Celebrate the Fourth of July in downtown Wilmington! Fireworks at 9 p.m. over the Cape Fear River always draws a crowd, but there’s plenty to do beforehand on July 4th, 2017. Put on your red, white and blue and head downtown to mark our country’s independence!

Take a Cruise on the Cape Fear River This July Fourth

Enjoy fresh river breezes and scenic views on a Cape Fear River cruise! This Fourth of July weekend, come down to the Riverwalk and step aboard the Captain Maffitt, John Knox, or Jacob’s Run for hour-long narrated sightseeing cruises on the Cape Fear River.

  • Learn about local history, including the movie industry in Wilmington
  • See area birds and wildlife
  • Enjoy the best-ever view of historic downtown Wilmington!

Grab a bite or a beverage at Anne Bonny’s restaurant at our dock on the Riverwalk. Take your burgers, po’ boys, tacos and hot dogs aboard your cruise or sit down dockside to eat. The full bar offers cold or frozen drinks for hot summer days and nights, too.

Check our calendar for cruise times July 4th weekend. On July 4th, cruise times are: 11 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:15 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. Cruises are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 2 to 12.

Buy tickets for July 4th evening 30-minute sightseeing cruises at the ticket booth after 6 p.m. on July 4th ($10 per ticket for all ages). Half-hour evening cruises are at 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m.,  and 7:30 p.m. If the Coast Guard doesn’t close the river at 8 p.m., we will do an 8 p.m. cruise too.

Guests on evening cruises will be invited to watch the fireworks from our dock—it’s the best view in town!

City of Wilmington 4th of July Celebration

The City of Wilmington 4th of July Celebration features live entertainment and food vendors, plus a fireworks display launched from a barge in the Cape Fear River at 9:05 p.m.

Mr. Roberts and Fireworks on the Battleship

Watch Mr. Roberts, a patriotic drama, on the fantail of the Battleship North Carolina this July 4th. The play is set aboard a US cargo ship in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. Remember the 1955 film starring Henry Fonda and James Cagney? The show is followed by the fireworks over the Cape Fear River at 9 p.m.

Hannah Block Community Arts Theatre Open House

The Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center in downtown Wilmington celebrates July 4th with an open house. Learn moves from the Cape Fear Swing Dance Society and watch a documentary film, Home Away From Home. Enjoy free donuts and coffee and sodas for 5 cents each.

Happy Independence Day, Wilmington!

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