Although it takes place nearly two weeks after the official first day of summer, the Fourth of July is the first major holiday of the season.
On this day, a sense of patriotism meshes with a youthful exuberance as Americans take to parks, their front yards and lakes to set off fireworks and party alongside loved ones.
There are many ways to celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, but we have 14 can’t-miss events around metro Atlanta that will ensure that this Fourth of July is a memorable one.
Here’s where to shop, dance, ride roller coasters and witness some of the best firework displays that metro Atlanta has to offer:
Star Spangled Fourth at Mall of Georgia
Opening at 5 p.m. is the Village Kids Zone, where tots can meet Captain America and Wonder Woman, play games, jump in bounce houses, climb walls and more. All-day wristbands for the bounce houses will be sold for $20, and the rock-climbing wall will cost $5 per person. Food vendors will keep bellies full as Ants Trippin’ and the Woodys provide a rocking backdrop. After the last band wraps at 9:30 p.m., Mallory Green will sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” just before the fireworks show, which will occur in the Von Maur parking lot. Guests are invited to stay for a free post-fireworks screening of “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2” on a 70-foot big screen in the parking lot across from Dick’s Sporting Goods.
5 p.m. July 4. Free. Mall of Georgia, 3333 Buford Drive N.E., Buford. www.simon.com/mall/mall-of-georgia.
Fourth of July Celebration at Centennial Olympic Park
The gates open at 6 p.m. as guests vie for a choice spot on the sprawling park lawn. Live music includes a performance by Jorel “JFly” Flynn, who has worked with such artists as Jennifer Holliday, New Edition and Cameo.
Expect the fireworks to begin at about 9 p.m.
6 p.m. July 4. Free. Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Ave. W. N.W., Atlanta. Centennialpark.com.
This event rings in its 57th year with a bevy of blasts. Expect more than 4,000 shells to explode in the sky. Before the 15-minute fireworks show, guests can peruse the mall (but watch the mall hours) and come outdoors to nosh on concessions and find a good viewing spot. Look up for the fireworks around 9:40 p.m.
Mall hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Select restaurants will remain open after 6 p.m.) Legendary Fourth of July: 6 p.m. July 4. Free. Lenox Square, 3393 Peachtree Road. N.E., Atlanta. www.simon.com/mall/lenox-square.
Six Flags Over Georgia: Coca-Cola July 4th Fest
The sprawling theme park offers a three-day celebration of nightly fireworks and special events. Bring a Coca-Cola can to Six Flags and hop on some of the park’s most popular rides, including the Joker Chaos Coaster and the massive Goliath, one hour before the park opens. After Hurricane Harbor, Six Flags’ in-house water park, closes at 6 p.m., it plays host to the Coca-Cola VIP Experience. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., guests pay $25 (in addition to admission) to enter the area. This party features dancing, live entertainment and a choice spot to watch the fireworks, which ignite at 9:30 p.m.
9:30 a.m.-10 p.m. July 2; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. July 3; 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. July 4. $63.99; $43.99 for those 48 inches and shorter; free for ages 2 and younger. Discounts available on the park's website. Six Flags Over Georgia, 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell. 770-948-9290, www.Sixflags.com/overgeorgia.
Stone Mountain Park: Fantastic Fourth Celebration
The park with that heaping hunk of granite celebrates the holiday across four days. By day, those who buy an Adventure Pass can partake in oodles of attractions. When the sun sets, the throngs will gather on Memorial Lawn for the fireworks-laden visual feast that’s the Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision, which has been newly updated with fire effects.
10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. (Lasershow and fireworks at 9:30 p.m.). July 1-4. $15 daily parking. Adventure Pass: $24.95-$29.95 with discounts available online. Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. Stonemountainpark.com. Note: You don't need an Adventure Pass to go only to the Lasershow and fireworks (only the parking pass).
July 4th Beach Party at Callaway Gardens
The celebration begins early and lasts well into the night at Callaway Gardens’ annual July 4th Star Spangled Beach Party at Robin Lake Beach. The FSU Flying High Circus will perform at 3:30 p.m., and a deejay will be on deck throughout the day. At 7 p.m., Swingin’ Medallions will kick off the live music portion of the festivities. The fireworks extravaganza will take place at 9:30 p.m.
