It used to be simple to decide what to do on the Fourth of July in Buckhead. The annual fireworks over Lenox Square Mall were always spectacular, and it was usually the largest fireworks display in the metro area. After 57 years, the Lenox Square fireworks were cancelled in 2017, and the celebration was combined with the competing fireworks show at Centennial Park in downtown Atlanta. The Centennial Park Celebration was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but it is back for 2022 with a few changes. See our list below for the details.
There is still one Independence Day tradition that is alive and well in Buckhead. The Peachtree Road Race has started in Buckhead each July 4 since 1970, except for a virtual race due to the pandemic in 2020. Runners hurry each year to grab one of the 60,000 spots in the world’s largest 10k race.
You can participate in the Peachtree Road Race, even if you’re not a runner. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer on the Atlanta Track Club website. Positions include Race Marshall, and simply handing out snacks and water at various stations along the route. Many of the volunteer locations are easily accessible in the heart of Buckhead.
The party continues at the finish line in Piedmont Park. You can drive or take Marta to midtown to enjoy live music and food trucks, or simply cheer on the tired runners as they finish the race.
Even though our neighborhood doesn’t have its own fireworks show, there are plenty of opportunities to celebrate nearby. We’ve compiled a list of celebrations to enjoy in nearby communities. Many of these are accessible by Marta or a short Uber ride if you don’t want to hassle with parking.
The largest fireworks display in the Southeast is back in 2022 with some big changes. The all-new celebration is titled “Look Up Atlanta’, and it will be held on Sunday, July 3. The biggest change besides the event not being held on the fourth, is the addition of tickets. That’s right, you’ll have to pay for the privilege of attending what has always been a free event.
In addition to the huge fireworks display, there will be numerous food and beverage options for purchase, and performances by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Angelica Hale.
Tickets start at $10, with VIP options up to $40. All proceeds benefit the Centennial Olympic Park beautification fund. Check out the event website to find out more and purchase tickets.
Baseball fans can celebrate Independence Day with America’s Team at Truist Park on July 4th. The Braves will take on the St Louis Cardinals at 7:20pm, with fireworks following the game. Be sure to get there early to find a parking space and take advantage of the great dining options at The Battery. Visit the Braves website for tickets.
Our neighbors in Sandy Springs continue to create fun events on the lawn at City Springs. If you haven’t checked out this great outdoor venue yet, we think you’ll be delighted when you do.
The lawn will open to set up lawn chairs and blankets at 4:00pm on the 4th, and food trucks from around the metro area will begin serving at 6:00. “America’s Greatest 80s Tribute Band”, Electric Avenue, will start rocking at 7:30, and they will play until the fireworks start at 9:30. Visit the Sandy Springs website for more information.
The Stone Mountain Lasershow is an Atlanta tradition, and the park goes all out to celebrate Independence Day. Reservations are recommended, but the Park’s celebration goes on for five nights. This is a great option if you want to see great fireworks without battling the crowds on July 4. You and your family can spend the day hiking at the park or enjoying the other park attractions, then take in the laser show and fireworks after dark. Visit the Stone Mountain website to reserve your passes.
The spirit of Buckhead heads forward. This is the way it has been, and perhaps this is the way it will always be. The spirit of Buckhead points forward. You see it in the way we work, and you see it in the way we play. The reach is always extending further. The search is for excellence and beauty and grace and vibrancy.
We are a community of individuals. We are diverse, we are dynamic, and we are discerning. We are builders. We are connected to one another with a common bond. A common dream. A common quest. Pointing life in one direction. Forward.
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