• Disclaimer & Disclosure
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

Simply Living NC

  • House Plants & Garden
  • NC Lifestyle
  • DIY & Crafts
  • Simple Recipes
  • About / Contact
You are here: Home / NC Lifestyle / NC 4th of July Festival Southport North Carolina Guide

8 min readNC 4th of July Festival Southport North Carolina Guide

May 7, 2018 By Erin S 14 Comments

7 May

NC 4th of July Festival Southport North Carolina Guide | Simply Living NC

The quaint town of Southport NC is Home to the NC 4th of July Festival.

Enjoy our NC 4th of July Festival Guide through the eyes of a LOCAL in Southport, North Carolina!

Festival event calendar, parade route, fireworks schedule, things to do, and important tips to enjoy this fun-filled festival.
It’s surely one of the best towns to enjoy the Fourth of July and we are here to tell you why! Enjoy our guide as local residents.

NC 4th of July Festival Southport North Carolina Guide | Simply Living NC

HISTORY & ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:

Southport, NC has been celebrating the 4th of July for over 200 years, with their first celebration taking place all the way back in 1792! “Festival of Free Men” was the name of the celebration that took place from 1792 until later years when it transformed into the festival as we know it today of “NC 4th of July Festival”

The festival takes place yearly within the quaint coastal town of Southport, NC attracting over 50,000 people! This is quite the crowd for our small town which is home to under 4,000 residents.

Southport NC’s Fourth of July Festival is full fun including an old fashion hometown feel parade, a leisurely stroll of the arts & craft show, beach day at our neighboring beach town of Oak Island, NC, freedom filled ceremonies, classic car show, fun for the children, live music, and oh my the goodness of yummy carnival type food fills the air just waiting to fill your tummy!

NC 4th of July Festival Southport North Carolina Guide | Simply Living NC
NC 4th of July Festival Southport North Carolina Guide | Simply Living NC
NC 4th of July Festival Southport North Carolina Guide | Simply Living NC

NC 4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL THINGS TO DO:

FESTIVAL DATES: July 1st through July 4th, 2018

OUR FAVES AS LOCALS:
(these are our personal top picks that we personally enjoy most)

ARTS & CRAFTS IN THE PARK:
July 2nd through July 4th | 10am – 6pm
Location of Franklin Square Park on East West and Howe Streets
Oh my goodness, theres’ just something about strolling under the grand old Oak Trees admiring all of the local talents as they sell their hand-made works of art. From paintings, jewelry, woodworking, yard art, florals, shell art, plants, goodies for the little ones and so much more! With over 120 vendors, you surely will not be able to leave without taking home an artisan’s craft or two….or three! There are also food and drink vendors nearby, just in case all that strolling makes you hungry and thirsty!

SOUTHPORT NC 4TH OF JULY PARADE:
July 4th | 11am
Location is throughout downtown Southport.
Starting at the corner of Atlantic and Moore Streets, making it’s way from Moore to Howe Street.
There after ventures Howe Street North to Fodale Avenue.
Turning Right onto Fodale Ave. and ending near the Ocean Trail Healthcare Center.

Wanna know what the parade is like? Well, let me tell ya…just think about a parade you may see in the movies, (like the 4th of July movie seen in Nicholas Spark’s Safe Haven Movie which was filmed here in our town of Southport NC) you know the good old fashion, home-town, Southern charm type of parade! I promise you…it’s just like in the movies!

I personally will never forget riding a float within the parade, waiving at all the locals and visitors as they cheered, waived and applauded as our float passed by. Nowdays, we tend to just take in the parade and scenes as most other locals within the town perched upon a lawn chair on the city street or even walking from block to block just to enjoy the many views along the parade route. It’s the sweetest parade one shall ever see!

