Hillsborough’s Independence Day celebration will take place July 4. Expect increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic downtown. 

The free public festival celebrating the 250th anniversary of the declaration’s signing takes place 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in River Park.

Parking and Crosswalks

Attendees are encouraged to carpool. Free parking is available in several locations:

• Eno River Parking Deck off Nash and Kollock Street
• King Street and other streets within the downtown area
•  Various parking lots, including two lots off West King Street

The crosswalk at Churton and Nash and Kollock streets will be closed at least for the evening portion of the event. Pedestrians should use the Riverwalk greenway or the crosswalk at Margaret Lane to access River Park throughout the event.

Limited accessible parking is available at 140 E. Margaret Lane, behind the Orange County Justice Facility, for vehicles displaying a valid disability license plate or placard. For accessible parking, please stop at the entrance and follow directions from event staff, who will assist with parking.

Together, We Are America

Together We are America is being offered in partnership with Orange County. Some highlights are provided below. See the event page for more information.

Activities

Flagmaking and Parade — Starting at 10 a.m., work with local artists to make a flag of the future, showing what you wish for our country over the next 250 years. Bring your flag to the River Park ARTch metal framework at 4:45 p.m. to join a short parade around River Park.

Historic Walking Tours — Walking tours of the downtown start at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Hillsborough Visitors Center. Registration is required.

Laser Light Show — Wrap up the evening with a laser light show, starting at 9 p.m.

Other Activities — Visitors also can help transform the River Park ARTch’s metal framework or experiment with pottery. Kids can try old-fashioned activities and games with Burwell School Historic Site’s hands-on children’s activities and games inspired by 19th-century North Carolina.

Arts

Live performances and cultural demonstrations will take place throughout the day, including living history reenactments at the Occaneechi Replica Village and acoustic music from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Performances on the main stage start at 1 p.m. and include a live reading and exploration of the Declaration of Independence — “Well, I Declare” — at 2:45 p.m.

Arts vendors from Hillsborough and across the Piedmont region will participate in a crafts market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.