Every once in a while, the calendar gods work in your favor. With July 4 falling on a Wednesday this year, firework-viewing opportunities abound – let’s face it, the party starts Saturday and runs straight through Wednesday, the actual 4th. No one is getting any real work done for a solid 10 days. Nice.
Plan to attend your annual favorite, try something new or, for the hardcore fireworks fan, do your best to see them all. Our day-by-day guide to fireworks in the Charlotte area this 4th of July week:
THURSDAY, JUNE 28
Mount Holly Downtown Fireworks Celebration
Where: 131 S Main St, Mt. Holly
When: Family fun starts at 5:30 p.m., fireworks show at 9 p.m.
The scoop: Activities include food trucks, a Kid Zone and live music from Coming Up Brass at 5:30 p.m. Free admission. Stop by Create In Us Art Studio at 104 S. Main (5:30-8:30 p.m.) to make a patriotic wind spinner for $5.
SATURDAY, JUNE 30
via Facebook
Where: Sycamore Brewing, Charlotte
When: Noon – 10 p.m.
The scoop: Get the holiday weekend started early at Sycamore’s Red, White & Brew Fest. The day will include food trucks, live music from Perpetual Groove and Atlas Road Crew and fireworks. $10 general admission.
2018 Fireworks and Music Spectacular
Where: East Lincoln High School, Denver
When: Activities open at 4 p.m., fireworks launched after dusk
The scoop: Denver’s Fourth of July celebration includes fireworks, food trucks, kids activities and a performance by chart-topper Mark Chesnutt at 5 p.m. No coolers allowed.
SUNDAY, JULY 1
Summer Pops – Celebrate America!
Where: 4400 Sharon Road, Charlotte
When: 8:15 p.m.
The scoop: Join the Charlotte Symphony for a salute to America with an evening of patriotic tunes and a fireworks finale Adult tickets are $18 in advance, $20 day of show. Youth tickets (ages 13-18) are $5 in advance, $7 day of show and children 12 and under are free. Have more questions? Check out the Summer Pops FAQ page.
TUESDAY, JULY 3
Charlotte Star Spangled Spectacular
Where: American Legion Memorial Stadium, Charlotte
When: Opens 6 p.m., show at 9:30 p.m.
The scoop: Fireworks are back at American Legion Memorial Stadium! The celebration begins with free family fun and festivities and culminates with a 20 minute, high altitude fireworks show at 9:30 pm. We did a full scoop with all you need to know – start planning here.
Lowe’s YMCA July 3rd Summer Celebration
Where: Lowe’s YMCA, 170 Joe V. Knox Avenue, Mooresville
When: 6 – 10 p.m.
The scoop: In addition to the fireworks, attendees will enjoy local entertainment, food offerings and kid-friendly activities. Bring a blanket and chairs and arrive early. Free admission.
USNWC’s Fourth of July Celebration (July 3 and 4)
Where: 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte
When: All day activities, fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. each night
The scoop: Head to the whitewater center for two days of yoga, live music and fireworks show each night. Want a VIP experience? Register for Terrace access to enjoy a premiere view of the performances and fireworks, food, private cash bar, and indoor and outdoor seating.
Where: 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord
When: Gates open at 5 p.m. for the shootout, with autograph session and fireworks following
The scoop: The Bojangles’ Summer Shootout Series race on July 3 features a special treat: an autograph session and fireworks display. Adult tickets are $8, children 13 and under are free. Infield pit passes available for $25 each.
BB&T Ballpark: Team USA vs. Japan
Where: 324 S Mint St, Charlotte
When: Gates open at 6 p.m. for the 7:05 p.m. game, fireworks following
The scoop: BB&T Ballpark hosts the Team USA vs. Japan game and post-game fireworks show. Tickets start at $8.
Where: 157 Main Street, Rock Hill
When: Activities start at 5:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
The scoop: Expect kids activities (fee applies), food trucks, beer and wine vendors, an ice cream eating contest, and live music from The 246 Army Band, SummerDaze, and Earth to Mars – “A Bruno Mars Experience”. Free admission, but leave Fido at home.