SOUTHPORT NC FIREWORKS:
July 4th | 9pm
Location is Southport Waterfront
My oh my, it’s almost like a bunch of magical fireflies lighting the skies above our beautiful Cape Fear River!
You’ll hear the sounds of breathtaking gasps fill the air as onlookers gaze upon the colorfully lit skies.
Enjoy the views from a lawn chair, on the sidewalk, a home nearby, or even upon a boat!
Yet another moment I’ll personally never forget was enjoying the Fireworks from a boat shared with friends as we gazed back upon our stunning sweet lil’ town of Southport. However you decide to enjoy the view, I do indeed promise it’s yet another moment that will forever live within your heart.

LIVE MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT:
After the fireworks don’t be too quick to rush off there will be live music on the waterfront bringing the perfect end to this fun-filled Southern celebration.
9:30pm – 10pm
Location is on the stage next to waterfront park in Southport, NC
Live Music also takes place throughout the festival dates (I’ll include a full link to the Event Calendar at the end of the blog)

FOOD CONCESSIONS:
Who doesn’t love gooey carnival type food, right?
My personal fave are deep fried Oreos! The smell will lead the way, however if your smeller is a little under the weather the location of these yummies will be located at:
Location of South Howe Street near the waterfront stage from 11am until 10pm and within the Franklin park, however those are only open during daytime hours during the art and crafts festival.

Each year a new aroma fills the air, however most years it seems to be a variety of choices from Fried Oreos, Funnel Cakes, Italian sausages, hot dogs, lemonades, blooming onions and shrimp baskets are just to name a few of the yumminess to tempt your tummy!

NC 4th of July Festival Southport North Carolina Guide | Simply Living NC
NC 4th of July Festival Southport North Carolina Guide | Simply Living NC
NC 4th of July Festival Southport North Carolina Guide | Simply Living NC
NC 4th of July Festival Southport North Carolina Guide | Simply Living NC
NC 4th of July Festival Southport North Carolina Guide | Simply Living NC

MORE THINGS TO AT THE NC 4TH OF JULY FESTIVAL IN SOUTHPORT NC INCLUDE:

The Flag Retirement Ceremony July 3rd at 6pm located at 104 S. Howe Street.

Children’s Games July 3rd at 8am for registration with games beginning at 9am.
Located at Ft. Johnston Garrison Lawn 203 Bay Street for ages 5 & under.
Located at Waterfront Park 101 E. Bay Street for ages 6-11

The Flag Raising Ceremony July 4th at 10am located at the intersection of Howe and Moore Streets.

Classic Car and Shine Show July 4th 11am-4pm located at the waterfront park area 203 E. Bay Street.

For More Detailed Information on Events,
Visit’s Southport’s NC 4th of July Festival’s Website.
Or enjoy this 2018 Festival Calendar provided by Southport, NC

IMPORTANT INFORMATION & TIPS

RestRooms: There will be portable restrooms located throughout.
The main year round restrooms are located at:
E. Nash Street behind Southport Baptist Church and at Fort Johnston at the Southport Visitors Center 203 E. Bay Street

Pet Policy: For the safety of your pets and others, the town of Southport asks to please leave your pet at home.

Please Never Leave your Child Unattended

Police | Emergency | First Aid:
Southport’s Police Station is located on West Moore Street next to the town library. Hours are 8:30am to 6pm
First Aid Stations will be located at 111 E. Nash Street from 12noon until 8pm July 2, 3, and 4th.
Southport states to please dial 911 in case of an emergency.

Parking & Traffic:
Free Parking can be found throughout Southport
Traffic will indeed be heavy at times, crowds will fill the streets, here is a link to Southport’s detailed Traffic Map & Routes

NC 4th of July Festival Southport North Carolina Guide | Simply Living NC
NC 4th of July Festival Southport North Carolina Guide | Simply Living NC

OUR LOCAL TIPS:

Last but not least, as local residents of Southport, NC we personally take off from work as professional photographers each year on the 4th! Even though we have a huge request to fill this date, it’s a celebration our hearts truly adore and we never want to miss.

