The most popular holiday of the year (other than Christmas) is upon us and you can almost feel the country exhale a deep breath. Whether you want to see the fireworks, get immersed in the water rides, chomp down on some barbecue, soak in the sun at the beach or lay out at the park, metro Atlanta has a plethora of options available for you.
Take a look at seven of the top activities you can get involved in around the metropolitan Atlanta region:
THURSDAY:
Red, White & Boom event, Norcross, Ga.
Fourth of July eve is celebrated in downtown historic Norcross with food vendors, kids’ inflatables, a Springsteen tribute band in the evening, and fireworks at dusk in Lilliam Webb Park. Activities kick off at 3 p.m.
THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY:
Fantastic Fourth Celebration — Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain, Ga.
Stone Mountain Park bedazzles the young and old alike with their incredible Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision. The show includes a lighting feature at the base of the mountain shining up like fingers of light, showcasing the 825 foot mountainside. A special patriotic fireworks finale will immediately follow the Lasershow all three nights.
FRIDAY:
Centennial Olympic Park 4th of July Celebration — downtown Atlanta
This largest and most heavily attended event of the year for the downtown park, replete with family-friendly entertainment, including Taylor Hicks, with arguably the best fireworks show in the southeast. MARTA is strongly encouraged for transportation. Arrive early to get a good seat.
RED, WHITE & BREW — downtown Atlanta
Celebrate 4th of July in Georgia Aquarium’s Oceans Ballroom with unlimited beer sampling, live music from The Geeks, a full BBQ dinner buffet, photo book, caricature artists and more! Join us on the top of the parking deck for the city’s BEST view of the Centennial Olympic Park’s fireworks show. All this while raising money for the Sponsored Education Admissions program, teacher, and summer camps.
July 4th at Lenox Mall — Atlanta
For over half a century, Lenox Square has celebrated red, white and blue in grand tradition with activities for the entire family. This year’s activities will include fireworks, musical entertainment and food concessions. For the second year, Lenox Square will host its talent search, ‘Atlanta’s Next Star,’ where the crowned winner will perform in front of crowds filled with family and friends.
Fabulous Fourth at Mall of Georgia — Buford, Ga.
Grab your red, white and blue and head to the Mall of Georgia’s 12th Annual Fabulous Fourth event! The mall’s Independence Day event is offering a full day of fun activities for the entire family including children’s rides and inflatables, live music, food and beverage concessions and the largest fireworks display in the county! Kids zone opens at 5pm with fireworks at dusk.
SATURDAY:
Salute to the Red, White & Blue — East Point, Ga.
In the heart of Downtown East Point, the oldest and largest Independence Day Celebration in South Fulton County will begin at 5pm with a vendor market, music, a food court, and one of the best fireworks shows in South Fulton County!
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Atlanta Food Festival — Marietta, Ga.
Enjoy a culinary experience in Marietta where you can taste and sample a variety of dishes from Metro Atlanta’s very own restaurants, caterers, and food trucks. There will also be a kids’ zone with inflatables, water slides, and a rock climbing wall, bungee jumping, and bouncy houses. Don’t forget to visit the arts and crafts vendor booths. This is a kid-friendly event with no alcohol served or sold during the festival.