Lenox Square's 53rd Annual July 4th Celebration
Lenox Square's fireworks display is one of the city's most beloved and best-attended (read: most-crowded) Fourth of July traditions. Bring the kids for family-friendly fun, including activities, food concessions, and performances from local bands Party on the Moon and Sons of Sailorswill, and stay for the night's main attraction: a 20-minute fireworks display accompanied by patriotic tunes. Free. Music starts at 6 p.m.; fireworks begin at 9:35 p.m. Lenox Square mall, 3393 Peachtree Road.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Fourth of July Celebration
Conducted by David Abell, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will accompany the U.S. Army Chorus and Tony Award-winning Broadway vocalist Debbie Gravitte for patriotic sing-alongs and Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. Stick around after the show for celebratory fireworks. $15-$35. 8 p.m. Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway. 404-733-5010. www.vzwamp.com.
Peachtree Road Race
Organized by the Atlanta Track Club, the Peachtree Road Race attracts runners of all ages and paces eager to take part in the annual Fourth of July 10K. Sure, it may be a holiday tradition, but let's be real, everyone just wants to get their hands on one of those coveted Peachtree Road Race T-shirts for, you know, bragging rights. Race starts at Lenox Square mall and ends at Piedmont Park. 7:30 a.m. 404-231-9064. www.peachtreeroadrace.org.
Stone Mountain's Fantastic Fourth Celebration
Stone Mountain's annual laser show was recently enhanced with "Mountainvision," a digital projection technology that adds "3-D effects without the glasses," giving locals a reason to revisit the spectacle. Lay a blanket on the lawn and enjoy the slightly '80s but always enjoyable display of neon laser lights projected on the side of the mountain, complete with a cheesy soundtrack. The fireworks finale may be the highlight, but the kids will enjoy the entire show. Free with $10 daily parking pass. 9:30 p.m. Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Drive. 770-498-5640. festivals.stonemountainpark.com.
Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs
What better way to celebrate America than with its favorite national pastime? Show up to watch the Braves take on the Chicago Cubs, stick around for the "All American Fireworks Spectacular." $12-$90. 7:10 p.m. Turner Field, 755 Hank Aaron Drive.
Celebration at Centennial Olympic Park
A day of entertainment for the family culminates in downtown's largest fireworks spectacular synchronized to a selection of popular and patriotic music. Free. Park opens at 6 p.m.; fireworks begin at 9:40 p.m. Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Avenue West. www.centennialpark.com.
MODA's Fourth of July Art/Skate Jam
The Museum of Design Atlanta hosts a Fourth of July celebration centered around its current exhibit, Skate It or Hang It!?, at the Shops Around Lenox. The skate/art jam hosts skating demos every hour, a food truck court, an artists alley with 12 Atlanta-based artists, a live tagging demo by HENSE, a painting demo by Chris Hamer, sponsor giveaways, and more. Free. The Shops Around Lenox, 3400 Around Lenox Drive. www.museumofdesign.org.
Red, White, and Brew
The Red, White, and Brew is the Georgia Aquarium's annual barbecue and beer festival. Enjoy brews from Red Brick Brewing Company, SweetWater, and more, as well as music from Yacht Rock Schooner. The event begins in the aquarium's Oceans Ballroom and moves up top later in the evening for a rooftop view of Centennial Olympic Park's fireworks display. $10-$55. 6-10:30 p.m. Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St. 404-581-4000. www.georgiaaquarium.org.
Fourth of July Pied Piper Parade
Decatur's July 4th Pied Piper Parade begins at the First Baptist Church of Decatur and winds through downtown Decatur to the Community Bandstand on the square where a concert from Callanwolde Concert Band and fireworks awaits. Free. Parade begins at 6 p.m.; Fireworks begin at 9 p.m. 404-371-8386. www.visitdecaturgeorgia.com.
