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It's what's happenin'Washington, NC
Weekend Zest

What Was Happening in Washington, NC

July 1–5, 2026

Everything that was happenin' in Washington, NC this week — pulled automatically from local venues.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 1
Free Tricorn Hat and Betsy Ross Flag Giveaway
Free Tricorn Hat and Betsy Ross Flag Giveaway
Historic Port of Washington Project, Inc · 108 Gladden Street
Community

Older kids can come to the library to receive free tricorn hats and Betsy Ross flags, gifted by local families.

Red, White & Blue Sale
Downtown Washington, NC · 142 W Main St
Community

Celebrate Independence Day by shopping small and supporting local businesses during Downtown Washington's Red, White & Blue Sale, happening July 1st - 4th. Discover special promotions, unique finds, and hometown favorites throughout the Historic Harbor District.

WHERE'S GEORGE? Scavenger Hunt
WHERE'S GEORGE? Scavenger Hunt
Historic Port of Washington Project, Inc · 108 Gladden Street
Community

A scavenger hunt running through July 4th where participants pick up maps at various locations and search for General Washington throughout local businesses, with photo opportunities.

Wine Wednesday specials
Wine Wednesday specials
Two Rivers Alehouse · 186 W Main St
Drinks

Weekly wine specials at Two Rivers Alehouse.

America 250: "This River...Pathway to Our Past"
America 250: "This River...Pathway to Our Past"
George H. & Laura E. Brown Library · 122 Van Norden St
Community11:00 AM

Join us for stories and songs with Terry Rollins and Linda Boyer (Beaufort County Traditional Music) as we kick-off America and Washington’s 250th birthday.

Prime Rib Night
Prime Rib Night
The Stubborn Mule Oyster Bar & Grill · 156 W Main St
Food4:00 PM

Join for Prime Rib Night with half-off bottles of wine. Dine-in or takeout available. Reservations recommended by calling 252-940-4782.

Live Music Wednesdays: James Warren
Live Music Wednesdays: James Warren
The Mulberry House · 189 W Main St
Music6:00 PM

Live music performance by James Warren at The Mulberry House as part of the Wednesday live music series.

Nannette Garrett Live Music
Nannette Garrett Live Music
The Stubborn Mule Oyster Bar & Grill · 156 W Main St
Music6:00 PM

Special evening of live music featuring performer Nannette Garrett from 6-9pm at The Stubborn Mule Oyster Bar & Grill.

Live Music: Matt Rushing
Live Music: Matt Rushing
Backwater Jack's Tiki Bar & Grill · 1052 E Main St
Music6:00 PM

Live music performance by Matt Rushing at Backwater Jack's Tiki Bar & Grill from 6-9 PM.

Open Mic
Open Mic
El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge · 138 S Market St
Music6:30 PM

Open mic night held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 6:30-8:30 PM. Chance to win a $20 gift card, with $5 well drinks, $1 off wine, and $1 off bowls.

Wednesday Night Pool Tournament
Wednesday Night Pool Tournament
High Water Social · 980 US-17 BUS
Community7:00 PM

Weekly pool tournament at High Water Social. Open to all players for competition and fun.

THURSDAY, JULY 2
Red, White & Blue Sale
Downtown Washington, NC · 142 W Main St
Community

Celebrate Independence Day by shopping small and supporting local businesses during Downtown Washington's Red, White & Blue Sale, happening July 1st - 4th. Discover special promotions, unique finds, and hometown favorites throughout the Historic Harbor District.

All Things USA Trivia
All Things USA Trivia
Two Rivers Alehouse · 186 W Main St
Community6:30 PM

USA-themed trivia night at Two Rivers Alehouse.

Open Mic with Brian Burke, The Back-pocket Buddha
Open Mic with Brian Burke, The Back-pocket Buddha
Backwater Jack's Tiki Bar & Grill · 1052 E Main St
Music6:30 PM

Open Mic hosted by The Back-pocket Buddha at Backwater Jack's Tiki Bar & Grill.

Music Bingo—Loco Edition
Music Bingo—Loco Edition
El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge · 138 S Market St
Music7:00 PM

Free music bingo with a 4th of July playlist. A fun, interactive game night at El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge.

Open Mic + Karaoke
Open Mic + Karaoke
Fat Cats Bar & Grill · 225 W Main St
Music8:00 PM

Open mic and karaoke night at Fat Cat's Bar & Grill, running from 8-11 PM as part of their 4th of July weekend celebration.

Karaoke
Karaoke
El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge · 138 S Market St
Music9:00 PM

Karaoke night at El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge every Thursday starting at 9:00 PM.

