Plug your ears because fireworks are about to be exploding in the skies of Atlanta. Across the area, firework shows and parades have been scheduled to celebrate the day our great nation declared independence from Britain. Events feature great food, music, and activities for all ages with one common trend to conclude the evening: fireworks. No matter where you are, you will be able to look up and see a glittering show in the sky. What you do prior to the sun setting is the question. Will you watch a small-town parade or run 10k through the streets or even grab a cold one among the great sea creatures housed in the Georgia Aquarium? There are events for everyone of all ages and interests to celebrate July 4th in Atlanta.
Starting in Buckhead, runners travel 10k through the city of Atlanta, ending in Piedmont Park. Participants have been training for weeks, even months, leading up to this very day. If running is not for you, you can also volunteer to help pass out waters and set up the course. This 10k is the largest in the world and America’s largest road race. Around 60,000 people run the length while 200,000 people watch. Along the 6.2 miles, bands and other entertainment line the course, and the day concludes with a post-race party in Piedmont Park. This tradition is a great way to kick off your 2018 Independence Day.
Dive into the festivities at the Georgia Aquarium with unlimited beer and cider samples, a classic barbecue dinner, and live music. The event takes place in the Oceans Ballroom, right next door to the beluga whales, manta rays and whale sharks. To round out the evening, guests travel to the top of the parking deck to see the spectacular display of fireworks launched downtown.
Travel down to Stone Mountain Park to join in on the week-long festivities. The renowned fireworks show is a definite bucket list item that everyone must see during their lifetime. In fact, USA Today declared it a “Must-See Fireworks Show” and Reader’s Digest confirmed it to be one of “America’s Most Spectacular Fourth of July Fireworks”. This show surpasses our normal idea of fireworks as the Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision is comprised of new music, animation, water effects, an immersive laser canopy, and a fleet of robotic drones synchronized with music. To top it all off, fireworks burst into the sky following this stunning show as soon as the sun sets over the mountain.
GWCCA Fourth of July Celebration
Come one, come all! Georgia World Congress Center Authority is hosting a free, family-friendly event in International Plaza full of live music and entertainment. They promise to have a fantastic firework show at the conclusion of the evening, making an all-around classic 4th of July event in Atlanta.
Floats and marching bands will be taking over the streets of Dunwoody on the 4th in its annual parade. Local heroes and kids will walk the streets or drive in old style cars, creating the stereotypical small town parade. It is the perfect event for locals and visitors alike as it is especially family friendly. Following the parade, there will be a concert along with more family fun and food.
Spend the day riding the thrilling roller coasters at Six Flags Over Georgia & Hurricane Harbor and then stay a little later for the Block Party at the fountain followed by a firework show once the sun sets. The park opens earlier and stays open later so that you get everything you want and more from the park during your rare days off. On July 3 and 4, the USO Show Troupe will perform, adding an extra patriotic touch to the festivities.
Sandy Springs Stars and Stripes
Head to Sandy Springs for yet another perfect family affair. Families will be setting up picnics and blankets across Concourse Corporate Center V lawn all day long to partake in the festivities. Tune in to the concert at 7:30 as the band Shiloh fills the park with captivating music. The evening will conclude with a sparkling firework show starting at 9:45.
There will certainly be something for everyone at this celebration. Mall of Georgia will set up a Kid’s Zone while the parents and adults can enjoy the sounds of the Mike Veal Band. Once the sun sets, they will, of course, have a magnificent firework show followed by a showing of “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” projected onto a large screen. As you can see, this will be an action-packed night for a perfect Independence Day celebration.
Salute to the Red, White, and Blue
Situated right next to the MARTA station, the city of East Point will host merchandise vendors, musical performances, and food vendors to create a community-oriented celebration. There will also be a carnival set up starting June 30 with your favorite attractions such as a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and bumper cars. Once again, the day will be concluded with a fantastic firework show.
If you're looking for more things to do in Atlanta for July 4th, connect with us at 404Area, we're your free guide to everything local!
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