North Charleston's July Fourth Festival is at Riverfront Park; the 2026 show was free, with gates at 5 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. 2027 details are not out yet.
Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. This page is updated each year. The City of North Charleston has not announced its 2027 Fourth of July plans, so this guide describes the 2026 festival, from the city’s July Fourth Festival page, so you know what to expect. It will be refreshed when the 2027 details are posted.
North Charleston’s Independence Day fireworks are part of the city’s July Fourth Festival at Riverfront Park, on the Cooper River. The city billed the 2026 show as the Lowcountry’s largest Fourth of July fireworks show. Admission and parking were free.
Who to call
- City Cultural Arts Department (city festivals): 843-740-5854
- Riverfront Park office: 843-308-4746
- Police non-emergency: see our who to call at City Hall guide
- Official page: July Fourth Festival
The 2026 schedule
The 2026 festival ran 5 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 4:
| Time | On stage |
|---|---|
| 5 p.m. | Gates open; DJ Natty Heavy and DJ D-NYCE |
| 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. | Gino Castillo & The Cuban Cowboys |
| 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. | Whiskey Run |
| 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. | Quiana Parler and her band |
| 9 p.m. | Fireworks, with the DJs, until about 9:25 p.m. |
Food and drink vendors were on site. The city told visitors to bring lawn chairs, blankets, water and snacks, because there is no seating and “it’ll be a warm one.”
Rules at the gate
From the city’s 2026 guidelines:
- No entry before 5 p.m.
- All bags are searched.
- No grills.
- No sparklers or outside fireworks.
Parking and getting there
Parking was free in 2026, with golf cart parking and ADA parking available. The city said:
- From the north, enter by Virginia Avenue.
- From the south, use the Bainbridge Connector or the Cosgrove Connector.
- North Charleston police and parking staff direct drivers on the night.
The city encourages walking, biking, carpooling or ridesharing. For the roads around the park, see our getting around North Charleston and road construction and closures guides.
Selling fireworks
Businesses that sell fireworks inside the city need a city fireworks sales permit; the annual permit is $50 under the fee schedule City Council adopted June 25, 2026.
What to expect in 2027
The festival has been held at Riverfront Park, with free entry and a 9 p.m. fireworks start, but the city sets the date, schedule and lineup each year. July 4, 2027, falls on a Sunday. This page will carry the 2027 times, bands and parking as soon as the city posts them.
What this means for you
- Arrive at 5 p.m. for a spot on the lawn; there are no seats.
- Leave sparklers and grills at home; bags are searched.
- Plan your route by Virginia Avenue or the connectors, and expect a slow exit after the show.
More events: things to do in North Charleston this month and parks and trails.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the Fourth of July fireworks in North Charleston?
At the city’s July Fourth Festival in Riverfront Park on the Cooper River. In 2026 the gates opened at 5 p.m. and the fireworks started at 9 p.m.
Is the North Charleston July Fourth Festival free?
Yes. Admission and parking were free in 2026. Bring lawn chairs or blankets, because the city provides no seating.
Can I bring sparklers to the North Charleston fireworks?
No. In 2026 the city banned sparklers, outside fireworks and grills at the festival, and every bag was searched.
Where do I park for the North Charleston fireworks?
In 2026 parking was free. Drivers from the north entered by Virginia Avenue; drivers from the south used the Bainbridge Connector or the Cosgrove Connector, with police and parking staff directing traffic.
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