Popular Fourth of July shows Uptown and at the Whitewater Center are canceled because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but there are still some celebrations happening this weekend — in person and virtually.
Here are our top five picks.
(1) Enjoy an al fresco dinner and a (firework) show in Belmont
The town of Belmont has been started shutting down its Main Street in downtown to car traffic on weekends to allow for more outdoor restaurant seating. Celebrate the holiday with dinner on Main Street from 5 to 10 p.m., with a firework show at 9 p.m. Wear a mask and practice social distancing — both are mandatory. Details. Saturday, July 4. 5-10 p.m.
(2) Stream a fireworks show
Watch New York City’s Macy’s 4th of July fireworks show on NBC from 8 to 10 p.m. on July 4. Details. Saturday, July 4. 8-10 p.m.
(3) Eat a whole lotta food
Pick up a $28 grab-and-go bag on July 4 to bring back home. Each grab-and-go bag will include: eight fresh-steamed blue crabs, corn on the cob, and fish and chips. Place an order in advance and select a pick-up time. All staff will be masked and gloved, and a mask and social distancing is required for pick-up. Order online or through Facebook. Saturday, July 4. Noon to 2 p.m.
Lowcountry BBQ: The Ballantyne Hotel’s restaurant, The Gallery, is hosting a two-day Lowcountry Boil. On Saturday and Sunday, you can get a half-rack of BBQ ribs or Cheerwine beef brisket burnt ends with sides for $24 per person. Call to secure a spot or make a reservation online. Saturday and Sunday, July 4-5. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Neighborhood cookout at Town Brewing: Town will have $15 4th of July platters and cold beer this Saturday. Platters include one protein (cheeseburger or pineapple marinated chicken), two sides (potato salad, slaw, mac and cheese, or a bag of chips), and one dessert (dark chocolate fudge brownie or apple crumb bar). A Beyond Burger platter is available for $18, and kids platters for $5. Saturday, July 4. Noon to 8 p.m.
Dinner from Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen: Have dinner from Chef Alyssa’s kitchen featuring local produce, meats, and breads. Pre-order for pick up or delivery. Get a burger pack with Brioche rolls, a hot dog pack, or vegetable kebabs as well as veggie sides like a grilled peach salad or a buttermilk and cabbage slaw. Prices ranging from $12 -$35. Order online. Friday, July 3rd.
(4) Learn more American history this week with Charlotte Museum of History
The Charlotte Museum of History is hosting events all week about the history of the Declaration of Independence. Explore online resources, learn how to make a firework craft, and even watch the ringing of the American Freedom Bell throughout the week. Register to be a part of the Lunch & Learn series via Zoom on July 2nd at noon. All content will be available online. Details.
(5) Go to a drive-in movie
Captain America at The Mill: As a part of Cornelius’ Movies at the Mill series and in keeping with the theme, Captain America will be shown on Friday, July 3 at 8:15 p.m. Tickets are $15 for a vehicle plus a driver, $10 for an adult passenger, $7 for a child passenger, and $9 for a walk-in viewer with no car. Buy tickets here. Friday, July 3. 8:15 p.m.
The Goonies at Charlotte Motor Speedway: On the 16,000-square-foot HDTV screen, you can watch the Goonies from the comfort of your own car with your family and some snacks on Wednesday, July 1 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the movie will begin at 7 p.m. The evening will end around 9 p.m. with a fireworks show. Admission is $40 per car with proceeds going toward Speedway Children’s Charities. Buy tickets here. Wednesday, July 1. 7 p.m.
Feature photo by Laura Wolff/courtesy Charlotte Knights.
