Winston-Salem knows how to celebrate Independence Day. Back in 1783 — when the city was just known as Salem — Moravians gathered to celebrate the Fourth of July with worship, music, and food. That was the nation’s first ever Independence Day celebration, nearly 90 years before it became a federally recognized holiday.

Bronze plaque in brick. — A plaque in the center of Salem Square marks the first official July 4 celebration in the US. | Photo by WStoday

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 243rd anniversary of the first Independence Day celebration, we’ve rounded up more than 25 events happening in Winston-Salem. Whether you want to watch fireworks, learn history, or eat way too many hot dogs, there’s something for you.

All events take place on Saturday, July 4, unless otherwise noted.

Winston-Salem Dash Baseball | Thursday, July 2 through Saturday, July 4 | 6:30 p.m. | Truist Stadium | $17+ | Watch the Winston-Salem Dash play while enjoying patriotic theme nights and specials, including a Boston Tea Party. A post-game fireworks show will end every night, including the Dash’s largest fireworks display ever on Saturday.

Wise Man Brewing Fourth of July Weekend | Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5 | Times vary | Cost of purchase | Enjoy a variety of events, activities, and food vendors throughout the weekend.

Home Moravian Church Service | 8 a.m. | Old Salem | Free | Mark the anniversary of the first Independence Day celebration with a worship service.

Kernersville Annual Parade | 9 a.m. | East Mountain Street and Broad Street | Free | Watch marching bands and floats. You can join the parade by gathering at Kernersville Elementary before 8:30 a.m.

Semiquincentennial Stroll | 9 a.m. | MUSE Winston-Salem | $30 | Cover two miles and 250 years of city history in just two hours. You’ll also get an exclusive first look at MUSE’s new space. Other dates are available throughout the month.

Yadkinville Independence Day Celebration | 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. | Downtown Yadkinville | Free | Start the day off with a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 9:30 a.m., followed by a parade at 10 a.m. Live music will be played throughout the day with a food truck and vendor market, as well as a kid zone, open in the afternoon. Cap off the night with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.

Celebration at Old Salem | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Old Salem | Included with standard admission ticket | Enjoy guided tours, live music, hands-on activities and games, lectures, and historic demonstrations.

America’s Birthday Bash | 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Kaleideum | Included with museum admission or membership | Enjoy themed hands-on experiences, a drone demonstration from the Winston-Salem Police Department, and a Red, White, & Bike parade at noon. There will also be sensory-friendly fireworks shows in the Digital Dome at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

West End Neighbors Association Picnic | 11:30 a.m. | Hanes Park | Free | Bring a side dish or dessert to share with neighbors. Barbecue, fried chicken, and drinks are provided.

Ardmore Neighborhood Association Potluck Picnic | 12 p.m. | Shelter #1 at Miller Park | Free | Bring a potluck dish to share with fellow neighbors while enjoying live music, games, and activities for the whole family.

Tiki Talk | 12 p.m.-6 p.m. | easytalk | Cost of purchase | Cool off in backyard kiddie pools while enjoying easytalk’s special menu or playing a game for a prize.

Sips for Paws and Dogs for Dogs | 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. | Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing Company | Cost of purchase | Every beer purchased throughout the day will benefit the Forsyth Humane Society. During the afternoon, a donation gets you a hot dog and a cookie.

Liberty Arts Summer Jam | 3 p.m.-8 p.m. | Liberty Street between 5th and 6th | Free | Shop local vendors and food trucks while listening to performances by Sahara Reggae Band and DJ SP.

Hot Dog Eating Contest | 4 p.m. | Earl’s | Cost of purchase | See how many hot dogs you can eat in this annual contest or enjoy a few at $2 each. Stick around for live music at 9:30 p.m.

Kernersville Fireworks | 5 p.m. | Kernersville Elementary | Free | Enjoy live music and food trucks before a fireworks display around 9 p.m. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. No pets, alcohol, or sparklers allowed.

Red, White, & Booze Party | 5 p.m.-2 a.m. | Dive Bar | Cost of purchase | Celebrate the day with party games, themed drinks, and Jell-o shots.

Carolina Disco Turkeys Baseball Game | 6:30 p.m. | Couch Ballpark | $13+ | Watch the Carolina Disco Turkeys take on the Uwharrie Wampus Cats, followed by a post-game fireworks show.

Davie County Independence Celebration | 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. | Davie County Community Park | Free | Enjoy live music and food trucks before a nighttime fireworks show.

Salem Band Stars & Stripes Concert | 7:30 p.m. | Old Salem | Free | Listen to American classics as well as two original songs.

Dance Social | 8 p.m.-11:30 p.m. | Best of Ballroom Dance Studio | $15 | Swing dance the night away.