Chapel Hill July 4th Drone Show

Update [8:53pm] - Shuttle service has ended for drop off.

Update [8:00pm] - Eubanks Park & Ride Lot is full. At 8:15pm shuttle service will stop at that location. UNC's RR Lot and Rosemary Parking Deck still available.

This July 4th marks the nation’s 250th anniversary! Chapel Hill is celebrating with a new type of show that reimagines our long-standing community gathering.

Technology meets creativity in this year’s drone show at Chapel Hill High School, presented by Skyworx. At 9:20pm, a collection of 300 synchronized drones will lift off and arrange themselves into shapes and images, using light and color to paint designs across the Chapel Hill sky.

Parking & Shuttles

No parking at Chapel Hill High School, Smith Middle School, or Seawell Elementary School.

ADA-accessible parking: Chapel Hill High School (first come, first serve starting at 6pm). See our event map to find ADA-accessible parking locations.

Parking options (all free):

• Opening at 6pm: Rosemary Parking Deck and UNC’s RR Lot; Shuttles run 6 - 8:45pm and 9:35 - 10:05pm
• Opening at 7:30pm: Eubanks Park & Ride Lot; Shuttles run 7:30 - 8:45pm and 9:35 - 10:05pm

Parking is first come, first serve until full capacity. We’ll have frequent shuttles running between these lots and the event at Chapel Hill High School. As lots fill up, we'll share updates on this page.

There are no shuttles during the show. We encourage you to park early so there’s time to hop on the shuttle and pick a viewing spot before the show starts. Chapel Hill Transit will not operate regular service in observance of the July 4 holiday. Only the shuttle service is available.

What to Bring

Encouraged: Plenty of water, picnic supplies, coolers, blankets, and chairs. Seating is not provided, so you must bring your own.

Not allowed: Tents, tailgates, pets, alcohol, glass, combustibles, flammables, fireworks, sparklers, weapons, and smoking

Where to watch

The drone show begins at 9:20pm. You must view the drone show from a certain angle to see text and images properly.

Viewing is only permitted within two designated viewing areas at Chapel Hill High School (see map below).

Smith Middle School and Seawell Elementary will be closed. You cannot view the show from either school.

We cannot guarantee visibility from houses located near the show.

Visit this page for frequently asked questions.

When

Location

Chapel Hill High School, 9217 Seawell School Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, View Map