Atlanta Braves are planning fireworks after their game on Friday, July 2. (Hyosub Shin / [email protected])
By Brian O’Shea
Yes, there will be fireworks across metro Atlanta this weekend, and it won’t be limited to the ones in your neighbor’s back yard.
Atlantans will celebrate the July 4th holiday with big fireworks displays, parades, gatherings in parks and road trips. Although COVID-19 precautions remain in the background, this weekend is shaping up to be more like 2019 than 2020.
When making plans, be sure to check the calendar – some events are on Saturday (July 3) – and make note of any special rules or restrictions due to COVID-19. The federal holiday is Monday because July 4 falls on Sunday.
The major fireworks shows include Wills Park in Alpharetta, downtown Decatur, Stone Mountain Park and Marietta Square.
The celebrations in Marietta, held on Saturday, will begin with a parade in the morning. Decatur, which is celebrating on Sunday, will not host its annual Pied Piper Parade or a concert on the Decatur Square because of COVID-19 concerns.
For those whose holiday traditions include sports, the Atlanta Braves are in town, playing this weekend at Truist Park. The Braves plan fireworks after the Friday game with the Miami Marlins. If the Eastern Conference Finals in the NBA require a Game 6, the Hawks would host the Bucks at State Farm Arena on Saturday night.
Check the calendar for July 2-4
Where to see fireworks in and around Atlanta
Where to find parades, festivals and other holiday celebrations
Events near me: Thing to do this weekend in metro Atlanta
From News Partner: Where to see fireworks in Savannah, Chatham County for the Fourth of July
AJC Peachtree Road Race
One of the many events disrupted in 2020 was The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race. The annual July 4th race from Lenox Square to Piedmont Park was delayed until Thanksgiving, and the race was virtual. Racers chose their own race courses and reported results online.
The 2021 race is back to its regular July 4th schedule – almost. The race this year is taking place over two days, July 3 and 4, with options for participating in person or virtually.
The Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo at the Georgia World Congress Center is taking place over four days and is open by appointment only to registered race participants and guests they accompany.
What to know if you are racing in person
What to know if you choosing a virtual race option
How to navigate the 2021 Atlanta Peachtree Health and Fitness Expo
MARTA, ride-hailing on race days
How to prepare to race in hot weather
All you need to know about the 2021 Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race
Getaways and road trips
Metro Atlantans are expected to be among the many hitting the road, mostly by car, this week. AAA predicts that nearly 1.5 million Georgians will travel for the July 4th holiday, which would make this the second most-traveled July Fourth on record, the AJC has reported. Some travelers choosing road trips instead of flying are trying to avoid crowded planes and airports, where they might risk exposure to COVID-19 variants.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks in many outdoor or indoor locations, unless required by local laws or businesses. The rules are strict for air travel and on buses and trains. The Transportation Security Agency requires face masks at airports and on planes, as well as commuter bus and rail systems. The federal rules are enforced by fines for violators.
Stay safe for the Fourth: Plan ahead for the best holiday weekend
Heading to the lake? Know the laws to have safe fun in the sun
Tips from AAA if you’re hitting the road July 4th weekend
Safety at home
How late can you (or your neighbor) shoot fireworks in Georgia?
Safety tips for using fireworks at home
Read the original story on AJC.com.
