Cool for the summer: 13 can't-miss festivals in Atlanta

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.

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.

DeKalb

Amplify Decatur Music Festival. Noon-3 p.m. and 5-11 p.m. Saturday, June 18. Free for the afternoon concert, $30 per person for the evening concert, free for children 7 and under.Decatur Square. Downtown Decatur. www.amplifydecatur.org

Celebrate Decatur Cooperative Ministry in their work to help the homeless around DeKalb County while listening to amazing live music at the Amplify Decatur Music Festival happening on June 18. A free afternoon event starts at noon with live music, games, food trucks and vendors, followed by ticketed shows at 5 featuring Grammy-nominated acts.

Pied Piper Parade, Concert and Fireworks. Starts at 5:30 p.m. July 4. Free. Decatur Square. East Ponce de Leon Ave. at East Court Square, Decatur. 30030. 678-553-6573. www.visitdecaturgeorgia.com.

Celebrate Independence Day in style with the Pied Piper Parade through Decatur Square. At this community parade, you'll find yourself among friends and floats as you wind your way around downtown Decatur on July 4. The parade officially begins at 6 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Decatur, followed by a concert and fireworks at the Square.

Decatur BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass Festival. Noon-8 p.m. Aug. 13. $12 per person. Harmony Park. Oakview Road, Decatur. mvajda@synertiapartners.com. www.decaturbbqfestival.com.

At this family-friendly festival, you'd better bring your appetite. Enjoy tasting delicious barbecue while listening to live music at this all day event. The Decatur BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass Festival will not only serve up delicious food, but will include some of the best live performances from aspiring blues and bluegrass musicians across the country.

Gwinnett

Sparkle in the Park. 5:30-10 p.m. July 4. Free. Lilburn City Park. 76 Main St. NW, Lilburn. 770-921-2210. www.cityoflilburn.com.

Enjoy an old-fashioned fourth this year in Lilburn with Sparkle in the Park, and evening of live music, children's activities, food and fireworks. While at the park, get a free family photograph taken to commemorate the day.

Lawrenceville Arts Festival. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 16. Free. Lawrenceville Lawn. 210 Luckie St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-2639. www.news.lawrencevillega.org.

Listen to live jazz music while shopping for local art and watching creative performances at the Lawrenceville Arts Festival. Just make sure to watch where you walk -- chalk walk artists will create colorful sidewalk displays for spectators at this all day event.

IACA 20th Festival of India. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 6. $5 per person ages 12 and up, $3 for children ages 6 through 12, free for children 5 and under. Infinite Energy Center. 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-436-3719. www.iacaatl.org.

Prepare yourself for one of the most exciting celebrations of Indian culture in the South at IACA's 20th Festival of India. Throughout the day, you and your family will experience a colorful parade, watch Indian dance performances, listen to live music, take part in a little yoga, see Indian artifacts and visit a petting zoo.

COBB

Juneteenth Weekend at the Marietta Square. Friday 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 17 through 19. Free. Glover Park. 50 East Park Square, Marietta. 770-425-5757. www.travelcobb.org.

Of all the festivals and events happening around Cobb County this summer, Juneteenth Weekend at the Marietta Square may rank up there with the most meaningful and important. In celebration of the date when the last of the slaves were actually freed, June 19, 1865, Juneteenth Weekend will feature live jazz and blues, dance performances and spoken word.

Atlanta Back 2 School Food Festival. 12:30-6:30 p.m. July 30. Admission by donation of school supplies. Jim R. Miller Park. 2245 Callaway Road SW, Marietta. 678-866-1586. www.atlfoodfest.com.

At this kid-friendly festival, families can enjoy eating delicious food, find out about after-school programs in the area and learn about local health and educational options. Kids will love the waterslides, climbing wall, bouncy houses and bungee jumping -- just make sure to bring a towel.

City of Kennesaw's Pigs and Peaches BBQ Festival. 6-10 p.m. Friday, Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 26 and 27. Free. Adams Park. 2600 Park Drive, Kennesaw. www.pigsandpeaches.com.

Nothing says Southern like a little barbecue and peaches. The City of Kennesaw really understands how to bring these two delicious flavors together at the Pigs and Peaches BBQ Festival. Over the course of two days, you'll taste some of the best barbecue in the South while shopping from over 200 artisans and exhibitors. Bring your kiddos to Kids Zone, where they can bounce around on inflatables and take part in activities. Don't miss out of seeing multiple BBQ competitions and the Peach Dessert contest.