Communities across York County are preparing a full slate of Independence Day events for the weekend of July 3 and July 4, 2026, with celebrations planned in Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Clover, York, Lake Wylie and Rock Hill.
This year’s events carry added significance as the country marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with several towns building their programming around the milestone anniversary.
Fort Mill
The Town of Fort Mill will hold two separate Independence Day events this year. The Town’s annual Independence Day Celebration takes place Friday, July 3, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Fort Mill Amphitheater and Walter Elisha Park, located at 345 North White Street. A fireworks display is scheduled for 9:15 p.m.
On Saturday, July 4, Fort Mill hosts its 54th Annual Firing of the Cannons at the Main Street Bandstand in downtown Fort Mill. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs through 11:30 a.m. Admission to both events is free.
Tega Cay
Tega Cay is marking its own milestone this year, the city’s 44th incorporation anniversary, with a three day celebration billed as “250 U.S. of Cay.” Festivities begin Thursday, July 2, with a Boat Parade and Water Ski Show at 6 p.m. at Windjammer Park.
On Friday, July 3, the city holds its Uncle Sam Jam at 6 p.m. in Runde Park, featuring a performance by the Laura Vinson Band.
The main celebration falls on Saturday, July 4, beginning with the 250 Years of American Heroes Parade, stepping off at 9 a.m. from City Hall. The Lions Fish Fry and Mayor’s State of the City address follows at 4:30 p.m. at the Glennon Center. The day closes with the Boom Over the Cay fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. at the Tega Cay Golf Course. Organizers note that all events are subject to change due to weather, and additional details are available at tegacaysc.org.
Clover
The Town of Clover will host its Freedom Run & Roll on Saturday, July 4, at New Centre Park, opening the morning with a Fun Run at 8 a.m., followed by a 5K at 8:30 a.m. and a Golf Cart Parade at 10 a.m.
The celebration continues with Clover’s America 250 Celebration, running until 2 p.m. with live music from the SoPhunk Band, a splash pad, inflatables, face painting, balloon art and henna tattoos.
York
The City of York will hold its 250th Anniversary Fourth of July celebration on Saturday, July 4, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at York Middle School. The evening will include live music, food trucks, a fireworks show and activities for children, under the banner “Stars, Stripes and 250 Years.”
Lake Wylie
Lake Wylie’s annual fireworks display returns Saturday, July 4, near the Buster Boyd Bridge. Festivities begin at dusk, with food, family activities and entertainment throughout the evening, building toward a fireworks show expected around 9:45 p.m.
Rock Hill
Downtown Rock Hill will host Red, White & Boom, presented by Coca Cola, on Saturday, July 4, from 4 to 9 p.m. with free admission. The event includes free rides and inflatables, historical reenactments, food trucks, vendors, a beer garden, live music and a fireworks show at 9 p.m.
Additional activities include free arts and crafts such as bracelet making, pinwheel making and paper plate eagle crafts, along with a coloring wall, face painting, balloon artists, a magician and bubbles. Organizers note the event is not pet friendly.
Parking will be available along Black Street, White Street, the Elizabeth Lane Parking Deck, the Black Street deck, the Hampton Street lot and City Hall. Attendees are asked not to park in undesignated areas or in private lots and driveways.
Beyond York County
For residents willing to travel slightly farther, Carowinds in Charlotte will hold its Star Spangled Nights celebration, presented by M&M’s, on both July 3 and July 4, featuring its Celebrate America fireworks show along with patriotic music throughout the park.
With celebrations spread across nearly every corner of York County, residents have a full weekend of options to mark Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary. Most events are free and open to the public, though organizers in several towns note that schedules remain subject to change due to weather.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Assistant Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
