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! Plan to get your picnic baskets and tablecloths ready for fun gatherings to watch the fireworks!

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

Busy families have plenty of options when it comes to viewing Independence Day fireworks in Atlanta, but only one place offers a patriotic fireworks show that includes lasers, drones, flame cannons and now a giant fire wheel. And only one location offers families the option of seeing that same exact show seven nights in a row. Stone Mountain Park’s Fantastic Fourth Celebration occurs July 1 through 7 at 9:30 p.m. each night. Parking is $20 per vehicle or $40 for an annual parking pass. The fireworks shows are included with parking admission.

The Fantastic Fourth Celebration is part of Stone Mountain Park’s annual Summer at the Rock event which runs through July 28 and includes fun-filled family activities, summer entertainment, interactive attractions and plenty of beautiful, outdoor recreation experiences. All-Attractions Passes are $34.95 for adults or $29.95 for children age 3-11. Discounts are available at stonemountainpark.com.

New for this year’s fireworks shows and the nightly Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision is a giant fire wheel. Stone Mountain Park’s is the largest in North America and features fireworks which display bright colors over 50 feet in diameter while causing the wheel to turn even faster.

Enjoy a day full of adventure with great family attractions and special live entertainment including performances by the Zuzu African Acrobats, then stay into the evening to experience the Lasershow Spectacular followed by the exact same patriotic fireworks finale each night of the celebration!

Access to the Lasershow and fireworks is included with paid daily or annual parking. Attractions and entertainment are included with a daily All-Attractions Pass or annual Mountain Membership.

Summer at the Rock daytime activities include Butterfly Adventures, an interactive experience where families enter a habitat filled with over 1,000 beautiful butterflies. With opportunities to feed butterflies, learn about their lifecycle, watch a caterpillar metamorphosis and also learn how to create a butterfly garden, this is a fun-filled experience for guests of all ages enjoy.
Also new this summer are live performances by the Zuzu African Acrobats as seen on America’s Got Talent. Originally from Mombasa, Kenya, these amazing athletes feature high-energy, traditional entertainment from East Africa including incredible feats of agility, limbo, contortion, pyramid building, comedy and much more. It’s a non-stop, thrill-a-minute production for the whole family.

Plenty of other performances will keep families entertained throughout the summer including International Rockin’ Rhythms, an adventure across the globe, one song at a time; Alf and Ralph: Mystery at Pebble Ridge, a hilarious whodunnit train ride aboard the Scenic Railroad; Ask Dave, the Great Rock! everyone’s favorite giant talking boulder and self-proclaimed world expert, and so much more.

Centennial Olympic Park
 July 4th

The Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), in partnership with event sponsor The Coca-Cola Company, is bringing its annual Fourth of July Celebration back to Centennial Olympic Park.

The fireworks show will begin at 9:45 p.m. Visitors under 17 years of age are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian 25 years of age or older at all times.

Attendees are highly encouraged to take MARTA, whose closest stops to the park are Five Points, Peachtree Center and CNN Center/State Farm Arena/Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Recommended parking decks are the Red Deck (adjacent to the Georgia World Congress Center) and the Green Deck (connected to the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame).  Attendees can pre-purchase parking online for $5 or pay on-site the day of the event for $10.

City of Norcross

July 3, 2019  5pm – 11pm  Red, White and Boom! Downtown Norcross

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 2019 edition of Red White and BOOM! The good times start with a bang at 5 p.m. with bounce houses (nominal fee), festive face painting and an assortment of food vendors. 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). 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, starting at 4:00 p.m. Downtown streets close at 3:00 p.m

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

Lanier Islands Sets Sights on Blowing Fourth of July 2019 Out of the Water
Lakeside Destination in Georgia to Host Three Nights of Fireworks, Live Music, Food Events, Poolside Fun & Games, and MORE over the Course of the Long Independence Day Weekend

A year-round haven for boaters and fun-seekers alike, Georgia’s Lanier Islands gives Atlantans plenty of reasons to come ashore for this year’s long Fourth of July weekend. Between special resort stay packages, a wide stretch of white sand beach, more than a dozen water attractions, amazing food at several restaurants onsite and a jam-packed lineup of events at both Margaritaville at Lanier Islands® and the award-winning Legacy Lodge, the lakeside destination makes it easy for guests to celebrate their nation’s independence all weekend long. The fun kicks off Wednesday, July 3 and runs through Sunday, July 7 – which includes three nights of fireworks lighting up the skies over Lake Lanier.

