4th of July Activities Around and About Alpharetta

AlpharettaMoms.Org has your list of fun things to do on the 4th of July around and about Alpharetta! The 4th is a great time to spend with family and friends and AMO has you covered if you are looking for a place to watch fireworks and for entertainment!

Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions, and political speeches and ceremonies, in addition to various other public and private events celebrating the history, government, and traditions of the United States. Independence Day is the national day of the United States (Wikipedia)

Local Celebrations

City of Alpharetta  July 4th Fireworks @Wills Park

Attraction Hours: 10:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Lasershow and Fireworks: 9:30 p.m.

Join us any day, July 1 – 7, for seven full days of the Fantastic Fourth Celebration
Fantastic Fourth Celebration was voted the “Best Place to see Fireworks in Atlanta” by Atlanta Journal-Constitution readers, a “Must-See Fireworks Show” by USA Today and one of Reader’s Digest’s picks for “America’s Most Spectacular Fourth of July Fireworks.” Experience the Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision®, a not-to-be-missed Atlanta tradition that promises to wow your family with state-of-the-art digital graphics and awe-inspiring effects. The show includes a lighting feature at the base of the mountain shining up like fingers of light showcasing the 825-foot mountainside. The special patriotic fireworks finale will immediately follow the Lasershow every night July 1-7!

The 2018 Fantastic Fourth Celebration runs SEVEN consecutive nights: July 1-7, with nightly fireworks that conclude the Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision. This Atlanta tradition is the longest running lasershow in the world. The experience features 45 minutes of lights and laser effects all choreographed to popular music. The Lasershow is free, and the best way to view the new show is from the comfort and convenience of Terrace Seating including snack or casual dining options. Advance reservations are required for Terrace Seating and may be made online.

Experience all of Stone Mountain Park’s exciting attractions daily during Summer at the Rock. Go on an action-packed journey with the Experience, challenge yourself on SkyHike, (Requirements for SkyHike: Must wear closed-toe shoes. Height 44 inches. Rock Wall Weight 45-250 lbs) the nation’s largest family adventure course, or cool off and play in the spray on Geyser Towers…the adventures are endless! Plus, there’s entertainment and activities fun for the whole family!  Also check out the Scenic Railroad, The Great Barn, Camp Highland Outpost, Antebellum Plantation & Farmyard, Discovering Stone Mountain Museum at Memorial and more!!

Centennial Olympic Park
 July 4th

Centennial Olympic Park is joining forces with Lenox Square to make the park’s 4th of July Celebration – featuring the Southeast’s largest fireworks show – even grander.

“For years, Lenox Square and Centennial Olympic Park have complemented each other as two of the city’s premier 4th of July fireworks events. We are now thrilled to have Lenox Square provide support through a generous donation and welcome the patrons who have traditionally attended the Lenox Square celebration to join us at Centennial Olympic Park,” said Jennifer LeMaster, chief administrative officer of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, which owns and operates the park. Centennial Olympic Park has welcomed upwards of 30,000 spectators to Downtown Atlanta in the past for their celebration.

The celebration will be broadcasted by local ABC affiliate WSB-TV, who won an Emmy for the broadcast in 2012 and was the third most-watched program in all over Atlanta across 200 channels in 2016.
Gates Open: 6:00pm
Transportation: Attendees are encouraged to park in the Red Deck located on Andrew Young International Boulevard, next to the Georgia World Congress Center and Georgia Dome, or ride MARTA, which the Park is accessible from both the Peachtree Center Station as well as the Dome/Phillips/GWCC Station.
The fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:45 pm.  J-Fly and other musical guests will be performing.
Plastic bottles are allowed into the Park.
Parking will available at the Red Deck Parking Garage, which is located on Andrew Young International Blvd. across from the Georgia Dome and the Georgia World Congress Center.
Small, personal umbrellas will be allowed, but large umbrellas and tents are not. Lawn chairs, preferably soft-back or low-backed, are allowed.
Since the view of the fireworks is overhead, and the stage can be seen from anywhere in the Park, there will not be a designated spot for wheelchairs. However, all of Centennial Olympic Park is ADA compliant.

