Fourth of July Festivities in Charleston

By Beckett Brennan

Fireworks, hotdogs, and some fun in the sun, yes, its that time of the year again and this years Fourth of July festivities are sure to be a good time. Known for its rich American history, the Charleston area of South Carolina is a great place to celebrate this year’s 235 anniversary of our nation’s independence.

As a true historical landmark, this patriotic city offers an endless amount of activities throughout the day and into the night that are sure to spark some fun for all ages.

Patriots Point

This year at Patriots Point, home of the USS Yorktown, located right off the Ravenal Bridge, promises to uphold their reputation as one of the “Top 5 Independence Day Celebrations” according to the New York Times. Offering an evening filled with entertainment, people can enjoy live music on two stages, a kid-zone full of activities and plenty of food and beverages throughout the night. Festivities start at 4 p.m. and finish with what promises to be a spectacular fireworks show over the Charleston Harbor at 9 p.m.

If Patriots Point is your destination of choice, admission and parking for this event are free. There is a shuttle service with complimentary parking by Waterfront Park that will run continuously throughout the evening. Personal blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged but no pets or personal coolers are allowed at this event.

Folly Beach

Folly Beach, continually known for being a favorite among locals, is a great place to watch fireworks as they light up the night sky over the Atlantic Ocean. Guaranteed to be a fun filled day in the sun, Folly beach is known for getting the party started. If an all day beach trip is not what interests you, enjoy dinner and cocktails on the beach later in the evening or visit one of the local restaurants or beach bars Folly offers. Experience a Fourth of July unlike any other with locals and visitors alike. A night that is certain not to end with the fireworks show, but continue on the beach or in the bars until the early morning hours.

If you plan to join the Folly Beach celebrations please be courteous to the residence of this island by not leaving your trash behind. Open containers are permitted on the beach; however please note that no glass or cans are allowed. Arguments over allowing open containers on the beach have become a center of debate in recent years as a result of the disgusting amount of trash left behind from years past. Enjoy the beach and the fun that Folly has to offer but be aware of the $500 dollar fine or 30 days in jail punishment as a result of an open glass or can container.

Isle of Palm

Another destination that promises a lively, patriotic Independence Day celebration is on the Isle of Palm. Always a crowd favorite, the Windjammer, locally known as one of Charleston’s premiere beach clubs, offers great music, food and drinks on the beachfront. The Windjammer is an extremely entertaining spot year-round and is sure not to disappoint this Fourth of July. During the day, the Windjammer is hosting the 2010 Bud Light Lime Bikini Bash, followed by a mix of reggae and hip-hop music by Tropix International Sound. Following the fireworks show, enjoy the music from the local party-band Playlist, a group who plays your favorite songs from the 80’s and 90’s. Expect spectacular fireworks, great music and an all-day entertaining atmosphere perfect for enjoying with friends and family.

Admission to the Windjammer through the fireworks show is free. Tickets to continue the celebration with Playlist are $10, and the doors open at 9 p.m. If the party scene of the Windjammer is not your ideal location, the beaches on the Isle of Palm offer a more relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere. Great for games on the beach or basking in the sun on a comfortable lawn chair, Isle of Palms has something for everyone.

Picnic on the Harbor

The South Carolina Aquarium, located right here in downtown Charleston, is celebrating this year’s Fourth of July with the Picnic on the Harbor. The Aquarium is set overlooking the Charleston harbor and offers a fascinating look into creatures of the sea through an adventure of numerous exhibits and hands-on activities. A favorite attraction for all ages, the South Carolina Aquarium is putting on an action-packed event that is sure to be a blast. In attending this event, expect an evening of fabulous food and beverages, live entertainment, and what promises to be a stunning fireworks display over the Charleston harbor.

Tickets for this event are $26.00, which includes a catered dinner, entertainment throughout the evening and all of the exhibits the aquarium has to offer. Beverages will be on sale at the event and the doors open at 7:30 p.m. This event is great for kids and families who want to experience the Aquarium unlike in any other way.

So its time to wear your red, white and blue and show your American pride this Fourth of July. No matter what your destination of choice may be for the Independence Day celebrations, Charleston is sure to a blast. A day that promises to be filled with great food, live music and spectacular firework shows. Charleston S.C. is a fabulous place to enjoy an American celebration with family and friends.