FRIDAY, JULY 3
Washington’s 250th Anniversary & Independence Day Celebration
SPOTLIGHT
Washington’s 250th Anniversary & Independence Day Celebration
City of Washington, NC · 102 E. Second St
Community4:30 PM

Join us July 3–4, 2026, as we commemorate Washington’s 250th Anniversary with a community-wide celebration honoring our history, heritage, and the spirit of America’s first city named for George Washington! From family-friendly activities and historic exhibits to live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks show, there’s something for everyone to enjoy all weekend long. 📅 Event Schedule 📚𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏 "This River...Pathway to our Past" talk with Terry Rollins & Linda Boyer. 🛍️ Patriotic themed pick-up kits for kids, teens & adults while supplies last! 📍 Brown Library 🔎 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏 – 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟒 Washington 250 Scavenger Hunt Begins! Take part in our “Where’s George?” scavenger hunt by visiting local businesses to find George Washington and collect signatures/stamps for a chance to win prizes! Scavenger hunt cards available at select locations around the City. More details coming soon! 🛍 Red, White & Blue Sale Shop participating downtown businesses! 🏛 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟑 4:30–6:30 PM | Ribbon Cutting & Open House for Washington’s Museum of the Pamlico Stop by and celebrate this exciting new chapter in preserving Washington’s history! 📍 108 Gladden Street 👟𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟒 🏃 8:00 AM | Founding Fathers 5K | Festival Park Registration coming soon! 📚 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Historic Preservation of Washington (HPOW) Exhibits & Presentations 📍 NC Estuarium & Caboose Park (Free) 🧊 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Cooling Station & Information Booth 📍 Harbor District Market 🚋 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Historic Trolley Rides (Free) 📬 4:30 PM | Scavenger Hunt Passports Due 🌮 6:00–8:00 PM | Food Trucks 📍 Festival Park 🎶 7:00–9:00 PM | Live Music by TrainWreck 📍 Festival Park 🎆 9:15 PM | Fireworks Finale 📍 Festival Park Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us celebrate 250 years of history, community, and patriotism in Washington, NC. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Red, White & Blue Sale
Downtown Washington, NC · 142 W Main St
Community

Celebrate Independence Day by shopping small and supporting local businesses during Downtown Washington's Red, White & Blue Sale, happening July 1st - 4th. Discover special promotions, unique finds, and hometown favorites throughout the Historic Harbor District.

4th of July Themed Karaoke
El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge · 138 S Market St
Music

Themed Karaoke night celebrating the 4th of July at El Loco Social.

Ribbon Cutting & Open House for Washington’s Museum of the Pamlico
Ribbon Cutting & Open House for Washington’s Museum of the Pamlico
Historic Port of Washington Project, Inc · 108 Gladden Street
Community4:30 PM

George and Martha invite you and your family and friends to visit the historic waterfront on July 3rd from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. to share in the ribbon cutting of "Washington's Museum of the Pamlico" located on the corner of Gladden and West Main Street. We are so proud of the museum and of Stephen Farrell, the curator and brains behind the project.

Robbie Alton
Robbie Alton
Fat Cats Bar & Grill · 225 W Main St
Music6:00 PM

Live music performance by Robbie Alton from 6-9 PM on Friday during the 4th of July weekend celebration.

Live Music: Lucy Iris
Live Music: Lucy Iris
The Mulberry House · 189 W Main St
Music6:00 PM

Live music performance by Lucy Iris at The Mulberry House.

Live Music: Craig Saxy & The Thrill
Live Music: Craig Saxy & The Thrill
Backwater Jack's Tiki Bar & Grill · 1052 E Main St
Music6:00 PM

Live music performance by Craig Saxy & The Thrill at Backwater Jack's Tiki Bar & Grill from 6-10 PM.

Tim Bivans Live Music
Tim Bivans Live Music
Two Rivers Alehouse · 186 W Main St
Music6:00 PM

Live music performance by Tim Bivans at Two Rivers Alehouse.

No Critter Left Behind rescue and sanctuary visit
El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge · 138 S Market St
Community6:00 PM

Visit from No Critter Left Behind rescue and sanctuary. Event was postponed from original date due to rain.

4th of July Stars & Stripes
4th of July Stars & Stripes
El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge · 138 S Market St
Community8:00 PM

4th of July themed Stars & Stripes celebration at El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge.

DJ L-Real Karaoke
DJ L-Real Karaoke
Ribeyes of Washington · 228 W Stewart Pkwy
Music9:30 PM

Live karaoke with DJ L-Real in The Angus Room after dinner. No cover charge.

Lonnie Britton
Lonnie Britton
Fat Cats Bar & Grill · 225 W Main St
Music9:30 PM

Live music performance by Lonnie Britton starting at 9:30 PM on Friday during the 4th of July weekend celebration.

