4th of July Celebrations in Atlanta, GA

Before you know it, Independence Day will be here again! For those living in Atlanta (or nearby), there are quite a few firework festivals. Here's a guide to some of the best:

1. Fantastic Fourth Celebration
Location: Stone Mountain Park, U.S. 78 East, Stone Mountain
Fireworks Begin: 9:30 PM

This fireworks display, held yearly, is technically free but requires a parking permit for vehicle entry. It's $10 for a single day, but a yearly permit can be purchased for $35. In addition to the fireworks, the park offers live entertainment, food, the Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf, the Summit Skyride, and more. It's best to arrive early for the fireworks show; this is one of the most popular in GA! Call 770-498-5690 for more information.

2. Centennial Olympic Park 4th of July Celebration
Location: 265 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. NW, Downtown Atlanta
Fireworks Begin: 9:30 PM

Though fireworks officially start at 9:30, Centennial will be holding festivities all day for Independence Day. From noon to 5 PM, they have children's activities; from 5 to 9 PM, there will be live musical performances. All of the merriment is free. Call 404-222-7275 for more information.

3. The Fabulous Fourth
Location: Mall of Georgia - 3333 Buford Dr., Buford, GA
Fireworks Begin: Dusk

The day's festivities at "The Fabulous Fourth" officially begin at 2 PM, including concerts in the Village Amphitheater, and "family games" in the parking lot. A fireworks display begins at sundown, followed by a showing of the animated film Open Season, featuring the voices Martin Lawrence, Ashton Kutcher, Gary Sinise, and Debra Messing. Call 678-482-8788 for more information.

4. The 49th Annual 4th of July
Location: Lenox Square - 3393 Peachtree Rd. NE, Atlanta
Begins: 6 PM

At the start of this festival, musical performances will be featured, including country singer Ashton Shepard at 9 PM. Kid Zone, with fun and games for children of all ages, starts at 5 PM. Fireworks begin at 9:40. Call 404-233-6767 for more information.

5. Decatur 4th of July Parade, Concert and Fireworks
Location: Old Courthouse on the Square - 101 Court St. Decatur, GA 30030
Begins: 6 PM

Decatur, located within Atlanta's perimeter, features its own fireworks show following both the Pied Piper Parade and the Callanwolde Concert Band. The Concert Band, for newcomers, will be playing a number of patriotic and popular songs, concluding with selections from Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. Fireworks begin at sunset.

6. STATS Restaurant
Location: Downtown Atlanta - 300 Marietta St. NW Atlanta, GA 30313
Begins: N/A
Style: Contemporary American, Comfort Food

STATS doesn't have its own fireworks show, per se, but according to some Atlanta residents in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, it has one of the best views of the city's fireworks on its rooftop deck. The restaurant offers great food for $30 and under, as well as beer, private dining, and bar/lounge.

7. 8th Annual July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza
Location: Roswell High School - 11595 King Rd. Roswell, GA 30075
Begins: 5:30 PM

If you live in or around Roswell, Roswell High School offers its own annual fireworks show, including music, food, and other entertainment. The jamboree begins at 5:30 with Back Trax, followed by Banks and Shane at 7:30 (this is country music, by the way...if that's your style!). Fireworks begin at dark. For more information, call 770-641-3705.

So, Georgians...these are some of the main events in and around Atlanta. If none of these shows appeal to you, there are a number of restaurants and bars offering their own celebrations, in addition to fireworks.

Have fun, and wherever you're celebrating, remember why it's called Independence Day!