10 Ways to Celebrate the Fourth of July in Charlotte
Fireworks and festivities are back and you won’t want to miss these all-American celebrations.
by Jessica Swannie Jun 23, 2021
As we enter the summer months, concerts, gatherings and outdoor events continue to bring joy to locals and visitors alike. These spectacular fireworks displays and outdoor parades honor our country’s independence and make us grateful for the Queen City we call home.
Tega Cay Fourth of July Celebration
Where: Tega Cay Golf & Conference Center
When: Friday, July 2 - Sunday, July 4
Tega Cay will celebrate the Fourth of July with a weekend full of events, beginning with a performance on Friday, July 2 at Windjammer Beach by The Carolina Show Ski Team. The annual Land Parade will take place on Saturday, July 3 at 9 a.m. Live music and food trucks will crank up the fun Saturday evening. The fireworks display will take place Sunday, July 4 at 9:30 p.m. at Tega Cay Golf & Conference Center. (Note: Parking at the Tega Cay Golf & Conference Center will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional parking is available at Runde Park and Tega Cay Elementary School. Fireworks can be seen from many places around town, so you won’t need to be at the conference center to view them.)
Carowinds Celebrate America Fireworks Show
Where: Carowinds
When: Saturday, July 3 and Sunday, July 4 ; 8:45 p.m.
After a day of exploring the park’s roller coasters and water slides, grab your friends and watch an impressive display of patriotic fanfare complemented by an all-American soundtrack. No matter where you are in Carowinds’ wide-open spaces, you’ll have an outstanding view of the shimmering show. (Note: Reservations are required to enter the park.)
4th of July Celebration at U.S. National Whitewater Center
Where: The U.S. National Whitewater Center
When: Saturday, July 3 and Sunday, July 4
The festivities stretch over two days and include live music and yoga practices. Both nights will close with fireworks displays. Admission to the festival and the yoga sessions are free. Parking is $6 per car, and the Whitewater Center’s 30+ recreational experiences are available at regular price.
Red, White and BOOM Kings Mountain Fireworks Show
Where: City of Kings Mountain
When: Saturday, July 4
Come out for the food and fun and stay for the “largest fireworks show between Charlotte and Asheville.”
Cramerton Independence Day Celebration
Where: Cramerton Centennial Center
When: Saturday, July 3 from 6-10 p.m.
Enjoy music by Carolina Soul Band and get your face painted by Hamm It Up while enjoying the beautiful Riverfront Downtown. And, of course, stay for the fireworks!
Baxter Village/Fort Mill Fourth of July Parade
Where: Baxter Village, Fort Mill, South Carolina
When: Sunday, July 4 ; 9:30 a.m.
The Baxter Village Fourth of July Parade features entertainment for all ages. You can even participate in the parade – just show up by 9 a.m. in the parking lot behind Killington’s Restaurant in Baxter Village Town Center. Or view the parade along Market Street in Baxter Village Town Center. Parking is free.
Birkdale Village 4th of July Celebration
Where: Birkdale Village, Huntersville
When: Sunday, July 4 ; 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
This family-friendly event invites kids to decorate their bikes before assembling for a bike parade around Birkdale Commons Parkway. Following the bike parade, join the block party in the Grove with magicians, performers, face painters and more.
Town of Waxhaw’s Independence Day Celebration
Where: Waxhaw Community Center
When: Sunday, July 4 ; Noon-3 p.m.
Join the Town of Waxhaw for an Independence Day celebration including a food truck rodeo, live music, face painting and more.
City of Gastonia Fourth of July Celebration
Where: Rotary Centennial Pavilion, Gastonia
When: Sunday, July 4 ; 4-9:30 p.m.
Food trucks and live music will lead up to the main event. Fireworks are set to light up the sky at 9:30 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the show!
WBT SkyShow: Fireworks after Charlotte Knights Game
Where: Truist Field
When: Sunday, July 4
The tradition lives on! The SkyShow has been produced every year since 1976 (with the exception of 2020 due to the pandemic). The Charlotte Knights will light up the sky with a fireworks display after their July 4th game against Norfolk. The soundtrack can be heard in the stadium and broadcast on News Talk 1110, WBT.
If you don’t have tickets to the game, you can still catch the fireworks display from Romare Bearden Park (across the street from Truist Field).
