Mark your calendars: 9 must-do events in July

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Here are the events and activities you can’t miss this July – chronologically, so you can hit them all. See you out there, and don’t forget to show us what you’re doing via #cltagenda.

Celebrate America! with Fireworks

July 1 | Symphony Park | 8:15 p.m. | $15 | Tickets

Why you should go: The Symphony’s annual Summer Pops series comes to a close with this performance of patriotic favorites like the “Armed Forces Medley” and “America the Beautiful” and an incredible fireworks show.

Fourth of July Celebration

July 3-4 | U.S. National Whitewater Center | Free admission ($6 parking); activities a la carte | Details

Why you should go: The mid-week celebration will see the Center’s usual activities (yoga, live music) as well as a special Battle Royale SUP Sprint and fireworks shows both nights.

Star Spangled Spectacular

July 3 | Memorial Stadium | 6 p.m. | Free | Details

Why you should go: Charlotte is celebrating its 250th birthday this year and kicking things off with a huge fireworks show, synced to music, for 15,000 attendees on July 3. Expect live music, food trucks, kids activities and more throughout the evening.

20th Anniversary Celebration

July 7 | Inner Peaks Crown Point | $10 (free for members) | Details

Why you should go: Celebrate two decades of scaling the walls at Inner Peaks with live music, $2 craft beer, food, games, challenges and more. The $10 admission for non-members includes entry and a day pass to climb. Head to the South End location on Sunday afternoon for the 2nd Annual Queen City Boulder Bash to watch and compete in climbing competitions.

Relish Carolina: Montauk/Summer Loving

July 12 | The Assembly Room at The Foundry | 6:30-10:30 p.m. | $150 | Tickets

Why you should go: Relish Carolina’s dinner series focused on good food and better conversation is back. This month’s theme pays homage to the way the Kennedys used to summer – with a lobster bake, ice cream sandwiches, rosé and gin punches, a watermelon seed spitting contest and a contest to honor the person who takes the theme most seriously with their outfit.

The Office Knight

July 19 | BB&T Ballpark | 7:04 p.m. | $8+ | Tickets

Why you should go: If Thirsty Thursday and its $3-$5 drafts and $1 sodas aren’t enough to bring you out to the ballgame, maybe an appearance by Dunder Mifflin’s David Wallace is. He’ll be on-site to meet fans all night long (and the first 2,000 will receive an Office Knight t-shirt).

Queen’s Feast

July 20-29 | Throughout Charlotte | $30-$35 | Details

Why you should go: Eat your way through 3-course meals at some of the best restaurants in Charlotte. Past Queen’s Feasts have included 5Church, Bistro La Bon and Heirloom.

International Champions Cup

July 22 | Bank of America Stadium | 4 p.m. | $40-$230 | Tickets

Why you should go: Soccer favorites Liverpool FC and Borussia Dortmund will come face to face during this championship game in Uptown.

24 Hours of Booty

July 27-28 | Booty Loop (Myers Park) | 7-7 p.m. | $30-$75 + fundraising | Details

Why you should go: Expect to see over 1,200 people on bikes and 200 on foot making their way around Myers Park’s 3-mile Booty Loop in an effort to raise funds for the Levine Cancer Institute, Levine Children’s Hospital, LIVESTRONG Foundation and Queen’s University over a 24-hour period at this annual fundraiser.

Feature photo via The 24 Foundation