July 4th, 2025: Celebrate Independence Day in Sanford, NC
Sanford is ready to light up the Fourth with a day full of music, food, fireworks, and local charm. Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun, great local brews, or a classic musical, here's your hour-by-hour guide to making the most of Independence Day in Sanford, North Carolina.
12:00 PM – Wyldfest 025 @ Wild Dogs Brewing
📍 136 N Steele Street🎟 Free Admission
Kick off your 4th of July with a full day of music and good vibes at Wild Dogs Brewing:
🎶 Live bands from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM, including Khallori Shindig, Thirsty Curses, and more
🍔 Food from Frita Stop and refreshing soft-serve ice cream
🎸 A vibrant atmosphere for music lovers of all ages
5:00 PM – First Friday @ Hugger Mugger Brewing
📍 229 Wicker Street🎟 Free Admission
Celebrate Sanford’s special First Friday on the Fourth with Hugger Mugger Brewing:
🍻 Local brews and adult beverages
🛍️ Food trucks and artisan vendors
🚎 Free trolley service to Kiwanis Park for fireworks later in the evening
🎉 A fun, relaxed way to ease into your holiday night
5:00 PM – Freedom Fest @ Kiwanis Family Park
📍 1800 Wicker Street🎟 Free Admission🚌 Trolley service from Depot Park: 3:30 PM–11:15 PM
This is Sanford’s signature Fourth of July event, hosted by the City of Sanford:
🎵 Live music by JM Phillips at 5:00 PM and Caroline Keller at 6:30 PM
🍽️ Food trucks and local eats
🎇 Fireworks begin shortly after 9:00 PM, best viewed from the great lawn
🧺 Bring lawn chairs or blankets (alcohol-free event)
7:30 PM – "Footloose" Teen Musical @ Temple Theatre
📍 120 Carthage Street🎟 Ticketed Event
Prefer the stage over the sky? Cool off indoors with a live musical at Sanford’s beloved Temple Theatre:
🎭 Local teen performers bring the high-energy classic “Footloose” to life
🎟️ Perfect for families or anyone looking to escape the summer heat
🏛️ Performed in Sanford’s historic downtown venue
🎯 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re dancing downtown, catching live music, watching fireworks, or enjoying a local performance, Sanford offers something for everyone this Independence Day.
🎇 Pro tip: Don’t miss the fireworks at Kiwanis Family Park around 9:00 PM!