Where to find 4th of July fireworks and festivals in the Charlotte area

Learn about all the free and cheap 4th of July events in the Charlotte NC area.  There is a 4th of July page on the menu at the top of Charlotte on the Cheap. That page will be updated frequently as the 4th of July approaches, so please bookmark it and keep checking back. This is what we have so far:

July 3rd Summer Celebration at Lowe’s YMCA at 170 Joe V. Knox Ave. in Mooresville. Live music, vendors, bounce houses, kids’ games, face painting, and fireworks. 4pm to 10pm, Tuesday, July 3^rd, 2012. Free.

2^nd Annual 4^th of July Block Party takes place at Kennedy’s, Philosopher’s, and Jackalope Jacks. This free event features cornhole, beer pong, a hot dog eating contest and more.  The event starts at 1pm. 366 N. Caswell. (Wednesday, July 4^th)

Presbyterian Hospital July 4th Spectacular takes place at Memorial Stadium (310 North Kings Drive) and includes family fun activities from 6pm until 9pm, and then fireworks starting at 9:30pm. This free activity includes live music and is alcohol free. (Wednesday, July 4th)

Waxhaw will be celebrating the 4^th of July with a parade at 10am in historic downtown Waxhaw, a Big Wheel race at 11:30am in front of Southsider’s Restaurant, a Beach Party at 5pm at Highway 16 and Waxhaw Parkway, featuring music by Glen Shelton, and fireworks at 9:30pm. (Wednesday, July 4^th)

Harrisburg celebrates with two days of festivities. Tuesday, July 3^rd, from 5pm until midnight, and Wednesday, July 4^th, from 9am to midnight, enjoy a festival in Harrisburg Park. On Saturday, the parade starts at 9am on Highway 49 and the festival in the park begins at 11am. Both nights end with fireworks starting at 10pm.

Birkdale Village in Huntersville will host a 4th of July celebration on Monday, July 4th, from 10am to 1pm. It will include bike decorating, kids’ art, face painting, bounce house, Radio Disney, parade, and a Fire Department water fight.

Lake Wylie’s fireworks display will take place on Wednesday, July 4th, around 9:45pm, by the Buster Boyd Bridge. Best fireworks viewing will be from The Buster Boyd Bridge Boat Landing, T-Bones on the Lake – outside deck, Rey Azteca deck at Lake Wylie Plaza, and Lake Wylie Pizza and Italian Restaurant – on patio at Lake Wylie Plaza.

Active and retired military personnel get into Carowinds for free July 3^rd, 2012, and July 4^th, 2012. There are also special meal deals for military personnel and their families. Enjoy  fireworks at dusk on July 4^th.

The Coca-Cola 4th of July Festival spans two days (Tuesday, July 3^rd , and Wednesday, July 4th) at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. It’s free and features three live bands each evening starting at 4pm, followed by fireworks.