July 4th fireworks, pandemic edition, and your Best Bets for the holiday weekend
Happy Birthday, ’Merica! You don’t look a day over 244 — oh, wait.
Well, while things that go boom are largely canceled, there are still plenty of ways to fete the 4th. Party like it’s 1776 at plenty of spots around town, but mostly in your living room. But wherever you are, put the “unity” in community, #SpreadLove and let freedom ring. It’s Independence Day, y’all.
July 4 Fireworks, Music, Vehicle Parades and more
While in-person fireworks are (mostly) canceled, there are still many ways to celebrate being too cool for British rule (including live fireworks, actually):
▪ Wake Forest will host streaming fireworks July 3 (around 9:15 p.m.), bringing its traditional Fireworks Spectacular show online to its Facebook page, kicking off with an Independence Day message featuring Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty and the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners. The entire program will be re-broadcast on WFTV 10 (Spectrum channel 10) throughout July. The fireworks will launch near Heritage High School’s stadium, but residents are not allowed to enter the stadium area, and in-person viewing isn’t allowed on streets and greenways near campus. wakeforestnc.gov.
▪ Head to Downtown Apex July 4 for some Drive Through Red White & Blue fun at 10 a.m. with a flag raising, followed by a decorated car processional. Register to participate. You can also view it from home via their Facebook page at facebook.com/ApexParks.
▪ The vehicle parade also hits the road in Carrboro (July 4, 10 a.m.) across a 26-mile winding route throughout town, representing fire, police, parks & rec vehicles and more. The Town will also present a virtual reading of Frederick Douglass’ essay, as well as music, at noon.
▪ Or jazz up your Independence Day with the Town of Holly Springs’ online concert by Mo’Jazz (July 3) streamed on the Cultural Center Facebook page and the Town’s website and YouTube channel, a food art contest at the Holly Springs Farmers Market (July 4), and fireworks July 5 streamed from the town’s website and YouTube channel.
▪ If you’re jonesin’ for the traditional July 4 light show, Selma’s All-American Fireworks Show is also here for you—also to view from your car, Thursday, July 2, at 9:15 p.m. View the show from the “Catch-Me-Eye” area (aka the vicinity of Highway 70 and Highway 301).
▪ In Johnston County, watch the fireworks in Kenly from your vehicle (in groups of 10 or less) on July 4 (9 p.m.) at Kenly 95 Petro, 923 Johnston Parkway, Kenly. This is right off of Exit 106 of I-95.
▪ Benson adds to your boomtown options with fireworks viewable from many locations (9 p.m.), shot from J. Lee Road. No gathering permitted.
▪ The town of Roxboro is bringing the boom with a live in-person fireworks show (9-ish p.m.). While the traditional parade is canceled, the show will go on — to be viewed from the socially distant safety of your vehicle. It promises to be a blast. facebook.com/cityofroxboro
One Eno - EnoFest 2020
Catch OneEno broadcast live from Carolina Theatre of Durham July 3. Sure, the in-person version of the 2020 Festival for the Eno is no more, but there’s plenty to get pumped about, including live and recorded performances from local artists with such fan faves as The Hamiltones, Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, Indigo De Souza, Jon Shain & Mark Simonsen (of the Flyin’ Mice), Sonny Miles, Dwight Hawkins and special guests The Chatham Rabbits, John Dee Holman, Violet Bell and more. Attendees can also experiences a virtual crafts market (somebody stop me!); info on local foodways, venues, artists and more; plus environmental education. Check the Festival for the Eno’s website for more info, including a schedule and programming updates. enofest.org
Scotty McCreery and more
Louder than the sound of freedom ringing is Scotty McCreery, as part of Garner’s homegrown holiday fun celebration (July 3, 8 p.m.) on GTV11 and YouTube, also slated to feature The Hall Sisters, Lorraine Jordan, TheGifted Arts, Ericka Lee, Christina Maxwell and Nyheim Hines (Go Pack!). Don’t miss the red, white and boom kickoff with a Sky Banner Flyover (4-7 p.m.). garnernc.gov and youtube.com/townofgarner.
Drive-In Food Truck Experience
“If you are what you eat, then I only want to eat the good stuff.” Catch “Ratatouille” throwback-style live from the big screen in the Triangle’s first Drive-In Food Truck Experience, July 3, with fine food truck fare by Gussy’s and Chick-N-Que. Then, July 4, if you have the need, the need for speed, head back for some “Top Gun” and food truck action by NC Bulkogi and Chick-N-Que. Gates open at 7 p.m., movies start at 9; one car pass $20. Check website for more information and future event details. July 3 & 4 shows will air at Focus Church (7000 Destiny Drive, Raleigh). foodtruckflix.com
Music in Your Gardens
Pivoting to virtual, Duke Performances’ longtime summer series Music in the Gardens will kick off its free eight-week online concert series, Music in Your Gardens, July 1 with Hiss Golden Messenger. Showcasing nationally renowned artists who call Durham and the surrounding area home, the series brings the normally held outdoors event (at Sarah P. Duke Gardens on Duke’s campus) to your living room (or wherever you wish to stream it) every Wednesday night at 7 p.m. through Aug. 19, with new specially recorded performance online, free of charge, at dukeperformances.duke.edu/MIYG and on its YouTube page. Each performance will be accompanied by a live YouTube chat with the artist.
