Patriots Point Fireworks Blast 2019

JUNE 26 UPDATE:  Tickets to see the 2019 Patriots Point 4th of July Fireworks Blast from the USS Yorktown's flight deck have sold out.  There are no general admission or VIP tickets available to purchase. Please don't forget that the landside celebration is free, no ticket needed.

Celebrate the Fourth of July on board one of the most historic warships in the United States, the USS YORKTOWN CV-10 on the Charleston Harbor at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museu

To watch the Fourth of July Fireworks Blast 2019 and enjoy live music from the flight deck of the USS Yorktown, a ticket must be purchased at one of the two levels outlined below. Optionally, other than the cost of parking, there is NO CHARGE for guests who wish to watch the fireworks from the grassy area next to the marsh onshore. Patriots Point will also provide live music and children’s entertainment options for this area starting at 4 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and coolers and chairs are welcome.

For those who wish to enjoy the Fourth of July Fireworks Blast from the unique venue of the flight deck of the USS Yorktown, there are two ticket options available. A ticket must be purchased for ALL ages, except for infants who will be held in their parent’s arms.  Access to the flight deck to enjoy the celebration will not be allowed until 6 p.m. on the day of the event. Ticket options are as follows:

VIP TICKET - $125

• Complimentary drinks from two full-service bars
• Complimentary meal served by Special Ops Event's TOP SHELF Catering
• Access to a special area of the ship closest to the fireworks display
• Tables and chairs provided
• Live music from the East Coast Party Band

FLIGHT DECK ADMISSION TICKET $50

• Includes access aboard the flight deck of the USS YORKTOWN (except the VIP area)
• Includes live music from the East Coast Party Band
• Food and beverages are available for purchase at event
• Folding chairs for viewing fireworks display are encouraged

On July 4th, there will be a parking charge for all visitors throughout the day.  Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum will be open to regular visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  A separate admission ticket must be purchased to visit the museum during the day, even if you have purchased an event ticket for the evening celebration.  The ticket window will close at 3:30 p.m. and the museum will close at 5 p.m. and everyone must leave the ship and all areas within the grounds of the museum at that time.  The landside celebration will be unaffected by the closure.

For official event updates, follow #FireworksBlast19 on Twitter.  Use the same hashtag to share your favorite photos with us throughout the day on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

BLAST FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

GENERAL QUESTIONS

How much is Parking?

Parking is $10/vehicle for everyone, even if you purchased tickets for the event. Parking is first-come, first-serve and the ticket is good all day.

Is there guaranteed parking for flight deck ticket holders?

No, we are unable to guarantee parking for any ticket holders. We recommend you arrive early to obtain parking closest to the event.

Are strollers allowed landside and on the USS Yorktown?

Yes, strollers are welcome in both locations.

What areas are considered blind spots?

The fireworks will be shot from a barge in the Cooper River.  We have taken extra measures to ensure the barge is located in an area that will provide the highest visibility for our guests.  In addition, we will be placing signs on landside areas were viewing may be limited.

Are pets allowed?

No pets, except for service animals, are permitted at Patriots Point for the Fourth of July Blast. Owners of service animals should be aware that the surface of the flight deck can get very hot in high temperatures during the summer.

What time will the fireworks start?

The sun is expected to set around 8:30 p.m.  The fireworks will begin once it is dark, which is normally by 9 – 9:15 p.m.

Are guests allowed to ride bicycles into Patriots Point?

Yes, biking is one way to reach the celebration.  There is some bike parking available.  Bikes will not be allowed to go down the pier.

If I purchase a museum ticket during the day, what time will I have to leave? 

The ticket window will be open for regular touring tickets beginning at 9 a.m. The last ticket to the museum will be sold at 3:30 p.m.  The museum will close at 5 p.m. Everyone will be required to leave the ships and Vietnam Experience at that time, even if you have purchased a flight deck ticket for the evening celebration.

Are guests allowed to take the Charleston Water Taxi to Patriots Point on July 4th?

