12 ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in the Charlotte area, from bagels to fireworks
Its almost America’s birthday, and Charlotte sure knows how to throw a good birthday party! Check out these 12 patriotic ways you an celebrate America this Fourth of July in the Charlotte area:
Celebrate America Fireworks Show
July 1 at 8:15 p.m., Symphony Park, 4400 Sharon Rd
The Charlotte Symphony will be performing patriotic classics including Sousa marches, “America the Beautiful” and the “Armed Forces Medley.” The concert will end with a grand finale of fireworks. (Adult $18 advance/$20 day of show, Youth (ages 13-18) $5 advance/$7 day of show, Child (ages 12 and under) FREE)
USNWC Fourth of July Celebration
July 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and July 4 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (see schedule for details), 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
This two-day festival includes yoga, outdoor adventures, live music and fireworks over the river (USNWC parking fee is $6 daily/ oversized vehicles $18). Register for terrace access to enjoy a premier view of the festival, food and a private cash bar (for terrace access: $45 per person, children 2 and under get free admission).
Charlotte Star Spangled Spectacular
July 3 at 6 p.m. American Legion Memorial Stadium, 310 N. Kings Drive
This free event will be the official launch of Charlotte’s year-long 250th Anniversary observance. There will be live music from the Voltage Brothers, food trucks and fun for the whole family. Come nighttime, attendees can bring a blanket and pick a spot on the field to watch the spectacular fireworks show, which begins at 9:30 p.m.
Indulge in patriotic bagels
July 3-4, Bruegger’s Bagels, Multiple locations
At participating U.S. locations, Bruegger’s Bagels will be bringing back their red, white and blue bagels. You can purchase these festive bagels individually or as a base for any breakfast or lunch sandwich. They also are available in dozens or as a Bruegger’s Big Bagel Bundle (13 bagels and the choice of any two 100-percent-made-in-Vermont cream cheeses).
American 4-Miler
July 4 at from 6:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. (see schedule for details), 1111 Metropolitan Ave
Celebrate the 4th by running in a 4-miler! Starting in Midtown and ending with a family-friendly finish line festival at NewDominion Bank, this race is the second installment in Run for Your Life’s six pack series (4-miler: $35+ a $4.25 signup fee; registration ends July 3 at 11:59 p.m.).
SkyShow Street Party
July 4 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., 324 S. Mint St.
Nothing says ‘Merica like a ball game and fireworks. Starting at 2 p.m., SkyShow Charlotte will take over Mint Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in front of BB&T Ballpark for a celebratory street party. There will be live music, food trucks, kids’ crafts, American flags and more. The first pitch of the Knights game vs. the Durham Bulls will be at 6:05 p.m. Following the game will be a patriotic flag ceremony to honor our veterans and active military and then the largest fireworks display in the Southeast from SkyShow Fireworks.
Indian Trail Parade
July 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Downtown Indian Trail
This event includes traditions such as a watermelon eating contest, a flag raising, grand marshal presentations, live music, activities and more. The actual parade will feature floats, walking groups, horses and fire trucks. This is a free event that is welcomed to all ages.
Birkdale Village Celebration
July 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.m 8712 Lindholm Dr., Huntersville
Bike decorating, face painting, bounce houses, bike rodeo and a fire department water fight will all be going on. This event is family-friendly and free to the public.
Waxhaw Parade
July 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Downtown Waxhaw
Head down to historic downtown Waxhaw for their annual hometown Independence Day parade. Later that afternoon, Waxhaw will continue on in their patriotic festivities with an outdoor concert beginning at 6 p.m. and fireworks when the sun goes down.
Matthews Celebration
July 4, 5 p.m., Matthews Station St., Matthews
Bring your bikes, scooters and wagons to decorate before the People’s Parade at 5 p.m. This non-motorized parade starts at 5:30 p.m. and will go from Matthew Station Street to Stumptown Park. Following the parade will be a 7 p.m. concert in the park by The Tim Clark Band.
Charlotte Museum of History
July 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 3500 Shamrock Drive
This event is not your typical cookout and fireworks. The Charlotte Museum of History wants to invite you to welcome new citizens of the United States into the Charlotte community. This celebration will kick off with home site tours, crafts and carnival activities. Then at 11 a.m. the U.S. Oath & Naturalization Ceremony will begin, ending with the ringing of the American Freedom Bell. After the ceremony, guests will get to learn about our country’s history from Dr. S. Max Edelson.
Fourth of July in Davidson
July 4 at 5:15 p.m., Downtown Davidson
Dress yourself and your pet in your best Independence Day attire and decorate your wagons, bicycles and tricycles for a patriotic stroll in Davidson. Parade participants will be led up South Street to the town green by a color guard comprised of the police and fire department. At 6 p.m. there will be a concert on the green featuring Radiojacks.
This story was originally published June 27, 2018 at 11:02 PM with the headline "12 ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in the Charlotte area, from bagels to fireworks."