Meck Dec parties that celebrate Charlotte’s spirit of resistance
Celebrations are underway to honor the 250th anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence — a homegrown, Charlotte-style Independence Day celebration that’s all ours.
If you’re new here or need a refresher, here’s the backstory. The “Meck Dec” — which lore holds was signed by local patriots on May 20, 1775 — reputedly declared freedom from British rule more than a year before America’s Declaration of Independence.
The veracity of the document and its story has been in question over time — including a dismissal by Thomas Jefferson. Although many others have pointed to the most definitely real, anti-British Mecklenburg Resolves of May 31, 1775, as the real root of the document dispute.
All that to say, we Charlotteans still claim the Meck Dec, at least in spirit. We celebrate it, and we’re ready to party about it.
Here’s how you can join in on the fun:
Great Wagon Road Distilling Company
Location: 610 Anderson St, Charlotte, NC 28205
When: Saturday, May 17, 1–9 p.m.
Great Wagon Road is holding a free parking lot party to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. Events will include a bitcoin market featuring local vendors with items including small-batch hot sauce and handcrafted bitters, plus a DJ from 1-3 p.m., and live music from Toilet Spaghetti at 7 p.m. Dogs are welcome to join — in fact, there will be splash pools just for the pups to cool off.
Captain Jack Historical Bike Ride
Location: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, 4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC 28217
When: Sunday, May 18, 3-6 p.m.
The free Captain Jack Historical Bike Ride marks Captain James Jack’s storied 450-mile ride to deliver the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence to Congress. The ride — held in partnership with Queen City Bicycles — will leave from Olde Mecklenburg Brewery to the CLT Rail Trail to uptown, then down past the Captain Jack Statue and back to the brewery. A social hour will follow, and all ages and experience levels are welcome.
Angry Ale’s
Location: 1518 Montford Dr, Charlotte, NC 28209
When: Tuesday, May 20, all day
Angry Ale’s is throwing a patriotic party to celebrate Meck Dec Day with registration all day long for a chance to win $250 in gift cards to the restaurant.
Celebratory specials include:
- $2.50 Pabst Blue Ribbon
- $2.50 All-American shots
- $2.50 trays of fries (Yes, the same fries that came out on top of the CharlotteFive Readers’ Choice Best Fries contest!)
Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence: Commemoration Ceremony
Location: Intersection of Trade and Tryon streets in uptown Charlotte
When: Tuesday, May 20, noon-2 p.m.
This annual, free event, sponsored by Charlotte Center City Partners, celebrates the Mecklenburg Declaration with a ceremony at the spot known as Independence Square.
Charlotte Museum of History
Location: 3500 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215
When: Tuesday, May 20 and onward
Charlotte Museum of History visitors can look through its newest exhibit, which celebrates the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary, explores its origins and its meaning over time. Tickets are $10 for adults; $7 for students, children and seniors; $5 for veterans and free for members and kids 5 and younger.
Guided tours of the 1774 Rock House will also take place on Saturday, May 24 to add onto the exhibit experience. Tours start hourly from noon-3 p.m.
Charlotte Museum of History
Location: 3500 Shamrock Dr, Charlotte, NC 28215
When: Saturday, May 31, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Charlotte Museum of History is also marking the 250th anniversary of the Mecklenburg Resolves with a talk on the history and impact of the Resolves, guided tours of the 1774 Rock House, crafts and games.
The event is included with museum admission. Tickets are $10 for adults; $7 for students, children and seniors; $5 for veterans and free for members and kids 5 and younger.
This story was originally published May 16, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
