We’ve put together a list of fun ways to celebrate Fourth of July weekend in Charlotte and the surrounding area, and if you’ve got an event happening on July 2-4 that should be included, let us know at rpitkin@qcnerve.com.

In the Queen City

WBT Skyshow at Truist Field
July 2-4 | 7 p.m. | Truist Field | $11 and up
Tradition since 1976, the Charlotte Knights will light up the sky with their annual Fourth of July Skyshow after Sunday’s game against Norfolk. Tune into News Talk 1110 WBT to sync the sound with the sky. And if you’re busy on the Fourth, the Knights will host fireworks shows following games on Friday and Saturday as well.

Carowinds Celebrate America Firework Show
July 3-4 | 8:45 p.m. | Carowinds | $35-$42
Have a blast on all the rides and attractions Carowinds has to offer and finish off the night with a firework show accompanied by a patriotic soundtrack, beginning at 8:45 p.m.

Fourth of July Ska Social
July 4 | 3-8 p.m. | Tommy’s Pub | Free
A laid-back celebration at which DJ Johnny Starr and DJ Velvetine will play ska from over the years. This is a potluck and grills will be provided for your use. Bring a side dish and whatever you want to throw on the coals.

Fourth of July Cornhole Tournament and BBQ
July 4 | 1-4 p.m. | Billy Sunday | $5
An all-American afternoon with BBQ, booze and cornhole. Compete in the Fourth of July tournament for a grand prize and enjoy cocktail specials with proceeds going to PFLAG.

Fourth of July Drag Brunch by The House of Vanity
July 4 | 11 a.m. | All American Pub | $10
A fabulous drag show paired with brunch offerings from the chef-driven menu at All American Pub.

Red, White & Brews
July 3 | Noon-10 p.m. | Sycamore Brewing | Free
Live music all day, American fare, temporary tattoo station, tie-dye your own tee, and free sparklers. Oh, and plenty of beer.

Red, Whites & Blues
July 4 | 2-9 p.m. | Merchant & Trade | Free
Themed cocktails, specialty BBQ menu items, and some of the hottest DJs in Charlotte (we’re not sure if that means popular, attractive, or sweaty, but probably all three).

Get active

U.S Whitewater Center Celebration
July 3-4 | 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. | U.S. National Whitewater Center | Free to attend, activity prices vary
Celebrate at the Whitewater Center with live music by Jude Moses and Con Brio on Saturday, then Dane Page and Moon Taxi on Saturday, as well as yoga practices and firework displays on both days.

Fourth of July 1M, 5K, 10K, 13.1, and 26.2
July 4 | Virtual | $25
Join this virtual race to help raise money for Homes for Our Troops, which builds homes for disabled veterans.

In the Charlotte Metro

July Jamboree
July 2 | 5-10 p.m. | Blackberry Ridge Farm | $5
A local vendor market, live music from Black Coffee Quartet, food trucks, yard games, big kahuna shaved ice, balloon animals, kids’ water activities and fireworks at 9 p.m.

[ORBIT] House Party
July 3 | 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. | Private address, Lake Wylie, S.C. | $10-$20
Oba Shanti has been known to throw some of the best parties in Charlotte, and now he’s going lakeside for the Fourth with yoga, swimming, a fruit bar and plenty of swimming. BYOB.

Queen Charlotte Fair Laser Show
July 3-4 | After dark | Route 29 Pavilion | Free with admission
As night falls on the Queen Charlotte Fair, for two nights only, enjoy a Fourth of July visual spectacular that poses no risk to blow anyone’s hand off or start a fire in the woods.

Red, White, and Belmont Fourth of July Celebration
July 4 | 6-10 p.m. | Main Street, Belmont | Free
Food trucks, parades and fireworks, what more could you ask for in a Fourth of July celebration?

City of Gastonia Fourth of July Celebration
July 4 | 4-9:30 p.m. | Rotary Centennial Pavilion | Free
Live music, food trucks and ends with a firework show.

Town of Waxhaw Fourth of July Celebration
July 4 | 12-9:30 p.m. | Waxhaw Community Center and along Church and McDonald streets| Free
Join the community of Waxhaw in celebration with a food truck rodeo, face painting, and live music.

What to eat

July Cocktail Special at Spindle Bar
Through July | Spindle Bar | $12
Starting July 1st, enjoy the red, white and blue July cocktail special — available all month — at Spindle Bar in Optimist Hall. Featuring local coconut rum, frozen strawberry, blue curaçao, and lime, the Dog Days will run you $12, with a portion of the proceeds going to a local dog shelter.

Fourth of July French Macarons
July 2-4 | Amelie’s French Bakery, locations vary | $2.39
These red, white, and blue macarons are filled with vanilla bean buttercream, making them the perfect treat for Independence Day cookouts.

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