Permitted, professional displays offer safe and legal ways to celebrate Independence Day across Brunswick, Columbus, and Horry counties.
By BC News Staff Writer
As Independence Day approaches, public safety officials across the coastal Carolinas are reminding residents that the safest and legal way to enjoy fireworks is at a permitted, professional public display.
Because North Carolina state law bans consumer pyrotechnics that leave the ground or explode, and local South Carolina municipal ordinances strictly prohibit personal fireworks on all public beaches, local organizers have stepped up to host spectacular, authorized shows.
From riverfront traditions celebrating the nation’s semiquincentennial to hyper-local neighborhood viewings, here is your comprehensive guide to the legal fireworks displays scheduled across Brunswick, Columbus, and Horry counties for July 4, 2026.
Brunswick County, NC
- Oak Island Beach Day Fireworks (Wednesday, July 1, 2026)
- Time: Dusk (Approx. 9:00 p.m.)
- Location: Oak Island Pier, Beach Drive
- What to know: Serving as the official kickoff to the area’s holiday week, this massive oceanfront display can be viewed for miles along the local strand.
- Sunset Harbor Community Fireworks (Saturday, July 4, 2026)
- Time: 9:15 p.m.
- Location: End of Swain Street SE, Sunset Harbor
- What to know: A dedicated, community-driven display offering an excellent viewing alternative for local residents looking to celebrate closer to home.
- North Carolina 4th of July Festival Fireworks (Saturday, July 4, 2026)
- Time: 9:00 p.m.
- Location: Waterfront Park, 146 East Bay Street, Southport
- What to know: The grand finale of North Carolina’s official state Independence Day celebration, which holds extra significance this year as part of the nationwide America250 milestone. The pyrotechnics will launch directly over the Cape Fear River. Spectators are urged to arrive early in the historic district, as heavy traffic and parking restrictions are expected. Water-taxi services via the Fort Fisher ferry will remain active ahead of the event.
Columbus County, NC
- 39th Annual Tabor City Fireworks Celebration (Saturday, July 4, 2026)
- Time: Gates open at 6:00 p.m., Live entertainment at 7:00 p.m. with Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
- Location: South Columbus High School, 40 Stallion Drive, Tabor City
- What to know: Hosted by the Greater Tabor City Chamber of Commerce, this family-friendly regional staple features live entertainment, concessions, and community raffles. Admission is completely free, though donations are accepted at the Chamber tent to help support the annual event.
Horry County, SC
While South Carolina permits the sale of certain consumer fireworks on private property, municipal fire codes strictly ban their possession or discharge on all public beaches, dunes, and oceanfront rights-of-way. These authorized, commercial-grade shows offer legal, high-altitude viewing options along the Grand Strand:
- Second Avenue Pier Display (Saturday, July 4, 2026)
- Time: 9:00 p.m.
- Location: 110 N. Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach
- What to know: Launched from the south end of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, this iconic downtown display is fully visible from the public beach strand.
- Cherry Grove Pier Display (Saturday, July 4, 2026)
- Time: 9:30 p.m.
- Location: 3500 N. Ocean Blvd, North Myrtle Beach
- What to know: To accommodate the launch zone, city officials will enforce a strict 300-foot public safety perimeter on both sides of the pier starting at 7:00 PM. Local law enforcement reminds visitors that personal fireworks remain completely illegal inside city limits.
- Broadway at the Beach (Saturday, July 4, 2026)
- Time: 10:00 p.m.
- Location: Lake Broadway, Myrtle Beach
- What to know: High-impact pyrotechnics show synchronized to patriotic music, ideal for families spending the evening at the shopping and entertainment complex.
- Barefoot Landing Fireworks (Saturday, July 4, 2026)
- Time: 10:00 p.m.
- Location: 4898 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach
- What to know: The night sky will light up over the central lake and waterway area, offering excellent viewing lines from the surrounding boardwalks and restaurants.
- Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk Finale (Saturday, July 4, 2026)
- Time: 10:00 p.m.
- Location: Veterans Pier, Murrells Inlet
- What to know: Launched from the end of the pier at the southern edge of the county, this spectacular waterfront show can be viewed clearly from any vantage point along the historic Marsh Walk.
Safety and Compliance Reminder
Local law enforcement and fire marshals will be patrolling public areas throughout the holiday weekend to enforce local ordinances. Violations regarding the illegal possession or discharge of fireworks can carry substantial fines. Residents are encouraged to leave the pyrotechnics to the licensed professionals at these sanctioned regional sites.
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