7 a.m. (beach opens) July 4. Callaway Gardens, U.S. 27, Pine Mountain. $25-$30 (ages 13 and older), $12.50-$15 (ages 5-13), free (ages 5 and younger). Callawaygardens.com.
This Independence Day, bring your family and friends down to Wills Park for a full day of family fun. Kids will enjoy face painting, balloon animals and bouncing around in the inflatables, while grown-ups will love all the delicious food from local vendors throughout the park. Live music will begin at 6 p.m., followed by an amazing fireworks show.
6 p.m. July 4. Free. Wills Park. 11925 Wills Road, Alpharetta. www.alpharetta.ga.us.
Decatur parade (Pied Piper Parade)
The yearly July Fourth parade in Decatur brings vehicles, pedestrians, volunteer self-appointed musicians and the occasional campaigning politician.
Parade lineup is at 5:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairmont Ave. Pedestrians should gather on the lawn and vehicles will line up in the parking lot. The parade begins at 6 p.m. and leads to an evening of music from the Callanwolde Concert Band and fireworks after dark. Anyone may participate in the parade, but those with vehicles must register by emailing Shirley.baylis@decaturga.com or by calling 678-553-6573.
6 p.m. July 4. Free. First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave., Decatur. www.visitdecaturgeorgia.com.
East Point Salute to the Red, White & Blue
Enjoy food, drinks, live music and carnival rides as you wait for a blast of fireworks to explode in downtown East Point on July 4. The soundtrack kicks off at 4:45 p.m. with funk soul band Gurufish, Maya Neiada, Band of Champions and up-and-coming R&B artist Jae Crue. Fireworks take to the sky at 9:30 p.m.
3-11 p.m. July 4. Free. Carnival rides cost extra. Downtown Commons, 2757 East Point St., East Point. Downtowneastpoint.com/fourthofjuly.
Enjoy an old-fashioned Fourth this year in Lilburn with Sparkle in the Park, an evening of live music, children’s activities, food and fireworks. While at the park, get a free family photograph taken to commemorate the day.
5:30-10 p.m. July 4. Free. Lilburn City Park, 76 Main St. N.W., Lilburn. 770-921-2210, www.cityoflilburn.com.
Fourth in the Park on the Marietta Square
Head to the Marietta Square for a parade, live music, festival food, kid-friendly arts and crafts and a fireworks show this July Fourth.
See which parade floats will be recognized in a float contest and enjoy a concert from Marietta’s own country music artist Zach Seabaugh (who competed on NBC’s “The Voice”) before the fireworks show begins at dark.
10 a.m. July 4. Free. Marietta Square, 50 N. Park Square, Marietta. www.mariettacalendar.com.
Avondale Estates parade and fireworks show
Head to DeKalb School of the Arts at 9:15 a.m. to join the Avondale Estates Fourth of July parade. If you'd like to be a spectator, instead of a participant, the parade will begin at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Clarendon Avenue and South Avondale Road.
Starting at 5 p.m., the holiday festivities will take place at Lake Avondale, where you can purchase snacks from Boy Scout Troop 6. A concert will precede the fireworks show, which will begin at dusk.
9:15 a.m. July 4. Free. Various locations. Avondaleestates.org.
Huntley Hills Parade
“There are no floats, no car with the mayor, none of that,” said co-organizer Leslie Freymann, of the pint-size processional in this little DeKalb County neighborhood, which is part of the city of Chamblee.
“Everybody brings bikes and dogs and scooters and strollers and decorates them, then walks about half-mile, if that. Then they get Popsicles.”
Those interested should line up at 9:45 a.m. July 4, and step off at 10 a.m at the Huntley Hills Swim and Tennis Club.
10 a.m. July 4. Free. Huntley Hills Swim and Tennis Club, 2040 Plantation Lane, Atlanta.
Chamblee Parade
Nearby, but much bigger than the Huntley Hills march, the Chamblee July 4th parade leads to even more fun at Keswick Park.
Children with decorated bicycles, tricycles and wagons will meet at Chamblee Middle School, 3601 Sexton Woods Drive, just before 5 p.m., and proceed to the Keswick Park soccer field, 3496 Keswick Drive, where they can enjoy train rides, a cornhole tournament, and live music.
Around 5 p.m. July 4. Free. Keswick Park soccer field, 3496 Keswick Drive, Chamblee. www.chambleega.com.
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