This weekend promises plenty of activities for families to enjoy the Fourth of July. The festivities starting Saturday and ending with the big gathering on Monday. If you’re planning to head up Monday for the celebration at Memorial Stadium expect to see an even larger than the usually large police presence at the stadium as well as uptown. The violence that marred Memorial Day weekend has Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police on high alert. They will be enforcing the youth curfew and keeping any signs of aggression by revelers in check. The organization Men Who Care Global will also be uptown serving as goodwill ambassadors to model good behavior for young black men.
Coca-Cola 4th of July Festival, White Water Rafting Center
The Coca-Cola 4th of July Festival is the biggest event of the year with three days of free live music and fireworks. The weekend-long celebration begins Saturday and conclude Monday. Music begins at 4 p.m. each day. Saturday’s show features the blue-eyed soul of Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, along with openers Riley Etheridge, Jr. and Do It To Julia. On Sunday, the center hosts the Americana rock of Langhorne Slim, the Overmountain Men and Holy Ghost Tent Revival. Monday features the blues-rock of Anders Osborne, The New Familiars and Sol Driven Train. Starts 4 p.m. each day. Fireworks each day starting at dusk. Free.
5000 Whitewater Parkway or GPS friendly: 1825 Belmeade Road, Charlotte, NC 28214
11th Annual Plaza-Midwood Pig PIcking’ (Sunday)
This annual block party is sponsored by Soul, Snug Harbor, Diamond Restaurant, Twenty-Two and Ace Custom Tattoo. It features music by the Belmont Playboys, Temperance League, Sea of Cortez and others. There’s a rockabilly car show, a motorcycle show and more. 4-11 p.m. Plaza-Midwood.
Red, White and Blue 7th St. Block Party and Carnival
This new block party is sponsored by Elizabeth area restaurants: Jackalope Jacks, Kennedy’s Premium, the Philosophers Stone and Sub Station II. There are food specials and live music at each restaurant. There will also be a hot dog eating contest as well as kids’ games. Starts at 4 p.m.
Presbyterian Hospital 4th Spectacular
This was an awesome event last year with the field full of activities for kids, food vendors and live music. There will be no stadium seating this year so bring your blankets. 6-9 p.m. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Memorial Stadium, 310 N. Kings Drive.
Check out pictures from the Charlotte Observer last year:
