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Fireworks, Charlotte Symphony to highlight July 4 ‘Stars and Stripes Spectacular’

Kwamé Ryan, Music Director of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, speaks during a press conference at Truist Field Thursday, April 16, 2026. Ryan will lead the music, followed by the WBT SkyShow fireworks show at the Stars and Stripes Spectacular on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at the stadium.
Kwamé Ryan, music director of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, speaks during a news conference at Truist Field Thursday. Ryan will lead the music, followed by the WBT SkyShow fireworks display at the Stars and Stripes Spectacular on July 4 at the stadium. tkimball@charlotteobserver.com

Charlotte will celebrate the Fourth of July with a “Stars and Stripes Spectacular” featuring the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and WBT’s annual SkyShow fireworks display at Truist Field in uptown, organizers said Thursday.

The fireworks show is the largest in the Southeast, organizers said.

Tickets start at $25 and go on sale at noon Friday at CharlotteKnights.com.

Music from “Porgy and Bess,” other classics

The symphony orchestra performance “will embrace the variety of voices, histories and traditions that have informed that great American sound over the last 250 years,” Kwamé Ryan, its music director and a Grammy Award-winning conductor, said at a news conference at the stadium.

Selections will include John Williams’ “Adventures on Earth” from E.T., music from George Gershwin’s “Porgy and Bess,” Antonín Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “America the Beautiful” and other iconic works.

“These are just a few selections from what we’re calling a melting pot of a program that will reflect just some of the diverse cultures that have shaped this country’s national identity,” Ryan said.

“And I think it’s particularly fitting that we will perform this program not in a traditional performing arts center, but here in the city center, where we can welcome thousands of people to celebrate together with us.”

Dan Rajkowski, Knights executive vice president and chief operating officer, thanked Charlotte Symphony leaders for partnering in the event. He said “Stars and Stripes Spectacular” will be the largest celebration of the Fourth to date at the field.

“It’s incredible to see the show (each year), but it’s more incredible to see how we recognize our veterans, the flag out there, and there’s no better way than celebrating America’s 250th than right here at Truist Field,” Rajkowski said.

Tickets also can be purchased at the Charlotte Knights Truist Field box office and by calling 704-274-8282.

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Joe Marusak
The Charlotte Observer
Joe Marusak has been a reporter for The Charlotte Observer since 1989 covering the people, municipalities and major news events of the region, and was a news bureau editor for the paper. He currently reports on breaking news. Support my work with a digital subscription
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