Celebrate Fourth of July with parades across metro Atlanta
Is there a more nostalgic piece of Americana than a local Independence Day Parade? Arguably, no. And Atlanta’s metro communities are stepping up and stepping off in a big way this Fourth. You can be among the thousands of spectators lined up to watch the colorful floats, marching bands, horseback participants and local celebrities as they make their way down main streets throughout the area. Here’s how:
Pied Piper Parade, Concert and Fireworks
This is your chance to see Decatur celebrate Independence Day to the max with a well-known parade that’s sure to please. Floats, bicycles and wagons will roll through downtown in the early evening before Concerts in the Square kicks off at the community bandstand.
Location: Decatur Square; Website: facebook.com; Date: July 4; Time: 6 p.m.; Admission: Free
Avondale Estates Fourth of July Parade
This kid-friendly parade will feature Lightning McQueen, Paw Patrol and Ghostbuster characters, and more! The procession starts at the intersection of Clarendon Avenue and Berkeley Road and will move down Clarendon to South Avondale Road. See your neighbors, young and old, make their way along on motorcycles, floats, bicycles and scooters.
Location: Clarendon Avenue and Berkeley Road - Avondale Estates; Website: avondaleestates.org; Date: July 4; Time: 10 a.m.; Admission: Free
Dunwoody Fourth of July Parade
This celebration dubs itself the state’s “largest Independence Day parade.” Its theme this year is “Red, White and You,” and it rolls through Woodstock in the early morning. This year’s grand marshall will be David Abes, founder of Dash Hospitality Group. Be among the 35,000 anticipated spectators to catch marching bands, clowns, floats, local celebrities and more! The parade steps off from the intersection of Jett Ferry and Mt. Vernon roads, proceeds down Mt. Vernon, makes a right at Dunwoody Village onto Dunwoody Village Parkway, makes a circle around the Parkway and turns in to Dunwoody Village between Citizens Bank and First Watch.
Location: Mt. Vernon Road and Jett Ferry Road (step-off); Website: dunwoodyga.org; Date: July 4; Time: 9 a.m.; Admission: Free
Let Freedom Ring Parade - Marietta
Catch the Independence Day spirit with the Let Freedom Ring Parade in Marietta! Be among the 30,000 expected spectators to catch 110 glittering entries make their way west on Roswell Street, north down East Park Square, and down Cherokee Street to end up at North Marietta Parkway. At the end of the parade, the city’s 4th in the Park Celebration begins.
Location: Roswell Street Baptist Church (step-off); Website: mariettaga.gov; Date: July 4; Time: 10 a.m.; Admission: Free
Cartersville Fourth of July Celebration
Come on out to Cartersville for a Fourth of July parade your family will love! You’ll be supporting charities, too, as all proceeds go to local organizations. The parade starts at Tabernacle Baptist Church, proceeds down Douglas Street and then makes a rectangle following Church, Bartow, Main and Tennessee streets before turning right onto Douglas Street and ending back at the church.
Location: Tabernacle Baptist Church (step-off); Website: etowahrotary.com; Date: July 4; Time: 9 a.m.; Admission: Free
Woodstock Fourth of July Spectacular Parade
This rolling celebration starts at Woodstock Elementary School, moves down Rope Mill Road, travels south on Main Street and concludes at Sam’s Club. Fourth festivities in Woodstock also include a 5K run at 7 a.m., a festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Park at City Center and fireworks at 9 p.m.
Location: Woodstock Elementary School (step-off); Website: woodstockga.gov; Date: July 4; Time: 10 a.m.; Admission: Free
Newnan Fourth of July Parade
Coweta Countians will start their Fourth festivities off early in the day with this annual parade that steps off from Veteran’s Memorial Park and ends just before Greenville Street Park.
Location: Veteran’s Memorial Park (step-off); Website: mainstreetnewnan.com; Date: July 4; Time: 9 a.m.; Admission: Free
Peachtree City July 4 Parade
This patriotic procession begins on Peachtree Parkway in front of Village on the Green. It will move north and make a left turn onto McIntosh Trail before ending at McIntosh Trail Complex.
Location: Village on the Green (step-off); Website: peachtree-city.org; Date: July 4; Time: 9 a.m.; Admission: Free
Milton Independence Day Walking Parade
Milton is bringing the Independence Day party spirit with a lower-key parade followed by a patriotic dance party. Bring out the whole family, and proceed with wagons, bikes and scooters. Your leashed pets are welcome, too! Prizes will go out for most patriotic decorations and outfits.
Location: Broadwell Pavilion; Website: miltonga.gov; Date: July 4; Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Admission: Free
The 67th Annual Thomas Mashburn Steam Engine Parade
Thundering steam engines take to the streets of Cumming in this treasured annual event. The route starts at Forsyth Central High School and heads south down Tribble Gap Road with an ending at the Cumming Fairgrounds. Hearing protection recommended.
Location: Forsyth Central High School (step-off); Website: cummingfair.squarespace.com; Date: July 4; Time: 10 a.m.; Admission: Free
Metro Atlanta’s best Fourth of July events: Music, food and more