NC 4th of July Festival

The Tunnel to Towers 9/11 NEVER FORGET Mobile Exhibit
2025-07-03 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-02 10:00 - 16:00, 2025-07-01 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Southport Fire Department Downtown Substation, 111 E Nash St, Southport, NC, 28461, United States
Hosted by the Southport Fire Department. Sponsored by Southport Cares.

Meet Miss NC
2025-07-03 10:00 - 10:30 (America/New_York) | Fort Johnston-Southport Visitors Center and Museum, 203 E BAY ST, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461, United States

Children’s Games hosted by the City of Southport Parks & Recreation
2025-07-03 08:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | Fort Johnston-Southport Visitors Center and Museum, 203 E BAY ST, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461, United States
Hosted by the City of Southport Parks & Recreation.
Registration opens at 8:00 AM. Games start at 9:00 AM.

Waterfront Stage Entertainment - The Embers
2025-07-02 19:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Waterfront Park, 146 E Bay St, Southport, NC, 28461, United States
Sponsored by the State Port Pilot.
The Embers
July 2 – 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Waterfront Stage, Southport, NC
One of most prominent, successful and long-running bands playing beach music is The Embers, led by drummer Bobby Tomlinson, with Craig Woolard, Jeff Grimes, Andy Swindell, Stephen Pachuta, Hugh Blanton and Bobby Nantz, They have recorded 17 albums and numerous singles, while continuing to perform about 300 dates a year. Specializing in R&B and blue-eyed soul, The Embers bring back memories for those who sang and danced to the 1960s and 1970s sounds of The Four Tops, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, James Brown, Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Wilson Pickett, the Righteous Brothers, The Drifters, Arthur Alexander, Solomon Burke, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Ben E. King, Etta James. The Embers’ influence extends far beyond the East Coast beaches. The group tours throughout the South, into Canada and out to California, singing songs their audiences love and remember. The Embers have been named North Carolina’s Official Musical Ambassadors. They were inducted into the South Carolina Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, opened for the Rolling Stones, featured in commercials for Budweiser and Pepsi, played at the Olympics,and performed at President Clinton’s Inauguration. The Embers perform classic R&B with high octane waves of sound, bringing the beach to wherever they play. It’s a sound deeply embedded in the past, present, and future of North Carolina music.

A Salute to Veterans
2025-07-02 18:00 (America/New_York) | Southport Community Building, 223 E Bay St, Southport, NC, 28461, United States
Organized by River Road Animal Hospital
SALUTE TO VETERANS – PROGRAM ANNOUNCED
Honoring Service with Strength and Courage
The North Carolina 4th of July Festival is proud to announce this year’s Salute to Veterans program, taking place on Tuesday, July 2, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Southport Community Building. This annual tradition allows the community to come together to honor the men and women who have served our country. This program is organized by River Road Animal Hospital.
The 2025 Salute to Veterans will feature a keynote address by Col. James ‘Jim’ Czarnik, M.D. a retired U.S. Army Colonel with more than 34 years of distinguished service. A Soldier, Ranger, Officer, and emergency medicine physician, Dr. Czarnik has led on some of the world’s most complex stages—from combat zones to humanitarian missions.
Throughout his remarkable career, Dr. Czarnik has overseen the readiness of over 35,000 Special Operations Forces, served during the Ebola crisis in Liberia, and contributed to global diplomatic efforts. His leadership has shaped teams across continents, and his message continues to inspire. At this year’s event, he will share his powerful reflections on “Courageous Vulnerability”—a compelling look at the strength found in openness and resilience.
Salute to Veterans remains a cornerstone of the NC 4th of July Festival, offering a moment of reflection amid the celebrations to remember and thank those who have served and sacrificed. We invite all veterans, their families, and members of the community to attend this moving program.