Some tips from us would be to:
-Wear Comfy Shoes
-Carry Bottled Water (lots of cold water)
-Wear Sunscreen
-Wear Bugspray
-Wear Sunglasses
-Wear Sunprotection
-Carry Small Amounts of Cash, as some vendors don’t accept Credit Cards
-Be alert of your surroundings, watch for traffic/drivers who may be distracted by the events.

-Remember to slow down. In the South everything’s a little Slower here and we love every moment of it.
-Take a moment away from the route to enjoy our side streets, wander throughout our proudly decorated homes that adorn our sidewalks of red, white, and blue!
-Be Nice….that’s right….just simply Be Nice, Be Slow, Live in the Moment.
Enjoy your visit here in our Sweet Town of Southport, NC and Welcome to Paradise our Sweetest Southport!

Other Fun Area Coastal Towns to Enjoy Include: Ocean Isle Beach, NC, Bald Head Island, NC and Holden Beach, NC

Happy Fourth to You and Yours!
(Curious, have you enjoyed the 4th here in Southport? Leave a comment below…I’d love to hear from ya!)

A Few of my Faves to Take Along on your Fourth Celebration

Products from Amazon.com

‹ ›

Products from Amazon.com

‹ ›

Products from Amazon.com

‹ ›
Please Note, this information has been gathered from our local providers and we do not take fault at any incorrect information provided and/or schedule changes.

Tweet
Pin282
Share350
632 Shares

Filed Under: NC Lifestyle

You May Also Like

Get Rid of Mosquitoes Safely with Thermacell & Treat Bug Bites | Simply Living NC
Get Rid of Mosquitoes Safely & Treat Bug Bites
EASY EXERCISE WHILE QUARANTINED; Affordable Online Simple Equipment | Simply Living NC
EASY EXERCISE At Home WHILE QUARANTINED; Affordable Equipment
OUR FAVE BOREDOM BUSTERS WHILE QUARANTINED AT HOME; Indoor & Outdoor Games | Simply Living NC
OUR FAVE BOREDOM BUSTERS WHILE QUARANTINED AT HOME; Indoor & Outdoor Games
Previous Post: « Pilea Peperomioides Propagation How to Care for Chinese Money Plant
Next Post: Smith Mountain Lake VA Our NC Hurricane Florence Escape | Things to do include Peaks of Otter »

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Southport NC Photographers Family Strolling Session through Historic Southport says:
    May 29, 2018 at 4:58 pm

    […] We adore being Southport NC Photographers as we enjoyed this adorable Family Strolling Session through Historic Southport! […]

  2. Southport NC Lifestyle Photographers Morning Strolling Photo Session says:
    June 2, 2018 at 3:17 pm

    […] a fun play-session at our local playground made for a simplicity of We simply adore our town of Southport NC home of the North Carolina 4th of July Festival and love our “Southport Strolling […]

  3. Wilmington NC Photographers of Senior Portraits alongside Family Photos says:
    June 3, 2018 at 4:37 pm

    […] What would a Wilmington NC Photo Shoot be without taking place down in the most historic parts of Wilmington, North Carolina! Old Doors, Old Ally Ways, and of course The Wilmington NC RiverWalk alongside the beautiful Wilmington Waterfront just a skip away from Southport, NC […]

  4. Southport NC Family Photographers of Portraits says:
    June 13, 2018 at 7:59 pm

    […] Families like the Fields Family! Oh my goodness, such a fun family. They shared so many laughs and simply just enjoyed their family moment along the beautiful Southport Waterfront! The sunshine and Carolina blue skies were simply perfection for their evening session with us. Dressed in traditional Khaki, White and Navy helped to create their most perfect of coastal memories. What a lovely evening with a lovely family in Southport, North Carolina, home of the North Carolina 4th of July Festival! […]

  5. Southport NC Photographers Strolling Session throughout Historic Southport NC says:
    June 23, 2018 at 3:23 pm

    […] as we captured their moments in their beloved home away from home in our quaint town of Southport. (Home of the NC 4th of July Festival) This lovely couple were here celebrating their Anniversary along with their daughter, so what […]

