Happy 4th of July.
We’ve got a lot of local Independence Day traditions in the Wilmington area, from crowds flocking to the N.C. 4th of July Festival in Southport to boaters setting sail for the shores of Masonboro Island.
Fireworks in downtown Wilmington are also a tradition, and this year it comes with classical music as well. The city’s July 4 celebration in Riverfront Park gets started at 5 p.m., with the Loud Music Company playing rock covers at 5:30 p.m.
The main event starts at 7 p.m., when the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra will play a mix of patriotic and popular tunes, some of them conducted by Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo, including an original piece, “Fanfare for the Fourth,” from local composers Matthew Morgan and Jose Villanueva. Fireworks at 9:05 p.m. on the dot.
Let’s see what else the weekend has in store.
Weekend weather outlook
Things are looking pretty good for Independence Day weekend in the Wilmington area, with manageable highs around 90 and a low chance of rain each day. Might see a shower on Sunday.
Go | See | Do
If you’re looking for info on 4th of July events, including when and where the fireworks are, you can find several stories on our Port City Life page. There are tons of things happening in Wilmington and across Southeastern North Carolina for the long holiday weekend, even after the last fireworks have fizzled.
For starters, it’s the last weekend for the musical “Annie” at Thalian Hall (check our review); singer Michael Franti rolls into one of Wilmington’s best-loved venues for a three-night stand; and a University of North Carolina Wilmington baseball player will show off his country singing chops at an area ballpark.
Check the full list at the link below.
Happenings:12 things to do in the Wilmington area for the long 4th of July holiday weekend
The Dish with Port City Foodies
Food and dining writer Allison Ballard has a list of 19 restaurant openings and closings in the Wilmington area.
Plus, a rundown of food and drink events for July, and a chef who works at UNCW scores gold in a national competition.
Getting to know the Wilmington Transgender Community
In Southeastern North Carolina, one of the groups that helps support transgender people is the Wilmington Transgender Community. Meet the folks behind this group, which has been around for 17 years now.
Port City Pride:For 17 years, this Wilmington group has helped support the local transgender community
News you can use
The New Hanover County Board of Education’s fired schools Superintendent Charles Foust on Wednesday. We’ve got the details.
Plus, the New Hanover Community Endowment searches for a new CEO, and the Sheetz restaurant and convenience chain will open its first location in the Wilmington area next week.
Let’s get social
For more Port City Life news, including updates to food and entertainment stories, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/MyPortCityLife.
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