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Cary Presents: Independence Day 2026 Celebration
July 4 - Koka Booth Amphitheatre
Gates 6 p.m. | Fireworks 9:25 p.m.
Enjoy a Triangle tradition and celebrate America's 250th anniversary!
Join us for a salute to the red, white, and blue as we honor our nation's birthday with patriotic fun activities for kids and a dazzling fireworks display over Symphony Lake.
For your enjoyment, we are honored to have North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green share one of her personal and transformative works. Additionally, actor Mike Wiley and singer/songwriter Dawn Landis will present "Well, I Declare", a live reading of the Declaration of Independence paired with a blending of music, storytelling, and historical reflection. The performance runs from 6:45 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.
General Admission lawn is FREE and does not require a ticket. A limited number of Reserved Table Seats (with parking) are available.
NOTE: Purchasing a table will offer a view of the performances, but it does not guarantee a clear view of the fireworks. Fireworks may be obstructed by the tree canopy, the stage, or other structures.
July 3rd Celebration
July 3 - Downtown Cary Park | 4 - 10 p.m.
A party 250 years in the making! Come out and celebrate the old USA with fun games, a mist zone, arts and crafts, and other activities for people of all ages. Food trucks will be on hand to help satisfy your hunger, while the Bark Bar will have cold drinks all night. Stay around for a special screening of the 90’s classic Independence Day (PG-13).
Cary Town Band presents Downtown Cary Patriotic Celebration
July 3 - Cary Arts Center | 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate America’s Semi-Quincentennial Anniversary with an evening of patriotic pride, history, and musical excitement as the Cary Town Band presents America’s 250th Anniversary Patriotic Celebration. Join us for a stirring performance honoring our nation’s rich history, enduring spirit, and love of community through music, narration, and historical imagery, entertaining and inspiring audiences of all ages.
Whether you come to sing along, wave your flag, or simply enjoy a memorable evening with family and friends, this celebration promises to be a joyful tribute to 250 years of American history. Bring your patriotic spirit and join us for a festive concert filled with pride, tradition, history, and great music!
Independence Day Fishing Tournament
July 4 - Bond Park Boathouse |8 – 11 a.m.
Join us for the annual Independence Day Fishing Tournament at Bond Park! Anglers of all ages are welcome. Registration starts at 7 a.m., and the tournament begins at 8 a.m. Prizes will be awarded for the longest and shortest fish caught in each age group.
American Revolution Experience
July 18 - July 25 | Downtown Cary Park
Cary is proud to host The American Revolution Experience, a free, innovative exhibition featuring display panels and interactive digital kiosks, as well as storytelling, illustration, technology, and unique artifacts that connect us with the people and places that shaped the birth of our nation. The opening ceremony is open to the public and scheduled for July 18 from noon to 1 p.m.
Thereafter, exhibit hours are:
July 18,11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; July 19, 1 - 4 p.m.; July 20 - 24, 2 - 7 p.m.; July 25, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
For eight days at the Gathering House in the Park, visitors can learn about the American Revolution and hear stories from the people who were there. The American Revolution Experience is a collaborative project of the American Battlefield Trust and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and is brought to Cary by the Asbury Station of the DAR and the Town of Cary. This exhibition is part of America250NC, a state-wide initiative to celebrate America's 250th anniversary in 2026.