Along the Outer Banks, celebrate Independence Day with parades, races, fireworks and fun!

Published 1:30 pm Thursday, July 3, 2025

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The Outer Banks is pulling out all the red, white and blue for Independence Day 2025, offering a dazzling lineup of patriotic festivities stretching from the sand dunes of Jockey’s Ridge to the historic charm of Corolla. With races, parades, fireworks and family-friendly events, locals and visitors alike will find no shortage of ways to celebrate freedom in true coastal Carolina style.

Get your Fourth of July started with an energizing race. At 7:30 a.m., the Freedom 5K kicks off at the Kill Devil Hills Town Hall, followed by a 1-Mile and Little Kids Fun Run. Organized by the OBX Running Company and SUN Realty, the event offers medals, snacks and custom trophies—all in the spirit of community and independence.

On Hatteras Island, the 4 on the 4th Run returns to Kinnakeet Shores in Avon. This four-mile jaunt (with a 1776-foot dash for kids!) helps support local nonprofits and includes a medal, t-shirt, post-race breakfast and cold towel to beat the summer heat.

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History lovers can step back in time with Independence Day at Island Farm on Roanoke Island, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Guests can bring a picnic, hear a reading of the Declaration of Independence, enjoy musket fire, and play traditional 1850s games.

One of the most beloved local events, the Town of Duck’s 4th of July Parade, begins at 9 a.m. and winds through the village with decorated floats, costumes and community entries. A post-parade celebration at Duck Town Park will include music, cold refreshments and awards.

In Downtown Manteo, celebrate with charm at the Manteo 4th of July Celebration, featuring a patriotic bike parade, the annual apple pie contest, and live music from The Deloreans—all leading up to fireworks lighting up the waterfront.

For the adventurous, the Killer Dunes 2-Miler and new Color Fun Run will test runners’ grit on the towering dunes of Jockey’s Ridge State Park at 8 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Jockey’s Ridge, and this year’s event also honors the 50th anniversary of the park.

As the sun sets, the Outer Banks skyline will ignite with fireworks from every corner:

  • In Nags Head, a Fireworks Spectacular will launch from Nags Head Fishing Pier at milepost 11.5 on S. Virginia Dare Trail at 9:25 p.m., visible from miles of beach.
  • In Kill Devil Hills, the fireworks show kicks off from Avalon Pier.
  • The fireworks show in Manteo will light up the sky over the downtown waterfront.
  • The Avon Fishing Pier Fireworks Show will wow Hatteras Island crowds with a soundtrack via Radio Hatteras.
  • The Corolla Independence Day Celebration begins at 5:00 p.m. at Historic Corolla Park, with food, live music, and fireworks over the Currituck Sound.

From the top of the dunes to the edge of the sea, Independence Day on the Outer Banks promises something unforgettable for everyone. Whether you’re chasing a personal record on the sand, savoring a slice of pie in Manteo, or marveling at fireworks with your toes in the surf, this coastal celebration is bursting with community pride, summer joy and patriotic spirit.

Happy Fourth of July, Outer Banks!

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