Atlanta is ranked as the #1 best city to celebrate the 4th of July according to WalletHub. We're definitely not surprised about that! They compared the 100 of the largest U.S. cities based on 18 key metrics such as cost, duration of fireworks, and even the weather forecast. One thing is for sure, there’s nothing short of things to do here.
Go beyond just grilling out and lighting fire crackers in your driveway and check some of these events. So pull out your good ol' U.S.A gear you've waited all year to wear and check out our list of cheap and even FREE ways you can spend your Star Spangled weekend leading up to the 4th.*
June 30
Atlanta Motor Speedway
Tickets are $10, kids 5 and under are FREE. Exterior parking is FREE.
Ticket includes admission for both the Papa John’s Pizza Fireworks Extravaganza and the O’Reilly Auto Parts Friday Night Drags.
Gates open at 6:30 p.m.
Drag racing is open to any driver and almost any vehicle with an entry fee of just $20.
For more information, visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.
July 1
KSU’s 10th annual Star-Spangled Spectacular and Family Fun Festival
FREE entry and FREE parking available in any open parking lot on campus
Family Fun Festival begins at 5 p.m. with a free concert by the KSU Big Band and KSU Summer Orchestraon the Kennesaw Campus Green starting at 8 p.m., followed by a fireworks finale around 9:30 p.m.
There will be plenty of kids areas with games and inflatables, as well as food trucks, and other vendors. Make sure to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Picnics and coolers are also welcome.
For more information, visit www.StarSpangledKSU.com.
Independence Day Celebration in Johns Creek
FREE
Held at Newton Park from 6 to 10 p.m.
There will be live music, activities, food, and fireworks.Make sure to bring lawn chairs or blankets.
For more information, visit https://www.johnscreekga.gov/RecreationandParks/Special-Events/Independence-Day-Celebration
Red, White, and Brew at the Georgia Acquarium
Adult Admission: $65; Member Price: $50
Enjoy unlimited beer, food, live music and aquarium exhibits in the oceans ballroom. Event begins at 6:30 p.m. through 10 p.m.
For more information, visit https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/experience/support/how-to-donate/fundraising-events/red-white-brew
7th Annual Red, White & Brews Bar Crawl $19.99 Meet at Lost Dog Tavern at 7 p.m., then you can eat, drink and party at 10 bars & restaurants along Buckhead's entertainment district. Enjoy complimentary themed shots and drink and food specials.
For more information, visit http://www.atlantabartours.com/events/event/red-white-and-brews-pub-crawl/
July 1-4
4th Star Spangled Beach Party Weekend at Callaway Gardens
Adult (Age 13-64) $30; Senior (Age 65+) $25; Child (Age 6-12) $15; Children 5 and under FREE
Beach opens at 9 a.m. on the 1st and 2nd and at 7 a.m. on the 3rd and 4th. There will be plenty of live music and beach activities all weekend long but fireworks shows will only be held on the 1st and 4th.
For more information, visit http://www.callawaygardens.com/events/calendar/july-4th-weekend-star-spangled-beach-party
Your Islands' Holiday Kickoff at Lanier Islands
$15, FREE for Military and First Responders
Starting at 10 a.m. you can begin enjoying access to the lake, water slides, and even zip lines! There will also live music playing throughout the day followed by fireworks at 10 p.m.
For more information, visit http://www.lanierislands.com/4thjuly
Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Stone Mountain
$15 per vehicle
Attraction hours are 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. with the laser show and fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m.
For more information, visit http://www.stonemountainpark.com/Events/Fantastic-Fourth-Celebration
July 2-4
Coca-Cola July 4th Fest at Six Flags
Regular Admission. Season pass holders can bring a friend for 1/2 price. Bring a can of Coca-Cola for entry to the park an hour before they open! There will be a fireworks show beginning at dusk every night.
For more information, visit https://www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia/special-events/july-4th-fest
July 2
Stars and Stripes Celebration in Sandy Springs
FREE
Festivities begin at 7:30 p.m. on the Concourse Corporate Center Lawn. There will be live music throughout the night with fireworks begining at 9:45 p.m. Feel free to bring a picnic and make sure to bring lawn chairs or blanket.
