North Fulton County residents, it's time to prepare yourself for some fun in the sun with all the festivals happening around town this summer. From parades to art to music, these family-friendly festivals will get you excited about your community.
Throughout summer, make room on your calendar for one, two or all of these exciting festivals taking place around North Fulton.
Sandy Springs Lantern Parade. 7 p.m. Saturday, June 18. Free. Starts at North Springs United Methodist Church, ends at Morgan Falls Park. 7770 Roswell Road, Atlanta. 770-730-5600. www.sandyspringsga.org.
Celebrate an illuminating summer this year with a beautiful lantern parade through Sandy Springs. "Alice," the floating alligator, will guide the parade down the Chattahoochee River along with stunning lanterns. Make and bring your own lanterns to add to the glowing display.
Sandy Springs Stars and Stripes Fireworks Celebration. Starts at 7:30 p.m. July 3. Free. Concourse Corporate Center Lawn. 5 Concourse Parkway NE, Suite 1200, Atlanta. 770-677-0518. www.sandyspringsga.org.
Pack a picnic and come on down to the Concourse Corporate Center Lawn for a festive fireworks display and Independence Day celebration right above the King and Queen buildings. Live music by Shiloh will entertain you beginning at 7:30 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:45.
Fourth of July at Wills Park. Starts at 6 p.m. July 4. Free. Wills Park. 11925 Wills Road, Alpharetta. 678-297-6132. www.alpharetta.ga.us.
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.
Old Soldiers Day Parade & Road Race. 7 a.m. Aug. 6. Free to watch, $24 early race entry, $30 day of race entry. Downtown Alpharetta. 2 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 678-297-6000. www.alpharetta.ga.us.
Pay tribute to veterans at this all day parade and road race. The celebration begins at 7 a.m. with an 8K race, followed by high school marching band music, a full program and float-filled parade. Stick around for free hot dogs and soft drinks after the parade, courtesy of the American Legion Post 201.
12th Annual Miss Mary's Ice Cream Crankin'. 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 21. $6 per person, $20 per family. Historic Roswell Town Square. 610 Atlanta St., Roswell. getcrankin@missmarysicecream.org. www.missmarysicecream.org.
Get crankin' with Miss Mary at the 12th annual Ice Cream Crankin' event in support of The Drake House, which develops programs and solutions for homeless mothers and children across the metro area. Sample over 100 delicious homemade ice cream flavors at this not-to-miss summer event.
Roswell Arts Festival. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 17 and 18. Free. Historic Roswell Town Square. 610 Atlanta St., Roswell. 770-641-3705. www.jessicacbarker.wix.com.
Historic Roswell Town Square hosts the annual Roswell Arts Festival at the end of summer, which will feature local dance performances, singers, along with an abundance of children's activities and food trucks.
Sandy Springs Festival. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 17 and 18. $5 for adults over 18, $2 for kids ages 6 through 17, free for kids 5 and under. Heritage Green. 6110 Blue Stone Road NE, Atlanta. 404-851-1328. www.heritagesandysprings.org.
Join over 30,000 people in your community at one of the biggest festivals in Sandy Springs. The Sandy Springs Festival plans to showcase the works of over 600 artists and crafters throughout the Heritage Green, and will feature live music, demonstrations, dancing, exhibitions and games.
Don't let summer go by without getting out there and enjoying community events and activities. Need a few ideas? Check out the 2016 summer bucket list for Atlanta families
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