City of Norcross

July 3, 2018  3pm – 11pm  Red, White and Boom! 

The City of Norcross is throwing a pre-Fourth of July block party and you’re invited! Make your way to the heart of downtown historic Norcross on July 3 for food, fun, and fireworks during the 2018 edition of Red White and BOOM! The good times start with a bang at 3 p.m. with bounce houses (nominal fee), festive face painting and an assortment of food vendors. Stroll the city sidewalks to find Norcross’ eclectic collection of shops and restaurants, dance in the park to tunes by the band Mother’s Finest at 7:30 p.m., or snag a spot on the lawn at Lillian Webb Park for a picnic and mingling with friends before the fireworks light up the night sky (right after dusk, typically around 9:40 p.m.). For those looking to continue the fun and celebration, head over to one of Norcross’ local hotspots for live music and libations.

Please note: Absolutely no shade structures (tents or umbrellas) are allowed and will have to be dismantled. ADA parking will be available at City Hall (65 Lawrenceville Street) and Bostic Street. City staff will be available to transport seniors or anyone needing assistance that day via golf carts at each of the respective parking locations. A shuttle will also run continuously from the Norcross First United Methodist Church, 2500 Beaver Ruin Road.

The Scoop:
Time: 3 – 11 p.m. (fireworks around 9:25 p.m. or dusk)
Location:
All of downtown Norcross; Kidzone will be in Thrasher Park, DJ/band in Lillian Webb Park, artists/vendors will be stationed downtown and food trucks can be found at Lillian Webb Park

How to Make Norcross’ Red, White and BOOM! a Memorable Fourth of July:
While it won’t be hard to have a good time at Norcross’ Red, White & BOOM!, here are a few ways that you can make sure it is a memorable Fourth of July:

1. Snag a spot at Lillian Webb Park for the best view of the fireworks display.
2. Don’t miss out on the festivities or show while looking for a parking space. Free parking will be available at two nearby designated churches with a shuttle running continuously to downtown Norcross.
3. Be the life of the party by not committing a party foul. Please be mindful of other guests by not blocking the view. To keep the night sky in perfect view of the fireworks, tents and umbrellas are not allowed.
4. Remember, Norcross is an active railroad crossing location. Train tracks are NOT safe for firework viewing.
5. Take your party with you, but only on foot! Open containers are allowed within barricaded areas only!
6. Raise your glasses high and cheers your fellow neighbors with a Red, White & BOOM! signature drink!
7. Celebrate one of the best things about America—FOOD! Enjoy fried foods, snacks on a stick, sinful sweet treats and the best-tasting creations on four wheels—food trucks!

Georgia’s Lanier Islands Set to Sparkle Fourth of July Weekend

Wednesday, July 4: FIREWORKS celebration 7pm-10pm within Margaritaville at Lanier Islands!  The Johnny Hayes and the Loveseats band will be performing on the stage over the water at LandShark Landing beginning at 7 p.m.

The following bands play the following weekend:

• Across the Wide, July 6
• Davin McCoy, July 7
  • Both begin at 7 PM at LandShark Landing.
  • Also, check HERE to learn more about Margaritaville at Lanier Islands specials going on throughout the summer!

Georgia Aquarium’s Red, White and Brew Celebration July 4

Wednesday, July 4   7:00 pm – 10:00 pm:   Celebrate Independence Day a little early at Georgia Aquarium on Wednesday, July 4th with unlimited beer and cider samples, classic BBQ dinner, live music, and over 500 aquatic species! Red, White, and Brew will be held in our magnificent Oceans Ballroom with views of our beluga whales, manta rays, and whale sharks. 21 and over only.

