Peachtree Road Race
The 50th annual Peachtree Road Race officially kicks off the holiday with 60,000 people taking part in the 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. Note that the start time for the race is now earlier to help beat the summer heat. The wheelchair race begins around 6:15 a.m. and the foot race at 7 a.m. Spectators are strongly encouraged to take MARTA, which will begin running at 4 a.m. on race day. Many restaurants and bars will be open along the route, so check with your favorite watering hole. Ahead of the race, the annual Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo will be held July 2-3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Building C at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Downtown July 4th Celebration
The Fourth of July Celebration returns to Centennial Park this year with fireworks, DJ Yvonne Monet and food trucks. Gates will open at 7 p.m. and fireworks begin at approximately 9:45 p.m. If you’re planning to go, taking MARTA is strongly encouraged. Around the park, the Atlanta Children’s Museum will host a 4th of July celebration, the Georgia Aquarium is hosting Red, White and Brew, “Let Justice Roll” event at the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and The Sun Dial on top of the Westin Peachtree Plaza is hosting Red, White & View for the ultimate fireworks watching perch.
Fireworks in the Fourth Ward
The Old Fourth Ward Business Association and Ponce City Market are teaming up again for Fireworks in the Fourth Ward at Historic Fourth Ward Park. The free event will run from 5 to 11 p.m. with food, beer, wine, live music and fireworks when it’s dark. The fireworks show can also be seen from The Roof at Ponce City Market during its Fourth of July Rooftop Bash (tickets available at this link).
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.
July 4 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.