Salute to Swank
Located on top of the W Hotel Buckhead, Whiskey Blue's panoramic views of the city's skyline make it an ideal spot to take in Lenox Square's fireworks show. Enjoy the show with signature cocktails and food from the Happy Belly food truck while DJ Chris Rimby gets the night started. $25-$30. 4 p.m. Whiskey Blue, 3377 Peachtree Road. 678-500-3190. www.watlantabuckhead.com.
Imagine It! Children's Museum's Fourth of July Celebration
Bring the kids to Imagine It! Children's Museum for the Fourth of July, where they'll have the opportunity to create patriotic arts and crafts as well as enjoy a parade led by Imaginator Jerry G. and his drums before heading over to Centennial Olympic Park's fireworks show (located across the street). Free-$12.75. 2 p.m. Imagine It! Children's Museum, 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive. 404-659-5437. www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org.
Heritage Arts Festival
The Heritage Arts Festival, a celebration of culture and history through art and music, kicks off July Fourth and hosts more than 50 national and international vendors featuring one-of-a-kind African artifacts, jewelry, and more, in addition to film screenings, stage plays, storytelling, art exhibits, and book signings. Free. July 4-8. Wed.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m. Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama St. 404-523-2311. www.heritageartsfestival.org.
Avondale Estates' 4th of July Celebration
Avondale Estates residents and friends join together for a Fourth of July celebration that includes a parade, music from Atlanta Blue Notes, and a fireworks show at Lake Avondale. Free. Parade begins at 10 a.m.; fireworks begin at dusk. www.avondaleestates.org.
East Point's Salute to the Red, White, and Blue
Held across from the East Point MARTA station and East Point City Hall, this celebration features family-friendly activities, including a carnival complete with carousel, Ferris wheel, rides, games, and more, as well as a watermelon eating contest, vendor market, musical performances, and food court fare that includes Italian ice and funnel cakes. 4-10 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. www.downtowneastpoint.com.
Dunwoody Village's Fourth of July Parade
Dunwoody Village hosts its annual parade with floats, music, and more leading up to a festival featuring live entertainment, kids activities, and barbecue. Free. 9 a.m. www.dunwoodyga.org.
Market's Annual Fourth Fest
Spend the day on Market's patio and enjoy drink specials and music from DJ Hakim, who kicks off early in the morning in time for the Peachtree Road Race. The event, which benefits Operation Homefront, will host local bands throughout the day leading up to Lenox Square's fireworks display. Free-$40. The W Buckhead, Market, 3377 Peachtree Road. 404-523-3600. www.marketbuckhead.com.
4th Annual Chastain Park July 4th Parade and Festival
Chastain Park celebrates the Fourth with waterslides, live music, pool games, pony rides at the Chastain Horse Park, inflatable moonwalks and slides, as well as the firetrucks and firemen from Station 27. 11:30 a.m. West Wieuca Road and Dudley Lane. www.chastainpark.org.
Mall of Georgia's 10th annual Fabulous Fourth
Celebrate the stars and stripes this Fourth of July OTP-style with the Mall of Georgia's 10th annual Fabulous Fourth event. To commemorate a decade of celebrations, the mall is offering a full day of family-friendly activities, including children's rides and inflatables, live music from Vintage Boogie Band and the Woody's, food and beverage vendors, and, of course, fireworks. Event begins at 2 p.m.; fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. 3333 Buford Drive, Buford. www.mallofgeorgia.com.
Fourth of July in Dahlonega
In addition to shooting off fireworks, Dahlonega's Fourth of July celebration boasts a firecracker 5k/10k road race, a pet show, patriotic ceremony on the lawn of the Gold Museum, watermelon cutting, an antique auto show, live music, and parade. 5 p.m. Downtown Dahlonega. www.dahlonega.org.
Cumming Steam Engine Parade
The Cumming Fairgrounds presents the Steam Engine Parade, featuring steam engines, antique tractors, antique cars, and floats decorated in the spirit of the holiday. Free. 10 a.m. 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming. www.cummingfair.net.