Pick your vantage point for catching this year’s patriotic pyrotechnics
Uncle Sam Jam—Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant Pier—which stretches out 1,250 feet from the foot of the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge into Charleston Harbor—offers the perfect view of the city’s fireworks spectacle. Groove to rock and soul music from Dave Landeo and The Sol Beats as you enjoy food and beverages—including beer and wine—available for purchase. The front section of the pier will remain free and open to visitors for the fireworks show. Mount Pleasant Pier, 71 Harry M. Hallman Jr. Blvd., Mount Pleasant. Thursday, 7-11pm. $10; $8 advance; free for children under three. (843)795-4368, ccprc.com
4th of July Festival—North Charleston
Riverfront Park, overlooking the Cooper River, hosts the largest Independence Day fireworks display in the Lowcountry. Alongside the water will be live music from more than five performers, food trucks like Charleston Carribean Creole and El Pincho Taco, and activities for all tastes and ages. Kids can enjoy jump castles, a climbing wall, photo booths, balloon animals, and more. No seating is provided, so guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Riverfront Park, 1001 Everglades Ave., North Charleston. Thursday, 3pm-9:45pm. Free. northcharleston.org
Fireworks & Freedom Fest—Summerville
Formerly known as the Red, White, and Blue on the Green festival, don your patriotic colors and bring the whole family to Summerville’s annual July Fourth celebration in Gahagan Park. Spend the evening at the free fête enjoying food trucks and local vendors, and settle in at dusk with blankets and chairs to take in the fireworks display. Gahagan Park, 184 W. Boundary St., Summerville. Thursday, 5:30-9:30pm. Free. (843)851-5211, summervilledream.org
(Left) Seas Stars & Stripes; (Right) Uncle Sam Jam
Sea Stars & Stripes—Downtown
South Carolina Aquarium’s scenic waterfront lookout has been named one of the city’s most ideal fireworks viewing locations by the Post and Courier. Boasting numerous marine wildlife exhibits, an all-inclusive American-fare dinner, and a beer and wine bar, the event promises to be a relaxing, enjoyable evening for the entire family. South Carolina Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf. Thursday, 7-10pm. $60; $55 member; $30 child; $25 member child; free for child under three. (843)577-3474, scaquarium.org
Fireworks Cruise on the Carolina Queen—Charleston Harbor
Cruise along the harbor with the Carolina Queen, Charleston’s only riverboat, as you see the peninsula from a new perspective. Get an up-close view of the Patriots Point fireworks from the vessel as you enjoy lite bites and beer, wine, and cocktails from the fully-stocked bar at this 21-and-over fête. Local musician Ben Fagan and his band will be playing their upbeat, high-energy, beachy music into the evening. Charleston City Marina, 17 Lockwood Dr. Thursday, 8-10:30pm. $45. (843)722-1112, charlestonharbortours.com
Fireworks from the Beach
Want to watch the fireworks beachside? Here’s our picks:
Folly Beach: 3rd Block West. 9:20pm. Free.
Sullivan’s Island: J. Marshall Stith Park. 6pm celebration; 9pm show. Free.
Isle of Palms: Front Beach (north of 21st Ave. or south of 10th Ave.). 9:15pm. $12 parking.
Photographs Courtesy of (Yorktown) Patriots Point, (Uncle Sam Jam) Micheline Callicott, & (Sea Stars and Stripes) South Carolina Aquarium
