Staying in town for the holiday this year but not sure how to spend it? We’ve got you covered, including where to go if you want to get out just for the afternoon.

Did we miss the celebration you’re hitting? Let us know.

FIREWORKS

Celebrate America! with Fireworks at Symphony Park: Summer Pops wraps up with its festive 4th of July celebration, which will see the symphony play patriotic favorites like “America the Beautiful” and the Sousa marches before an incredible fireworks finale. July 1, 8:15 p.m. $15. Details.

Bojangles’ Summer Shootout Fireworks at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Take in the action of the Summer Shootout before closing out the night with a festive fireworks show and autograph session. July 3, 5 p.m. $8. Details.

Baseball America at BB&T Ballpark: Team USA will face off against Japan at BB&T Ballpark before the Knights host a post-game fireworks show presented by BB&T and News Talk 1110 WBT. July 3, 6 p.m. $8+. Details.

Charlotte Star Spangled Spectacular at American Legion Memorial Stadium: Food trucks, live entertainment and kid-friendly activities will be on-site before a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. celebrates the city’s 250th birthday. BYO blanket (no lawn chairs). July 3, 6 p.m. Details.

Red, White, and Boom! Fireworks Viewing at City Lights: City Lights’ rooftop offers not only one of the best views of the skyline, but also unbeatable views of the Star Spangled Spectacular fireworks show, happening just blocks away at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Tickets include two cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres (grilled mac and cheese sandwich, caprese skewers and cupcakes, just to name a few). July 3, 7-10 p.m. $30. Details.

SkyShow Street Party at BB&T Ballpark: SkyShow will be taking over Mint Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (in front of BB&T Ballpark) for a day-long street party with bounce houses, kid-friendly activities and food trucks before the Knights take on the Bulls. Stick around after the game for the largest fireworks show in the region. July 4, 2-10 p.m. Free (game tickets start at $8). Details.

Celebrate America Fireworks Show at Carowinds: Wrap up your day at the park with a massive fireworks show above the North and South Carolina state lines. Note: certain rides will close early for the show. July 4, 9:30 p.m. Included in admission. Details.

EAT & DRINK

Red, White & Brew Fest 2018 at Sycamore Brewing: Expect beer, burgers, hotdogs and barbecue (plus plenty of food trucks) at this day-long celebration that will wrap up with fireworks once the sun goes down. June 30, 12-10 p.m. $10. Details.

Rich & Bennett’s Americrawl in Uptown: From the same guys that bring you the St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl every year, this bar crawl includes free cover and drink specials at plenty of Uptown bars, giveaways, hot dogs, a costume contest and more. June 30, 5 p.m.-2 a.m. $10-$20. Details.

Beer releases at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery: Both the brewery’s warm weather beers are here just in time for the holiday – Mecklenburger, a Bavarian-style lager, will make its reappearance on July 2, while Kölsch, a Brauhaus Reserve that’s a crisp, refreshing blonde, will debut on July 4.

4th of July at Angry Ale’s: Celebrate two days in a row with $4 house liquor, slushes and appetizers. July 3 and 4, 11-2 a.m. Details.

$2 Turn Up for America at Lenny Boy Brewing Co.: They’ll be serving up $2 select drafts and a new small-batch kombucha while The Hunter’s Wife slings food from their truck to help get everyone’s holiday started a little bit earlier. July 3, 2-10 p.m. Details.

Red, White and Brew Crawl 2018 at Rooftop 210: Tickets include free cover and drink specials at EpiCentre staples like Whisky River, Vida Vida, Blackfinn Ameripub and Mortimer’s, plus a t-shirt to commemorate the night. July 3, 7-10 p.m. $1o. Details.

Freedom to Party at Oak Room: Celebrate the holiday – and day off – with DJs, drink specials and more. July 3, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Details.

July 4th Cookout at the Bot! at Wooden Robot Brewery: As if the extended hours on July 3 (4 p.m.-12 a.m.) aren’t enough, the brewery is also celebrating with red, white and blue flights of Strawberry Swirl It, Blueberry Swirl It and Reserve Blanc, plus hot dogs, hamburgers and sides on the Kre8 Gastropub patio. July 4, 12-8 p.m. Details.

This is America Rooftop Day Party at The Imperial: Spend the afternoon on the roof during this patriotic day party. July 4, 4-8 p.m. Free-$700. Details.

18th Annual 4th of July Plaza Midwood Pig Pickin’ in Plaza Midwood: The neighborhood staple is back with names like Jackalope Jack’s, Midwood Smokehouse, Whiskey Warehouse and Moo & Brew behind it. Stop by The Diamond, where they’ll be roasting a whole hog, and pick up a pork plate or hot dog. Expect plenty of BBQ, live music and family-friendly activities. July 4, 4-10 p.m. Details.

Red, White and Booms! at Merchant and Trade: While the live music doesn’t start until 8 p.m., expect PBR and Evan Williams specials, a unique food menu and raffle prizes all day and night before a fireworks viewing at 9:30 p.m. July 4, 4:30 p.m.-1 a.m. $10 cover charge beginning at 7 p.m. (50% donated to American-Made Heroes). Details.

