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9 things to do in Charlotte this weekend

Fireworks, early 4th of July celebrations and more.

Fourth of July: 18 places you can watch fireworks around Charlotte
Fourth of July: 18 places you can watch fireworks around Charlotte Fourth of July: 18 places you can watch fireworks around Charlotte (tcw-wbtv)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Looking for something to do this weekend? Check out what’s happening in Charlotte.

📍 Charlotte Squawks (Booth Playhouse), through Saturday: Only three shows left to catch the hilarious annual satire that pokes fun at all things Charlotte. From pop culture to politics, sports and everything in between, Charlotte Squawks will get you laughing with musical parodies and laugh out loud skits with some of the biggest stories from the last year. Showtimes at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, along with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $24.50.

📍Charlotte Caribbean Carnival (1600 W. Trade Street), Thursday through Sunday: Charlotte’s very own Caribbean Carnival is back and bigger than ever. Now a four-day party with several events spread across the weekend. The big day is on Saturday that kicks off with a parade at 11:30 on the Johnson C. Smith University Campus followed by a carnival village with live music, food, costumes and entertainment. Check out their schedule for even more events.

📍 Gastonia Food & Brews Street Festival (Main Street), Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.: The streets of Gastonia are about to become a foodie paradise with some of the best local food trucks lining up Main Street. Take a bite out of favorites like Jamaican Fireside Food, Taqueria Guerrero, The Boba Tea Bar and more. Plus, if all that food gets you in the mood for shopping, you’re in luck because you’ll also find over 75 vendors to shop locally from. For the kids there will be face painting, rock climbing and activities. Admission is free.

📍 Trey Songz & Food Truck Festival (The Amp Ballantyne), Saturday 4 p.m.: Taste some of the best southern soul food while jamming out to R&B classics. You’ll find several of the city’s finest food trucks along with vendors to complete the vibe. “Mr. Steal Yo Girl” Trey Songz will be headlining the fest. Tickets start at $45.

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📍 Fireworks Over Historic Spencer Shops (NC Transportation Museum), Saturday 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.: Get ahead of your 4th of July festivities at the museum that celebrates the historic machines that built our country. Start your day at the museum then enjoy some free family fun like a balloon artist, a bubble show, inflatables, children’s crafts, corn hole, lawn games and more. For a fee, take a ride on the WWII-era Dodge Weapons Carrier or on the museum’s railroad turntable. At around 9 p.m., look above as fireworks launch above the Bob Julian Roadhouse. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets.

📍 Camden Commons (Camden Road), Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: It’s the final Camden Commons of the year. Head to South End for a Sunday funday out in the streets. Camden Road becomes a gathering place for live music, dozens of local vendors, fun games and delicious food. Admission is free.

📍 Summer Mimosa Market (SouthBound), Sunday 12 to 3 p.m.: Spend your Sunday sipping on some bubbles while shopping locally from Black women-owned businesses in a fun outdoor market. Over 40 vendors will be on-site along with a DJ and bites available for purchase. Admission to the market is free.

📍 Party in the Park (Mint Museum Randolph), Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.: Enjoy the summertime sunshine with an afternoon filled with food trucks, drinks and live music at the Mint Museum’s picturesque front terrace. This month’s party will be celebrating Pride Month with live artist demonstrations addressing identity. Admission is free.

📍 Celebrate America (Symphony Park), Sunday 7 p.m.: Get ready to celebrate freedom with a salute to our country with songs performed live by the Charlotte Symphony. The Charlotte Bluegrass Allstars will kick things off, followed by the Charlotte Symphony and then an epic fireworks finale. Tickets start at $18 for adults, $5 for youth 13-18, higher at the gate.

Have an event you want to submit? I’m always looking for things to do around Charlotte. Send me your event to Carmichael.Cruz@WBTV.com.

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