From the mountains of North Georgia to the marshes of the coast, there is no shortage of Independence Day celebrations in the Peach State. Here are a few highlights:
St. Simons Island:
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Sunshine Festival 5k and 1 Mile Fun Run, Mallery Park, Saturday, July 4th, 8am
- Kick off your holiday with a brisk job through quaint residential neighborhoods decked out in red, white, and blue. While each runner competes for the best time, each house vies for the title of “best decorated yard.” (Registration and packet pick-up begin at 6am. At 7:30am, the 1 mile Fun Run begins. A 5k then follows at 8am.)
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Sunshine Festival Arts & Crafts Show, Pier Village, July 3rd-5th, 10am-5pm
- Kick off your holiday by checking out the works of some of the area’s top artists–browse paintings, jewelry, woodwork, and more.
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Fireworks, Neptune Park, Saturday, July 4th, 9pm
- Check out a colorful display of patriotic fireworks over the water, complete with live music.
Savannah:
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DJ and Live Music, Arbor Stage, Saturday, July 4th, 4-10pm
- Spinning for more than 34 years, DJ MXM will set the party atmosphere at 4pm until the Savannah-born rock n’roll band, The Hypnotics, performs at 7pm.
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Fireworks, Rousakis Riverfront Plaza, Saturday, July 4th, 9pm
- Make sure to stay for Savannah’s vibrant fireworks display over the water.
Helen:
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Fireworks, Helen Welcome Center, Saturday, July 4th, 9pm
- The beautiful backdrop of “Alpine Bavaria” brings tens of thousands of tourists to this fireworks show, so make sure to arrive early. Spend the day floating down the Chattahoochee River and then grab a seat for Helen’s longest fireworks display to date.
Dahlonega:
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Firecracker 5k/10k, Downtown Dahlonega, Saturday, July 4th, 7:30am
- Start the day with a bang at the Firecracker 5k/10k! This race not only rewards the top runners, but it also gives props to the athletes with the most patriotic attire–so make sure to wear your red, white, and blue. Check-in and registration open at 6:30am. Both races begin at 7:30am.
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Car Club Show, Courthouse Hill, Saturday, July 4th, 10am-5pm
- Every year, Dahlonega hosts one of Georgia’s top-three car shows. Stop by and admire a variety of cars, from show cars to old timers to brand-new rides.
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Patriotic Ceremony, Dahlonega Gold Museum Lawn, Saturday, July 4th, 12pm
- Set in the historic lawn in the heart of downtown, this ceremony features a keynote speaker with a military background, the raising of the flag, and local talent singing the national anthem.
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Watermelon-Eating Contest, Hancock Park, Saturday, July 4th, 2pm
- There’s nothing better than gorging on watermelon on a hot summer day–and earning a trophy for your appetite. Contest registration is from 1:15-1:45pm, and if you’re still hungry, free slices of watermelon will be handed out after the contest.
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Live Appalachian Music, Dahlonega Gold Museum Lawn, Saturday, July 4th, 2-5pm
- …because it wouldn’t be a true Dahlonega festival without the sounds of bluegrass, folk, and country music from live musicians!
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Parade, Downtown Dahlonega, Saturday, July 4th, 5pm
- This small-town Americana parade features the winners from the day’s Car Club Show.
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Fireworks, UNG Drill Field, Saturday, July 4th, at dark (9pm)
- The University of North Georgia opens its campus to the 20,000 visitors expected for this year’s Fourth of July events. The massive fireworks display can be seen from miles away.
Callaway Gardens:
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Beach Activities, Robin Lake Beach, July 3rd-5th, 10am-7pm
- Try paddle boarding, a rock climbing wall, a water slide, and even a flying trapeze while DJ Mikey J spins upbeat tunes.
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Live Music, Robin Lake Beach, July 3rd-5th, 7pm
- A different band performs live each night; the blues and rock band Swingin’ Medallions will take the stage before the fireworks set off on the fourth.
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Circus Performances, Robin Lake Beach, July 3rd-5th, 3:30-6pm
- FSU Flying High Circus has been a part of Callaway Gardens’ summer fun since 1961. This year, the team will perform trapeze acts, highwire walks, juggling performances, and more.
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