SATURDAY, JULY 4
Washington’s 250th Anniversary & Independence Day Celebration
SPOTLIGHT
Washington’s 250th Anniversary & Independence Day Celebration
City of Washington, NC · 102 E. Second St
Community8:00 AM

Join us July 3–4, 2026, as we commemorate Washington’s 250th Anniversary with a community-wide celebration honoring our history, heritage, and the spirit of America’s first city named for George Washington! From family-friendly activities and historic exhibits to live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks show, there’s something for everyone to enjoy all weekend long. 📅 Event Schedule 📚𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏 "This River...Pathway to our Past" talk with Terry Rollins & Linda Boyer. 🛍️ Patriotic themed pick-up kits for kids, teens & adults while supplies last! 📍 Brown Library 🔎 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟏 – 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟒 Washington 250 Scavenger Hunt Begins! Take part in our “Where’s George?” scavenger hunt by visiting local businesses to find George Washington and collect signatures/stamps for a chance to win prizes! Scavenger hunt cards available at select locations around the City. More details coming soon! 🛍 Red, White & Blue Sale Shop participating downtown businesses! 🏛 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟑 4:30–6:30 PM | Ribbon Cutting & Open House for Washington’s Museum of the Pamlico Stop by and celebrate this exciting new chapter in preserving Washington’s history! 📍 108 Gladden Street 👟𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟒 🏃 8:00 AM | Founding Fathers 5K | Festival Park Registration coming soon! 📚 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Historic Preservation of Washington (HPOW) Exhibits & Presentations 📍 NC Estuarium & Caboose Park (Free) 🧊 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Cooling Station & Information Booth 📍 Harbor District Market 🚋 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Historic Trolley Rides (Free) 📬 4:30 PM | Scavenger Hunt Passports Due 🌮 6:00–8:00 PM | Food Trucks 📍 Festival Park 🎶 7:00–9:00 PM | Live Music by TrainWreck 📍 Festival Park 🎆 9:15 PM | Fireworks Finale 📍 Festival Park Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us celebrate 250 years of history, community, and patriotism in Washington, NC. We look forward to celebrating with you!

July 4th Fireworks
SPOTLIGHT
July 4th Fireworks
Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce · 102 W Stewart Pkwy
Community9:15 PM

Nothing says summer in Washington like fireworks over the waterfront. Head downtown for a classic July 4th celebration, soak in the waterfront views, and enjoy a spectacular fireworks show with the community.

Red, White & Blue Sale
Downtown Washington, NC · 142 W Main St
Community

Celebrate Independence Day by shopping small and supporting local businesses during Downtown Washington's Red, White & Blue Sale, happening July 1st - 4th. Discover special promotions, unique finds, and hometown favorites throughout the Historic Harbor District.

Historic Preservation of Washington (HPOW) Exhibits & Presentations
Historic Preservation of Washington (HPOW) Exhibits & Presentations
Historic Port of Washington Project, Inc · 108 Gladden Street
Community10:00 AM

Hey Mom and Dad! Bring the kids out on the 4th of July. We have so many fun things planned on the outside deck at the North Carolina Estuarium from 10 to 2: a battlefield campsite, colonial performances, actors in colonial costumes, coloring activities ... we even heard that General Washington and Martha might make an appearance! Happy Birthday, America and Washington!!

Trolley Tour of Historic Washington (Free 10am-2pm)
Trolley Tour of Historic Washington (Free 10am-2pm)
Historic Port of Washington Project, Inc · 108 Gladden Street
Community10:00 AM

WANT to learn about our historic downtown? GOING to be here on July 4th? Come ride the FREE trolley with us. There will be four tours, one each hour, beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m.. Pick up and drop off will be in front of Pitt Street Brewing. Registration begins at 9:45 a.m. on the 4th under the awning at the old gas station at 315 W. Main St. (across from the Underground RR). Wristbands are required. There are only 34 seats on the trolley so don't miss your chance. Drop by early to reserve your seat. Children must be accompanied by an adult. See you on the FOURTH!

DJ Real - Freedom After Dark Party
DJ Real - Freedom After Dark Party
El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge · 138 S Market St
Music10:00 PM

Freedom After Dark Party with DJ Real at El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge as part of their Live Music July 2026 series.

Live Music: Corey Stewart & Adam Nixon
Live Music: Corey Stewart & Adam Nixon
Backwater Jack's Tiki Bar & Grill · 1052 E Main St
Music3:00 PM

Live music performance by Corey Stewart and Adam Nixon at Backwater Jack's Tiki Bar & Grill from 3-10 PM.

