There's no better way to celebrate the quintessential American holiday, July 4, than at a state historic site or museum. The state observance is July 3, so most state historic sites and museums will be open July 4, as well as some July 3. This July 4 also kicks off "It's Revolutionary!," a two year long celebration of the birth of the nation. The 240th anniversary tribute focuses on North Carolina's significant role at colonial historic sites and will be observed July 4, 2015, through July 4, 2017.
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Cary's Booth Amphitheatre will come alive with the hot sounds of the New York City-based band the Hot Sardines on Thursday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m., in the season finale of the 2015 Rex Healthcare Summerfest Series. Gates open for the concert series at 5:30 p.m. Children 12 and under are free on the lawn. The North Carolina Symphony is presenting, but will not perform at the concert.
The North Carolina Symphony will celebrate America’s 239th birthday with a concert of patriotic favorites and high-spirited classics in its traditional free Independence Day concert, with fireworks, at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre on Saturday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Looking for something to do in downtown Kinston on the holiday weekend? The CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center will be open the 4th of July.
Tryon Palace will celebrate the anniversary of America’s birth with a wide range of special events and activities planned for The Glorious Fourth, Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex is pleased to offer for a second consecutive summer, guided tours of Arsenal Park on Fridays at 2:00 pm, through August 14. The tour will be available free of charge. The site of the Fayetteville Arsenal was commissioned in 1838 by the federal government to manufacture and store arms. Seized by the Confederacy during the Civil War, the arsenal complex eventually encompassed more than 100 acres at the top of Haymount Hill. The facility was destroyed by Union troops under the command of William T. Sherman in March of 1865, 150 years ago.
Children between the ages of 5-12 are invited to the North Carolina History Center for a free art workshop inspired by the Fourth of July on Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to noon. Space is limited for this workshop and reservations are recommended.
In addition to the "Queen of Steam" locomotive, train rides on motor cars, and lessons on train safety, the Rail Days Festival at the N.C. Transportation Museum June 20 will feature exhibits and designs for trains of the future. Representatives from UNC-Charlotte will discuss technology that will consume less fuel and make for safer, more affordable transportation.
Tryon Palace’s Jonkonnu interpretive performance group will hold free workshops for those interested in joining the troupe in the Waystation Auditorium on Tuesdays, from 1-3 p.m., June 23 to Aug. 11.
Pack a picnic, bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy the Independence Day holiday weekend at this annual patriotic celebration Saturday, July 4. The Historic State Capitol will sponsor this free, fun-filled family event that has become a downtown Raleigh tradition. For the fifth year, an outdoor naturalization ceremony for approximately 30 new citizens will take place at noon on the Capitol steps.