Stay close to home this holiday weekend to see just how the QC celebrates Independence Day. Whether you’re looking for the best places to watch fireworks, deals and steals or a festive celebration, we’ve got your back. Without further adieu, here’s the round up of your 4th of July options:
Charlotte Symphony Orchestra Celebrate America
Friday, July 3
Symphony Park
Catch the Fourth of July edition of Summer Pops to hear patriotic favorites, a “Back to the Fifties” medley and Michael Jackson’s greatest hits. Top it all off with-you guessed it-fireworks!
Jazz at the Bechtler
Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4
Bechtler Museum of Modern Art
Kick off the weekend with a different kind of spark. Jazz at the Bechtler is back for a special holiday weekend concert featuring guest vocalist Maria Howell and the Ziad Jazz Quartet.
Mint Museum Knights Giveaway
Thursday, July 2-Sunday, July 5
Mint Museum Uptown
A new exhibit, America’s favorite pastime and the annual celebration of the red, white and blue. It’s the perfect set up for a trip to the Mint Museum. If you’re heading to the Knights game son either July 2 or 3, show your tickets at the Mint’s Guest Services desk for $2 off admission to the new exhibit America the Beautiful: Works on Paper.  All museum visitors on these dates can enter a drawing for two FREE sets of two tickets to the sold-out July 4 USA vs. Cuba game, which will be followed by the WBT Skyshow fireworks at BB&T Ballpark.
U.S. National Whitewater Center 5th Annual 4th of July Celebration
Friday, July 3-Saturday, July 4
USNWC
It’s a two day celebration at the USNWC. Live bands will take the stage all day long with fireworks both nights. Bring a blanket or chairs to take advantage of a relaxing day.
SkyShow Street Party
Saturday, July 4
Mint Street
Before the game and big fireworks show, take the whole family to Mint Street in front of BB&T Ballpark  for the SkyShow Street Party. They’ll love the face painting, balloon animals, games, activities, cooking demos and live music to get the night started off right.
WBT Skyshow Fireworks Spectacular at BB&T Ballpark
Saturday, July 4
BB&T Ballpark
It’s the largest Fourth of July fireworks display in the Southeast, and you won’t want to miss it. Whether you’re watching from the game at BB&T Ballpark, a parking garage (get the details here!) or Romare Bearden Park, you’ll want to have  great view.
Midwood Smokehouse
Saturday, July 4
Midwood Smokehouse
Hungry? Prove it with Midwood Smokehouse’s Rib Eating Challenge. All proceeds go to Claire’s Amy, a local organization that provides support for families fighting childhood cancer, and the winner gets a $1000 gift card!
Plaza Midwood 4th of July Pig Pickin’
Saturday, July 4
Plaza Midwood
This neighborhood favorite is in its 15th year and still as great as ever. Enjoy a traditional pig picking’, live music on three outdoor stages, vendors and more at the Plaza Midwood Pig Pickin’.
Red, White & Brew Bar Crawl
Saturday, July 4
EpiCentre
All aboard the Red, White and Brew Bar Crawl! Enjoy great craft brews, free cover and drink specials at participating EpiCentre bars including Blackfinn, Whisky River, Strike City, Rooftop 210, Vida, Vida Vida, Suite and Bubble.
Charlotte 4th of July Winery Tour
Saturday, July 4
Departs from Metropolitan
Spend the day tasting and exploring with a Wine me Down NC winery tour. After you depart from the Metropolitan, you’ll head to three wineries (Owls Eye Vineyard, Baker Buffalo Creek Winery and Fiddler’s Vineyard) to try up to 20 unique wines and enjoy a picnic lunch.
July 4th Concert
Saturday, July 4
Sycamore Brewing
There’s nothing like a cold beer to help you celebrate the fourth. Grab one and stick around for a while at Sycamore Brewing in South End. They’ll have two live bands throughout the day, a food truck and an overall great time.
Fourth of July Celebration at Charlotte Museum of History
Saturday, July 4
Charlotte Museum of History
The patriotic celebration at the Charlotte Museum of History will have lectures, kids’ crafts, tours of the Hezekiah Alexander home site and ringing of the American Freedom Bell. The event is free for members and only $5 to the public.
Carowinds Celebrate America Fireworks Show
Saturday, July 4
Carowinds Amusement Park
Join Carowinds for their biggest fireworks show of the season. Live music from Daughtry kicks of the celebration on Thursday night, and fireworks are at 10 PM on July 4. Admission is free to all active, inactive or retired military service men and women with valid ID all weekend long.
Raffildini Vineyards Independence Day Celebration
Saturday, July 4
Raffildini Vineyards
If the 4th of July is about celebrating the red, white and blue, Raffaldini Vineyards definitely can take care of the red and the white. They’re throwing an Independence Day version of their Music at the Vineyards, with food, music and frozen treats to keep you cool. Oh, and the wine.
4th of July at Birkdale Village
Saturday, July 4
Birkdale Village Shopping Center
Birkdale Village and the Huntersville, North Carolina – Town Government are celebrating in style. Partake in face painting, balloon twisting, arts and crafts, a bike parade and the Huntersville Fire Department Water Fight.
Run for Your Life’s American 4 Miler
Saturday, July 4
Famous Toastery
Get moving and support the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte by lacing up for the American 4 Miler. Need more motivation? How does breakfast and live music sound?
As always, here are the upcoming events you should mark your calendars for:
Fillmore Craft Beer Sessions
Saturday, July 11
NC Music Factory
Join The Fillmore for their Summer Craft Beer Sessions. There will be forty local and regional breweries, food trucks, games and best of all: unlimited beer sampling. We have a feeling you’ll leave with a new favorite.
Taming of the Brews – A Ladies Only Event
Tuesday, July 14
Sugar Creek Brewing Company
Think beer is just for the boys? Think again and join Girls Pint Out for an event just for the brew-loving gals. At Taming of the Brew explore the sensory experience of craft beer with a flight tasting and discussion with a Certified Cicerone craft beer expert.
Queen’s Feast
Friday, July 17-Sunday, July 26
Participating Charlotte Restaurants
It’s back! Queen’s Feast is the best time to try all of the Charlotte favorites you haven’t gotten to yet. 120 area restaurants are joining together to serve up exquisite three course meals at only $30 or $35 per person. Hurry and make your reservations now!
Red Clay Ciderworks Grand Opening
Saturday, July 18
Red Clay Ciderworks
Who’s ready for some cider in the heart of this craft beer craze? We are. Come welcome Red Clay Ciderworks to the neighborhood at their grand opening event on July 18. They’ll have live music, giveaways, games, food trucks and even a Red Clay Hard Cider Slushie!
