Our nation’s birthday is celebrated coast to coast with fireworks, picnics and festivals. Metro Atlanta is no different. Several cities have Fourth of July events that offer a fun time for your family. Here are some great ways to celebrate Independence Day that are just a short drive away:

ACWORTH – July 4
4th OF JULY CELEBRATION sponsored by The City of Acworth and the Acworth Business Association. Live music will start at 4pm. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30pm. Food vendors will be on site. Free admission. Parking pass and tables available for event. Residents: $50; Non-residents: $70. Parking without a pass is available in downtown. Lake Acworth Beach at Cauble Park, 4425 Beach Street, Acworth. More info: 770-917–1234 or visit www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.

ALPHARETTA- July 4
JULY 4TH FIREWORKS AT WILLS PARK. Celebrate Independence Day with family and friends at Wills Park! Food Trucks and music start at 6pm, The spectacular fireworks display begins at dusk. Fireworks will be shot regardless of the weather conditions. Wills Park, 1825 Old Milton Parkway Alpharetta. More info: 678-297-6130 or www.alpharetta.ga.us.

DUNWOODY– July 4
DUNWOODY 4TH OF JULY PARADE hosted by the Dunwoody Homeowners Association and the Dunwoody Crier newspaper. Features marching bands, local celebrities, and floats. Parade starts at 9am at the intersection of Mt. Vernon Road and Jett Ferry Road (West side of the street), follows west on Mt. Vernon to Dunwoody Village at 5483 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. Spectators are encouraged to set up chairs along Mt. Vernon and Dunwoody Village Parkway. The festival begins immediately after the parade, approximately 11:30am. The festival area is to the left of the Dunwoody village entrance. This year’s theme: Dunwoody Salutes America and the Arts. More information: 770-354-7653 or www.dunwoodyga.org.

EAST COBB – JULY 4
MEMBERSHIP APPRECIATION DAY hosted by Indian Hills Country Club (IHCC) featuring fireworks at dusk. IHCC allows the community to come by and grab a seat on the lawn and enjoy the fireworks extravaganza. Indian Hills Country Club, 4001 Clubland Drive, Marietta/East Cobb.

KENNESAW – July 3
SALUTE TO AMERICA, a pre-Independence Day celebration, will feature high-energy, live music and family entertainment from 6-10pm in Downtown Kennesaw. Fireworks begin at 9:30pm. Free admission. Food and beverages for sale. Historic Train Depot, 2828 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw. More info: 770-422-9714 or www.kennesawjuly3.com.

MARIETTA – July 4
FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION presented by Marietta Parks and Recreation. Parade starts 10am at Roswell Street Baptist Church, 774 Roswell Street SE, Marietta, and ends at Marietta Square/ Glover Park. Followed by concerts, museum tours, arts and crafts show, food, carnival games. Fireworks finale at 9:30pm in Glover Park/Marietta Square. More info: 770-794-5601 or www.mariettaga.gov.

POWDER SPRINGS – July 4
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION featuring music, children’s activities, food and fireworks at dark. 7pm-10pm. Historic Town Square, 4488 Pineview Drive, Powder Springs. More info: 770-943-1666 or www.cityofpowdersprings.org.

This article originally appeared in the June/July issue of the EAST COBBER magazine, on page 20. Click here to view the digital edition.