Parades, food and so many fireworks: 13 cities around metro Atlanta celebrating the 4th of July holiday

Various celebrations for the 4th of July are scheduled to occur throughout the metro Atlanta area. (AP Photo/John Locher)

The 4th of July is upon us, and the City of Atlanta is not the only place to celebrate! Cities and towns throughout the metro area are celebrating another year of Independence Day events.

Here’s a roundup of festive happenings all over the area.

Events are on July 4 unless otherwise noted.

Avondale Estates

The city’s 4th of July Parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Berkeley Road and Clarendon Avenue. Those who wish to join in on the fun of marching in the parade are asked to arrive at the front lawn of the DeKalb School of the Arts no later than 9:30 a.m.

Later in the evening, fireworks are scheduled for the Town Green at 7 p.m. Food and beverages will be available to purchase from various local vendors, including Taylor’d BBQ, Smileys Burger Club and Banjo Coffee.

Alpharetta

If you’re looking for fireworks, fun and an opportunity to relax with family and friends, Wills Park may be the perfect 4th of July hangout for you!

Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, food and beverages to help enjoy the park’s nighttime fireworks show, scheduled for 9:15 p.m.

Chamblee

Beginning at 6:30 p.m., music will kick the holiday off into the night with the Chamblee July Summer Concert Series, held on the front lawn of Chamblee City Hall. The event will include performances from popular Atlanta artists The Ansley Stewart Band and The Platinum Band.

In addition to the series, food and drink vendors will be on sight in the lead-up to a special holiday fireworks show, scheduled on the lawn at 9:30 p.m.

Decatur

Get a step up on fun with The Pied Piper Parade, where residents will be able to bike, march and dance through downtown Decatur. Participants are asked to arrive at 5:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Decatur.

After the parade, residents can enjoy a concert by musical group The MetroGnomes on the Decatur Square’s bandstand at 7 p.m. The performance will be followed by a fireworks show on the square at 9 p.m.

Dunwoody

The festivities begin early in the day as Dunwoody residents invite you to join in on a holiday celebration centered around the theme of “Red, White and You.”

Sponsored by the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, the 2.7-mile route, nicknamed “Georgia’s Largest Independence Day Parade” by the association, kicks off at 9 a.m. Afterward, a community picnic is planned immediately after the parade beginning at 11:30 a.m., with barbeque entrees, burgers and frozen treats available.

Kennesaw

Beginning their holiday festivities a day early, The City of Kennesaw will hold a Salute to America event in the historic downtown district. The event begins at 6:30 p.m., with fireworks closing the night out at 9:30 p.m.

Also, on July 3, the Southern Museum will host “Southern Spirits,” an event featuring food and live music counting down to the fireworks.

Musical performers include The Troubadour Project and Atlanta Rhythm Section.

Marietta

At 10 a.m., the Let Freedom Ring Parade will commence at the Roswell Street Baptist Church, with 2,000 participants and an estimated 30,000 spectators expected.

After the parade, the 4th in the Park festival will be held in Marietta Square, including carnival rides, vendors, crafts and an evening concert headlined by Savannah Jack.

Norcross

Like Kennesaw’s celebration, Norcross’ holiday event, advertised as “Red, White & Boom,” will be held at Lillian Webb Park on July 3.

“Get ready for an amazing fireworks display that will light up the night sky in shades of red, white and blue,” said a city press release. “But before the show starts, enjoy live music, delicious food, face painting and other fun activities for the whole family.”

Fireworks are scheduled to close out the night at 9:30 p.m.

Powder Springs

From 6-10 p.m., the Cobb-based city will host their 4th of July Celebration, Cruise-In and Fireworks at Thurman Springs Park and the surrounding downtown district.

“Our tradition of fabulous food, fun times and fireworks began many years ago and continues today,” said the city’s press release. “Celebrate Independence Day with your friends and family in downtown Powder Springs this July 4!”

Free shuttle service downtown will be provided to eventgoers from Link Up Church and the Powder Springs Park and Ride.

Roswell

Roswell Area Park will be the source of fun and festivities for local residents, beginning at 6 p.m., with fireworks ending the night at 9 p.m. Entertainment and specialty food trucks will also be on the premises.

“I can’t wait to see everyone there,” said Mayor Kurt Wilson in a press release. “The City of Roswell hosts the best July 4th celebration in the state! We have something for everyone—amazing music, great food, and fun for the whole family.”

Sandy Springs

The city’s holiday celebration, the Stars & Stripes Fireworks Celebration, will begin at 4 p.m. in the City Springs district.

Food trucks and live music from the band A-Town A-List will be capped off with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park dove into the 4th of July with a weeklong event that began on July 1 and is filled with fireworks, food and fun.

“Enjoy a day full of adventure with great family attractions, live entertainment during Summer at the Rock, hike the one-mile trail to the top of Stone Mountain for some amazing views of downtown Atlanta … then stay into the evening to experience the NEW Music Across America Light Show,” said a press release from the park.

To experience the attractions and light show, tickets must be purchased through the park.

Tucker

On July 3, the Dekalb city will commence its Celebrate Independence Day event at 5:30 p.m. on Main Street.

For children, a Kids Zone will be in place featuring bounce houses, carnival games and face painting.

There will also be a DJ and live entertainment for adults, leading up to the end-of-night fireworks show at around 9:15 p.m.