Schedule of Events:

Sunday, July 2, 2023

8 pm: Pre-fireworks gathering Ocracoke Island deejay Tommy Hutcherson will spin dance tunes and patriotic songs at the NPS docks.

9:15 pm: Fireworks by Pyrotecnico will be launched from the large National Park Service parking area at the southern end of the island.
The NPS parking lot will be closed all day July 2 for display setup.

Monday, July 3, 2023

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Old fashioned Ocracoke Square Dance: in the Berkley Barn with Molasses Creek. Charge at the door: $5 for adults 13 and over.

Tuesday, July 4, 2023

9:30 am – Noon: 43rd Annual Sand Sculpture Contest at the NPS Lifeguard Beach.

10 am to 2 pm: Ocracoke Lighthouse open. The lighthouse is open for viewing the inside. No climbing. Islander Chester Lynn will be on hand to talk 10:30-12:30.

4 pm: Old Time Independence Day Parade
Theme: the 200th anniversary of the Ocracoke Light Station
All are welcome to enter the parade to vie for Best Walk & Roll, Best Wheels, Best Float, Best Theme and Best in Show. Entry forms available at post office. Sign up starts at 2:30 at Old Beach Road. Parade starts at Old Beach Road and ends at NPS docks. The Hyde County Sheriff’s Office admonishes spectators not to throw water of any kind at the parade members.

5:30 pm: Singing of National Anthem & awards presentation for Parade & Sculpture Contest winners; Books to Be Red stage. BYO seating.

7 to 10 pm: Community Beach Fire under the Stars at the Ocracoke Day Use Area/NPS Lifeguard Beach. BYO beach blankets, chairs, marshmallows, and roasting sticks.

Date: July 2 - 4, 2023

Location: Various Locations in Ocracoke, NC

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