award, and the Mayor’s Award.
Nags Head
If you missed out on fireworks earlier in the evening, you’re in luck! The Town of Nags Head will host the annual Independence Day Spectacular at 9:25 p.m. at the Ocean Pier. Located at Milepost 11.5 on N.C. Route 12, S Virginia Dare Trail, this oceanfront fireworks show completely free and is guaranteed to take your breath away. There are several public beach accesses that will take you to prime viewing spots on the beach. These are located at Curlew Street, Hollowell Street, Conch Street, Bladen Street, Bittern Street, Bonnett Street, Barnes Street, and Blackman Street. Find the perfect spot, sit back, and enjoy as the fireworks erupt over the water!
For parking, areas west of the Beach Bypass are recommended, and attendees are reminded to stay off the protected dunes and to respect vacation homes and private properties when looking for parking and viewing spots.
Kill Devil Hills
Another not-to-be-missed event, the fireworks show at Kill Devil Hills always draws a large crowd. The show begins at 9:15 p.m. at the Avalon Fishing Pier located at Milepost 7. While visitors can’t watch from the pier itself, the long stretches of beach surrounding the pier offer fantastic viewing. Town parking is free but may be limited, so make sure to arrive early!
Bring a beach chair, towel, or blanket, load up the cooler with your favorite drinks and snacks, and settle in for a fantastic and festive evening. When the festivities are over, hang around the beach for a while to let traffic die down before venturing back to your vacation rental.
Manteo
With crazy contests, live music, and fireworks, the Town of Manteo’s Fourth of July celebration has it all! This family-friendly event is an all-day affair, with the downtown street teeming with festivities throughout the day, including kid’s games and activities, as well as music, contests, and summer treats. From the bike decorations to the apple pie-eating contest to the beautiful summer skies, there is no shortage of things for you and your family to enjoy!
Take advantage of this free event at the Roanoke Island Festival Park’s scenic waterfront Pavilion, with the gates opening at 3:00 p.m.
Find a spot in the park and hang out with the family as you await the fireworks, or take some time to explore the heart of Manteo. Live music from The Crowd and Echoes of Heritage will fill the air along with the 208th Army Band, which will accompany the show with patriotic songs from the pavilion.
Celebrate America’s Independence with Paramount Destinations
No matter how you plan to celebrate, an Outer Banks Fourth of July will be an experience you will never forget. With properties in Corolla, Duck, Nags Head, and Southern Shores, Paramount Destinations offers the ideal accommodations for your stay. Our vacation rentals range from large family homes to intimate oceanfront cottages. Whether you are looking for a dog-friendly rental, a resort experience at the Currituck Club, or a home with a private pool, we are sure to have the perfect property for you!
Our rentals are already starting to fill up for the Fourth of July, so don’t wait to reserve your accommodations. Check our availability and book your Outer Banks vacation today. We can’t wait to welcome you!