Entry and exit for Red, White and Brew is via the Oceans Ballroom entrance on the first floor of the parking garage only. You cannot enter this event through the Main Aquarium Entrance.

Your ticket price includes:

• Admission to the Aquarium from 7:00-9:00 pm
• Souvenir tasting glass
• Unlimited samples of a huge variety of local and national brews
• Classic BBQ dinner menu provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering (vegetarian options available)
• Live music

Brew Rules:

• You must bring your ID to the event to receive admission. No admittance without ID and no refunds for no ID.
• No outside food or beverages.
• We do not offer designated driver tickets. Please arrange for a safe ride home.
• For guests 21 & over

July 4th Star Spangled Beach Party at Callaway Gardens


It’s an all-out, all-American celebration! At Callaway Resort & Gardens, the July 4th festivities begin early and last well into the night. Enjoy outdoor adventures, beach, and watersports, contests, live music, delicious food and drink specials, circus performances, or just take it all in and relax on the shore. End the evening with a bang with our spectacular Annual Fireworks Extravaganza and make it a Fourth to remember.

The party includes live music, performances and shows, food and drink specials, sandcastle contests, fireworks, and more! *Special Events Admission applies for Day Guests on July 4th. Additional fees on select activities for all guests. *

Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites

Grilling burgers in the shade and camping under the stars are just some of the July 4th activities offered by Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites.  Want to learn about our nation’s independence?  Visit Fort Morris near Darien for their Colonial Faire and cannon firings.  How fast can you win a three-legged race?  Join the old-timey games at A.H. Stephens State Park in Crawfordville.  Whether you have just a few hours on the 4th or the extended weekend, Georgia’s State Parks make for a festive holiday destination.

July 4th  weekend is always one of the busiest holidays in Georgia’s state parks, so visitors are encouraged to reserve campsites, cabins, picnic shelters and yurts.  Because accommodations fill up quickly, savvy park enthusiasts are making plans now for next year’s holiday. For help finding last-minute openings, call 1-800-864-7275.

Can’t get away for the whole weekend?  State parks welcome visitors to come for just the day as well.  For a $5 parking fee, guests can cool off at lakeside beaches, explore hiking trails, and even fish for their dinner – all for free. Many state parks rent stand-up paddleboards, aqua cycles, bikes and kayaks for a small fee.  Some of the state’s historic forts will showcase America’s history with musket firings, military drills, and displays.  Historic site admission ranges from $3.50 to $12 per person.

Park rangers encourage visitors to bring picnics but to leave fireworks at home because sparklers and explosives are not allowed in Georgia’s state parks.  However, many parks are close to towns with their own displays planned.

Want more ideas on affordable July 4th activities?  The State Park System has these suggestions:
• Dozens of Independence Day events, such as the bicycle and pet parade at Mistletoe State Park near Augusta, are posted at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.
• Covered picnic shelters and enclosed group shelters can be reserved for family reunions and parties.  All offer pretty views, and grills and restrooms are nearby.  Reservations should be made in advance for these popular shelters.  Individuals can use picnic tables scattered throughout all of Georgia’s state parks for free.
• Lakeside swimming beaches are free once visitors pay a $5 parking fee.  Popular spots include Reed Bingham in Adel, Indian Springs near Jackson, Red Top Mountain on Lake Allatoona, Tugaloo on Lake Hartwell and Hard Labor Creek near Rutledge.  More sandy beaches are listed at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/swimming.
• Splash pads for small children are offered at Magnolia Springs in Millen, Gordonia-Alatamaha in Reidsville and Little Ocmulgee near McRae.  www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/swimming

To learn more about Georgia’s state parks and historic sites, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or call 1-800-864-7275. Cabins, yurts, and campsites make great summer vacation destinations. Dozens of events are hosted throughout the year, such as guided hikes and paddles, snake shows, Civil War enactments, outdoor concerts and children’s nature crafts.  Programs are listed at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.

Originally published in June 2014. Updated yearly. Last updated on June 2018.