This summer, July 4 celebrations return to Moore County with parades, outdoor concerts and even fireworks – without even having to drive to South of the Border. Here’s what’s happening, ordered by date and by town:
Southern Pines:
Friday, July 2, 6:30-9:30 p.m.: The National Athletic Village opens its obstacle course, sand volleyball court, fire pits and adventure games (think spear-throwing and archery) to the public with an Independence Day Celebration, complete with an American Adventure Tour set in 1776, live music, and a firework display starting at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for kids 18 and older, $12 per child, and $35 for a family. Food trucks will be on-site and you can buy beer from the NAV’s cooler. Info here.
Saturday, July 3, 11:30-4:30: Grab a free hot dog from Star of the Pines Wealth Management — they’re giving away 245 of them “in honor of America’s 245th Birthday.” The first 100 cars get a bag of goodies from local businesses. You can also park, browse raffle items, and grab a balloon. Come hungry.
Saturday, July 3, 7 a.m.: Join RIOT for a “Bomb Pop 4-Miler,” a 4-mile run and 1-mile fun run named after the iconic red, white and blue popsicle. The $5 entry fee earns you a “bomb pop” medal made by Harr House Woodworking (see our story on Michaela Harr here) and a post-run treat. What’s left goes to the American Cancer Society. Get details here.
Pinehurst:
Saturday, July 3: The village of Pinehurst celebrates with a parade for pets (we’re talking everything from dogs to roosters and rabbits), and a parade for humans, both around Tufts Memorial Park. Fireworks follow at the Harness Track.
- 9:45 a.m.: Patriotic Pet Parade — info here.
- 10 a.m.: Fourthfest Parade — info here.
- 4-9:15 p.m.: Fireworks Celebration — Gates open at 4 p.m. at the Harness Track; get dinner and wait for the Night Years to take the stage at 6 p.m. Fireworks will be launched at 9:15 p.m. from the first hole on Pinehurst No. 1. Boom.
Also Saturday, July 3: Pinehurst Resort hosts a Freedom Fest with games, full buffet, a DJ and a performance from songwriter / artist Josh Mirenda, who has written No. 1 hits for Jason Aldean and Dierks Bentley. Dinner will be served, including barbecue, ribs, hamburgers, hotdogs and more. The event ends with the village of Pinehurst’s fireworks show, from the first hole on Pinehurst No. 1. Tickets are $15 for kids under 6, $35 for kids 7-17 and $75 for adults. Get them here.
Sunday, July 4: The Moore County Concert Band performs a free outdoor concert at 2 p.m. at Tufts Memorial Park in downtown Pinehurst. The patriotic lineup includes “God Bless America,” “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Washington Post March.” Bring a lawn chair.
Carthage:
Saturday, July 3: The Carthage Rotary Club directs its July 4 parade around the historic downtown courthouse, starting at 11 a.m.
Whispering Pines:
Sunday, July 4, 2 p.m.: The Fourth of July golf cart parade is proof that golf carts are multipurpose vehicles. If you want to participate, decorate your cart and bring it to the parking lot of the country club at 1:30 p.m. The parade takes off at 2. Note: There will not be a post-parade party this year.
Aberdeen:
Sunday, July 4, 6-10 p.m.: Food vendors will line the grass at Aberdeen Lake Park selling funnel cakes, popcorn, lemonade and more. Bring blankets / chairs and bug spray, but leave coolers at home. Pets are not allowed, for good reason — the event gets very crowded. Unlike previous events, this year’s festivities will not include a kids’ zone.
- Don’t feel like shlepping across U.S. 1 to find a seat? High Octane will be open, starting at 6 p.m., so you can grab a drink and watch the fireworks from their patio.
Rockingham:
Friday-Sunday: Monster Trucks — sorry, Truckz — roll into town for four shows as part of a Mayhem Tour at Rockingham Speedway. Tickets are $42, and kids under 13 get in free with a paying adult.