Check with the Charleston Water Taxi for their exact schedule on that day, but that is definitely an option to arrive at Patriots Point on July 4th.  However, you will still need to purchase a general museum ticket if coming through the gate there to enter the museum during business hours.  Alternately, you can take the pier around to the main entrance.  If you take the water taxi as a flight deck ticket holder, you may still need to enter at the main entrance for the bag check.  After the event, guests will be free to exit the museum at the entrance for the Charleston Water Taxi, assuming they are offering taxi service at that time.

 

LANDSIDE CELEBRATION QUESTIONS

Can I go early and set up tent and table for landside viewing?

You are welcome to come and set up your area early, but all tents must be taken down by 8 p.m. so as not to block fireworks viewing for any other spectators.

I have a portable grill, am I able to bring that out as well?

Due to fire codes, no fire-producing devices, including grills of any type, are allowed on the grounds of Patriots Point.

Are coolers for food or drink allowed at the landside celebration?

Yes, coolers are welcome if you plan to stay landside.  They will not be allowed on the pier or flight deck.

Will credit cards be accepted at food/beverage vendors?

No, we will accept only cash. We will have several ATM’s available throughout the property.

 What type of food and beverages will be available for sale?

Special Ops Events will have all of the summer-time favorites: hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken fingers, wings, barbeque, pizza, boiled peanuts, mac and cheee, snow cones, chips, popcorn, etc. There will be several beverages options like soft drinks, bottled water, lemonade, beer, and wine.

What time will the music begin?

For the landside celebration, live music will kick off at 5 p.m. with kids’ activities beginning at 4 p.m.

Will we be able to bring in sparklers during the landside celebration to enjoy personally before the fireworks show?

Due to fire codes, no fire-producing devices, including sparklers, are allowed on the grounds of Patriots Point.

 

FLIGHT DECK CELEBRATION QUESTIONS

Are there any ticket refunds if there is inclement weather?

All ticket sales are final. The fireworks will go off rain or shine.

What time will guests with a $50 or $125 ticket be allowed on the flight deck?

Guests may board the ship starting at 6 p.m.

Are coolers and wagons allowed on the ship?

No, coolers and outside food/beverages are not allowed on the ship or pier, neither are wagons.  Wheelchairs and strollers are the only wheeled items allowed on the Flight Deck.

Will tables and chairs be provided?

Tables and chairs will only be provided to those who have purchased a $125 VIP ticket.  Other flight deck ticket holders may bring their own chairs.

What time will the music begin on the flight deck?

The music on the flight deck will begin at 6 p.m.

Is there a less expensive ticket option for children?

No, all guests must have a regular ticket.  Admission costs will only be waived for infants carried in their parents’ arms.

 Is there a military discount available for July 4^th tickets?

Not for the event that night.  The ticket packages on the flight deck of the USS YORKTOWN are $125 or $50.

Is there a discount if I purchase both the a ticket to the museum on July 4 and July 4^th Event tickets?

No discounts are offered on July 4^th event tickets.

Is there an elevator available for the handicapped?

Yes

Can we tour the USS Yorktown after 6 pm?

Yes, July 4^th Flight Deck ticket holders will be allowed to tour the Yorktown from 6-8 pm. Access to the other ships will not be allowed at that time.

 What type of food and beverages will be available for sale?

Special Ops Events will have all the summer-time favorites: hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken fingers, wings, barbeque, pizza, boiled peanuts, mac and cheese, snow cones, chips, popcorn, etc. There will be several beverages options like soft drinks, bottled water, lemonade, beer, and wine.

Can you tell me if there will be gluten-free food options available for purchase & for VIP ticket holders?

There will definitely be gluten-free options. There will be peanuts, popcorn, hot dogs, hamburgers (both without buns, of course), chips and other options. The barbeque meal offered to VIP guests is gluten free with the exception of the mac and cheese and bread. Let us know if you have any additional questions.

I purchased tickets but have not received them by email. What do I do?

First, check your junk mail box. If they are not there you can email ticketing@patriotspoint.org or call 843-884-2727 (use extension 4999 if a live person does not answer the phone) during normal business hours. Please have the email address you used to purchase tickets. Having your order number is also handy.