Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, North Carolina, hosts one of the most popular 4th of July festivals in Charlotte every year. Please note that there are no fireworks.
The Whitewater Center’s celebration takes place Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4, 2026, and features live music, a trail race, and more.
- Friday: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Learn about all the 4th of July fireworks and celebrations in the Charlotte area.
Admission is free, but parking is $13. There is a cost for regular Whitewater Center activities, and for some activities at the celebration. The live music and yoga (except SUP yoga) are free to enjoy (after parking.)
Tread, White and Blue 5K Race: Friday at 8:30 a.m. Three colors, three courses, one big twist. Choose from the colors red, white, and blue to determine your 5K route. Each color takes a different direction. $45 if you register by July 2. $50 day-of. Register here.
Schedule for 4th of July Celebration at Whitewater Center
Friday, July 3
- 9:30 a.m.: Open Level Flow
- 6:30 p.m.: Fun Flow
- 7 p.m.: Big Water Session
- 7 p.m.: Live music: Andy Thomas
- 8:30 p.m.: Live music: Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers
Saturday, July 4
- 8 a.m.: Tread, White & Blue 5K Trail Race
- 9:30 a.m.: Slow Flow
- 9:30 a.m.: SUP Yoga
- 11 a.m.: SUP Yoga
- 11 a.m.: Wildwoods programming
- 11:30 a.m.: Open Flow
- 7 p.m.: Live music: Zach Person
- 8:30 p.m.: Live music: Eddie 9V
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More July 4th events in the Charlotte area
Check out our list of 4th of July events around Charlotte!
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
Charlotte, NC 704-391-3900
