July 4th in Carrboro
Runners | The People's Parade | Puppets | Music | Pie | Frederick Douglass | A drone show under the stars
July 4th is always a big celebration in Carrboro and this year is no exception.
Here is the schedule of events:
7am: Carrboro Farmers' Market opens at Town Commons
8: Four on the Fourth Road Race, part of Le Tour de Carrboro.
9:30 Activities on Weaver Street Market patio: decorating bikes and wagons, making hats, coloring flags
10: Register for the costume contest; winners announced at 10:30.
10:40 Parade line up on East Weaver St.
10:50 The People's Parade to Carrboro Town Commons
11 - 1:30 Live Music by Radio Revolver at Town Hall; Activities at Town Commons: Jeghetto puppet show; senior bingo; baby crawl contest; pie-eating contest; face painting; and more!
2 - 4: Community reading of Frederick Douglass's essay, "The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro" at Century Center
2 - 4: The Really, Really Free Market at Town Commons
7 - 9:45: Chapel Hill's Drone Show (replacing the fireworks of previous years)
Michelle Blume, Recreation Supervisor for the Town of Carrboro, said this year is a little different with the Farmers' Market operating in the same space as the festivities on Town Commons. So the layout of activities has shifted, with the Fun Zone under a big tent behind Town Hall and the toddler play area in the Civic Club on Bim Street.
"Jeghetto will be headlining our Fun Zone area, bringing his reusable & recycled puppets to life. Jeghetto is a self-taught Master Builder and puppeteer who will entertain the crowd with his abstract moving sculptures. Carrboro is all about sustainability and what [better] way to use your resources then to serve in a learning environment. His show takes place at 11:00am under the Fun Zone Tent."
About the live music sets at Town Hall, she said, "Radio Revolver is a high energy-genre experience that will take our crowd on a musical journey ranging from the best of pop, rock, classic rock, country and dance. A lot of research well over 6 months ago [looking for] versatile bands and a band that fits the culture of Carrboro, and them making a connection with our audience, was a huge factor in making the band selection. We wanted that energy and crowed interaction and stage presence."
About the massive logistical lift of organizing this event: "This event is truly a community effort. Its success depends on strong collaboration between Town staff, (Public Safety, Public Works, Recreation), volunteers, community organizations, sponsors, and local businesses—all working together behind the scenes to ensure everything from street closures and vendor operations to safety, entertainment, and cleanup runs smoothly. When everyone understands their role and works toward a shared goal, we're able to create a safe, organized, and memorable celebration that reflects the spirit of Carrboro."
It will be hot! Stay hydrated and wear light-colored clothing and sunscreen, she advises. Seek shade in front of Town Commons under "our familiar Town landmark the Red Oak Tree."
About the Drone Show, Alex Carrasquillo, Chapel Hill's Communications Manager, said that switching from traditional fireworks to drones "supports our sustainability initiatives, as fireworks aren’t environmentally friendly. It creates a quieter, more accessible viewing experience for our community members [and] it is responsive to community feedback we received in a 2024 survey about the event." You can find more information about the event here.
