From foot races to fireworks, Atlanta will be buzzing with activity this 4th of July. Here are just a few of Atlanta's 4th of July traditions:
Best Places in Atlanta to See Fireworks for July the 4th
Fourth of July Package Rate at the Westin Buckhead: Experience the fourth of July in Buckhead, Atlanta's best firework extravaganza. The fourth of July package includes one night's accommodations from $259/night with a guaranteed view of the fireworks, a $40 food & beverage credit per day and valet parking for one car.
Fourth of July Package Rate at the Sheraton Buckhead: Be just steps away from Lenox Square, where the Peachtree Road Race kicks off in the morning and the evening festivities begin. Exclusive rates start at just $105/night.
The Peachtree Road Race is an annual 4th of July tradition in Atlanta. Yes, the dead of summer in Georgia might not seem the best time to run a 10k race, but it just makes the bragging rights for those that finish all the more powerful. An estimated 55,000 runners from all over the world participate in this event, which is supposed to be the largest race of its kind in the world. The Kenyan runners tend to dominate the top spots, both on the men's and women's side. The race kicks off very early, understandably due to the heat, on the morning of July the 4th. The race winds through the heart of the city, starting at Lenox Square in Buckhead and finishing up in Piedmont Park in Midtown. Spectators line up all the way down the race route, cheering on the runners.
For a spectacular fireworks display in Downtown Atlanta, check out the Centennial Olympic Park 4th of July Celebration. After the annual Salute 2 America Parade, which ends in the park, there will be some time to enjoy the park's amenities and then there will be live music, and a professional fireworks display, which looks great over the Downtown Atlanta skyline.
Picnic in the Pods at the Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar and View: Definitely the best place in Downtown Atlanta to see fireworks, the Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar, and View at the Westin Peachtree Plaza will feature a menu including chicken fingers, corn dogs, and potato salad that's perfect for the whole family. The cost is $35 a person not including alcohol; children under six eat free. Or, for a more sophisticated celebration, the Bar level will feature a full selection of specialty cocktails and live jazz music. Diners can enjoy a three-course holiday menu ($65 per person) on the restaurant level.
If you prefer your fireworks uptown, or are loyal to Atlanta's original Fourth of July celebration, then head for Lenox Square Mall and their fireworks spectacular. Before Centennial Olympic Park existed, Lenox Square Mall was the main intown Fourth of July public celebration.
If you want past history mixed with present day patriotism, then Stone Mountain Park is your ticket. They don't just offer fireworks, they offer a terrific laser show preceding the fireworks display, so you really get your money's worth.
Fabulous Fourth at the Georgia International Horse Park: This is a July Fourth Celebration with craft vendors, food, amusement rides, face painting, pony rides, & moonwalk, displays, demonstrations, with a fireworks finale. This event is free parking and free admission. Festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. For additional information, please call the Conyers Welcome Center at 770-602-2606.
Surf and Sand Spectacular at Callaway Gardens: The day-long holiday event features circus performances, beach games, miniature golf, and then in the evening, a fireworks show over Robin Lake.
Dunwoody Salutes America Fourth of July Parade: This event features marching bands, floats, clowns, animal units and local celebrities. The parade steps off at 9:30 a.m. from the Mt. Vernon Shopping Center, proceeds west down Mt Vernon road for approximately two miles and ends on Dunwoody Village Parkway. Presented by the Dunwoody Homeowners Association and the Dunwoody Crier. For further information call 404-250-9938.
Two Urban Licks Independence Day Celebration: Staying in town for the Fourth? Join TWO. urban licks for an Independence Day celebration. Enjoy the fireworks from TWO's patio with live music, bocce ball, drink specials and great food from Chef Scott Serpas! Call for reservations: 404-522-4622.
July 4th Fireworks and Festivities at Alpharetta's Wills Park: Celebrate Independence Day as crowds have done for years with family and friends. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets to relax under the stars! Activities include children’s games (5-8 pm), a concert by the Alpharetta City Band and other musicians beginning at 6:30 pm. Watch the spectacular fireworks display at dusk and plan to stay late. Food vendors will be located throughout the park for your convenience. Free. July 4 at 5-10 p.m.
Fireworks Extravaganza and Thursday Thunder Racing: July 4th and July 5th at Atlanta Motor Speedway. As part of Papa John’s Pizza Red, White and Blue night during Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Thursday Thunder racing series, for the first time ever in the series’ history, the evening of racing excitement will take place on a Wednesday to celebrate July 4th. Immediately following the on-track fireworks between competitors, thousands of exploding shells will light the night sky in one of the largest fireworks displays in Atlanta. Admission is $5. Tickets for children 6-11 are $1 with ages 5 and under free. Concession specials include sliced watermelon, ice cream bars and barbecue sandwiches. Spectator gates open at 6 p.m. Feature racing starts at 7:45 p.m. and the night's fireworks extravaganza will follow the racing program at approximately 10:00 p.m.