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Celebrate the Fourth of July in Durham
Looking to celebrate July Fourth in Durham? Here's a roundup of events happening to help you get your Fourth of July sparkle on.
Bring on the fireworks, barbecue, pool parties and picnics! The Fourth of July is right around the corner, and we know you're ready to show off your red, white and blue spirit with family and friends.
For the past 50 years, Durham has celebrated the Fourth of July through Festival for the Eno, held at one of the Bull City's natural treasures, the Eno River. Due to multiple factors, however, The Eno River Association has made the wise decision to hold its annul festival in the fall at a new location. This fall benefit concert will celebrate the Eno River Association's 60th anniversary and promises to be just as enjoyable as past annual festivals. While the Festival for the Eno is changing forms, Durham still has a whole host of big plans laid out for this Fourth of July.
Whether you're passing through or sticking around Durham, there are many star-spangled festivities that you can take part in. From festivals to fireworks, we've rounded up a list of Fourth of July weekend events in Durham.
Red, White, and Fun!
Date: July 3
Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Museum of Life and Science, 433 W. Murray Ave.
Enjoy a patriotic family fun fueled day of learning at the Museum of Life and Science. Learn about animal welfare, conservation practices and how to help support local wildlife.
Children’s Independence Day Parade
Date: July 4
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. (Parade begins: 10:30 a.m.)
Location: Durham Central Park
Bring the whole family to Durham Central Park to celebrate the Fourth of July at the Children’s Independence Day Parade. Families are welcome to show up at 9:30 and decorate bikes, trikes, wagons and strollers using items from the Scrap Exchange and then parade through Durham Central Park at 10:30 a.m. Pssst ... there will be free popsicles and fire truck tours after the event.
Watts Hospital-Hillandale Independence Day Parade and Celebration
Date: July 4
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: 2200 W Club Blvd
Take part in Durham's longest continuously observed Independence Day festival. For the celebration's 77th anniversary, participants are welcome to join the parade of bikes, tricycles, strollers, wagons or on foot, escorted by police motorcycles and a fire truck.
Frederick Douglass Community Reading at Stagville
Date: July 4
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: 5828 Old Oxford Highway
Join the Durham community for a group reading of Frederick Douglass' "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July" address. This event is free and open to the public, provided you register beforehand. Copies of the address will be handed out to each guest before the reading.
Join others in reading Frederick Douglass' 4th of July address in front of the slave dwellings at Horton Grove. Photo: Discover Durham
Bull City Boom & Bash
Date: July 4
Time: 3 - 9 p.m.
Location: Durham Central Park
Head to Durham Central Park and bring your appetite because this event will have the eats. Bull City Boom and Bash is a July Fourth celebration in the form of a food truck rodeo complete with live entertainment and local businesses.
July 4th Block Party
Date: July 4
Time: 5 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Location: Annexe, 105 S. Mangum St., Unit #1
The folks at Annexe and High Dive are having a block party for the Fourth of July and you're invited. Honoring Latin America and America's 250th anniversary, High Dive will be screening classic films while party goers enjoy drink specials and karaoke. Kick it up a notch at Annexe with a set from DJ Ek Balam, giveaways, exclusive merch, an ice luge and more.
Sun’s Out, Buns Out: July 4th on the Roof
Date: July 4
Time: 4 - 11 p.m.
Location: The Roof at The Durham Hotel
The Roof at The Durham is hosting a cookout in partnership with Left Bank Butchery for a July 4 cookout. Loosen your belts and get ready for juicy beef hot dogs and burgers served on house-made brioche buns. Tickets aren't needed, and all food and drink will be available for purchase at the rooftop. Order up a Hot Dog Tower for the table or sneak an a-la-carte burger for yourself.
Fireworks hosted by the City of Durham
Date: July 4
Time: 9:15 p.m.
Location: Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Celebrate the Fourth of July with Durham Parks and Recreation and the Durham Bulls at the City of Durham’s official commemoration.
Attend the game and then enjoy the biggest firework show of the year following the game. Game tickets can be purchased online or by calling 919-956-BULL. Gates will open for general admission at the end of the 7th inning based on availability for those that would like to view the fireworks show from inside the ballpark.
For prime viewing sites outside of the ballpark, check out the grassy area behind Diamond View 3, the North Deck at Burt's Bees, Tobacco Road Sports Café, The Lenny, Ponysaurus Brewing or Fizzwerks.
Enjoy one of the best fireworks shows in town at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Photo: Huth Photo
Visit a Historical Site
The USA is turning 250 this year, and what better way to celebrate than learning about some of our country's milestone moments? Take a visit to Bennett Place to discover more about one of our countries darkest times, the Civil War. This was the site of the largest surrender of Confederate troops in the civil war, a triumphant moment for our country. Not only can you educate yourself at this site, you can walk the same ground as those who came before us.
Of course, after all the celebrations, you'll want a place to lay your head. A stay at one of Durham's many hotels with pools will allow you to keep the festivities going with a swim before you settle in for the night.
Celebrate America's Birthday with a Deal on a Stay at Courtyard by Marriott
As a special celebration of America's 250th, Courtyard by Marriott Durham Near Duke University/Downtown is holding a special deal all through July. Get a room for $99 a night plus a welcome gift. You'll want to make sure you secure your room soon, because they're only offering 250 rooms at this rate. Terms and conditions apply.
