Did you know Charleston is tied to the tradition of setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July? Say what? Is there anything not cool about this little town of ours?
William Henry Drayton, one of America’s Founding Fathers and a lawyer from right here in Charleston, helped put fireworks in our Independence Day celebrations. As South Carolina’s delegate to the Continental Congress, Drayton was behind the idea that on America’s third birthday there should be fireworks. And the rest, as they say, is history! Drayton was born on his family’s plantation, Drayton Hall in 1742 and it remained his home throughout his life.
Sounds like we all have one more reason to get out and enjoy the Fourth of July. Here are some of the best events to check out around town.
Patriots Point 4th of July Blast
Enjoy a front row seat to the fireworks display on the Cooper River from the shore at the Patriots Point 4th of July Blast.
There will be live music, good eats, and of course, the fireworks display after sunset. The event goes from 6-10 p.m. and you can expect the show in the sky to begin around 9:15.
It’s free to attend, but parking costs $20 and there is limited space.
July 4th Patriots Point USS Yorktown Deck Pass
Take your Patriots Point July 4th up a notch and buy a ticket to watch the show from the deck of the USS Yorktown.
Tickets are $25 and include access to the ship at 8 p.m. and a complimentary bottle of water. Orders are limited to six tickets per person. Please note: there are no seats up there, so make sure you bring chairs. Personal food and drinks are not permitted on the ship.
Riverfront Park 4th of July Festival
North Charleston claims to have the Lowcountry’s largest 4th of July fireworks show. Head out to Riverfront Park from 5-10 p.m. for one epic event! Fireworks start at 9 p.m. with music by the North Charleston Pops! and DJ Natty Heavy.
The event is free and guests are asked to bring lawn chairs and blankets, as there is no seating provided. Bring your own snacks and water or check out one of more than two dozen food trucks…including some of my personal favorites Semilla (their Brussels taco is bomb) and King of Pops (I recommend the Banana Puddin’).
Some important things to note: parking is free. Enter the former Navy Base via McMillan or Virginia Avenues for parking. Walking, biking, carpooling and ridesharing are encouraged.
There will be NO entry into the park until 5:00 pm. All bags will be searched and there are no grills, sparklers or outside fireworks allowed.
More details here.
Fireworks & Freedom Fourth of July Festival
Head to Gahagan Park for this Independence Day celebration from 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Please leave the large coolers, pets, tents, personal fireworks (including sparklers) outside alcohol and grills at home.
Onsite parking at Gahagan Park is extremely limited. Shuttles will run from 5-10 p.m.
Isle of Palms Fireworks Show
The Isle of Palms fireworks show takes place in the Front Beach area. The beach between 21st Avenue to 3rd Sea Cabins will close at 6:30 p.m. for set up and preparation. So, your family and belongings will need to be moved from that area. You may remain inside the park area, or behind the restroom facilities to watch the show.
Fireworks start at 9 p.m.
Sullivan's Island Party in the Park
The Independence Day Party at the Park and fireworks are back! The event will start at 6:00 p.m. Bring a chair or a blanket and get comfortable for the big show! Music by the Shem Creek Boogie Band will set the stage for the fireworks starting shortly after 9 PM. Please note, for this kind of event, Sullivan’s Island does not allow dogs or alcohol.
All the details here.
Fabulous Fourth in the Creek
The City of Goose Creek’s annual Fourth of July Celebration and fireworks display will take place at the Municipal Complex from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Enjoy live music, food vendors and free kids’ activities. Outside fireworks, sparklers and alcohol are prohibited.
Admission and parking are free.
Get all the details here.
Fourth of July Bummer!
Two popular local events have been cancelled for 2023. The Uncle Sam Jam usually held on the Mount Pleasant Pier at the foot of the Ravenel bridge will not take place. Charleston County Parks released the following statement:
“Charleston County Parks’ annual Uncle Sam Jam event has been canceled for 2023 due to very limited parking during the construction of new amenities at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park and the anticipation of large July 4th crowds.
All advance ticket holders will receive a full refund. The Mount Pleasant Pier will be open from 6 am to 10 pm on July 4th.”
Another big local event, the Folly Beach Fireworks have been called off by officials due to the threat of “exceptionally high tides at dusk” on July 4. The high water won’t allow enough area on the beach for the pyrotechnics trailer and surrounding set-up needed.