To help visitors plan either their day or overnight stay at the lake, here is the calendar of events* for the long Fourth of July weekend at Lanier Islands:

Wednesday, July 3rd
LOCATION: Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
Low Country Boil at LandShark Bar & Grill 6-9PM
Andrew Jannakos at LandShark Landing Stage 7-10PM

Thursday, July 4th
LOCATION: Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
Silverstar Productions’ DJ at LandShark Landing Stage 12-4PM
Davin McCoy Band at LandShark Landing Stage 4-7PM
Low Country Boil at Fin Dunker Area 5-9PM
Band X at the Fin Dunker 7-10PM
4th of July Celebration with Fireworks at Landshark Landing 10PM
LOCATION: Legacy Lodge
Corn Hole all day
Pool Games 12-5PM
Free Snow Cones 2-4PM
Smores Fun $5 at Bullfrogs 7-10PM
Family Jenga 8-10PM

Friday, July 5th
LOCATION: Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
Silverstar Productions’ DJ at LandShark Landing Stage 2-6PM
Craft Beer Cruise 7-10PM
Kurt Thomas Band at LandShark Landing Stage 7-10PM
Fireworks at LandShark Landing 10PM
LOCATION: Legacy Lodge
Corn Hole all day
Pool Games 12-5PM
Free Snow Cones 2-4PM
Smores Fun $5 at Bullfrogs 7-10PM
Family Dive-In Movies by the Pool 8-10PM

Saturday, July 6th
LOCATION: Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
Silverstar Productions’ DJ at LandShark Landing 2-6PM
Margarita Cruise 5-8PM
Low Country Boil at LandShark Bar & Grill 6-9PM
A Blast Band at the Fin Dunker 7-10PM
Fireworks at LandShark Landing 10PM
LOCATION: Legacy Lodge
Face Painting in the Lobby 8-11AM
Kids Stretching at Pool 11AM
Pool Games 12-5PM
Free Snow Cones 2-4PM
Smores Fun $5 at Bullfrogs 7-10PM
Family Dive-In Movies by the Pool 8-10PM
Seafood Buffet at Sidney’s Restaurant 5:30-8:30PM

Sunday, July 7th
LOCATION: Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
Sunday Brunch Cruise 11AM-1PM
Silverstar Productions’ DJ at LandShark Landing Stage 1-5PM
LOCATION: Legacy Lodge
Face Painting in the Lobby 8-11AM
Kids Stretching at Pool 11AM
Pool Games 12-5PM
Free Snow Cones 2-4PM
Smores Fun $5 at Bullfrogs 7-10PM
Family Dive-In Movies by the Pool 8-10PM

Lanier Islands’ highly revered Legacy Lodge offers a number of special packages that can make planning an Independence Day-themed staycation a snap. The Family Fun Package comes complete with deluxe overnight accommodations, four passes to Margaritaville at Lanier Islands and breakfast buffet for four. The resort also offers a Three Day Stay special offer and a Bed-and-Breakfast package, among others. Beach/event access is included for all hotel guests, season pass holders and daily ticket holders. For all other visitors – by land or lake – beach/event access is just $10/person between July 4-7, 2019. To learn more about Lanier Islands, book a stay, purchase passes to Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, rent a dock slip, schedule tee times and more, please visit www.lanierislands.com.

* Calendar of events subject to change without notice.

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

Celebrate Independence Day at Georgia Aquarium on Thursday, July 4 with unlimited beer and cider samples, classic BBQ dinner, live music, and over 500 aquatic species! Red, White & Brew will be held in our magnificent Oceans Ballroom with views of our beluga whales, manta rays and whale sharks.

To cap off the evening, all guests are invited to join us on the top floor of Georgia Aquarium’s parking deck for a spectacular view of the Atlanta skyline and Centennial Olympic Park’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration.

Entry and exit for Red, White & 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.

Feel free to download the 2019 Brew Map to take a look at all of your beer options!

Your ticket includes:

• Admission to the Aquarium from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Souvenir tasting glass
• Unlimited samples of a huge variety of local and national brews
• Live music
• Classic BBQ dinner menu provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering (* = vegetarian option)
  • Pulled BBQ Pork
  • Buttermilk Fried Chicken
  • Grilled Corn on the Cob*
  • Four Cheese Macaroni and Cheese*
  • Baked Beans*
  • Creamy Cole Slaw*
  • Southern Style Potato Salad*
  • Sweet Hawaiian Rolls*
  • Cheese Biscuits*
  • Tater Tot Bar* (vegetarian without bacon bits)
  • Assorted Desserts*
  • Water, Soda and Coffee Stations

Proceeds from Red, White & Brew benefit Georgia Aquarium’s Sponsored Education Admissions(S.E.A.) program.

Terms and Conditions: 21 and over only. Must show ID at the door. No ID = no entry and no refunds. No refunds for no shows or late arrivals. Tickets are subject to sell out and will NOT be available at the door. Tickets will go off sale at 6:30pm on the day of the event or when sold out, whichever comes first

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.