The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra & Charlotte Knights Announce
CHARLOTTE’S STARS AND STRIPES SPECTACULAR
Featuring the Charlotte Symphony and WBT SkyShow
Celebrating America 250
July 4, 2026 | Truist Field
April 16, 2026 | Charlotte, NC – The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, Charlotte Knights, and WBT today announced Charlotte’s Stars and Stripes Spectacular, a landmark July 4, 2026 event at Truist Field honoring the 250th anniversary of the United States.
The evening will feature a live symphonic concert by the Charlotte Symphony, led by Music Director Kwamé Ryan, followed by the WBT SkyShow fireworks spectacular. In coordination with Charlotte Center City Partners, the event is designed as a city-wide celebration, bringing together leading cultural partners for a signature public gathering at the home of the Knights in Uptown Charlotte.
As the nation prepares to mark America 250, the concert reflects on the American story through music, featuring a wide-ranging program representing the breadth of the American voice — from patriotic anthems and beloved orchestral works to jazz, film music, and symphonic classics. Selections include John Williams’s “Adventures on Earth” from E.T., music from George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Dvořák’s “New World” Symphony, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,”
and “America the Beautiful,” along with other iconic works celebrating the spirit and sound of America.
“It’s a privilege to be part of this community celebration alongside the extraordinary musicians of the Charlotte Symphony, and to share music that reflects so many facets of the American sound,” said Music Director Kwamé Ryan. “Moments like this are about coming together, and we welcome Charlotte to experience its Orchestra in action, right in the heart of the city.”
"The Charlotte Knights are proud to partner with the Charlotte Symphony, WBT radio, and Charlotte Center City Partners to open the gates at Truist Field for a one-of-a-kind, July 4th community spectacle," stated Knights Executive Vice President & COO Dan Rajkowski.
"Members of the community will gather together at a ballpark that represents the tradition of America's pastime and celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, with an iconic performance from the Charlotte Symphony and Charlotte's grandest WBT SkyShow to date."
LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN THE SOUTHEAST RETURNS
Following the concert, the celebration continues with the WBT SkyShow. For the twelfth time since opening Truist Field in 2014, the Knights and News Talk 1110 WBT/99.3 FM will host the largest fireworks show in the Southeast, serving as the grand finale to an evening of music and celebration.
TICKETS
Tickets for Charlotte's Stars and Stripes Spectacular go on sale to the general public tomorrow, Friday, April 17, at noon at CharlotteKnights.com. Tickets start at $25.
About the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is one of the premier music organizations in the Southeastern United States and the oldest continuously operating symphony orchestra in the Carolinas. As Charlotte's most active performing arts group, the CSO presents around 175 concerts each season, reaching more than 160,000 music lovers. The CSO is committed to its mission of igniting the human spirit through the passion and unifying power of live symphonic music. Led by Grammy Award-winning Music Director Kwamé Ryan, the CSO employs 65 professional full-time orchestra musicians, fosters four youth orchestras, and offers significant educational support aimed at serving the under-resourced areas of our community. Founded in 1932, the Charlotte Symphony plays a leading cultural role in the Charlotte area and serves the community as a civic leader, reflecting and uniting our region through the transformative power of live music.
About the Charlotte Knights
Baseball in Charlotte is a story of greatness stretching back more than a century, with Hall of Fame talent and unforgettable moments shaping our city’s identity. For over 130 years, the game has been woven into the fabric of Charlotte's community, connecting generations and reflecting who we are. Today, the Charlotte Knights carry that legacy forward at Truist Field, which has evolved into a year-round gathering place—hosting everything from Knights baseball games to signature events like Light the Knights holiday festival and major showcases such as the Triple-A Championship & All-Star Game, Checkers Outdoor Classic, and ACC Baseball Championship.
ALL PROGRAMS AND ARTISTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
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Truist is a proud sponsor of Charlotte's Stars and Stripes Spectacular