Raleigh’s July 4th Parade: Map, street closures, free parking & events list
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- Raleigh will host a First in Freedom Parade downtown on Saturday, July 4 at 9:30 a.m.
- Some streets are tentatively scheduled to close starting at 6:30 a.m.
- Five city-owned parking decks will offer free weekend parking during the event.
Celebrating America’s 250th year, North Carolina is hosting a First in Freedom Parade in Downtown Raleigh. The event, commemorating “freedom and community,” will be held on Saturday, July 4 at 9:30 a.m.
The inaugural event is a collaboration between the Greater Raleigh Merchants Association, the NC Division on Labor, the NC General Assembly and the Celebrate America Foundation.
Organizer Jennifer Martin said that the success of the event will determine if it becomes a tradition for North Carolina families. Around 10,000 people are expected to attend.
Attendees can text RALEIGH250 to 888777 to get real-time updates on traffic, weather and safety for public events in Raleigh over July 4th weekend. Further questions about the event can be directed to Shop Local Raleigh at 919-755-9235.
This story will be updated with more details ahead of the event.
Parade route
The parade route begins at the intersection of Salisbury Street and Lane Street.
- Procession will continue past the State Capitol
- Turn left onto Morgan Street
- Turn right on Fayetteville Street
- Continue past City Plaza
- Turns right on Lenoir Street
- Ends at the intersection of Lenoir Street and Salisbury Street
Road closures
Road closures will be updated on the city of Raleigh’s online events calendar closer to the Fourth.
Parade elements
The parade will include marching bands, patriotic floats, cultural groups and tributes, according to the event website. The Greater Raleigh Merchants Association will continue taking participation applications for any groups patriotic in nature until Wednesday, July 1.
Shop Local Raleigh also shared that all 100 counties in North Carolina will be featured in the event. Along with elected officials, reenactments, military groups and helicopters, horses, face painting, veteran groups and food trucks, Martin said. She also shared exclusively with the News & Observer that the first 350 people will receive a free red, white, and blue ICEE at select food trucks.
Parking for First in Freedom Parade
City-owned and operated decks will be charging a $10 special event fee to park during the event.
- Moore Square Deck: 233 S. Wilmington Street
- Wilmington St. Station Deck: 117 S. Wilmington Street
- City Hall Parking Deck: 201 W. Morgan Street
- City Center Deck: 429 S. Wilmington Street
- Blount Street Deck: 314 Blount Street
This story was originally published June 26, 2026 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Raleigh’s July 4th Parade: Map, street closures, free parking & events list."