Events for the Weekend: July 4th Edition

Your best weekly list for parties, nightlife, social, and cultural events in Charlotte. This isn’t intended to be a complete list of everything that's going on, but instead are the events GPT recommends. Use contact/website info listed to verify event details.

Saturday, July 3

The Queen City Summer Festival (2 events)
-Saturday Fun Fest—Free Cookout
It's an afternoon of food and fun, with games hosted by PlayDate Charlotte. Presented by The Sol Kitchen, The A List, and Velvet Entertainment. 3-8 p.m. Free. Marshall Park, 800 E. Third St. www.thesolkitchen.com.
-Saturday Night Carnivale—After-Party
After the cookout it's the after-party. Plenty of drink specials and late-night menu. Music by DJ Bro Rabb. 10 p.m.-2:30 a.m. Cost varies. Therapy Cafe, 401 N. Tryon St. www.velvet-ent.com.

Yacht Party—The Independence Edition
Take a boat ride while enjoying food, live entertainment, and giveaways, with music by DJ Polo. 8-11:30 p.m. $30 and up. Kings Point Marina, 18020 Kings Point Dr., Cornelius. 704-492-0069, qcinfobroker@gmail.com.

Saturday Night Live Featuring Shableek
Enjoy a great night of live music at this eclectic venue. 9 p.m. $10. Wine-Up, 3306 N. Davidson St. www.bandtastic.com/shableek.


Sunday, July 4

Red, White and Boom and Family Fun Festival
It's Uptown Charlotte's annual fireworks display and gathering. A family-friendly event with plenty of activities for kids. 6-10 p.m. Free admission; $5 parking fee. Memorial Stadium, 301 N. Kings Dr. www.findyourcenter.com.

July 4th Summer Jam
This venue and its great balcony offers one of the best views of the Uptown fireworks. Enjoy drink specials, games, and hookahs. Live performance by Blue Monday playing 80s and 90s alternative rock. 8 p.m. Loft 1523, 1523 Elizabeth Ave. www.loft1523.com.

Frolic on the 4th
Just a week after throwing its hugely successful Mansion Party, Maz Entertainment is getting it popping for the holiday. Party on all three levels of this night spot. 10 p.m. Cost varies (for discounted entry, text 704-280-4577 or email frolic@mazentertainment.net). LaTorre's, Fiji, Kashmir. 116 W. Fifth St. www.mazentertainment.net.

Sunset Sunday
Party at one of Charlotte's most exclusive lounges, while popping bottles and puffing cigars. Music by DJ Dexter Dynamite. 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Men free til 11 p.m.; ladies free til 11:30 p.m. The Sunset Club, 1820 South Blvd. www.young-vets.com/NightLife.html.

This Is It featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff
The world-famous DJ leads the music at one of the last scheduled parties before this nightclub closes for good. Brought to you by The Sol Kitchen, Dee Autry, and Rickmond Media. 10 p.m. Cost varies. The Forum, 300 N. College St. www.thesolkitchen.com.