For more information, visit http://www.sandyspringsga.gov/recreation/things-to-do/annual-city-events/ndependence-day-fireworks-display
July 3
Kennesaw pre-Independence Day Celebration at Depot Park
FREE
Event begins at 6 p.m. and will end around 10 p.m. There will be live music, entertainment, food vendors, and of course fireworks. Picnics are welcome.
For more information, visit http://www.kennesaw.com/fourth-of-july/
July 4
Peachtree Road Race
FREE to spectate
The world’s largest 10K takes place every year from Buckhead to Piedmont Park! Race starts around 7:30 p.m. and lasts until the last person crosses the line which is usually around noon. Join the race or cheer them on somewhere along the route.
July 4th Bike & Hike in Freedom Park
$10
This event is from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Kids, dogs and adults of all ages are welcome. Put on your red, white, and blue, and meet up at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.
For more information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/july-4th-bike-hike-in-freedom-park-tickets-34810765938
Woodstock's annual July 4 Spectacular
FREE
Event begins at 7:45 a.m. with the 21st annual Woodstock Freedom Run. Following the race will be the annual July 4 parade, at 10 a.m. starting at Woodstock Elementary, traveling down Main Street, and ending at Sam’s Club. The rest of the day you can enjoy music, food, exhibits, and kids activities at the Park at City Center, followed by fireworks beginning at 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. behind the Target shopping center.
4th in the Park on Marietta Square
FREE
Event will begin at 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., beginning with the Let Freedom Ring Parade at 10 a.m.
There will be plenty of live music, exhibits, food, games, and of course a fireworks finale.
For more information visit, https://www.mariettaga.gov/194/Fourth-of-July-Celebration
4th of July Luau at Meehan's Vinings FREE
This event begins at noon until closing. Get your grass skirts and leis ready and enjoy the delicious food and drink specials.
Celebrate July 4 at the SAAC pool
FREE for members; $10 for non-members
From 1-4 p.m., celebrate Independence Day with pool games, cornhole and more.
For more information visit, http://news.emory.edu/stories/2017/06/er_july_10_things/campus.html
Acworth’s Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks
FREE
Festivities start at 4 p.m. at Cauble Park. There will be live music, water activities, and a fireworks show over Lake Acworth. Make sure to bring your lawn chairs or blanket.
July 4th Rooftop Backyard BBQ at Ponce City Market $25-75 Come out from 5 - 11 p.m. for barbeque, live music, entertainment, and gorgeous view of the skyline and fireworks displays nearby. For more information, visit http://www.skylineparkatlanta.com/events-at-skyline-park/2017/6/6/july-4th-rooftop-backyard-bbq
Roswell July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza
FREE
Event begins at 5:30 p.m. at Roswell High School on the front lawn. There will be live performances, kid's zone, and food trucks followed by fireworks at dusk. Make sure to bring your lawn chairs or blanket. Picnics are welcome.
Sparkle in the Park
FREE
Festivities will be held from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at Lilburn City Park in Gwinnett County. There will be live music, food, and a fireworks finale. Make sure you bring your lawn chair or blanket.
Centennial Olympic Park 4th of July Celebration
FREE
Park gates open at 6 p.m.
Centennial Olympic Park and Lenox Square Mall are joining forces this year. That means this year's fireworks show is sure to be epic. There will be plenty of live music throughout the night with R&B singer Bobby Brown will headlining, followed by a spectacular fireworks show around 9:45 p.m.
For more information visit, www.gwcca.org/park/
Independence Day Celebration in Johns Creek
FREE
This event will be held at Newton Park for all ages from 6 to 10 p.m. There will be live music, activities, food and a fireworks display to end the night. Make sure to bring your lawn chairs or blanket.
Alpharetta's July Fourth Fireworks and Festivities
FREE
This event is from 6 to 10 p.m. at Matilda's Music under the pines. There will be entertainment, children's activities, food, live music and fireworks at Wills Park. Make sure to bring your lawn chairs or blanket.
Go where you feel most alive! For more information on these and future events check out our Happenings page.
Besos (Smooches),
Chula
*Please note that Chula Says if not affiliated with any of these events. Some events are subject to change due to weather. Please visit the event websites for the most up to date information.
