If you’d like to celebrate America’s 250th birthday without the ear-splitting noise of fireworks this 4th of July weekend, there are plenty of options.
They include festivals, concerts, parades, and drone or laser light shows (which light up the sky without the explosions!)
And of course, you can head to an evening celebration that features a concert or festival, and then leave before fireworks begin.
Browse our huge list of 4th of July celebrations for those options.
Fourth of July celebrations WITHOUT fireworks
Click thru the links for more info on each of these events.
Any events that take place BEFORE July 4th have the dates noted in red.
♦ Cobb County’s festival & drone light show
Friday, June 26, 2026
5 to 10 p.m.
Jim Miller Park
Marietta
FREE
Cobb County celebrates 250 years of American independence with a family-friendly festival and a patriotic drone light show that will light up the night sky.
It features live entertainment, food trucks, and more.
For the kids, there is rock climbing, a petting zoo, face painting, and other activities.
Details here
♦ Lilburn’s “Li’l Liberties” pop-up events
Patriotic Pops at the Park
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
1:00 p.m. at Lilburn City Park
Kick off the holiday week with a free red, white, and blue Popsicle at Lilburn City Park (while supplies last).
Cool down, celebrate summer and enjoy a sweet patriotic treat while supplies last.
Red, White, & Ragtime in the Park
Thursday, July 2, 2026
6:00 p.m. at Lilburn City Park
Step back in time and celebrate American musical heritage with a lively performance by the Atlanta Ragtime Band, bringing toe-tapping energy and classic sounds to Lilburn City Park.
Sidewalk Salute Chalk Art Party
Saturday, July 4, 2026
3 to 7 p.m. at Flagpole Plaza in Lilburn City Park
Grab some chalk and show your patriotic pride!
Families and residents are invited to help transform the sidewalks into a vibrant “Sidewalk Salute,” filling the plaza with red, white, and blue creativity as we celebrate America together.
♦ Milton: Walking Parade & Foam Pit
Friday, July 3, 2026
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
It’s all happening at the Broadwell Pavilion! Come for the parade at 10 a.m., dressed in your most patriotic attire. Scooters, bikes, and leashed pets are welcome. There are prizes for best outfits and decorations. Then, after the parade, get ready to make a splash at the Foam Pit.
More info
♦ Star-Spangled Laser Show in Duluth
Friday, July 3, 2026
6 to 10 p.m.
Downtown Duluth
Head to the Town Green for food trucks, patriotic characters, live music, family fun, and a high-energy laser spectacular lighting up the night.
The laser show begins at 9:30pm, so grab your crew; wear your red, white, and blue; and get ready to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
More info
♦ Alpharetta: 3rd of July Concert & Drone Show
Friday, July 3, 2026
6 to 10 p.m.
The concert features live music by Party on the Moon, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
The Drone Shower starts at 9:30.
More info
♦ Decatur: Pied Piper Parade & Concert
Saturday July 4, 2026
If you want to walk, bike, or skate, just put on your red, white, and blue and register here, then show up for the parade lineup at 3 p.m.
There is also a band concert on the Square at 7 p.m. — but be forewarned that it will be followed by fireworks.
More info
♦ Avondale Estates: 4th of July Parade
Saturday, July 4, 2026
The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Berkeley Rd and Clarendon Ave. It will then travel on Clarendon to S. Avondale Rd. It’s a rain-or-shine event.
More info
♦ Dunwoody: 4th of July Parade & Festival
Saturday, July 4, 2026
The annual 4th of July parade features marching bands, floats, clowns, and local celebrities. It starts at 9 a.m. along Mount Vernon Rd. It is followed by a festival in Dunwoody Village.
More info and parade viewing tips
♦ Braselton: July 4th Festival & Laser Show
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Highlights in historic downtown Braselton include a concert on the Town Green, food trucks, Patriotic Parade, and a laser show at dark.
Go to the website
♦ Marietta: 4th in the Park
Friday, July 3, 2026
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Marietta Square
Come for a kick-off concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 3rd, then head back to the square for the main celebration on Saturday, July 4th.
On the 4th, this is an all-day event on the Marietta Square and Glover Park, starting with the Let Freedom Ring Parade at 10 a.m. The fun continues through the afternoon and evening with an arts & crafts festival, Kids Zone, food trucks, and FREE concerts.
At 7 p.m., the headline act, Departure (a Journey tribute band), takes the stage — but there will be fireworks after the concert, so keep that in mind.
More info
♦ Cartersville: 4th of July Parade & Festival
Saturday, July 4, 2026
The Fourth of July Parade in downtown Cartersville, begins at 9 a.m.
Then there are festivities at Dellinger Park begin at 4 p.m.
Warning: There will be fireworks around 9 p.m., so enjoy the festival early and then move on.
Admission is free, but parking fees may apply.
More info
♦ Canton: 4th of July Parade
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Head to downtown Canton for a patriotic parade at 6 p.m.
Heads up: The parade is followed by a concert and then fireworks at dusk.
More info
♦ Cumming: 4th of July Parade & Festival
Saturday, July 4, 2026
The patriotic parade is happening in downtown Cumming, starting at 10 a.m.
Then, you can head to the Cumming Fairgrounds for a day of fun, beginning at 4 p.m. The celebration includes food trucks, kids zone, vendors, and live music.
FREE admission and parking.
Just head home before dark, to avoid the fireworks!
More info
♦ Woodstock: July 4th Parade & Festival
Saturday, July 4, 2026
This is an all-day celebration, lasting from10 a.m. to 10 p.m., so you can easily avoid the loud booms by heading home before dark.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Woodstock Elementary School and will travel down on Rope Mill Road, then south on Main Street through Downtown Woodstock to the Sam’s Club parking lot near Main Street and Highway 92.
The parade is about 1.5 miles long.
Come early to grab your viewing spot!
The Independence Day Spectacular Festival will take place in The Park at City Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will be food vendors as well as arts and crafts vendors.
There will also be games and activities for children, and live music for entertainment.
The highlight is the HUGE Foam Party — so bring your towel and dry clothes.
You’ll also find carnival games and mini golf.
More info
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