One of our favorite weekends of the year is here, and we can’t wait to get out and celebrate.
July 4th lands on a Monday this year (hello three-day weekend), so expect the party to start early and continue into next week. 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 of where to see July 4th fireworks within driving distance from Charlotte this weekend:
4th of July 2022 Fireworks & Celebrations Near Charlotte
Saturday, July 2
Celebrate America Fireworks Show (July 2, 3 & 4)
Where: Carowinds, 300 Carowinds Boulevard, Charlotte
When: 9:30 p.m. each night.
The scoop: Close out a day of rides and thrills at Carowinds with a stunning fireworks show launched from the NC/SC border, complemented with an All-American soundtrack. Best viewing locations include the Carolina Boardwalk, County Fair, and Celebration Plaza areas.
Optimist Hall Star Spangled Saturday
Where: 1115 N Brevard St, Charlotte
When: Fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.
The scoop: Head down to Optimist Hall for a variety of choices for dinner and drinks along with live music and an impressive fireworks show.
Field of Flags and Lowe’s YMCA Summer Celebration (July 2 – 5)
Where: Lowe’s YMCA, Mooresville
When: Ceremony and concert on July 3 at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks.
The scoop: This year, the Lowe’s YMCA and the Exchange Club of Moorseville/ Lake Norman are partnering to host the annual Field of Flags and July 3rd Summer Celebration. You can expect over 600 American flags, food trucks, and fireworks along with live performances. Head here for more information and to purchase a flag.
Town of Matthews Independence Day Celebration
Where: Stumptown Park, 120 S Trade St., Matthews
When: Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m.
The scoop: Enjoy live music from the Next Level Band, delicious food and ice cream, family fun, and a spectacular fireworks show to end the night. Note: no pets or outside alcohol allowed.
Cramerton Independence Day Celebration
Where: Centennial Center, 100 Center Street, Cramerton
When: 6 p.m.
The scoop: Head to Cramerton to celebrate Independence Day with live music by the Carolina Soul Band, face paintings by Hamm It Up, beautiful Riverfront Downtown views, and a fireworks show.
Red, White, and Belmont
Where: 24 S. Main Street, Belmont
When: 6 – 10 p.m., fireworks show begins around 10 p.m.
The scoop: Red, White, & Belmont is back this year with an evening packed with live music by Java Band, a beverage garden, DJ, an unforgettable fireworks show, and more. View the full schedule here.
Red, White, and Boom! – Kings Mountain
Where: Celebrate from Patriots Park (220 South Railroad Avenue) or the Deal Park Walking Track (211 North Cleveland Avenue).
When: Laser light show and fireworks begin around 9:45 p.m.
The scoop: Expect food trucks, inflatables, DJ, and live music. The show syncs to music on the radio at 101.1 FM.
Sunday, July 3
4th of July Celebration at U.S. National Whitewater Center (July 3 & 4)
Where: U.S. National Whitewater Center
When: July 3 & 4
The scoop: This two-day celebration features live music, multiple yoga practices, and live music. Check out the full schedule here.
NOTE: Due to multiple abrupt changes in the firework permitting process prescribed by Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte, the Whitewater Center will no longer feature a fireworks display.
The Town of Harrisburg July Fourth Celebration (July 3 & 4)
Where: Harrisburg Park, 191 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg
When: The Harrisburg 4th of July Festival, with live music, rides, and fireworks, will take place July 3rd and 4th, with the Harrisburg 4th of July Parade happening on July 3rd.
The scoop: This two-day celebration features a parade, amusements, food vendors, live music, and fireworks each night at 9:30 p.m.
Monday, July 4
WBT’s SkyShow
Where: Truist Field, 324 S Mint Street, Charlotte
When: Game starts at 6:05 p.m., with fireworks following.
The scoop: WBT SkyShow is back! Expect a firework show after the Knights game on Sunday, July 4th. Get your tickets here.
4th of July Parade at Birkdale Village
Where: Birkdale Village
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (no fireworks show)
The scoop: Looking for something to do the morning of the 4th? Head to Birkdale for a family friendly morning filled with face painters, balloon twisters, magicians, a live DJ, and a photobooth, completed with a red, white, and blue parade.
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers
Where: Atrium Health Ballpark, 1 Cannon Baller Way, Kannapolis
When: Game time is 6:30 p.m., with fireworks following
The scoop: Monday night celebration at the Atrium Health Ballpark with a post-game fireworks show.
Lake Wylie Annual Fireworks Display
Where: Lake Wylie, by the Buster Boyd Bridge, SC
When: 9:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The scoop: Head to Lake Wylie to see their annual firework display. Best viewing locations include The Buster Boyd Bridge Boat Landing, Papa Doc’s outside deck, Rey Azteca deck at Lake Wylie Plaza, Lake Wylie Italian, and Pizza on the patio at Lake Wylie Plaza, Bagel Boat, and Long Cove Resort.
City of Gastonia 4th of July Festival
Where: Rotary Centennial Pavilion, 111 N. South Street, Gastonia
When: Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.
The scoop: Expect food trucks, live music, and a firework celebration that will shoot off around 9:30 p.m. Check out the list of vendors and food trucks here.
Tega Cay 4th of July
Where: Glennon Center At Tega Cay Golf Club, 15083 Molokai Drive, Tega Cay, SC
When: Parade starts at 9 a.m.; fish fry starts at 4:30 p.m.; fireworks start at 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, The Lion’s Club Citizen of Year Award and Tega Cay’s 40th Birthday Cake Cutting, and more.
City of York 4th of July Fireworks Show
Where: York Middle School, 1010 Devinney Rd, York, SC
When: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The scoop: Expect food trucks, live music, free games, and an impressive fireworks show.
Tuesday, July 5
Red, White, and Brews
Where: Charlotte Motor Speedway, 5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord
When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The scoop: Red, White, and Brews, a part of Cook Out Summer Shootout will be an evening filled with watching future racing starts battle in Legend Cars and Bandoleros along with a fireworks show to end the night. Tickets costs $10 per adult and kids 12 and under get in free.