Five Places Around Charlotte to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks

Nothing epitomizes American independence quite like hot dogs, cold beer, and fireworks on the Fourth of July.

Used to be the best local place to catch Independence Day fireworks was in Fort Mill, SC after a Charlotte Knights baseball game.

But with Uptown Charlotte's BB&T Ballpark now open, the AAA Knights' new venue has a much more visually arresting backdrop for a festive demonstration of aerial explosions.

Uptown fireworks. Property of Charlotte Observer.

The Knights will be out of town on July 4 -- the USA National Collegiate team faces off against Cuba that day -- but they do host the Gwinnett Braves on July 3 and you can catch fireworks following baseball in the city both nights.

Lucky hot dog vendors!

Other Options

If America's past-time and Uptown crowds aren't for you, here are four more places to catch a great lights show this weekend.

1.  Broome St, Waxhaw, NC.  Just drive south on Providence Rd / Rte 16 until you see a few thousand people setting up lawn chairs and blankets less than a mile before you get to historic downtown Waxhaw.  For a small town celebration, the Town of Waxhaw puts on an impressive show.  I'm walking to this one.

2.  Buster Boyd Bridge, Lake Wylie, SC.  Bring your boat or find a spot on the deck or in the parking lot at T-Bones on the Lake for a breathtaking fireworks display over the water.  Just don't wait until the last minute or you will be stuck on the bridge in your car during the show.  This happened to me once.

3.  U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte, NC.  Get there early for a full day of fun with a festival beginning at 4PM on July 4 and fireworks after the sun goes down.  Bring your bikes, kayaks and climbing shoes with you if you want to get a little exercise in, as well!

4.  Pops In The Park, Southpark, Charlotte, NC.  Listen to the Charlotte Symphony put on a patriotic performance before the main event in Symphony Park behind Southpark Mall on Friday, July 3, 2015.

Bonus:  Fernweh Waterfront Festival, Queens Landing, Lake Norman, Mooresville, NC.  This one is for the hipster partier who digs a waterfront view.  Live music, ice cream, and free parking sounds like a righteous combination to me, and this event continues on even after the last 'splosion.

Check your local listings and media outlets for more events in your area and let "It's Jimmy On..." know how you plan to culminate your July 4 festivities.

Wherever you go to watch fireworks this year, or if you decide to create your own, just be sure to be safe and have a great time!