Where to celebrate the 4th of July across York County. Hint: don’t wait for Friday
A cannon, paddleboards, golf carts and a sky full of fireworks — there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the 4th of July in York County. And the party won’t wait until Friday, either.
Tens of thousands of folks are expected to gather across the county at public events from York to Fort Mill. Rock Hill’s downtown gathering alone has drawn more than 12,000 people, according to tourism group Visit York County.
About 3,000 people gathered at Papa Doc’s Shore Club for the fireworks over Lake Wylie last year, but that number doesn’t include people watching from boats on the water.
What’s clear is the 4th of July is one of the most celebrated events of the year, countywide. Here’s what to expect this year:
Rock Hill
▪ Rock Hill’s annual Red, White & BOOM! runs 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday. It’ll have live music, rides, inflatables, a cool zone and vendors downtown. Fireworks will start around 8:45 p.m. Parking will be available on Black and White streets, the Hampton Street lot, at Rock Hill City Hall and the parking decks on Elizabeth Lane and Black Street. More info: visitrockhillsc.com
Fort Mill
▪ Fort Mill has grown its 4th of July festivities to a two-day event. It starts a 6 p.m. Thursday at Elisha Park. The town amphitheater and park on North White Street will have food trucks, roving entertainment and kids activities. Patriotic outfit competitions start at 6 p.m., followed by music from Main Event Band and The Swingin’ Medallions. A ceremony on the main stage happens at 7:30 p.m., and fireworks follow at 9:15 p.m.
The 53rd annual Firing of the Cannons begins at 10 a.m. Friday, from the downtown bandstand on Main Street. After a patriotic ceremony and a history lesson on the event, the Confederate Park cannon will be fired by members of the Short family. More info: fortmillsc.gov
Tega Cay
▪ Tega Cay’s birthday as a city falls on July 4th each year, so there’s double the celebration. The “U.S. of Cay” festivities begin Friday with the Where Eagle Soar parade down Tega Cay Drive (9 a.m.), Lions Fish Fry at the Glennon Center (4:30 p.m.), Mayor Chris Gray’s State of the City address (6 p.m.) and fireworks over the golf course (9 p.m.). All events start at the Glennon Center.
On Saturday, activities resume with a boat parade. The Flotilla Parade from Nivens Landing to Windjammer Park begins at 11 a.m. It’s followed by the Freedom Fun Run Paddle Board Competition at 11:15 a.m. and a Carolina Show Ski Team performance at noon, both at Windjammer Park. A 6:30 p.m. Uncle Sam Jam concert concludes activities, at Runde Park. More info: tegacaysc.org
York
▪ York will have food trucks, live music, kids activities and a fireworks show Friday at York Middle School for the 4th of July. The celebration runs from 6:30-10 p.m. Guests should bring their own chairs or blankets, but no outside food. Brian Ashley Jones will perform. More info: yorksc.gov
Clover
▪ Clover gets an early start on Friday, the 4th of July, with an 8 a.m. fun run setting off at New Centre Park. A 5K run or walk follows at 8:30 a.m., ahead of the 11 a.m. golf cart parade. The parade has prizes of up to $250 for the best patriotic theme. More info: cloversc.org
Lake Wylie
▪ Thousands of people gather each year on boats, in lakefront parking lots or at restaurants to view July 4th fireworks over Lake Wylie. The show starts at 9:30 p.m. Friday near Buster Boyd Bridge and Camp Thunderbird. Some of the best viewing sites are Buster Boyd Access Area, Long Cove Resort or the outdoor seating at Papa Doc’s Shore Club, Rey Azteca, Lake Wylie Pizza and Italian Restaurant or Bagel Boat. More info: lakewyliechambersc.com
Sharon
▪ Downtown Sharon will celebrate from 6-10 p.m. Friday. Finally Friday Band will perform and food will be available at downtown restaurants. Food and merchandise vendors will be there, and the night will end with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. More info: sharonsc.gov
Other places to celebrate
Other sites with big July 4th celebrations, some that include admission costs, include:
▪ Historic Brattonsville, chmuseums.org
▪ Carowinds, carowinds.com
This story was originally published July 1, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
