The Atlanta Fourth of July Guide

There’s more than enough to fill up an Independence Day with these Atlanta extravaganzas.

 The AJC Peachtree Road Race

Buckhead to Midtown
Perfect for: Athletes

So, this one isn’t your average July 4 celebration, but we do feel the need to top the list with it. The Peachtree Roadrace has been an institution in the city for about 50 years, and in that time, it’s become the largest 10K on the planet. Seriously — about 60,000 participants flock to the city from all over the world to take part, and there are hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the streets. The race starts at dawn in Buckhead, and terminates in Midtown’s Piedmont Park, where the party — complete with live music, local food, and plenty of endorphins — runs on into the evening. atlantatrackclub.com/peachtree

 Centennial Olympic Park’s 4th of July Celebration

Downtown
Perfect for: New Atlantans

It really doesn’t get any more “Atlanta” than this, the mac-daddy of Atlanta fireworks celebrations. It takes place in Downtown’s Centennial Olympic Park (obviously), but if at all possible, try to finagle your way into a party in one of the adjacent buildings. This show is cool from the ground, but an absolute jaw-dropper from an elevated vantage point. The whole thing is televised, including offerings from some amazing Atlanta favorites, like Grammy winners Bobby Brown and Ann Nesby. centennialpark.com

 July 4th Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia

Six Flags
Perfect for: Adrenaline Junkies

If you’d like to get your fireworks in after a day on the coasters, Six Flags is the best game in town. Not only is Six Flags over Georgia just a few miles outside the city, but the standard day of amusement park festivities, on the 4th, get a kick at dusk with one of the most spectacular shows in the area. Tickets are $50, so make sure you get there when the place opens (10:30 a.m.), and don’t leave until they close the gate (10 p.m., on July 4). sixflags.com/overgeorgia

 Marietta Fourth in the Park Celebration

Marietta
Perfect for: Small-Town Charm

For a bit of the Old South, not too far outside the city, head up to Marietta. This one of the more charming squares you’re going to come across on a regular day, which is cool enough, but on the 4th, the whole center turns into an all-day event, starting at 10 a.m. Restaurants are open, the square fills up with vendors, and of course, the whole thing culminates with a great fireworks display (from the parking lot of First United Methodist Church) at 9:30 p.m. marietta.gov

 The Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain
Perfect for: Families

Stone Mountain has long been one of the Atlanta area’s most cherished day trips — it’s only a few minutes outside of town (just to the east), and boasts one of the coolest pieces of geography to be found in the state: the giant granite dome that rises from the earth, proffering amazing view of the city during the day. On this night, however, the namesake park (right next to the famous bas-relief) is the base for a fireworks show that’s mixed in with a crazy laser lights display. (By the way, if your schedule is tight around the holiday, this is the one to visit: there’s a show every night, from July 1 to July 4, so pick a date, and buy your ticket ahead of time). stonemountainpark.com

 Atlanta Braves Independence Day postgame fireworks

SunTrust Park
Perfect for: Sports Buffs

So here’s the plan. Check out the Braves in their new home (they’re playing against the Houston Astros, FYI). Grab some hot dogs, a few beers, all the good stuff. But don’t try to beat the traffic if the scores are too vastly different. Instead, hang around for the postgame fireworks show — if the coolness of this new stadium is any indication, this extravaganza ought to be something. Jump on tickets way ahead of time. Just saying. www.mlb.com/braves

 Decatur Fourth of July Celebration

Decatur
Perfect for: Locals

This event is ideal if you’ve got a young family and want to stick close to home (without the hubbub of heading into the fray). Decatur is always a fun spot on any given weekday, but on the 4th, the real action starts at 6 p.m. with the “Pied Piper Parade,” and culminates after dusk (at around 9 p.m.) when this city-within-a-city’s stars and stripes pride gets underway. visitdecaturgeorgia.com

 Lenox Square

Buckhead
Perfect for: Nostalgia...

We only add this because it was such an establishment. For 50 years, Lenox Square was the home of one of the biggest ID4 festivals to be found, with live music, plenty of vendors, and at dark, a dynamite fireworks display that went off from the roof of the mall. But as of 2017, plans have changed, and the whole thing is on hiatus. Will it return? Who knows. It wouldn’t be the first time a beloved tradition took a few years off for re-invention (Music Midtown, anyone?) Keep your eyes peeled...