Free Fishing NC July 4
“Oh, lookie there, I’ve got a bite…” Time to hang that “gone fishing” sign and sit in the sun on the lakeshore, as all public waters in the Old North State offer free fishing on July 4 without need for license. “that water’s right / And the weather’s perfect / No tellin’ what I might catch today… ”
July 4 at Unscripted
Nothing screams July 4 festive like a Sparkler cocktail with a side of Pop Rocks candy. Well played, Unscripted. Toast your patriotic pride with rum spirit (Bacardi, blue curacao, lemon juice, grenadine) while vibing to live music (DJs from noon to 5 p.m. and 6 to 10 p.m.) and lunch/dinner themed dishes. Our pick? Feast your attention the dish of the day: spicy ribs with housemade pickles — followed by a homemade vodka-soaked lemonade pop with Sour Patch Kids for dessert (21+). Reservations for the Patio are required and can be seen here. 202 N. Corcoran St., Durham, unscriptedhotels.com
4th at Glass Jug
May the 4th be with you at Glass Jug Beer Lab in Durham (5410 NC Highway 55, Suite V), where you can convene in the beer garden with safe social distance, brew in hand of course, to celebrate America’s birthday (4–11 p.m., free). Nosh on smoked barbecue from Oink N Moo (5–9 p.m.) or CocoCrissi Tropical Icee (6–9 p.m.); then stay for a “reel” good time via movie “Sandlot” projected on a 20-foot inflatable screen (8:15-ish). And Fido is fine to join, as long as he minds his pandemic manners. Lawn chairs and blankets also welcome. Insider tip for outdoor movie lovers: Movies in the beer garden will air every other Saturday through Sept. 12. And the summer music series will next show July 11, and every other Saturday, through Sept. 5.
‘Romeo and Juliet’
If you’re wondering wherefore art thou Romeo, he’s on the tele this week — alongside his beloved Juliet. The UNC-TV and Carolina Ballet partnership continues July 7 (9 p.m.) with the a Carolina Ballet performance of the Shakespeare classic tragedy of doomed young lovers, led by artistic director Robert Weiss, featuring works of Weiss, Balanchine, and other renowned contemporary choreographers. carolinaballet.com
Drive-Thru Fair Food Days
Get a taste of freedom — and maybe celebrate independence from your restricting pants — as the N.C. State Fair continues its freedom ride to delicious food with another weekend of Drive-Thru Fair Food Days, July 3–5, where you can savor the flavor of the best of Fair fare without getting out of your car. Think roasted corn, cotton candy, corn dogs, funnel cakes, deep-fried Oreos and Snickers, Dole Whip floats and more. Enter the fairgrounds parking lot via Trinity Road and order from your car. Drivers are asked to remain in their vehicles, and servers will come to you. Note the event is cash-only. Prices vary from $2 to $10. For a menu and prices, go to twitter.com/NCStateFair. Items subject to change.
Sonny Kelly’s “The Talk”
If you haven’t yet checked out “The Talk,” don’t miss your chance to witness this timely video release. This one-person show sees the difficult conversation a father must have with his son in a divided America. The Bulldog Ensemble Theater production, in association with The Department of Communication at UNC Chapel Hill (released in association with PlayMakers Repertory Company), will be available for four weeks only through July 10. Directed by StreetSigns Artistic Director Joseph Megel, “The Talk” was written and performed by young African American father and recent UNC Ph.D grad Sonny Kelly, borne of his frustration as he found himself struggling to explain the state of the nation to his young son. To access the video, follow the links on playmakersrep.org/the-talk, piedmontperformancefactory.org or bulldogdurham.org, and learn more at sonnykelly.com.
Honeysuckle Flight Experience
Have your Independence Day plans take flight on July 3 (6–9 p.m.) at open-air oasis The Honeysuckle Tea House (8871 Pickards Meadow Road, Chapel Hill) with its tasting experience in the garden, where Beverage Director Erick Hurtado “will lead you through five different micro-pours, all but one from beverages poured via tap, [as you] work your way through a draft wine, beer, cider and mead. The last pour will be Erick’s choice, a surprise based on your personal preference.” Says Hurtado: “We invite you to explore grain, honey, grapes, and apples fermented for libations. Let’s dive into different ferments all within 25-mile radius!” Tickets $12. Tasting slots: 6, 7 and 8 p.m. Visit the cafe & bar’s Facebook event page for more info. facebook.com/thehoneysucklenc
Triangle Virtual Open Mic Night
Thanks for showing up, Triangle! Last week’s event was the most popular yet. Let’s see if we can do it again — in the name of charity (and fun)! Tuesdays, we open mic — virtually! This week, July 7, a new half-hour “featured artist” segment will be introduced, with Alloy Fox promoting his new album “Quarantine 19.” You can listen to it on Bandcamp here. The album is slated to drop on Spotify July 3, and this appearance will see Fox playing for 10 to 15 minutes, followed by a five to 10 minute interview and another 10 to 15 minute performance. Set your calendar reminders for each week (Tuesdays, 8–10 p.m.), when Carrboro-based Dwarf Star Studios and The Triangle Music Collective host these virtual open mic nights featuring (eight-ish) live-from-home performances to benefit a bevy of organizations. Stream via Dwarf Star Studios’ YouTube channel or facebook.com/dwarfstarstudios, and catch previously recorded open mics on those channels as well.
Virtual Trivia Tuesdays
The brain games continue Tuesdays with Science Trivia (weekly, 6–7 p.m.) when you show off your smarts on a mix of science facts, current news, pop culture and scientific discoveries. Maybe you’ll even learn something new. Virtual Trivia Tuesdays are played on Kahoot and YouTube. Register to play science trivia. Once you complete your registration, you will receive an email with instructions on how to join the game. naturalsciences.org
This story was originally published July 1, 2020 at 6:39 PM.