It’s 2020, and most of our Independence Day celebrations and fireworks are canceled. We’ve gone through last year’s events listing on this page and deleted everything that isn’t happening — which didn’t leave us with much, especially inside the Perimeter. You can find a list of official fireworks cancellations at the bottom of the page.
This list is still evolving, so please check back!
Click through each link (in the event title) for details. Some events these days are limited capacity and require advance registration.
But remember, just because something is happening doesn’t mean you have to go. Your mom wants us to tell you to be safe, weigh your risks, and make good choices.
If you know of something that’s happening over the July 4th holiday weekend, please email us at editor@atlantaonthecheap.com and let us know. We’re especially interested in fireworks displays that families can watch from their cars.
You can also scroll down to the bottom of the page for a day-by-day calendar of upcoming 2020 July 4th holiday weekend events.
Fireworks, celebrations, and events
Note that not all of these events are limited to July 4th — this list covers the whole holiday weekend.
Fireworks at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands
Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, 2020
$15 beach fee applies
(Fireworks on Saturday, July 4th at dark)
Click through the link to see the full schedule of activities. The website advises coming early, as people may be turned away once the facilities reach capacity.
Details and schedule here
(Virtual) Salute to the Red, White, & Blue
Saturday, July 4th, 2020.
The city of East Point has canceled its usual summer carnival on Independence Day — but is offering a FREE virtual fireworks celebration that uses augmented reality via a smartphone app. It looks as if anyone could use the app — we haven’t seen a way in which it is limited to East Point residents.
Get the details here
July 4th Spectacular in Woodstock
Saturday, July 4, 2020.
The parade and festival will NOT take place this year, but the fireworks continue as usual, starting at dusk. The event is FREE to attend.
Get the details
Fireworks Frenzy at East Cobb Swim & Tennis
Saturday, July 4, 2020.
This event popped up in our Facebook feed, so we’re listing it here. There is very little info about it and this appears to be a private social club. But if you live in the area, you may be able to find a spot where you can see the fireworks. If so, please be courteous and respect private property.
Cumming 4th of July celebration
Saturday, July 4, 2020
10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
A day of FREE festivities includes a parade, food vendors, music, and fireworks.
The parade starts at 10 a.m. at Forsyth Central High School and makes its way to the Cumming Fairgrounds. Then, a festival at the fairgrounds goes from 4 to 10 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:30 p.m. The events and parking are free, but bring your wallet for food.
Canton’s Fireworks Display
Saturday, July 4, 2020
Dusk
Watch from Riverstone Boulevard.
Fourth at the Farm, by Mitcham Farm
Saturday, July 4, 2020
1 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Fireworks at dusk
The farm is located in Oxford, GA, which is out I-20 East, near Covington. It’s not a bad drive for folks on the south side of town.
This event includes:
– Live Music (Country River Band, Mansfield Pickers, and Elvis Seventy-Seven)
– Bebo the Clown
– Petting Zoo
– Pie Eating Contest with MC Ty Rumble
– Antique Tractors on Display
– Giant Jump Pad
– Cow Train Rides
– Giant Slide
– Concessions (ice cream, donuts, funnel cake, hot dogs, and more)
– Fireworks (15-minute show at dark)
Fireworks will be set off behind the pond. Bring a lawn chair! Please note that no alcoholic beverages or smoking is permitted at the farm.
TICKETS: $8 per person
Law enforcement and children 3 yrs and under are FREE.
All activities are included in admission other than concessions
Click to buy tickets
Rain or shine event.
July 4th with National Archives (virtual event)
Saturday, July 4, 2020
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This is a family-friendly event, full of fun and educational activities.
Click through the link above for details and a schedule of events, which start every hour on the hour.
Also, now through August 2nd, kids can follow the educational program “Virtual Journey of the Declaration of Independence” on Facebook (@USNationalArchives).
Cocktails in the Garden
Friday, July 3
Saturday, July 4
Sunday, July 5
5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Head to midtown at twilight for specialty cocktails at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. You’ll need to purchase an advance ticket for a timed entry to the garden, and then you’ll find cocktails available for purchase at several bars.
July 4th Drive-in Concert at From the Earth Brewing Co.
Saturday, July 4, 2020
5 p.m.
$20 advance ticket online
($50 for a front row spot)
From the Earth Brewing Co. is a gastropub in Roswell, located at 1570 Holcomb Bridge Rd. Food and drink is available on-site — no outside food/beverages are allowed. Social distancing will be in effect.
Get the details
Fourth of July Weekend at Wild Heaven Beer (both locations)
Friday through Sunday
Click for daily hours at each location
Both locations of Wild Heaven are open, so you can spend time on the patio over the holiday weekend. There will be food on-site — and beer, of course. Free sparklers! Visit the website for info on safety measures.
Original Avondale location
135-B Maple Street
Decatur, GA 3003
West End location, at the Lee + White development
1010 White St SW
Atlanta, GA 30310
Marietta Beer Bus
July 4, 2020
2 to 8:30 p.m.
Marietta Square
The popular ride service is running you can hop on the Marietta Beer Bus and enjoy a FREE shuttle ride to 6 craft alcohol establishments.
