Peachtree Road Race
The annual Peachtree Road Race officially kicks off the holiday with 60,000 people taking part in the massive morning sprint from Buckhead to Midtown. As usual the race starts at Lenox Square and makes its ways down Peachtree Street to 10th Street and Piedmont Park. The wheelchair race begins around 6:45 a.m. and the foot race at 7:30 a.m. Spectators are strongly encouraged to take MARTA, which will begin running at 4:30 a.m. on race day. Many restaurants and bars will be open along the route, so check with your favorite watering hole.
Downtown July 4th Celebration
With Centennial Park undergoing renovations, the July 4th Celebration in Downtown is moving to International Plaza, the greenspace around the Georgia World Congress Center between Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Philips Arena. Gates will open at 6 p.m., entertainment starts at 7 p.m. and fireworks at approximately 9:45 p.m. R&B group After 7 will headline the event along with JFly and Friends. If you’re planning to go, taking MARTA is strongly encouraged.
Fireworks in the Fourth Ward
The Old Fourth Ward Business Association and Ponce City Market are teaming up to present Fireworks in the Fourth Ward at Historic Fourth Ward Park. The free event will run from 5 to 10 p.m. The inaugural festival will offer family-friendly activities, including cornhole, face painting and more. There will also be bites from local vendors and food trucks, King of Pops, and pours from wine tents, Creature Comforts Brewing Co. and Three Taverns Craft Brewery. Visitors are encouraged to bike, walk or use ride share services to the park. The Fourth of July fireworks show can also be seen from The Roof at Ponce City Market during their Annual Rooftop Backyard Luau BBQ. The luau-themed event begins at 5 p.m. (tickets available at this link).
VHMPA July 4th Picnic & Block Party
The Virginia-Highland & Morningside Picnic & Block Party will be held at Sidney Marcus Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and feature live music by Four Old Guys of Rock, family-friendly activities, including a patriotic bicycle and stroller decorating contest, picnic lunch offerings from local food trucks and more.
Decatur’s Pied Piper Parade and Fireworks
Get on your feet and join the Pied Piper Parade as it makes its way through downtown Decatur on July 4. Gather friends and family, ride your bike, walk or skate in this community parade. The parade lineup is at 5:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave. The parade begins at 6 p.m. and will be followed by music on the square with the Callanwolde Concert Band at 7 p.m. and fireworks after 9 p.m.
Red, White and Blue at The Zoo
All active-duty, reserve, veteran and retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces will get free admission to Zoo Atlanta and $4 off general admission for up to six accompanying guests with a valid military ID on July 4.