A packed Romare Bearden Park on Saturday July 4, 2026.
Ali Costellow
ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
Six-year-olds Elysia King (left) and Eve Marquez have a “bubble party” at Romare Bearden Park on Saturday July 4, 2026. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
Charlotteans spend their Independence Day at Romare Bearden Park on Saturday July 4, 2026. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
People stand for the national anthem at Truist Field during the annual Stars and Stripes Spectacular on Saturday July 4, 2026 Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
Fireworks light the Saturday July 4, 2026 evening at Truist Field. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
Children cool off from the record-breaking Independence Day heat on Saturday July 4, 2026 at Romare Bearden Park. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra perform on Truist Field on Saturday July 4, 2026 as a part of the annual Stars and Stripes Spectacular. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
Charlotteans celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday on Saturday July 4, 2026 at Romare Bearden Park. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
Samuel Sanchez, 1, (left) and Angela Sanchez, 8, wait for the fireworks to begin on Saturday July 4, 2026 at Romare Bearden Park. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
This year’s annual Stars and Stripes Spectacular on Truist Field featured a performance from the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra on Saturday July 4, 2026. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
Edna Pitts waits for the fireworks on Saturday July 4, 2026 in Romare Bearden Park. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
Fireworks light the Charlotte skyline for the United States’ 250th birthday on Saturday July 4, 2026 at Truist Field. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
Don Martinez fixes his American flag on Saturday July 4, 2026 in Romare Bearden Park. Ali Costellow ali.costellow@charlotteobserver.com
This story was originally published July 5, 2026 at 2:10 AM.