Details on the Beer Bus
Fireworks cancellation list
- Centennial Olympic Park
- Stone Mountain Park
- Decatur
- Sandy Springs (Concourse)
- Mall of Georgia
- Chamblee
- Avondale Estates
- Norcross
- Dunwoody (postponed)
- East Point (holding virtual event instead)
- East Atlanta Village
- Johns Creek
- Old Fourth Ward (Ponce City Market)
- Roswell (postponed)
- Alpharetta
- Marietta
- Acworth (Cauble Park)
- Atlanta Motor Speedway
- Kennesaw (postponed to September 12, 2020)
More things to do over the holiday weekend
Picnic in The Yard at Ponce City Market
Walking on the Eastside Trail this weekend? Stop at PCM, grab a bite to-go from one of the restaurants in the Food Hall, and enjoy a picnic on The Yard — which features marked hangout diamonds, so you can easily maintain a safe distance from other groups. How clever is this? (See photo below)
Stream the Hamilton movie from home
Beginning Friday, July 3rd, you can watch the original Broadway cast perform their iconic roles in Hamilton. And it’s just $6.99, for a one-month subscription of Disney Plus, which you can cancel at any time.
The film was shot over three days, during the original Broadway run — which means you can see the original cast starring in their iconic roles. It tells the story of Alexander Hamilton and other American founding fathers.
Details here
Explore the South Fulton Scenic Byway
Too hot to hike? Then get in the car, crank up the AC, and take a scenic drive — without going far from home. The South Fulton Scenic Byway has been called the loneliest road in metro Atlanta — and it is so gorgeous, you won’t believe you’re still in Fulton County. Remember to make a plan for safe and hygienic bathroom breaks!
Get the route details
Walk on a nature trail
Find a shady trail close to home and take a walk in the woods! We recommend the trail at Murphey Candler Park, and are working to bring you more info on parks and trails — so stay tuned!
Stream Atlanta Ballet’s Beauty and the Beast
The performance took place in 2018, but has been retrieved from the archives. Beauty and the Beast is a family-friendly performance. It is just one hour long, and is designed to appeal to kids as well as grownups. More details here.
Watch Beauty and the Beast here
Visit Stone Mountain Park
Much of the park is still open, for a long walk or a leisurely drive. Enjoy the historic mill and quarry exhibit, or hike to the mountaintop (or around the base of the mountain). Other activities are closed for now — details here. The Fantastic Fourth Celebration & Fireworks, along with the LaserShow, are cancelled this year.
Check out a local farmers market
There are a variety of markets happening this weekend, including markets at Grant Park, the Jimmy Carter Center, Alpharetta, The Battery, and more. Please double-check hours! Some markets may have adjusted their hours because of the holiday.
Find a farmers market near you this weekend
Try the Summer Scramble Scavenger Hunt at Oakland Cemetery
Do some sleuthing in the cemetery this holiday weekend! Oakland’s gates are open on the 4th of July, as well as the rest of the weekend. You purchase your packet of clues online, choosing from three different levels of difficulty.
Summer Scramble details
Head to a Georgia State Park
Most of the parks are open now, for hiking and picnics. Splash pads and pools remain closed.
Get the details here.
Watch the animals at Zoo Atlanta
The zoo is mostly open, although indoor attractions, rides, and play areas remain closed.
Tickets are being sold for specific time slots, to manage crowd capacity — so you’ll need to plan ahead.
Get the details on Zoo Atlanta’s new policies and safety measures.
See the flowers at Atlanta Botanical Garden
Atlanta Botanical Garden is open to the public once again. Tickets are being sold for specific time slots, to manage crowd capacity — so you’ll need to plan ahead.
Get the details on ABG’s new policies and safety measures.
Grill a delicious meal at home
If you’re staying home this weekend, consider getting a delivery of fresh meat, seafood, or sausage for grilling — order for home delivery from Farmers & Fishermen Purveyors, a restaurant supplier who moved to a consumer model when the restaurants shut down.
Read our report about Farmers & Fishermen Purveyors here.
The Fresh Market also has some grilling specials and food kits available for curbside pickup, or delivery through Instacart.
Take a virtual tour through American history
Sometimes we forget that Independence Day is not just about fireworks. Take time to visit one of these historic landmarks virtually, perhaps as a family activity.
Museum of the American Revolution
Smithsonian Museum of American History
Binge-watch some movies about the American spirit
These are all available to stream. Some are free with a subscription, others can be rented for a small fee. Just use the search function on your streaming device to locate the title.
- 13th
- 1776
- Air Force One
- A League of Their Own
- Apollo 13
- Born on the Fourth of July
- Captain America: The First Avenger
- Forrest Gump
- Gettysburg
- G.I. Jane
- Glory
- Hamilton
- Harriet
- Hidden Figures
- Independence Day
- Lincoln
- Loving
- Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
- National Treasure
- Saving Private Ryan
- Selma
- The American President
- The Right Stuff
- Yankee Doodle Dandy
- Young Mr. Lincoln
- Zero Dark Thirty