Free Burgers Yo! at Thirsty Nomad Brewing: You’ll have to pick up the tab for your beer, but the burgers and sides are both free ‘in celebration of America’s independence from British tyranny.’ July 4, 5-9 p.m. Details.

Carolina Big Hearts Big Barks Rescue Fourth of July Cookout at Lucky Dog Bark & Brew: Let the dogs run wild through Lucky Dog’s 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor patios while you enjoy a plate piled to the brim with pulled pork, coleslaw, baked beans and dessert. All proceeds, plus 10% of bar sales, benefit the rescue. July 7, 12-4 p.m. $12/plate. Details.

DO

Military Days at Carowinds: All active, inactive or retired members of the U.S. military will receive free admission to the park with a valid military I.D. all week. June 30-July 8. Details.

July 4th Murder Mystery Show and Dinner at Treehouse Vineyards: Celebrate a little differently at this interactive murder mystery dinner centered on the murder of Mayor Joe Possumz, who was poisoned via hot dog. July 1, 4-7 p.m. $15-$25. Details.

Fourth of July Celebration at The U.S. National Whitewater Center: The Center’s annual 2-day celebration will be packed to the hilt with yoga, a SUP sprint, live music and, of course, fireworks. Spring for terrace access for killer views. July 3 and 4, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. both days. $6 to park, activities a la carte. Details.

Charlotte Firecracker 5K & Fun Run at Windyrush Swim & Tennis: This 5K and fun run make their way through Olde Providence, starting and ending at Windyrush, where participants will have access to a pool party with music, food and drinks after they cross the finish line. July 3, 7-9 p.m. $12-$40. Details.

American 4 Miler at Run For Your Life: Earn those hot dogs and hamburgers you’re going to eat at your July 4th cookout on this 4-mile route, then head to Run For Your Life for discounts, snacks and more. July 4, 7:30 a.m. $5-$35. Details.

Fourth of July Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony at Charlotte Museum of History: Enjoy everything from a “History Talks” lecture to firework-themed crafts and an on-site naturalization ceremony. July 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Details.

Sunset Kayak at Anne Springs Close Greenway: Enjoy an intimate, guided kayak tour on Lake Haigler to celebrate the holiday. July 4, 7:15-8:30 p.m. $15-$20. Details.

VISIT

2018 Fireworks and Music Spectacular, Denver: See country singer Mark Chestnutt perform before taking in the city’s biggest fireworks show ever. June 30. Details.

July 4th Celebration, Harrisburg: This two-day event will see both a festival and parade, plus fireworks and live music. July 3 (4-10 p.m.) and 4 (4-11 p.m.). Details.

Red, White, & Boom!, Rock Hill: Expect a Kids’ Zone, ice cream eating contest, Bruno Mars tribute band, food trucks and a fireworks show at 9:45 p.m. July 3, 5:30 p.m. Details.

July 3 Celebration at Lowe’s YMCA, Mooresville: Head up to the lake for an evening of local entertainment, kid-friendly activities, food and fireworks. BYO blanket and chairs. July 3, 6-10 p.m. Details.

Annual Patriotic Concert, Mint Hill: BYO lawn chairs and blankets for the next installation of Family Fun Night, including bounce houses, family games, food and more. July 3, 6:30 p.m. Details.

2018 Fireworks Celebration, Statesville: This year marks the city’s biggest fireworks show yet, launching at the Signal Hill Mountain Bike Trail. July 3, 9:30-10 p.m. Details.

4th of July Celebration, Tega Cay: Kick things off with a Land Parade before hanging out at activities like a Red, White & Blue Golf Tournament, Splish-n-Splash, Fish Fry and more. July 4, 9 a.m. Details

July 4th Parade, Indian Trail: Start your holiday right with a morning parade and festivities heading into early afternoon. July 4, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Details.

July 4th at Birkdale Village: Expect a family-friendly celebration with bike decorating, circus acts bounce houses, lawn games and a wet-down from the Huntersville Fire Department. July 4, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Details.

Independence Day Celebrations 2018, Waxhaw: Things will kick off with a parade and keep going with a Jimmy Buffet tribute band, food and drink, plus a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. July 4, 10 a.m. Details.

Fun Family 4th of July, Matthews: The People’s Parade starts at 5:30 p.m., but get there early for bike decorating and stick around for a concert at 7 p.m. July 4, 5 p.m. Details.

Revolutionary 4th, Kings Mountain: Expect a scene from “Liberty Mountain – The Revolutionary Drama about the Battle of Kings Mountain,” live music, food, drink and a fireworks show. July 4, 5 p.m. Details.

4th of July, Davidson: While there won’t be fireworks, there will be a patriotic-themed stroll down South Street, featuring a color guard, firetruck and more, before a concert on the green. July 4, 5:30 p.m. Details.

July 4th Fireworks Tailgate, Gastonia: Head to Cavendish Brewing Company for a viewing of the fireworks show on the patio. July 4, 6-10 p.m. Details.

Feature photo via SkyShow