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Raleigh’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show is back at Dix Park for 2026.
Last year’s show was around the Lenovo Center and Carter Finley Stadium. Dix Park hosted the celebration from 2022 to 2024.
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The most recent Dix Park fireworks celebration was chaotic, The News & Observer reported at the time. Rain started falling about 15 minutes before the show was set to begin, and people started to leave when a DJ announced lightning in the area. A six-minute firework show then ensued, once people were already on their way out without receiving an update.
This year, attendees can text RALEIGH250 to 888777 to get real-time updates on traffic, weather and safety for public events in Raleigh July 4th weekend, according to the city.
Gates open at 6 p.m. and fireworks are at 9:30 p.m. Celebrations include food trucks, music, lawn games and inflatables, craft stations and shaded picnic area.
Raleigh budgeted $660,000 for this year’s 250th anniversary celebration. Previously, the city has budgeted $60,000 and received a $100,000 contribution from ABC11, The N&O previously reported.
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Shuttles are available to take people to the park from Moore Square (201 S. Blount St.) in downtown Raleigh, and there is free limited parking at NC State’s Centennial Campus. The first shuttle from Moore Square will leave at 5:30 p.m. and the last shuttle leave Moore Square for Dix Park at 9 p.m.
The Partners Way Deck (851 Partners Way Southeast) and Oval West Deck (914 Partners Way) are first-come, first-served, and the city recommends parking in downtown Raleigh ($10 flat rate) if planning to arrive after 8 p.m.
For ADA parking: Enter Goode Street from Lake Wheeler Road and follow the staff directions, and people must have a valid state-issued handicap placard, permit or license plate.
For more information, visit raleighnc.gov/raleigh-250.
ABC11’s coverage is starting at 9 p.m. and can be found on TV, online and through ABC11’s mobile app.
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Portions of this story were previously published in The News & Observer.