Celebrate 4th of July in Atlanta, Georgia

There is so much happening in and around Atlanta, Georgia during the 4th of July weekend, there’s no need to spend the holiday weekend anywhere else.   You’ll find plenty for you and your family to do within a one hour drive of the city.

Concerts

On July 3rd the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Alpharetta is host to the musical stylings of  Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill, and Ralph Tresvant with SWV and Next.   Billed as the 90'z Throwback Summer Jam, the concert will undoubtedly provide a nostalgic escape of head-bobbing beats from more than a decade ago.  Tickets start as low as $10.75.

If you’re a fan of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, they will be performing at the same venue.  Their 4th of July All-American Celebration takes place on the fourth and culminates in a fireworks display.  Special package deals are available for $75 (includes 4 lawn tickets, 4 lawn chairs, 4 hot dog baskets, and 1 parking pass).

Fireworks

The Fourth of July would not be complete without a trip to see fireworks.   While there are numerous opportunities to see them in the city, only a select few consistently deliver and are worth fighting the traffic and crowds year after year.

Stone Mountain Park is having their annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration, now in its 42nd year.  The fireworks take place after the Laser Show performance.   Come early and spend the day enjoying the park’s other attractions.  On the fourth, only the East and West gates will be open, and they may close to traffic at any time when the park reaches capacity.  Getting into the park normally costs $8.00 per car, but during the holiday weekend (July 3 – July 5), the cost is $10.00.

Lenox Square Mall in Buckhead is having their 49th annual 4th of July celebration.  The festivities begin at 6:00 PM and include food and music performances.  Avoid traffic and parking headaches and take MARTA.

The 4th of July celebration at Centennial Park is an all day affair.    In addition to the food and music acts, you’ll find there are plenty of activities to amuse the children: arts and crafts, face painting, inflatables, etc.  Once again, avoid traffic and parking headaches by taking MARTA.

The Lake Lanier 4th of July Gala Weekend & Fireworks Extravaganza takes place over two days.   There will be music, games, and the on-air talent of several radio stations:  Q100, Star 94, and B98.5.  The party starts July 3rd, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
North Georgia’s largest fireworks display then kicks off on July 4th.  Spend $14.99 per person to enter the Chattahoochee Rapids Beach & Waterpark at Lake Lanier after 3:00 PM.  After 7:00 PM, you’ll have to pay a resort gate fee of $8.00 per car + $10.00 per person.  Packages are available for overnight stays at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. 
 
Other venues where you can enjoy fireworks on the 4th of July: 
• the Old Courthouse Square in Decatur, with MARTA conveniently nearby
• an hour north at the campus of North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega
• the Marietta Square; events start at 10:00 AM and include a parade and carnival games 
• Six Flags over Georgia;  for a fee, enjoy the Family Picnic buffet and take photos with the park’s characters
 
Happy birthday USA!