Photograph by Karl L. Moore Courtesy of Gwinnett Braves
Whether you spend your Independence Day watching fireworks with the family or boozing it up with your pals, Atlanta offers multiple events for a great night out.
Family fun and fireworks
Centennial Park’s 4th of July Celebration
7/4; Gates open: 6 p.m.; Fireworks: 9 p.m.
Hop on MARTA and head to Centennial Olympic Park for the annual fireworks show. This year features the United States Air Force Band of the West to round out the Independence Day celebration.
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Georgia Aquarium’s Red, White & View
7/4; 7:30 p.m.
If you want to get up high for the Centennial fireworks, try scouting a spot on the roof of the aquarium’s parking garage. Pack a cooler and bring your family before the fireworks display for games and desserts. You can purchase advance tickets to skip the line and get the best rooftop spot.
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Lenox Square’s Legendary 4th of July
7/4; 6 p.m.
For music lovers, catch Party on the Moon at Lenox Square with Gump Fiction opening at 6 p.m.
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Mall of Georgia Star Spangled Fourth
7/4; 5 p.m.
Head to the Mall of Georgia’s 13th annual celebration early for live music, inflatables for the kids, and plenty of food vendors.
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Stone Mountain’s Fantastic Fourth Celebration
7/2-7/5; Lasershow and fireworks: 9:30 p.m.
Stone Mountain is famous for its laser show, but visit during the weekend of the Fourth for an added fireworks show. Visitors on July 2 can catch a performance by American Authors and Rachel Platten for an added bang.
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Day-long celebrations
2015 AJC Peachtree Road Race
7/4
Cheering on the runners in the world’s largest 10k, which starts in Buckhead and ends in Piedmont Park, is as much an Atlanta tradition as running the race itself.
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East Point Georgia’s Salute to the Red, White & Blue
7/4; 3 p.m.– 11 p.m. (fireworks start around 9:30 p.m.)
This 4th of July celebration has everything—beer; funnel cakes; live music; and, oh yeah, fireworks. The summer carnival in downtown East Point runs from July 1–4 so there’s plenty of time to stuff your face with fair food.
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Marietta’s Fourth in the Park Celebration
7/4; Parade: 10 a.m.; Fireworks: begin at dark
If you want a parade with your fireworks show, the celebration on the Marietta Square is your destination. The all-day affair begins with the parade featuring local marching bands and beauty queens at 10 a.m. and continues on throughout the day until the big display at dark.
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For boozy fun
Red, White and Brews Pub Crawl
7/3; 7 p.m.
Starting at Buckhead’s Hangovers and finishing wherever you start spilling your drink, enjoy a night of red- and blue-themed drinks and live music. Don’t forget to purchase your ticket beforehand to save a few bucks.
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Red White & Booze
7/4; 7:30 p.m.– 11:30 p.m.
Throw on your best red, white, or blue attire and check out the fireworks up-close from this rooftop party at Ventanas downtown. Plan on buying your ticket beforehand so you don’t get left at the door of this boozy bash.
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Whiskey Blue Atlanta’s Fourth of July Extravaganza
7/4; 5 p.m.
Try a signature cocktail and watch the Lenox Square fireworks from the rooftop of W Atlanta in Buckhead. The panoramic views will make for the perfect background for your #happyFourthyall Instagram post.
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And for the sports fans
Friday Night Drags & Show-n-Shine Fireworks Night
7/3; 6 p.m.
Loud engines and even louder fireworks—this Atlanta Motor Speedway event is so American that afterward you’ll be humming “The Star-Spangled Banner” in your sleep.
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Gwinnett Braves vs. Charlotte Knights
7/4; 7:05 p.m.
What’s more American than fireworks and a baseball game?
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Atlanta Braves vs. Philadelphia Phillies
7/3-7/5
And in case one baseball game isn’t enough, watch two of America’s most patriotic teams face off at Turner Field.
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