Sparks Fly! Fourth of July Fun in and Around Chatham County

Get ready for a week full of hometown pride and festive fun in and around Chatham County, with history socials, parades, live music, fireworks and family-friendly celebrations leading up to Pittsboro’s Summer Fest finale!

Before the fireworks and festivities begin, join the Chatham County Historical Association for a Siler City History Social on Thursday, July 3, from 10:30–11:30 a.m., at Wren Memorial Library. As we celebrate our nation’s independence, take a moment to honor local history by sharing your own memories, photos and keepsakes from Siler City—one of Chatham County’s most storied towns. Light refreshments will be served, and everyone is welcome. Help bring the past to life this Independence Day!

On July 4, from 2-8 p.m., The Plant in Pittsboro will host a festive Fourth of July celebration for the whole family. Guests can enjoy an afternoon of yard games, water sprinklers, cold beverages and classic cookout fare like burgers and hot dogs.

Live music kicks off at 3 p.m. with Southern RanT, a local band known for their energetic blend of country and Southern rock covers. It’s the perfect way to spend Independence Day—fun, food and music for all ages! Make sure to RSVP! 

Celebrate Independence Day with Preservation Chapel Hill on Friday, July 4, from 1-3 p.m., at the Horace Williams House Grounds (610 E. Rosemary Street, Chapel Hill). This free, family-friendly event features a festive performance by The Village Band, along with ice cream and refreshments.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. While admission is free, donations are appreciated and will help support the preservation of Chapel Hill’s historic sites and neighborhoods. Note, the event will be canceled in case of rain.

Celebrate Independence Day with the Town of Carrboro on Friday, July 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.! Festivities begin at Weaver Street Market (101 E. Weaver St.) with bike and wagon decorating, kids’ costume contests and patriotic crafts. At 10:50 a.m., the Bulltown Strutters lead the beloved People’s Parade to Carrboro Town Hall (301 W. Main St.) for the main event.

From 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., enjoy live music, a baby crawl contest, pie-eating, carnival games, face painting, a bubble artist and much more. This event is free and family-friendly!

Chapel Hill’s annual Fourth of July fireworks return to Southern Community Park (1000 Sumac Rd) on Friday, July 4. Parking opens at 7 p.m., with the fireworks show starting at 9 p.m.

Bring blankets, chairs and a picnic to enjoy the evening. Please leave pets, tents, alcohol and glass at home, and don’t forget to bring your own water. The best views are from the Southern Community Park ball fields and the Southern Village Green.

Join us in downtown Pittsboro for Summer Fest on July 6, from 4-9 p.m., a lively, family-friendly celebration packed with fun! Enjoy live music from local favorites 8-Track Minds and Your Mama’s New Boyfriend, explore dozens of artisan vendors offering everything from handmade jewelry to local art and dig into delicious eats from popular food trucks.

Don’t miss exciting activities like the decorated bicycle parade, balloon animals, juggling, axe throwing, a duck pond prize game and more! Crowd-favorite contests—the watermelon seed spitting, pie contest and the beard & mustache showdown—happen throughout the evening, with winners announced at 6:45 p.m. To enter, email downtown.pittsboro@gmail.com. 

Plus, stop by the Chatham County Historical Association booth to share your stories and learn more about Old Chatham. Summer Fest is proudly presented by the Pittsboro Business Association—don’t miss this hometown celebration!