Cape Fear Radio at Southport Waterfront Park Stage
2025-07-02 17:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Waterfront Park, 146 E Bay St, Southport, NC, 28461, United States

Reading of the Declaration
2025-07-02 17:30 (America/New_York) | Waterfront Park, 146 E Bay St, Southport, NC, 28461, United States

440th Army Band
2025-07-02 16:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Fort Johnston-Southport Visitors Center and Museum, 203 E BAY ST, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461, United States
The Festival is thrilled to host the 440th Army Band, a unique ensemble that serves as both the NC National Guard Ceremonial Band and Marching Band.
The 440th Army Ceremonial Band is a band of forty citizen soldiers committed to supporting Soldiers of the NCNG—the 440th Army Band as a concert band, marching band, and several smaller performance teams. The Festival is honored to have the band perform.

Red, White & Blue Freedom Flotilla
2025-07-02 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Waterfront Park, 146 E Bay St, Southport, NC, 28461, United States
Cape Fear Yacht Club (CFYC)

Meet Miss NC
2025-07-02 16:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Fort Johnston-Southport Visitors Center and Museum, 203 E BAY ST, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461, United States
Fort Johnston Garrison Lawn. Cape Fear Radio MCing.

Military Exhibits
2025-07-02 13:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Waterfront Park, 146 E Bay St, Southport, NC, 28461, United States

Cape Fear Radio hosting at Waterfront stage
2025-07-02 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Waterfront Park, 146 E Bay St, Southport, NC, 28461, United States

Old Brunswick Jail Open
2025-07-02 12:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Old Brunswick Jail, 318 E Nash St, Southport, NC, 28461, United States
Corner of N. Rhett Street/E. Nash Street. Hosted by the Southport Historical Society.

Summer Regional Art Show
2025-07-02 12:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-01 10:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Franklin Square Gallery, 130 E West St, Southport, NC, 28461, United States
Hosted by The Associated Artists of Southport.

Waterfront Stage Entertainment - The Brown Dirt Cowboys
2025-07-02 12:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Waterfront Park, 146 E Bay St, Southport, NC, 28461, United States
Sponsored by State Port Pilot.
The Brown Dirt Cowboys
July 2 – 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Waterfront Park Stage, Southport, NC
Kicking off the NC 4th of July Festival with a burst of high-energy sound and soul is The Brown Dirt Cowboys, a rock band out of Wilmington, NC, known for their piano-driven original music and rich vocal harmonies. Their name might nod to Elton John, but their sound is all their own—equal parts classic rock, Americana grit, and soulful Southern storytelling.
Fronted by Joel Lamb on keys and vocals, The Brown Dirt Cowboys blend old-school musicianship with modern edge. Guitarists Bobby Lloyd and Alex Lanier drive the band’s soaring riffs and textured rhythms, while drummer Zak Lanier and bassist Riley Kearns anchor the group with punchy, dynamic grooves. Add in the electrifying horn work of Andy Stanfill, and you’ve got a wall of sound that’s as tight as it is thrilling.
This band doesn’t just play music—they deliver a performance. Known across the Carolinas for their engaging stage presence and top-tier musicianship, The Brown Dirt Cowboys bring audiences to their feet with original songs that feel instantly familiar and covers that come alive with fresh energy.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, catch The Brown Dirt Cowboys on July 2 at the Waterfront Stage and experience a blend of rock, soul, and celebration that sets the perfect tone for a week of patriotic festivities in Southport.

Children’s Entertainment
2025-07-02 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Fort Johnston-Southport Visitors Center and Museum, 203 E BAY ST, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461, United States
Organized by Brunswick Arts Council & Southport Rotary Club

Food Concessions
2025-07-02 11:00 - 22:00 (America/New_York) | Howe Street, 116 S Howe St, Southport, NC, 28461, United States

Trolley Available from Southport Elementary
2025-07-02 10:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | Southport Elementery School, 701 W 9th St, Southport, NC, 28461, United States
Sponsored by Bald Head Island Limited, LLC and Intracoastal Realty Corporation.
Want to beat the traffic and get straight to the fun? Park and ride from Southport Elementary School! It’s easy, stress-free, and gets you right to the heart of the festival action. Skip the parking hunt!

Festival Merchandise Tent Open
2025-07-02 10:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Bay Street, 203 E BAY ST, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461, United States
Southport Waterfront, with Arts & Craft Booths.

