Fourth of July
Celebrate Independence Day in Historic Edenton
Join us for an unforgettable 2026 Fourth of July celebration in one of North Carolina’s most charming waterfront towns! Whether you’re a local or visiting for the weekend, Edenton is the perfect place to enjoy small-town Americana with big-time spirit.
Week-long Independence Day Activities
- Cupola House has exhibit of flags from the Revolutionary War
- All flags outside on the fence, free to the public 24/7
- SHS + Cupola House tours as normal (SHS Closed on Friday)
- Mon-Thurs: Bike Decorating at the Library until supplies run out (For 4th Bike Parade)
- Library Window Display Kick-off
- Mon-Thurs: Drop off your painted watermelon at Extension Office
- Wed, July 1:
- 4th of July themed Trivia at Edenton Bay Trading Company
- Women who influenced the revolution exhibit at Tea Company
- Fri, July 3rd:
- America Themed Music Bingo at Edenton Bay Trading Company
- Steamer’s game, fireworks, patriotic jersey auction
- Albemarle Queen Tours
Independence Day Activities
- 9:00-12:00 Classic Car Show at the Courthouse
- 9:00-1:00 Edenton Farmers Market
- 9:30 Militia Muster on Courthouse Green
- 10:00 Declaration Reading – DAR (State Regent is coming)
- 10:00 am to 2 pm Washington’s Tent open w/ photo booth
- 10:30 am to 2 pm Courthouse Tours. Sign your own copy of the Declaration
- 11:00 CJ will take Wave Across America
- 11:00 Golf Cart Parade + Bike Parade (See below for details)
- 12:00-6:00 Paddle Boat Tours ($15 cruises, 1.5 hrs each), Potential Masonic Lodge Tours, Cupola House Tours (First floor only. Free 11-4)
- 12:00-6:00 S. Broad from King to Water will be handicap parking all day.
- 1:00-4:00 Free Hayes Tours w/Birthday Cake
- 1:00-3:00 Edenton Yacht Club Regatta in Water
- 2:00 “Anything That Floats Competition” w/ Albemarle Queen
- 2:00 Make Your Own Ice Cream Sundae (free as long as supplies last)
- 3:00-4:00 Watermelon Decorating Contest Drop off at the Optimist Tent (not the Extension office)
- 3:00-4:00 Apple Pie Baking Contest Drop off, Colonial Park at the Cooperative Extension Booth
- 4:00 Pie Baking Contest
- 4:00 Optimist Train Rides Begin
- 4:00-5:00 DJ Starts
- 4:45 Apple Pie Baking Contest Winners Announced
- 5:00 Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest
- 6:00 Watermelon Eating Contest
- 6:30 Announce Winners of Watermelon Decorating Contest
- 7:00 Penny Hunt
- 8:00 Wave Across America
- Fireworks start around 9:15 (See below for details)
Golf Cart & Bike Parade
Decorate your bikes, golf carts, wagons, or strollers in red, white, and blue for our annual Independence Day Parade. This fun, family-friendly tradition welcomes participants of all ages and is a highlight of the day.
Location: Parade begins at the Edenton Cotton Mill Historic District
Lineup Time: Directly after the Declaration of Independence reading
Register Here: https://forms.gle/7QjS18MgrkTyV3Ps6
Parade Route:
Optimist Club Festival Activities
Starting at 4:00 PM, Colonial Park will be ready for you to come enjoy a variety of activities, including:
- Food trucks and local vendors
- Live music
- Family-friendly games and activities
- Scavenger Hunt (new this year!)
- And more to be announced
Fireworks Over Edenton Bay
End the day with a spectacular fireworks display over the water.
Location: Edenton Waterfront
Time: Fireworks begin at dusk
Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the show with friends and family. We look forward to celebrating with you!
For the most up-to-date details, visit our Facebook page.
Road Closures
