**Bonus Kickoff** Saturday, June 28 – Red, White & Boom!
Why wait until July to celebrate?
Fort Bragg's Annual Red, White & Boom Fest
Main Post Parade Field, Fort Liberty
Gates open at 3 PM | Fireworks after sunset
Free & Open to the Public
Start your celebration early with Fort Bragg's biggest bash of the summer. This free, family-friendly festival features major musical acts (Ludacris, Parmalee, and Neon Trees!), a parachute demonstration, food trucks, kids’ zones, and a fireworks show that’ll rock the night sky. Pro tip: Book a nearby hotel and stay the night to avoid post-fireworks traffic. Sleep close, wake happy.
Friday, July 4 – Independence Day
Start the day your way—with movement, music, or a moment of peace.
Morning
Firecracker 4 Miler & 1 Mile Fun Run
NC Veterans Park, Downtown Fayetteville
7:00 AM Start
$19.52–$46.02 | Family & pet-friendly
Walk, run, roll, or stroll your way into Independence Day! This festive morning race welcomes all fitness levels—including strollers and pups—and supports local scholarships. Wear your brightest red, white, and blue!
Looking for something a bit more relaxed?
Skip the race and enjoy a slow start at one of our cozy coffee shops, like Rude Awakening or The Coffee Scene, both with peaceful morning vibes.
Midday
After your morning fun, cool off indoors with one of these family-friendly favorites that are open on July 4th:
Airborne & Special Operations Museum (ASOM)
Step into the stories of American heroes at this world-class museum featuring immersive exhibits, a motion simulator, and shaded outdoor memorial gardens. Free admission and fully accessible.
B&B Bowling Lanes
Beat the heat with a few rounds of bowling at this classic family bowling center. With air conditioning, snack bar treats, and kid-friendly lanes, it’s a great way to stay active indoors.
Omni Family Amusement Center
Spend the afternoon immersed in fun with more than 125 arcade games, blacklight mini-golf, and indoor attractions that make Omni a top pick for families, teens, and playful adults alike.
Evening – Fireworks, Food, and Freedom
When the sun sets, Cumberland County comes alive with the sights and sounds of Independence Day. Here’s how to choose your perfect July 4th celebration style:
Big & Bold:
Independence Concert & Fireworks
Festival Park, Fayetteville
Free | Music from 7:30 PM | Fireworks to follow
Bring your chairs and blankets and let the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra and 82nd Airborne Band set the tone for a night of pride and patriotism. Cap it all off with a booming fireworks display that lights up the sky over downtown.
Hope Mills Independence Day Celebration
Hope Mills Municipal Park, Hope Mills
Free | Festivities begin late afternoon | Fireworks at dusk
Celebrate Independence Day small-town style with live music, food vendors, and a community parade. As the sun sets, gather with family and friends for a brilliant fireworks display over the lake—perfect for a more relaxed, family-friendly Fourth of July evening.
Quiet & Cozy: Fireworks with a Side of Fries (and Peace & Quiet)
Prefer a calmer, more controlled celebration? Book a room on the top floor of one of our multi-story hotels and enjoy the fireworks from your window or balcony—no crowds, no booms, just the sparkle.
Order up room service (or local delivery!) with an all-American flair: cheeseburgers, fries, and milkshakes. Settle in with your family or a couple close friends, cue up a playlist, and celebrate your way.
Bonus: These sensory-sensitive options are ideal for visitors with PTSD, autism, or anxiety—offering the beauty of the holiday without the overwhelming stimuli. Look for lodging with indoor pools, jacuzzis, or late checkout to make this a restful, recharging escape.
Still too loud?
We recommend an indoor experience like catching a movie at a local theater or checking our events calendar for low-stimulation activities or PTSD-friendly 4th of July alternatives, such as:
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Afternoon matinees
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Library-hosted crafts or exhibits
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Quiet museum programs
Saturday, July 5 – Sleep In, Then Soak It Up
After a night of fun, take it slow. You’re in small-town America, and the charm is in the pace.
Start your morning with breakfast at a local favorite like Uptown’s Chicken & Waffles or one of the spots from our Breakfast Crawl blog.
Explore local boutiques like Epiphany Boutique, Cursive, or try your hand at a creative outlet with pottery painting at a local studio like Greg's Pottery for a hands-on memento of your trip.
Grab lunch from one of the all-American food trucks gathering around the Haymount District—you'll find everything from burgers and brats to loaded fries and lemonade stands. Want to sit down? Head to Napkins Restaurant & Bar, a locally owned spot known for its creative farm-to-table menu that sources all of their ingredients as local as possible.
Wrap up your day with a gentle walk on the Cape Fear River Trail or a paddleboat ride at Hope Mills Lake. Followed by a brewery visit—try Heckler Brewing Co. for live music, a diverse selection of beer, and their community vibe. Or unwind with dinner at Pharaohs Legacy, serving Mediterranean and American fusion that’s both flavorful and familiar.
Sunday, July 6 – One Last Taste
Before you pack up and head home, savor your Sunday morning with a relaxing brunch at one of Fayetteville’s locally loved spots. Try the decadent cinnamon roll pancakes or shrimp & grits at ScrubOaks Restaurant, or opt for a cozy, no-frills breakfast at M&D's Pancakes & Waffles.
Take one final stroll downtown or stop into a favorite shop for a souvenir. A slower start means a sweeter sendoff from your all-American getaway.
Plan Your Weekend Getaway
Fayetteville offers a variety of overnight accommodations to fit your needs — from relaxing, amenity-rich stays to budget-friendly places that keep you close to the action. Extend your visit and discover all the unexpected joy our region has to offer.
Fourth of July only comes once a year—don’t miss your chance to make it unforgettable. Book your stay now and come celebrate in red, white, and Southern style!
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