Arts & Crafts
2025-07-02 10:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Bay Street, 203 E BAY ST, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461, United States
Sponsored by Beach Road Furniture.

NC Maritime Museum Open
2025-07-02 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-07-01 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-06-30 10:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | NC Maritime Museum at Southport, 204 E Moore St, SOUTHPORT, NC, 28461, United States

Fireworks - Oak Island
2025-07-01 21:00 (America/New_York) | Middleton Park, 102 SE 47th St, Oak Island, NC, 28465, United States
Hosted by the Town of Oak Island.

Welcoming Ceremony - Oak Island
2025-07-01 17:30 (America/New_York) | Middleton Park, 102 SE 47th St, Oak Island, NC, 28465, United States

Beach Day
2025-07-01 07:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Middleton Park, 102 SE 47th St, Oak Island, NC, 28465, United States
Hosted by Oak Island Parks and Recreation.
Agenda:
7:00 AM: Beach Day – Contest Registration at the Middleton Park Rec tent. Hosted by Oak Island Parks and Recreation.
8:00 AM: Beach Day – Volleyball at the Middleton Park Complex. Hosted by Oak Island Parks and Recreation.
8:30 AM: Beach Day – Sandcastle Contest, 46th Street SE & Beach Drive Access. Hosted by Oak Island Recreation.
9:00 AM: Beach Day – Horseshoes at Middleton Park (Register at field by Softball Field). Hosted by Oak Island Parks and Recreation.
9:00 AM: Beach Day – Beached Out Dog Costume Contest at Middleton Park Complex Stage. Hosted by Oak Island Parks and Recreation.
10:00 AM: Beach Day – Cornhole at Middleton Park Complex. Hosted by Oak Island Parks and Recreation.
10:00 AM: Beach Day – Baby Crawling Race at Middleton Park Complex Stage. Hosted by Oak Island Parks and Recreation.
11:00 AM: Beach Day – Pre-K School Age Reusable Balloon Toss at Middleton Park Complex Stage. Hosted by Oak Island Parks and Recreation.
11:00 AM–2:00 PM: Beach Day – Inflatables at Middleton Park. Hosted by Oak Island Parks and Recreation.
11:00 AM-2:00 PM: Cape Fear Radio MCing at Middleton Park.
12:00 PM: Beach Day – Limbo (6th-12th grade & 18+ Divisions) at Middleton Park Complex Stage. Hosted by Oak Island Recreation.
5:30 PM: Welcoming Ceremony, Oak Island. Middleton Park Complex.
6:00 PM: Beach Day Concert – Chairmen of the Board Feat. Ken Knox at Middleton Park Complex Stage. Hosted by the Town of Oak Island.
9:00 PM: Beach Day – Town of Oak Island Anniversary Fireworks. Oak Island Pier. Hosted by the Town of Oak Island.

Celebrating Art in Southport
2025-06-30 10:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | NC
10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Celebrating Art in Southport – Patriotic Art Contest & Porch Activity at Artisans Gallery on Howe, 114 S. Howe Street. Hosted by Artisans Gallery on Howe. Presented by Southport Art Gallery Guild.
10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Celebrating Art in Southport – Open House & Art Activity at Franklin Square Gallery, 130 E West Street. Hosted by Franklin Square Gallery. Presented by Southport Art Gallery Guild.
10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Celebrating Art in Southport – Refreshments & Kids’ Craft-Making Activity at Studio Artists of Southport, 715 N Howe Street. Hosted by Studio Artists of Southport. Presented by Southport Art Gallery Guild.
10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Celebrating Art in Southport – Patriotic Sidewalk Chalk Activity at Lantana’s Gallery, 113 S Howe Street. Hosted by Lantana’s Gallery. Presented by Southport Art Gallery Guild.
10:00 AM–5:00 PM: Celebrating Art in Southport – Open House & Refreshments at Ricky Evans Art Gallery, 211 N Howe Street. Hosted by Ricky Evans Art Gallery. Presented by Southport Art Gallery Guild.
