Headed to downtown Wilmington for July 4th fireworks? Here’s where to park and what to expect

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — As thousands head to downtown Wilmington to celebrate Independence Day, the city is urging visitors to plan ahead for major traffic delays following the annual fireworks display on the riverfront.

The City of Wilmington’s 4th of July Fireworks will launch at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, July 4, lighting up the sky along the Cape Fear River. The show can be viewed from anywhere on the downtown riverfront, but spectators should arrive early and consider their exit strategy before parking.

Expect Delays After the Show

Officials say traffic delays of one to two hours are likely after the fireworks due to heavy congestion. Drivers are strongly encouraged to park on the side of downtown (divided by Red Cross Street) that aligns with the direction they intend to leave.

Here’s how traffic will be directed:

• South of Red Cross Street:
  Vehicles will be diverted south toward Market Street, Dawson Street, and the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
  This includes:

  • City parking decks in the 100 blocks of Market and N. 2nd Streets

  • County deck at 200 N. 2nd Street

  • CFCC deck at Nutt and Red Cross

• North of Red Cross Street:
  Vehicles will be diverted north toward MLK Parkway and the Isabel Holmes Bridge.
  This includes:

  • Wilmington Convention Center parking deck (515 Nutt St.)

  • CFCC deck at 3rd and Hanover

Drivers using parking decks should be prepared for longer wait times as large numbers of vehicles exit at once.

Law enforcement will be actively monitoring the area and enforcing no standing, stopping or parking on bridges, roadways, and medians along routes 17, 74/76, 133, and 421. Violators risk being towed.