  6. Southport NC Photographer of Family Portraits says:
    June 25, 2018 at 4:42 pm

    […] a beautiful way to celebrate their love would be with a family photo session in our sweet town of Southport, North Carolina home of the NC 4th of July Festival! We enjoyed their family photo session along the Southport waterfront and throughout historic […]

  7. Southport NC Photographers Mini Session throughout Historic Southport NC says:
    July 17, 2018 at 10:31 pm

    […] as we captured their moments in their beloved home away from home in our quaint town of Southport. (Home of the NC 4th of July Festival) This lovely couple were here celebrating their Anniversary along with their daughter, so what […]

  8. Southport NC Photographers Family Mini Session through Historic Southport says:
    July 17, 2018 at 10:32 pm

    […] We adore being Southport NC Photographers as we enjoyed this adorable Family Mini Session through Historic Southport! […]

  9. Local Southport NC Lifestyle Family Photographers of Portraits | Snapp-Shot Photography says:
    July 18, 2018 at 5:18 pm

    […] smile. We all enjoyed our evening simply strolling throughout Historic Southport, North Carolina Home of the NC Fourth of July Festival! It was almost as if we were simply enjoying a fun walk through our sweet town with friends capturing […]

  10. Local Bald Head Island NC Photographers Family July 4th Celebration says:
    July 19, 2018 at 5:04 pm

    […] NC” Photo, festive 4th of July hats and in the end we all shared Silly Faces! From Southport NC (home of the NC 4th of July Festival) to beautiful Bald Head Island NC there was such a lovely flow of Red, White, and Blue throughout! […]

  11. Oak Island NC Photographers Southport NC based says:
    August 11, 2018 at 4:34 pm

    […] enjoyed their family photo and daughter’s senior picture session in our Sweet Town of Southport, NC and on Oak Island NC. Their children have grown up loving this area and they now own a family home […]

  12. Southport NC Senior Portrait Photographers Senior Pics Historic Southport North Carolina says:
    August 16, 2018 at 3:06 pm

    […] we simply adore Senior Pics Sessions in Historic Southport, North Carolina! We not only love our sweet town of Southport, NC…Miss Abby does too! Abby loves our beautiful coastal NC town so very much that she decided to […]

  13. Southport NC Local Photographers Family Portraits Historic Waterfront says:
    August 30, 2018 at 3:32 pm

    […] We simply adore being Southport NC Local Photographers of Family Portraits! We walk out our door down to the Historic Southport NC Waterfront to enjoy beautiful family photos! This evening was super special! It was Janette’s Birthday celebration! She was here visiting her “Happy Place” Southport, North Carolina Home of the North Carolina 4th of July Festival! […]

  14. Southport NC Our Coastal Town Things to Do & Filming | The Snapps says:
    February 18, 2019 at 2:08 am

    […] our town. If you’d like to learn more about our festival, I’d love to share my 4th of July Blog over on my Simply Living NC Blog! The 4th of July is one of the the only dates of the year we take […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Email
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Written by Erin S. 

Simply Living NC was created after Erin made a drastic lifestyle change within her life. Her life transformation of living a less is more lifestyle has inspired her to share her transformation with others!
Enjoy Erin’s Beautifully Written Blog Featuring her Love of Houseplants, DIY Projects, NC Lifestyle Inspiration, and her Home & Garden. Indoor House Plants like her beloved Pilea Plants, Crafts, Home Projects, Coastal Fashion, and Gardening are just a few of the fun features within her blog.

Travel quaint NC Small Towns like a local and be inspired with Vacation Sights to See! 

Erin’s motto: … “make memories, live simply & follow the sun!”

