Independence Day Celebrations

Fireworks over Manteo.

It looks like there’s a weekend of fireworks and celebrations this year for Independence Day on the Outer Banks. With July 4th falling on Saturday, in Duck and Corolla—areas most heavily impacted by changeover days, the party begins on Friday, Manteo, Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills are all going for a more traditional July 4 with evening fireworks and an all day street fair in Manteo.
Here’s the 2015 Independence Day lineup:
Town of Duck
Parade: July 3, 9:00 a.m.
The town of Duck holds one of the wackiest and most wonderful Independence Day parades anywhere. Although the parade route avoids NC12, traffic comes to a virtual standstill during the hour or hour and a half the parade is underway. Holding the parade on changeover day on the busiest road on the Outer Banks would not be practical or advisable.
The parade is great way to start the celebration of our nation’s independence.
Whalehead Club
Fireworks: July 3, 6:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
A spectacular setting, a fair-like atmosphere spectacular fireworks—it doesn’t get much better than that. Truly family friendly, the Whalehead Club celebration includes crafts, live music and plenty of space for chairs and beach towels.
This is one of the most popular fireworks displays on the Outer Banks, and for good reason. However, be patient after the show is over. It can take a while for traffic to move.
Kill Devil Hills
Fireworks: July 4, Dusk, Avalon Pier
There is something magical about sitting on a beach towel at the edge of a continent and watching fireworks paint the sky. It’s as though the celebration of our nation’s independence and what it represents is a shining beacon illuminating the darkest night.
The fireworks should be visible almost anyplace on the Kill Devil Beach from the Kitty Hawk town line to Nags Head. However, Avalon Pier is a little bit toward the northern end of Kill Devil Hills.
Nags Head
Fireworks: July 4, Dusk, Nags Head Pier
See above for description of what it’s like to watch fireworks on the beach.
There is an added benefit, though, to having fireworks at Avalon Pier and Nags Head Pier—it is possible to watch both celebrations from one location. The two piers are about 5.5 miles apart, so a strategically located beach chair should give a good viewing for both.
Another popular spot to watch fireworks in Nags Head is from the top of Jockey’s Ridge. The Manteo and Nags Head Fireworks will be visible from there, although the Manteo show is a little bit far away.
Manteo
Street Fare, Fireworks: July 4, Waterfront, all day
The Manteo July 4 celebration is about as all-American as it gets. Starting about noon, the waterfront area fills up with vendors and crafts. With a number of restaurants with outdoor seating in the area, three or four art galleries and a compact shopping district, there is a festive air until the last skyrocket shoots into the night sky.
A great way to spend the day remembering how great it is to be an American in a picturesque small town.