High Point's Uncle Sam Jam fireworks light up Oak Hollow Lake every July 4. In 2026 gates opened at 4:30 p.m. and the show began at 9:15 p.m. Info: 336-883-3502.
Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. Updated each year. The 2027 Uncle Sam Jam has not been announced yet; the details below are from the July 4, 2026, event and show what to expect. Questions: High Point Parks and Recreation, 336-883-3502, or the Uncle Sam Jam page.
High Point’s Fourth of July celebration is the Uncle Sam Jam, a city tradition since 1973, held every July 4 at Oak Hollow Festival Park with live music, food, a kids’ zone and fireworks over Oak Hollow Lake. The City of High Point Parks and Recreation Department runs it.
What this means for you
- Bring cash: parking was $10 a car in 2026, cash only.
- Leave the dog, the tent and the sparklers at home.
- Pick a viewing lot on the Eastchester Drive side; the marina had no view in 2026.
The 2026 Uncle Sam Jam
From the city’s June 25, 2026, announcement (PDF):
| Time | What |
|---|---|
| 4:30 p.m. | Gates open, Oak Hollow Festival Park, 1841 Eastchester Drive |
| 5 p.m. | The Shugga Daddies |
| 6:30 p.m. | Radio Revolver |
| 7 p.m. | Oak Hollow Lake closes to boats |
| 9:15 p.m. | Fireworks over Oak Hollow Lake |
The Family Fun Zone had free activities for children; a $20 wristband added inflatables, a jousting area, inflatable ax throwing and glitter tattoos. Food vendors sold pizza, wings, burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, shaved ice, funnel cakes and lemonade. T-Fiber sponsored the fireworks.
Where to watch and park
The city lists these viewing and parking spots, each $10 a vehicle, on its Uncle Sam Jam page:
- Oak Hollow Festival Park, 1841 Eastchester Drive
- North Overlook, 1917 Eastchester Drive
- Oak Hollow Golf Course, 3400 N. Centennial St.
- Lots at 1829 and 1912 Eastchester Drive
Because of a required change in the launch area, the 2026 show could not be seen from Oak Hollow Marina (3431 N. Centennial St.) or Sailboat Point (3701 Waterview Road), and the city did not charge for parking there. Check the city’s page before you go in 2027 in case the launch site changes again.
What to bring, and what to leave
- Allowed: coolers, chairs and blankets.
- Not allowed: pets, alcohol, tents, glass containers, fishing gear, grills, drones and fireworks of any kind, including sparklers and pop-its.
- Expect bag and cooler checks at the gate.
On July 4 there is no night fishing on Oak Hollow Lake, and in 2026 Oak Hollow Golf Course closed at 3 p.m.
Fireworks at home: the state rules
North Carolina allows consumers only a narrow set of fireworks: hand-held or ground-based sparkling devices that do not explode, spin or fly, plus wire sparklers, under the state’s pyrotechnics law (PDF). Bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles, mortars and other aerial or exploding fireworks are illegal for consumers, according to the Office of State Fire Marshal, which urges people to leave all fireworks, even legal ones, to professionals. To report illegal fireworks, call the High Point Police Department’s non-emergency line, 336-883-3224.
Getting there
Oak Hollow Festival Park is on Eastchester Drive (NC 68) in north High Point. High Point Transit does not run on Sundays and ends Saturday service at 5:15 p.m., so plan to drive or carpool to a night show; see our getting around guide.
Planning for 2027
July 4, 2027, falls on a Sunday. The city has held the Uncle Sam Jam on July 4 itself each year, according to its event page. This page will be updated when High Point Parks and Recreation announces the 2027 lineup; the 2026 details came out June 25.
Related: parks and trails and things to do this month.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the fireworks in High Point on the Fourth of July?
Over Oak Hollow Lake at the city’s Uncle Sam Jam at Oak Hollow Festival Park, 1841 Eastchester Drive. In 2026 the show started at 9:15 p.m.
How much does the Uncle Sam Jam cost?
Entry is by parking pass: $10 a vehicle, cash only, in 2026. A $20 Family Fun Zone wristband adds inflatables and other kids’ activities; some activities are free.
Can I watch the High Point fireworks from Oak Hollow Marina?
Not in 2026. The city moved the launch area and said the show would not be visible from Oak Hollow Marina or Sailboat Point, so it did not charge for parking there.
Can I bring my dog or alcohol to the Uncle Sam Jam?
No. Pets and alcohol are not allowed. Coolers, chairs and blankets are, and bags and coolers are checked at the gate.
Are fireworks legal in High Point?
Only ground-based or hand-held sparkling items that do not explode or fly are legal for consumers in North Carolina. Bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles and other aerial fireworks are illegal.
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