Read more about Her Story

 

Latest on Instagram

It’s Potato Time! Did you know you can grow your It’s Potato Time! Did you know you can grow your very own potatoes in grow-bags or containers? It’s super easy and I tell you step by step on my latest blog post!
(Link n’ Bio)
Peace, Love & Sunshine!
✌🏻🤍🔆 ~ Erin S. 
#simplylivingnc 
.
.
.
.
.
#growyourownfood #potatoes #growbags #garden #gardenveggies #veggies #growpotatoes #springgarden #gardening #diginthedirt #howtogrowpotatoes #howtogrow
Spaghetti Squash Recipe! Oh my goodness this is so Spaghetti Squash Recipe! Oh my goodness this is so yummy. Recipe in Blog.
New Blog, How to Grow, Harvest, Bake, Eat Spaghetti Squash! This adorable “Small Wonder” was so much fun to grow with its small personalized size! Recipe Included on Blog (link to blog in bio)
#simplylivingnc 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#spaghettisquash #spaghettisquashrecipe #spaghettisquashpasta #growyourownfood #smallwonder #wintersquash #garden #harvest #easyrecipes #recipe #foodblog #gardenblog #gardenblogger #foodblogger #howtogrow #howtocook #squashrecipes
New Blog, How to Grow, Harvest, Bake, Eat Spaghett New Blog, How to Grow, Harvest, Bake, Eat Spaghetti Squash! This adorable “Small Wonder” was so much fun to grow with its small personalized size! Recipe Included on Blog (link to blog in bio)
#simplylivingnc 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#spaghettisquash #spaghettisquashrecipe #spaghettisquashpasta #growyourownfood #smallwonder #wintersquash #garden #harvest #easyrecipes #recipe #foodblog #gardenblog #gardenblogger #foodblogger #howtogrow #howtocook #squashrecipes
DIY GARDEN FENCE New Blog (link in profile) Learn DIY GARDEN FENCE
New Blog (link in profile)
Learn how to make my beautiful black cottage veggie garden fence!
Perfect for your Fall Gardens! 
#simplylivingnc 
.
.
.
.
.
#garden 
#diygarden 
#diy
#gardenfence 
#gardenfences 
#blackfence 
#cottagegarden 
#veggiegarden 
#gardening 
#growyourownfood 
#howtogarden #vegetablegarden 
#woodworking 
#woodworkingplans #diyproject #diyblogger 
#gardenblogger 
#gardenblog 
#customgarden 
#gardenplans 
#gardenplanning 
#fallgarden 
#fallgardening
Refrigerator Pickles, No Canning Needed! MY FAVE Refrigerator Pickles, No Canning Needed! 
MY FAVE are the Dill! 🥒 
Learn how to make pickles 2 ways, (Dill & Bread & Butter) Homemade Pickles! Blog Link in Profile
#simplylivingnc 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#growyourownfood 
#pickles 
#dillpickles 
#breadandbutterpickles 
#howtomakepickles 
#refrigeratorpickles
#easyrecipes
#homemadepickles
#cucumbers 
#pickle
#pickled 
#pickledveggies
...nothing better than growing your own food, I lo ...nothing better than growing your own food, I love a morning harvest. Oh and that cute garden basket 
#simplylivingnc 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#growyourownfood #harvest #harvesttime #gardengoodies #gardensupplies #gardenbasket #cucumbers #squash #gardening #garden #wintersquash #howmygardengrows #ncgarden #ncgardening #coastalgarden #coastalgardening #blogger #gardenblog #gardenblogger
Follow on Instagram

