Where to celebrate July 4th around Charlotte

JUNE 30

• Have some festive fun at Matthew’s Independence Day Celebration & Beats ‘n Bites with food trucks and live music starting at 5 p.m. After the concert, move toward Matthews United Methodist Church (801 S. Trade Street) and MARA ( 1200 S. Trade Street) to view a fireworks show. Friday, June 30, 5-9 p.m.

JULY 1-2

• Visit Optimist Hall for a Star Spangled Saturday with live music, food and drink. Kick off the long weekend on Saturday with a concert by Liquid Pleasure from 7-10 p.m. There’s more live music and family-fun to be had on Sunday with face painters, balloon twisters and a live performance by the Jolly Lollies at 1 p.m. Entry is free, and all regular food stalls and bars will be open.

JULY 2

• Pack a picnic and head to Symphony Park for the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s Summer Pops Celebrate America! show and fireworks display. Gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets can be pre-purchased here, or at the gate. Sunday, July 2, 8:15 p.m.
  

JULY 3-4

• For two nights, The Whitewater Center is hosting a July 4th celebration. There will be live music, stand up paddle board yoga, a 5K trail race, and other normal WWC pass activities to fill up the day. Events span all day, but live music begins at 6 p.m. UPDATE: The fireworks show planned for both nights has been canceled.

JULY 4

• Carowinds will celebrate with patriotic music and a fireworks display beginning at 10:30 p.m. The firework shows will be visible throughout the park, but the best viewing locations can be found in the Carolina Boardwalk, County Fair and Celebration Plaza areas.
  
  
• Head to the Charlotte Museum of History for an educational experience on the 4th this year. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., show up to see an Oath and Naturalization Ceremony presented by the museum. Entry is free.
  
  
• Merchant & Trade’s Red White and Boom provides the party with drink specials, a July 4th-inspired menu, DJs, and live music. No charge for the event, but “skip the line” passes are available for purchase for $25. Doors open at 4 p.m.
  
  
• WBT’s annual SkyShow is a 4th of July tradition. The Charlotte Knights take on the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp at Truist Field to kick off this celebration-filled evening. Purchase tickets here, or view the firework display following the game from Romare Bearden Park, across the street. First pitch is at 6:05 on July 4.

– compiled by Caroline Boulware