Whether you are a Pitt County native or traveling in for Independence Day this year, rest assured there are plenty of activities to fill your holiday in the area! Of course, the highlight of Independence Day in the Emerald City and beyond is one of our community celebrations, but there are also endless recreational opportunities to create an unforgettable summer holiday!
Join a Community Celebration
Farmville Independence Day Celebration
Start your celebrations off in charming Downtown Farmville on July 3rd at the Farmville Town Commons! Take in the annual fireworks display, and enjoy an all-American variety of food including hotdogs, chips, and ice cream at this event!
Greenville Independence Day Celebration
Enjoy a day full of festivities at the Greenville Independence Day Celebration on July 4th starting at 3pm! Bring your blankets, chairs, and friends to Town Common for this family-friendly day, and enjoy live music by Raquel de Souza & The Wildflower, bounce houses, food trucks, a game truck, and even a classic car cruise-in from 3pm - 6pm! The beer and wine garden will be open for the adults from 4pm - 6pm. The festivities will conclude just after 9pm, following the national anthem and a dazzling fireworks display over the scenic Tar River!
Cool Off on the Water
The Fourth of July and time on the water go hand in hand, and one of the best-hidden gems in Pitt County is our location right on the Tar River. Whether you enjoy a bike ride along the South Tar River Greenway, a guided paddle with Riverside Recreation or Knee Deep Adventures, or a boat tour with Relax and Release River Cruises, the Tar River offers recreation for all! If some calmer waters are more your drift, relax on the sandy beach at Barber Lake at Wildwood Park!
Explore River Park North
River Park North is one of the most beautiful parks in the region. Explore miles of trails, 5 ponds, 2 fishing piers, kayak and peddle boat rentals, primitive and drive-up campsites, a fossil pit, picnic shelters with grills, and a sand volleyball court. If you are a birding enthusiast, River Park North is part of the NC Birding Trail, and you can find a variety of birds including prothonotary warblers, waterfowl, and Great blue herons. If you're lucky, you may have an osprey or bald eagle sighting while exploring. Another great way to learn about the nature of River Park North can be achieved with a visit to the Walker L. Stasavich Science and Nature Center, featuring a 70-seat theater, a 10,000-gallon freshwater aquarium, live turtles and snakes, wildlife dioramas, and several interactive exhibits to enjoy.
Taste your Way Down Dickinson Avenue
From pizza to tacos, fine diners to breweries, the Dickinson Avenue Arts District is one of the best areas of Greenville for walking around and sampling local bites. There is a stop for everyone, from reimagined diner food at Native Fine Diner, beautiful outdoor dining at Amante Tacos + Spirits, a rotating globally-inspired menu at Ford + Shep, authentic Neapolitan pizza at Luna Pizza Cafe, tacos and tequila at Sidebar, or even grilled cheese and burgers at Jack Brown’s! There are more casual stops if you just want a snack too, grab a pint of local beer and some popcorn at Pitt Street Brewing Company, international treats and a glass of wine at Aji, or a tasty fresh waffle at Smashed Waffles!
Experience Farm to Cone at Simply Natural Creamery
Placing 3rd on USA Today's Top 10 Best Ice Cream Shops in America, Simply Natural Creamery is a Pitt County bucket list experience. The Simply Natural Creamery Farm is located just outside town in Ayden, where you can see the full cow-to-cone process. Offering free farm tours over the weekend, use their sign-in sheet inside to join one of their hourly tours on Saturday from 11am - 5pm and Sundays from 2pm - 5pm. While we highly recommend heading to the farm for the full experience, if you are short on time you can also visit their scoop shop in Greenville to try any of their 38 delicious flavors (and maybe take home some fresh dairy products too).
