Photograph courtesy of Centennial Olympic Park
Georgia traditions
Centennial Olympic Park Fireworks
When: July 4, gates at 7 p.m., fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
Where: Centennial Olympic Park
Cost: Free, $5 for parking
Details: Self-proclaimed as the biggest fireworks show in the Southeast, this event is a local favorite. A variety of food truck options will be available including ANGELFIRE7 BBQ, Atlanta Seafood Company, and Jerkbrothersatl. Make sure you come prepared (and save some money) by purchasing parking in advance online.
Stone Mountain Fantastic Fourth Celebration
When: July 1-7
Where: Stone Mountain Park
Cost: Free, $20 for parking
Details: One of the most popular Fourth of July events, the Fantastic Fourth Celebration includes the Lasershow Spectacular and a huge fireworks display. Since this show runs all week long, you can attend even if you have other plans for July 4 itself.
Red, White and Brew at the Georgia Aquarium
When: July 4, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Georgia Aquarium
Cost: $65
Details: Unlimited beer samples, a barbecue menu, and live music all accompanied by views of beluga whales, manta rays, and whale sharks. At the end of the event, guests can go up to the top floor of the aquarium parking garage for a view of the Centennial Olympic Park fireworks show. 21 and older only.
Neighborhood fireworks and festivals
Fireworks in the Fourth Ward
When: July 4, 5-11 p.m., fireworks at sunset
Where: Historic Fourth Ward Park
Cost: Free
Details: This family-friendly event will have live entertainment and food trucks, all accessible via the BeltLine Eastside Trail. Come prepared with blankets and chairs to sit back on the lawn and enjoy the show.
Marietta Square’s Fourth in the Park
When: July 4, 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m., fireworks at 8 p.m.
Where: Marietta Square
Cost: Free
Details: This all-day event starts the party with the Let Freedom Ring Parade, which will feature 2,000 participants from civic organizations, beauty queens, scouts, local businesses, and an estimated 30,000 spectators. The rest of the day will offer plenty of festivities, including live concerts, food, carnival games, and arts and crafts. The finale of the night will be the fireworks show.
East Point’s Salute to the Red, White, and Blue
When: July 4, 3-11 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Where: East Point City Hall
Cost: Free
Details: Boasting “South Fulton County’s largest pryo digital fireworks”—meaning they’re synced to a musical score—make sure you show up early to tour the vendor market, watch musical performances, and dine on smoked meats, fried fish, Italian ice, and funnel cakes.
Restaurant specials
3rd of July Cookout and Fireworks at the SweetWater Brewery
When: July 3, 4:20-10 p.m.
Where: SweetWater Brewery
Cost: Free
Details: If you want to kickstart your Fourth fun on Wednesday, this event has live bands on the patio, grilled food from a Big Green Egg, and a charity cornhole tournament benefiting the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper—all before the night ends with a fireworks show over the brewery. For $75 VIP tickets, enjoy a buffet, four beer tokens and rooftop access for the fireworks show.
Plant Based BBQ at Grass Vegan Eatery
When: July 4, 1-4 p.m.
Where: The Wing Bar in Decatur
Cost: Entrees $8-$10
Details: Vegans may have trouble finding a good meal among the grilled, smoked, and barbecue meat on July 4—but not this year. Before heading off to a fireworks show, enjoy a vegan and gluten-free menu where no entree is more then $10. Try the pulled Carolina jackfruit sandwich with a fried green tomato or the burnt ends sandwich with a Coca Cola BBQ glaze and a burnt sugar peach cobbler for dessert. No tickets required.
Bar Mercado’s Fourth of July Menu
When: July 4, noon-3 p.m.
Where: Krog Street Market
Cost: $17.76
Details: The Spanish tapas restaurant is featuring a special prix fixe menu at $17.76 so you’ll be ready walk out onto the BeltLine and find a fireworks show in the city. Order three tapas from three choice sets and enjoy a churros and chocolate dish for dessert. Reservations are recommended and tickets can be purchased online in advance.
Photograph by Paul Ward
Sports and outdoors
Peachtree Road Race
When: July 4, 6:25 a.m.-noon
Where: Peachtree Road near Lenox Square Mall
Cost: Free to spectate
Details: The world’s largest 10k is turning 50 this year. With an expected 60,000 participants and 150,000 spectators, the event will start with wheelchair races at 6:25 a.m. and continue through noon—in time to enjoy the rest of the city’s fireworks and festivities.
Braves v. Phillies at Suntrust Park
When: July 4, 7:20 p.m.
Where: Suntrust Park Stadium
Cost: $45-$175
Details: Celebrate the Fourth the traditional way with the American favorites of baseball, hot dogs, and fireworks as the Braves face off against Philadelphia. Stick around after the game for a fireworks display.
Rooftop Bash at Ponce City Market
When: July 4, 5-11 p.m.
Where: Ponce City Market
Cost: $30 for adults, $15 for kids 4-12
Details: Pull out your favorite red, white, and blue outfit and enjoy an evening of live music and barbecue from Skyline Park, Nine Mile Station, RFD Social, and Rooftop Terrace. Stick around until sunset when the Fireworks in the Fourth Ward will be right in view, alongside a panorama of the Atlanta skyline.
Stranger Things
Deviate from the traditional Fourth of July festivities to celebrate another major event: the release of Stranger Things season three. All eight episodes of this Georgia-filmed favorite will hit Netflix on July 4.
Stranger Things 3 Viewing Party
When: July 4, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Mother Bar + Kitchen
Cost: Free
Details: Come in cosplay for special discounts and enjoy Stranger Things-themed bingo before watching the first two episodes of the new season with other fans.
Stranger Things Trivia
When: July 3, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Guac y Margys
Cost: $20
Details: If you have plans the night of the Fourth but still want to gear up in anticipation of the release of Stranger Things, come join your fellow fans at Guac y Margys for themed trivia. This 21 and older-only event will include tacos and themed drinks for your team of one to six people.
Roast of Stranger Things
When: July 3, 8-10 p.m.
Where: Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge
Cost: $15
Details: For comedy buffs and Stranger Things fans, this 18 and older event is the perfect combination. Atlanta-based comics will portray—and roast—fan-favorite characters (sorry Barb).
