Raleigh’s July 4 fireworks return to Dix Park. Here’s what’s new for 2026
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- Raleigh’s 2026 Fourth of July fireworks will return to Dix Park on July 4.
- Attendees can text RALEIGH250 to 888777 for real-time event updates.
- Gates open at 6 p.m., with the fireworks show scheduled for 9:30 p.m.
Raleigh’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show is back at Dix Park for 2026.
Last year’s show was around the Lenovo Center and Carter-Finley Stadium. Dix Park hosted the celebration from 2022 to 2024.
The most recent Dix Park fireworks celebration was chaotic, The News & Observer reported at the time. Rain started falling about 15 minutes before the show was set to begin, and people started to leave when a DJ announced lightning in the area. A six-minute firework show then ensued, once people were already on their way out without receiving an update.
This year, attendees can text RALEIGH250 to 888777 to get real-time updates on traffic, weather and safety for public events in Raleigh July 4th weekend, according to the city.
Dix Park fireworks logistics
Gates open at 6 p.m. and fireworks are at 9:30 p.m. Celebrations include food trucks, music, lawn games and inflatables, craft stations and shaded picnic area.
Raleigh budgeted $660,000 for this year’s 250th anniversary celebration. Previously, the city has budgeted $60,000 and received a $100,000 contribution from ABC11, The N&O previously reported.
Raleigh fireworks parking
- Shuttles are available to take people to the park from Moore Square (201 S. Blount St.) in downtown Raleigh. The first shuttle from Moore Square will leave at 5:30 p.m. and the last shuttle leaves Moore Square for Dix Park at 9 p.m.
- There is free limited parking at NC State’s Centennial Campus.
- The Partners Way Deck (851 Partners Way Southeast) and Oval West Deck (914 Partners Way) are first-come, first-served, and the city recommends parking in downtown Raleigh ($10 flat rate) if planning to arrive after 8 p.m.
For ADA parking: Enter Goode Street from Lake Wheeler Road and follow the staff directions, and people must have a valid state-issued handicap placard, permit or license plate.
To go by rideshare: Drop-off sites are at 1030 Richardson Drive (east side) and Centennial Parkway & Blair Drive (west side).
For more information, visit raleighnc.gov/raleigh-250.
What else to know
- Free water refill stations will be available, along with canned sparkling water.
- Give yourself time to enter through designated gates with metal detectors and bag searches.
- The event will follow the event bag policy. That means participants should expect longer wait times to go through the bag lines. All bags will be searched before entry. Bags larger than 6”x9” must be smaller than 12” x 6” x 12” and clear. Smaller bags that are 6” x 9” don’t need to be clear. Medical and diaper bags are permitted.
- Small, soft-sided coolers for food and sealed non-alcoholic beverages are permitted.
- It’s recommended to leave dogs at home.
How to watch on TV
ABC11’s coverage is starting at 9 p.m. and can be found on TV, online and through ABC11’s mobile app.
Portions of this story were previously published in The News & Observer.
This story was originally published July 1, 2026 at 1:12 PM with the headline "Raleigh’s July 4 fireworks return to Dix Park. Here’s what’s new for 2026."