Scavenger Hunt Passports Due
Scavenger Hunt Passports Due
Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce · 102 W Stewart Pkwy
Community4:30 PM
Nannette Garret
Nannette Garret
El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge · 138 S Market St
Music5:00 PM

Live music performance by Nannette Garret at El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge as part of their Live Music July 2026 series.

Live Music: Lucy Iris
Live Music: Lucy Iris
The Mulberry House · 189 W Main St
Music5:30 PM

Live music performance by Lucy Iris at The Mulberry House.

Food Trucks
Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce · 102 W Stewart Pkwy
Food6:00 PM

Come grab a bite to eat at Festival Park from 6pm to 9pm

Jacob Watkins + Tyler Carawan
Jacob Watkins + Tyler Carawan
Fat Cats Bar & Grill · 225 W Main St
Music6:00 PM

Live music performance by Jacob Watkins and Tyler Carawan from 6-9 PM on Independence Day as part of Fat Cat's 4th of July weekend celebration.

Live Music with Corey Stewart
Live Music with Corey Stewart
Backwater Jack's Tiki Bar & Grill · 1052 E Main St
Music6:00 PM

Live music performance by Corey Stewart from 6-10 PM at Backwater Jack's Tiki Bar & Grill.

Live Music by TrainWreck
Live Music by TrainWreck
Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce · 102 W Stewart Pkwy
Music7:00 PM

Experience an evening of live entertainment and great local food at Festival Park. Food trucks will be serving from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., offering a variety of delicious options for guests to enjoy. Live music begins at 7:00 p.m. with TrainWreck, an 8-piece high-energy party and dance band performing a mix of classic R&B, Motown, funk, rock, and pop hits.

Founding Fathers 5K
Founding Fathers 5K
Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce · 102 W Stewart Pkwy
Community8:00 AM

Festival Park: Celebrate Independence Day in historic style at the City of Washington’s Founding Fathers Day 5K on Saturday, July 4 at 8:00 a.m. This festive run/walk officially kicks off Washington’s July 4th and 250th Anniversary Celebration. Participants will enjoy a scenic route through Washington’s charming historic streets, surrounded by community spirit and patriotic pride. Whether you’re running for time or taking a leisurely walk, this event is perfect for all ages and fitness levels. All registered participants will receive an event t-shirt. Runners and walkers are encouraged to show their patriotic spirit by dressing in their best red, white, and blue attire. Keep an eye out for a special guest appearance from George Washington himself as he joins in the celebration! Start your Fourth of July with energy, excitement, and a nod to history—don’t miss it!

July 4th ft. Queen Anne’s Revenge
July 4th ft. Queen Anne’s Revenge
Ribeyes of Washington · 228 W Stewart Pkwy
Music8:00 PM

Live music performance by Queen Anne's Revenge in The Angus Room after dinner. No cover charge.

Washington 250th Anniversary Fireworks Show
Washington 250th Anniversary Fireworks Show
Pitt Street Brewing Company · 307 W Main St
Community9:00 PM

Celebrate Washington's 250th anniversary with a fireworks show viewable from Pitt Street Brewing Company's special boathouse dock on the waterfront. 16 taps, summer cocktails, and food options available on-site.

Laymen's Ferry Full Band
Laymen's Ferry Full Band
Fat Cats Bar & Grill · 225 W Main St
Music9:30 PM

Live performance by Laymen's Ferry Full Band starting at 9:30 PM on Independence Day, closing out the 4th of July weekend celebration at Fat Cat's.

SUNDAY, JULY 5
$1 Wings Sunday Special
$1 Wings Sunday Special
Slammin Sammy's Oyster Bar/Daddy Dave’s Sports Bar · 824 W 15th St
Food

Wings for $1 each in traditional buffalo, hot honey, or mustard flavors. Sold by each, does not come with sides. While supplies last.

Sunday Funday Loco Tini Social
El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge · 138 S Market St
Drinks11:00 AM

Sunday Funday featuring specialty Loco Tini cocktails with live music by Earl Ragland at 2PM.

Earl Ragland
Earl Ragland
El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge · 138 S Market St
Music2:00 PM

Live music performance by Earl Ragland at El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge as part of their Live Music July 2026 series.

Live Music: Temp-Tilted
Live Music: Temp-Tilted
Backwater Jack's Tiki Bar & Grill · 1052 E Main St
Music2:00 PM

Live music performance by Tem-Tilted at Backwater Jack's Tiki Bar & Grill from 2-5 PM.

Music Bingo
Music Bingo
Two Rivers Alehouse · 186 W Main St
Music3:00 PM

Music bingo event at Two Rivers Alehouse.

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