🎆 Burke County's 4th of July Weekend: Parades, Fireworks & Live Music

Celebrate Independence Day in Burke County with a weekend full of fun for the whole family! From patriotic parades and fireworks to live music and local brews, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a quick guide to some of the highlights:

🚴 July 3: Morganton Bike Parade with Overmountain Cycles

• Time: 5:30 PM
  
• Location: 510 N. Green Street, Morganton, NC
  
• Details: Decorate your bikes in red, white, and blue and roll through downtown Morganton in this festive, family-friendly parade. It’s a fun way to kick off the holiday celebrations!
  
• Additional Info: Spectators are welcome to cheer along the route. Follow the link for route information.

🏃‍♂️ July 4: Glen Alpine Turkey Trot

• Time: Registration at 7:00 AM; Race begins at 7:30 AM
  
• Location: Glen Alpine Baptist Church, Glen Alpine, NC
  
• Details: Start your Independence Day with a little friendly competition! The first annual Glen Alpine Turkey Trot will award trophies to the top male and female finishers. Walkers and runners of all ages are welcome.
  

🍉 July 4: Glen Alpine Independence Day Parade & Festivities

• Time: Parade line-up at 9:15 AM; Parade starts at 10:00 AM
  
• Location: Line-up on Pollard Avenue, Glen Alpine, NC
  
• Details: Celebrate small-town charm at Glen Alpine’s patriotic parade! There will be food vendors selling hot dogs, BBQ sandwiches, and drinks during the event. After the parade, enjoy free watermelon at the fire department and stick around for the crowning of Ms. Turkey Tail 2025 — the festive grand finale!

🚗 July 4: Valdese Independence Day Celebration

• Time: Festivities begin at 5:00 PM; Fireworks at approx. 9:30 PM
  
• Location: Downtown Valdese, NC
  
• Details: Celebrate with a classic car cruise-in, live music by Too Much Sylvia at 7 PM, food vendors, dancing in the streets, and a fireworks finale behind the Old Rock School.
  

🎆 July 4: Fourth of July Blast at the Burke County Fairgrounds

• Time: Gates open at 5:00 PM; Live music at 6:00 PM
  
• Location: 145 Bost Road, Morganton, NC
  
• Details: The Burke County Fairgrounds and the Chesterfield Ruritan Club are teaming up for an evening of fun! Enjoy plenty of food, kids’ activities, and live bluegrass music by New Primitive. It’s just $5 per carload, and the fairgrounds offer a perfect view of Morganton’s fireworks show later in the evening.

🎇 July 4: Morganton Fireworks Display

• Time: Around 9:45 PM
  
• Location: Best viewing spots include Independence Blvd., Wamsutta Mill Rd., and N. Green St.
  
• Details: Morganton lights up the sky with its annual fireworks show. Though Freedom Park is closed to the public for safety, the view from surrounding roads is spectacular.
  

🎶 July 4: Live Music at Bones Jones Burgers & Butcher

• Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  
• Location: Bones Jones, Downtown Morganton
  
• Details: Grab a cold drink and a killer burger while enjoying live tunes on the patio—perfect for a relaxed afternoon before the fireworks.
  

🍻 July 4: Farm Fridays at Fonta Flora Brewery – Whippoorwill Farm

• Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  
• Location: 6751 NC-126, Nebo, NC
  
• Details: Enjoy live music, food trucks, and refreshing craft beer at this beautiful farm setting near Lake James. A chill way to celebrate with friends and family.

🎶 July 5: JackTown Rambles at Town Tavern

• Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  
• Location: Town Tavern, Downtown Morganton
  
• Details: JackTown Rambles bring their blend of Americana, bluegrass, and swing to the outdoor stage. A lively Friday night experience with great food and drinks.
  

🎸 July 5: Live Music at Silver Fork Winery

• Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  
• Location: 5000 Patton Road, Morganton, NC
  
• Details: Sip wine and unwind to classic rock from Almost Vintage. Food truck fare available on site.
  

🎶 July 5: Live Music at Perry's Berry's

• Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  
• Location: 1136 Browning View Road, Morganton, NC
  
• Details: Check out local up and coming Country Music star Brandon Bethel as you celebrate this weekend.

🌊 Outdoor Fun: Lake James, Lake Rhodhiss & River Adventures

It’s the perfect weekend to cool off on the water! Head to Lake James or Lake Rhodhiss for boating, swimming, or a picnic at one of the parks. Want to paddle instead? Rent kayaks from CBS Sports and put in on the Catawba River or one of the lakes for a relaxing float surrounded by nature.