Pyrotechnics—which are also commonly known as “safe and sane” fireworks—are the only types of fireworks that are allowed in North Carolina. These devices include caps, snakes and glow worms, smoke devices, trick noise-makers, snappers, sparklers and other sparkling devices, such as fountains, which do not leave the ground.

Illegal fireworks include devices that leave the ground—such as bottle rockets, mortars, roman candles and aerial fireworks—and that have a report or make a “bang.” Examples of these include firecrackers and M80s. These types of devices are not legally available for purchase or for use in North Carolina.

Town of Duck's 4th of July Parade & Community Celebration

On Friday, July 3, 2026, beginning at 9 a.m. at the crest of the hill on Scarborough Lane. The parade will travel east towards the ocean, turns left onto Ocean Way, and then continues onto Christopher Drive to end at Pamela Court. Please note: no part of the parade will take place on Duck Road.

A Community Celebration will be held immediately following the parade at the Duck Town Park. The celebration will feature live music, cold refreshments including watermelon provided by Green Acres Farm Market, and the awarding of the parade trophies.

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Independence Day Celebrations at Island Farm

On Saturday, July 4, 2026from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Island Farm (1140 US-64, Manteo, NC 27954) will host visitors to celebrate the holiday. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the Farm’s grassy lawn, and continue celebrations of the nation’s birth with musket-fire, traditional games, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and much more.

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Town of Manteo's Fourth of July Celebration & Firework Show

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, beginning at 6 p.m., the Town of Manteo kicks off America’s 250th with an evening of family-friendly fun along the waterfront at George Washington Creef Park. Enjoy music from DJ Mixin' Mike, children’s games, food trucks, and the Downtown Manteo Social District. The celebration concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over the waterfront at 9:15 p.m.

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Fourth of July Fireworks Show at Avon Fishing Pier

Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 9:15 p.m. at the Avon Fishing Pier (41001 Hwy. 12)

A spectacular fireworks show will light up the night sky over the Atlantic. Avon Pier is the only place on Hatteras Island where you can watch fireworks this 4th of July, making it a truly one-of-a-kind coastal celebration.

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Town of Kill Devil Hills Fireworks Show

Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 9:15 p.m. at Avalon Pier (2111 N. Virginia Dare Trail)

The Town of Kill Devil Hills is proud to present its annual Fourth of July fireworks show on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 9:15 p.m. at Avalon Pier, 2111 North Virginia Dare Trail (Milepost 6). Visit one of the many Kill Devil Hills beach accesses where you can set up your beach chairs to watch the spectacular show.

The fireworks show will also be livestreamed on the town's YouTube channel and Facebook page.

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Town of Nags Head Fireworks Spectacular

Saturday, July 4, 2026 at 9 p.m. on Nags Head Pier (3335 S Virginia Dare Trail)

In conjunction with the Nags Head Fishing Pier and the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, the Town of Nags Head will host a fireworks spectacular on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 9 p.m. (note the earlier start time) at Nags Head Fishing Pier, located near Mile Post 11.5 on South Virginia Dare Trail. The fireworks display will last approximately 25 minutes.

A rain date has been set for Sunday, July 5. 

The following public beach accesses are recommended for access to the beach for fireworks viewing:

South of Nags Head Fishing Pier
Curlew Street
Hollowell Street
Conch Street

North of Nags Head Fishing Pier
Bladen Street
Bittern Street
Bonnett Street
Blackman Street

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Each July 4, thousands of people—most often children and teens—are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks, which include devastating burns, fires, permanent injuries and even death.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that fireworks caused an estimated 3,079 fires in 2024, including 3,246 structure fires, 857 vehicle fires, and 29,517 outside fires. These fires caused $98 million in direct property damage.

Remember that pets are very sensitive to loud noises, strong smells and flashing lights, so they can easily become frightened or disoriented around fireworks. To ensure the safety of your pet, leave them safely indoors during fireworks shows so they don’t become scared and take off. The Humane Society of the United States recommends leaving on a radio or TV to soften loud noises and help ease their anxiety during seasonal celebrations. 

• Only use legal fireworks.
• Don't allow children to light the devices.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions before use.
• Only use fireworks outside, on a level area, away from easily ignitable materials.
• Do not point or throw fireworks at another person or animal.
• Light only one device at a time and quickly move away from the device to enjoy the show.
• Do not place any part of your body above the device.
• Do not hold a device in your hand to light it or after it has been lit.
• Have a bucket of water or water hose readily available where you are lighting the fireworks in case a fire starts.
• Do not attempt to relight a device that does not ignite and properly fire. Instead, thoroughly soak the device in water prior to disposing of it.
• Soak all spent devices with water before disposing of the materials in the trash.
• If a fire starts or someone is injured, call 911 immediately.

Hopefully, these tips will help you stay safe and allow you to have an enjoyable time! If you have any further questions, contact your local fire department or the Dare County Fire Marshal at 252-475-5750.

More information about fireworks safety is also available at these links:

• United States Fire Administration – Fireworks Safety
• National Fire Protection Association - Fireworks
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission – Fireworks Information