Check out this list of events celebrating Independence Day in Charlotte and the surrounding area - as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. (This list will keep growing with more parties/events. To get listed, email anita.overcash@creativeloafing.com)

Thursday, July 3
Summer Pops: Celebrate America at Symphony Park: Charlotte Symphony presents this outdoor concert with patriotic pieces, including the "Star Spangled Banner," "This Land is Your Land," "God Bless America," "America the Beautiful" and more. Albert-George Schram conducts and there will be fireworks following the concert. $15; free for teens and children under 18 years old). July 3, 7 p.m. Symphony Park at SouthPark Mall, 4400 Sharon Road. www.charlottesymphony.org/summer/.

Red, White & Brew Bash at Howl at the Moon: The party features drink specials ($4 Sam Adams, $5 Washington Apple shots and $20 for 86 oz. buckets). There will also be dueling pianos all night long. Thurs., July 3. Howl At The Moon, 210 E. Trade St. 704-936-4695. www.howlatthemoon.com.

American Dreams: Pre-Independence Day Kickoff at Texicali: Sol Kitchen, BlueGoose and Roundtable present this pre-Independence Day party featuring DJ LouiVee. Free w/ RSVP until 11 p.m.; $10. July 3, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Texicali Taco & Tequila Bar, 900 NC Music Factory Blvd. www.texicalicharlotte.com.

4th of July Festival at U.S. National Whitewater Center: Enjoy a two-day celebration (July 3 & 4) of America with live music, fireworks and more. July 3: The schedule includes ChessBoxer at 4 p.m.;a corn hole tournament and live music from Sol Driven Train at 6 p.m.; Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers at 8 p.m.; Fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Free admission ($5 for parking). July 3, 3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway. 704-391-3900. www.usnwc.org.

Summer Celebration at Lowe's YMCA in Mooresville: This annual family-friendly event in Mooresville features games, inflatables, entertainment, live music (The Glass Hammers, Part Time Blues Band and more), vendors and fireworks. Free admission. July 3, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Lowe's YMCA, 170 Joe Knox Ave., Mooresville.

Friday, July 4
4th of July Festival at U.S. National Whitewater Center: Enjoy a two-day celebration (July 3 & 4) of America with live music, fireworks and more. July 4: Corn hole tournament at 2 p.m.; Sons of Bill at 4 p.m.; Truth & Salvage Co. at 6 p.m.; Moe at 8 p.m.; Fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Free admission ($5 for parking). July 4, 3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. U.S. National Whitewater Center, 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway. 704-391-3900. www.usnwc.org.

July 4th Spectacular on Mint Street and at BB&T Ballpark: The Skyshow Street Party begins at 3 p.m. on Mint Street. It features a ferris wheel, face painting, balloon animals, games and prizes, and an aerial dancing demonstration. At 5 p.m. gates to BB&T Ballpark will open for ticket holders and the Charlotte Knights game (sold out) begins at 7:05 p.m. The Skyshow will begin at the conclusion of the baseball game. July 4, 3 p.m. BB&T Ballpark, 324 South Mint St.

Red, White & Brew Bar Crawl at EpiCentre: The crawl includes craft brews, free cover, and discounts at participating EpiCentre bars, including Blackfinn, Whisky River, Strike City, Rooftop 210, Vida, Vida Vida, Suite and Bubble. Registration begins at 7 p.m. at Rooftop210. For more information, visit www.redwhitebrewcrawl.eventbrite.com. July 4. EpiCentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.epicentrenc.com.

Jazz at the Bechtler Celebrate the 4th of July with Jazz at the Bechtler. The museum presents a special two-night concert with vocalist Maria Howell and the Ziad Jazz Quartet. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Seating is first come, first served. $14 for general public. July 4, 6 p.m.; July 5, 6 p.m. Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St. 704-353-9200. www.bechtler.org.

4th of July Pig Pickin' in Plaza Midwood: The annual 4th of July celebration, held in Plaza Midwood, will feature live music, beer, food, fireworks and more. July 4. www.facebook.com/pmpig.
4th of July Celebration at Charlotte Museum of History: A patriotic celebration featuring presentations, tours of the Hezekiah Alexander home site, viewing of a rare nineteenth century Liberty flag, children's crafts, and refreshments. For the full schedule, visit www.charlottemuseum.org/events.asp. July 4, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Charlotte Museum of History, 3500 Shamrock Drive. 704-568-1774. www.charlottemuseum.org.