Fireworks Celebration, Statesville
Where: Launching from the Signal Hill Mountain Bike Trail area
When: Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
The scoop: Scope out the best places to view the City of Statesville fireworks, set to be the biggest show yet.
Harrisburg 4th of July Celebration (July 3 and 4)
Where: Harrisburg Park. More viewing locations.
When: Tuesday, July 3, 2018: Festival at Harrisburg Park (4 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.). Wednesday, July 4, 2018: Parade on Highway 49 in Harrisburg (9 a.m.) and Festival at Harrisburg Park (4 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.)
The scoop: This two-day celebration features a parade, amusements, food vendors, live music and fireworks each night at 9:30 p.m. View the full festival schedule. The fireworks show on July 3rd is approximately 10-12 minutes, while the July 4 show will last 17-20 minutes.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 4
Where: Merchant and Trade, Charlotte
When: Opens 4:30 p.m., show at 9:30 p.m.
The scoop: Get a premier viewing spot for Charlotte’s Skyshow fireworks at Merchant and Trade. Expect Pabst Blue Ribbon and Evan Williams Bourbon specials all day long, special food menu and raffle prizes. Live music starts at 8 p.m. Patriotic attire highly encouraged. $10 cover charge starting at 7 p.m. with half of the proceeds benefitting the American Made Heroes Organization.
Where: BB&T Ballpark, 324 South Mint Street, Charlotte
When: Following the 6:05 p.m. game between the Charlotte Knights and the Durham Bulls.
The scoop: Purchase your tickets for the game and fireworks show here. Not attending the game? Fireworks can also be viewed from Romare Bearden Park. Come early to enjoy street festival fun, from carnival rides to live music.
Celebrate America Fireworks Show
Where: Carowinds, 300 Carowinds Boulevard, Charlotte
When: 9:30 p.m.
The scoop: Close out a day of rides and thrills at Carowinds with a stunning fireworks show launched from the NC/SC border.
Where: 111 N. South St., Gastonia
When: Live music starts at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
The scoop: Downtown Gastonia’s 4th of July celebration features lots of food trucks, beer and wine vendors, and a live DJ followed by “42 The International Tribute to Coldplay” band at 7 p.m. This year the fireworks show, accompanied by patriotic music, is bigger and brighter than previous years and starts around 9:30 p.m. depending on the weather.
Tega Cay’s 4th of July Celebration
Where: Glennon Center, Tega Cay
When: 9:30 p.m.
The scoop: All-day festivities culminate in a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. Additional activities include a fish fry, kids activities and more.
Waxhaw Independence Day Celebration
Where: Concert held in the Food Lion parking lot. Fireworks launched from Waxhaw Parkway behind Summerfield Auto and CVS Pharmacy. Viewing locations.
When: Concert from 6 – 9 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
The scoop: Following a parade and concert from The Party Parrot Band, the city of Waxhaw celebrates July 4 with an annual fireworks display.
Red, White, & Belmont Festival
Where: Stowe Park. 24 S. Main St., Belmont
When: 4 – 10 p.m.
The scoop: Expect an afternoon of family fun, from rides to face painting, pup and bike parades, live music and more. The celebration is topped off with a fireworks display.
Harrisburg 4th of July Celebration (July 3 and 4)
Where: Harrisburg Park. More viewing locations.
When: Tuesday, July 3, 2018: Festival at Harrisburg Park (4 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.). Wednesday, July 4, 2018: Parade on Highway 49 in Harrisburg (9 a.m.) and Festival at Harrisburg Park (4 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.)
The scoop: This two-day celebration features a parade, amusements, food vendors, live music and fireworks each night at 9:30 p.m. View the full festival schedule. The fireworks show on July 3rd is approximately 10-12 minutes, while the July 4 show will last 17-20 minutes.
USNWC’s Fourth of July Celebration (July 3 and 4)
Where: 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte
When: All day activities, fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. each night
The scoop: Head to the whitewater center for two days of yoga, live music and fireworks show each night. Want a VIP experience? Register for Terrace access to enjoy a premiere view of the performances and fireworks, food, private cash bar, and indoor and outdoor seating.