Recommended Wordpress Theme


Refined Pro Theme - $129.95

Buy Now: For us this theme made our site so easy

Recommended Host

It’s Potato Time! Did you know you can grow your It’s Potato Time! Did you know you can grow your very own potatoes in grow-bags or containers? It’s super easy and I tell you step by step on my latest blog post!
(Link n’ Bio)
Peace, Love & Sunshine!
✌🏻🤍🔆 ~ Erin S. 
#simplylivingnc 
.
.
.
.
.
#growyourownfood #potatoes #growbags #garden #gardenveggies #veggies #growpotatoes #springgarden #gardening #diginthedirt #howtogrowpotatoes #howtogrow
Spaghetti Squash Recipe! Oh my goodness this is so Spaghetti Squash Recipe! Oh my goodness this is so yummy. Recipe in Blog.
New Blog, How to Grow, Harvest, Bake, Eat Spaghetti Squash! This adorable “Small Wonder” was so much fun to grow with its small personalized size! Recipe Included on Blog (link to blog in bio)
#simplylivingnc 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#spaghettisquash #spaghettisquashrecipe #spaghettisquashpasta #growyourownfood #smallwonder #wintersquash #garden #harvest #easyrecipes #recipe #foodblog #gardenblog #gardenblogger #foodblogger #howtogrow #howtocook #squashrecipes
New Blog, How to Grow, Harvest, Bake, Eat Spaghett New Blog, How to Grow, Harvest, Bake, Eat Spaghetti Squash! This adorable “Small Wonder” was so much fun to grow with its small personalized size! Recipe Included on Blog (link to blog in bio)
#simplylivingnc 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#spaghettisquash #spaghettisquashrecipe #spaghettisquashpasta #growyourownfood #smallwonder #wintersquash #garden #harvest #easyrecipes #recipe #foodblog #gardenblog #gardenblogger #foodblogger #howtogrow #howtocook #squashrecipes
DIY GARDEN FENCE New Blog (link in profile) Learn DIY GARDEN FENCE
New Blog (link in profile)
Learn how to make my beautiful black cottage veggie garden fence!
Perfect for your Fall Gardens! 
#simplylivingnc 
.
.
.
.
.
#garden 
#diygarden 
#diy
#gardenfence 
#gardenfences 
#blackfence 
#cottagegarden 
#veggiegarden 
#gardening 
#growyourownfood 
#howtogarden #vegetablegarden 
#woodworking 
#woodworkingplans #diyproject #diyblogger 
#gardenblogger 
#gardenblog 
#customgarden 
#gardenplans 
#gardenplanning 
#fallgarden 
#fallgardening
Refrigerator Pickles, No Canning Needed! MY FAVE Refrigerator Pickles, No Canning Needed! 
MY FAVE are the Dill! 🥒 
Learn how to make pickles 2 ways, (Dill & Bread & Butter) Homemade Pickles! Blog Link in Profile
#simplylivingnc 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#growyourownfood 
#pickles 
#dillpickles 
#breadandbutterpickles 
#howtomakepickles 
#refrigeratorpickles
#easyrecipes
#homemadepickles
#cucumbers 
#pickle
#pickled 
#pickledveggies
...nothing better than growing your own food, I lo ...nothing better than growing your own food, I love a morning harvest. Oh and that cute garden basket 
#simplylivingnc 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#growyourownfood #harvest #harvesttime #gardengoodies #gardensupplies #gardenbasket #cucumbers #squash #gardening #garden #wintersquash #howmygardengrows #ncgarden #ncgardening #coastalgarden #coastalgardening #blogger #gardenblog #gardenblogger
My oh my how I simply ADORE @hossgardentools so ma My oh my how I simply ADORE @hossgardentools so many beautiful seeds and such amazing customer service! Their YouTube Channel and show “Row By Row” had my heart smitten from the first time I watched!! If you haven’t heard of them, check them out at @hossgardentools ✌🏻💚🌱 #simplylivingnc 
#hosstools  #hosstoolsseeds 
#growyourownfood .
.
.
.
.
.
.
#garden #gardenlife #seeds #seedstarting #sowingseeds #fortheloveofgardening #lovemygarden #growagarden #plantseeds #gardenblog #gardening #gardenlife #simplegardening
Cute lil’ Eight Ball Zucchini Growing Strong! 🌱
#simplylivingnc #gardenlife #growyourownfood 
#quarantinelife #garden #gardening #zucchini #seedling

Copyright © 2021 Simply Living NC A division of Oak Island NC Photographer Snapp-Shot Photography