I know, Smarties. July 4th is less than a week away and you haven’t figured out what you’re going to do to get some fireworks for your kiddos to enjoy. If you’re like me, you’re just now beginning to awaken to the idea that your kids might actually be able to maintain their composure staying up late enough to take in some fireworks. Plus you’re all the more excited since most fireworks shows were cancelled last year because of COVID. But here you are, scrambling to figure out where to go and what to do. We are here to help. Here are our pics for the top five places to catch fireworks in our area.
1. Charlotte Knights game
The “WBT Sky Show 2021” will begin following the Knights game Sunday against the Norfolk Tides, which starts at 6:05 p.m. At this point, tickets to Sunday’s game are scarce, but the Knights are shooting off fireworks after games on Friday and Saturday nights as well, and you can catch all of the fireworks show from other vantage points near Truist Field. Romare Bearden Park is a great option. Another for those not wanting to fight crowds is to book an uptown hotel room with a view of the park.
2. Carowinds
Reservations are required for the “Celebrate America Fireworks Show” just as they are to visit Carowinds at all. The fireworks show figures to start a little earlier here than other places, slated for an 8:45 p.m. Another bonus is you can see them from anywhere in the amusement park so you don’t have to camp out and wait for hours to hold your spot with a good vantage point. You can just have your fun, then stop to watch when the fireworks start. Daily admission to the park is $42. Carowinds also offers a fireworks show Saturday night at 8:45 p.m.
3. U.S. National Whitewater Center
Looking for a beautiful outdoor setting and some live music to enjoy while you “wait” for the fireworks to start? The Fourth of July Celebration at the U.S. National Whitewater Center is your choice. Musical guests Dane Page (6 p.m.) and Moon Taxi (8 p.m.) take the stage, leading up to the 9:30 p.m. show. Admission is free after you pay a $6 parking fee.
4. Lake Wylie
What’s prettier than fireworks over the lake? You can get great looks at them from the Buster Boyd Bridge Boat Landing or from the decks at Papa Doc’s, Rey Azteca or Lake Wylie Italian and Pizza at the Lake Wylie Plaza, the Bagel Boat or Long Cove Resort. Admission is free but donations are appreciated to the Camp Thunderbird Fireworks Fund.
5. Harrisburg
Harrisburg is a small town just outside Charlotte with big plans for July 4th weekend. Headlining Sunday’s festivities is the ol’ 70s rock band Grand Funk Railroad, which will take the stage at 8 p.m. For those of us who have been around a few years, we know that “We’re an American Band” is sure to get people up and off their picnic blankets! Fireworks are scheduled to follow about 9:30 p.m.
