Get ready to kick off your July 4th festivities early at our July 3rd Celebration in the Park! Join us for a star-spangled extravaganza featuring a movie screening of Top Gun (PG-13), family-friendly activities, and a mouthwatering lineup of food trucks. It’s the perfect occasion to gather your loved ones and enjoy some pre-Independence Day fun—and don’t forget to snag a limited-edition DCP Top Gun-themed sticker from activities in the Nest Pavilion and on the Great Lawn!

Schedule of Events:

4 – 8 p.m: Aquarena in Park Street Courts Arena – The Arena will once again be turned into a refreshing cool zone featuring two giant misters, water blasters, reusable water balloons and mini pools to splash in and refill your blaster.

4 – 8 p.m: VR Flight Simulator in Academy Pavilion – Take flight as you pilot a virtual fighter jet through a mountain canyon or shoot down enemy planes in an aerial dogfight. 

4 – 8 p.m: Spikeball  on Frantz Square Lawn – Recreate one of the greatest movie scenes in cinematic history with a little twist. Challenge your friends, family, or someone you just met to a little round of Spikeball. (Slow motion play is not required).

4 – 8 p.m: Art Cart in the The Nest Pavilion – Use your imagination to make your own fighter pilot helmets!

4 – 7 p.m: Air Gliders and Stomp Rockets on the Great Lawn – Kids can enjoy stomp rockets and gliding planes as they challenge each other to see how high and far they can go. There will also be a limited number of gliding planes for kids to take home, while supplies last.

4 – 7 p.m: Airplane Challenge on the Great Lawn – Make a paper airplane worthy of our great Air Force and see if you can land it on our ‘Aircraft Carrier’. The top three planes that get the closest will win a fabulous prize. 

8:30 p.m: Top Gun Movie Screening at the Great Lawn Pavilion -The Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School is where the best of the best train to refine their elite flying skills. When hotshot fighter pilot Maverick is sent to the school, his reckless attitude and cocky demeanor put him at odds with the other pilots, especially the cool and collected Iceman.

4 – 9 p.m: Food Trucks available along Park Street Courts
- Donut NV- Hot mini donuts and fresh squeezed lemonade
- NC Bulkogi- Authentic Korean BBQ with a yummy twist!
- Ty’s All Natural- Family friendly menu! Waffled Fried Chicken, hand patted burgers, Eastern NC style BBQ, chicken tenders, and more.