4th of July Block Party Elizabeth block party features corn hole, screenings of the World Cup games, music, and drink specials. Participating venues include Kennedy’s Premium Bar & Grill, Jackalope Jack’s, and The Philosophers Stone Tavern. Held along the corner of Seventh Street and N. Caswell Street. Free admission. July 4, noon-2 a.m.

Red White & Pabst Blue Ribbon Party at Roxbury: Independence weekend celebration with games on the patio, drink specials (PBR and "fireball" shots) and more. Dress in your best patriotic wear. July 4-5, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Roxbury Nightclub, 115 W. 5th St. 704-375-8090. www.roxburynightclub.com.

White Lights: 4th of July Party at Studio Movie Grill: Eddietainment presents this party with two DJs (Mighty DJ DR and DJ Unique), food and great views of Uptown fireworks. Dress code is stylish and sophisticated. For tickets and bottle service/tables, visit www.whitelights.eventbrite.com. July 4, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Studio Movie Grill, 210 E. Trade St., Suite D290. 704-688-2400. www.studiomoviegrill.com.

Fever: Summer Solstice Cocktail Reception at Blue: Dre Brown, Mike Simmons and James Rickmond present this cocktail reception with music from DJ C-Rob. For more details, visit feverjuly.eventbrite.com. $10 in advance. July 4, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Blue, 214 N. Tryon St. 704-927-2583. www.bluecharlotte.com.

4th of July Party w/ The Flat Tires at Tremont Music Hall: Music from The Flat Tires, The Fill Ins and Infektion. $10-$13. July 4, 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tremont Music Hall, 400 W. Tremont Ave. 704-343-9494. www.tremontmusichall.com.

4th of July Parade & Celebration at Hickory Grove: The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. from Hickory Grove Recreation Center and continues along Harris Boulevard to The Grove Presbyterian Church where the celebration will continue until 2:30 p.m. The family-friendly event includes games and entertainment. Free admission. July 4, 10:30 a.m. The Grove Presbyterian Church, 5735 E. WT Harris Blvd.

4th of July Celebration at Birkdale Village: Parade starts at 11:45 a.m. Activities throughout the day, including bike decorating, face painting, bounce houses, a bike rodeo, a community arts project, and the fire department's annual water fight at 12:15 p.m. July 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Birkdale Village, 8712 Lindolm Drive, Huntersville. www.birkdalevillage.net.

4th of July in Davidson: The Independence Day celebration kicks off with a parade at 5 p.m. and is followed by Concerts on the Green (featuring live music from Simplified), from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.concertsonthegreen.com. Free admission. July 4. Davidson Village Green, Concord Street and Main Street, Davidson.

Kiss 95.1 Anchor Island: July 4th Party at Lake Norman: Lake Norman's largest floating party. The cruise features radio personalities, music, cocktails and a scenic ride on Lake Norman. Lineup: Cruise registration and yacht shuttle pickup (starting at 9:15 a.m.), 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.; Cruise time, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. $20 (includes shuttle to marina and a three-hour yacht cruise). Mojos Pub and Grill, 19901 Holiday Lane, Cornelius. www.eventbrite.com.

Red, White & Belmont Festival in Belmont: This 4th of July festival in downtown Belmont features carnival rides, games, vendors, entertainment, live music, food and fireworks.Fri.,July 4, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; July 5-6, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Stowe Park, 24 South Main St., Belmont. www.cityofbelmont.org.

Independence Day Celebration at Raffaldini Vineyards: Featuring wine tastings, live music (Nita B Jazz Duo), gelato and more. Free admission. July 4, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Raffaldini Vineyards, 450 Groce Road, Ronda. 336-835-9463. www.raffaldini.com.

Saturday, July 5
Charlotte Hounds at American Legion Memorial Stadium: Major league lacrosse game. Charlotte Hounds vs. Rochester Rattlers. Featuring post-game fireworks. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com. $12.50 and up. July 5, 7 p.m. American Legion Memorial Stadium, 310 N. Kings Drive. 704-206-1515. www.charlottehounds.com.

Big Mammas Red, White & Boobs at UpStage: Big Mamma's burlesque show gives a special salute to America. Doors open at 10 p.m. $12-$15. July 5, 10:30 p.m. UpStage, 3306 N. Davidson St., Suite C. 704-430-4821. www.upstagenoda.com.