Atlanta’s biggest fireworks display moves to GWCC plaza

Last year’s fireworks lit up the downtown skyline during the July Fourth celebration. This year, the event moves from Centennial Olympic Park to the International Plaza at the Georgia World Congress Center. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM 2017

Last year’s fireworks lit up the downtown skyline during the July Fourth celebration. This year, the event moves from Centennial Olympic Park to the International Plaza at the Georgia World Congress Center. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM 2017

Due to ongoing renovations at Centennial Olympic Park, this year Atlanta's biggest fireworks show will move to the International Plaza between the Georgia World Congress Center, Philips Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Organizers promise high-quality entertainment (with music from After 7KlymaxxVon Grey and others) and one of the Southeast's biggest fireworks displays.

»RELATED: County-by-county guide to fireworks shows around metro Atlanta

»MORE: Everything you can do in and around Atlanta on July 4

Gates open at 6 p.m.; entertainment begins at 7 p.m. The fireworks display starts at 9:45 p.m.

Here’s your guide to the free fun.

MARTA

Visitors are encouraged to take MARTA to the event. Ride the green or blue line to the Mercedes-Benz/Philips Arena/Georgia World Congress Center station.

Parking

Pay-ahead parking is available for $5; day-of-event parking is $10. You can park at:

• Red Deck — adjacent to Georgia World Congress Center (lower entrance only)

• Silver Deck — adjacent to Mercedes-Benz Stadium (lower entrance only)

• Green Deck — adjacent to Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame

• Blue Lot — located on Northside Drive. Buy advance passes at gwcc.clickandpark.com/.

Prohibited items

• Bags or backpacks larger than 11 by 17 inches. Attendees and their belongings are subject to search.

• Coolers

• Glass containers of any kind

• Pets

• Personal fireworks

• Large umbrellas

• Lawn chairs (low-profile versions permitted)

• Tents

• Grills

• Skateboards, scooters, hoverboards and bicycles inside the event

• No outside food may be brought into the event. Sealed nonalcoholic beverages are permitted.

Drones

Drones are specifically forbidden from the event, whether for commercial or noncommercial purposes.

Roadclosures

Because thousands are expected to attend, the city will close some surrounding roads that day and during the days leading up to July 4. Go to gwcca.org for more information.

Music

Music for the evening will be under the direction of Jorel “JFly” Flynn, who will also provide backing support with his band, JFly and Friends.

The performances will be broadcast on WSB television, and Flynn stresses that this is live, not Memorex.

“This is live television; this is not pre-recorded,” said Flynn. “What you see will be happening in real time.”

Guests can expect to hear "I Miss You" by Klymaxx, "Firework" by Katy Perry and an a cappella version of "America."

For information: gwcca.org/events/july4/

Event details: July 4, 2018, Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. Web site: https://gwcca.org/events/july4/