Are you hoping to avoid the crowds at Atlanta’s major Fourth of July celebrations like the fireworks show at Centennial Olympic Park? Look no further than free, local celebrations in communities across DeKalb County. There is even a celebration on July 3, if you’re impatient to get your patriotic fix.
Here are details on some family-friendly Independence Day events across the county, listed in alphabetical order:
Avondale Estates
Things kick off in the morning with the annual Fourth of July parade on Clarendon from 10 to 11 a.m. At dusk, the city puts on a fireworks show at Lake Avondale.
Chamblee
Chamblee hosts its annual celebration at Keswick Park, starting at 5 p.m. with activities like a bike parade from Chamblee Middle School and a bounce house. Attendees can buy food from the Frosty Caboose, Steel City Pops and several food trucks.
The entertainment gets started around 5:30 with live music from Diana Mar. Crystal Clear Band will take the stage later and play until the fireworks show at 9:30. The show lasts about 20 to 25 minutes. You can park at Chamblee Middle or walk to the park on the Rail Trail.
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Decatur
Decatur saves its Pied Piper Parade until the evening, beginning at 6:30 p.m. near the First Baptist Church of Decatur and making its way through downtown. Anyone can participate in the parade, but if you have a vehicle, you must register by emailing shirley.baylis@decaturga.com or by calling 678-553-6573.
The Concert on the Square starts at 7 p.m. at the Community Bandstand and will feature the Callanwolde Concert Band. The fireworks show starts when it gets dark, around 9 p.m.
Dunwoody
DeKalb's northern-most city hosts one of the largest Independence Day parades in the area, usually attracting tens of thousands of spectators. The parade kicks off at about 9 a.m. at the corner of Mount Vernon and Jett Ferry roads. The parade proceeds about two miles to Dunwoody Village. There are several celebrations and ceremonies in Dunwoody Village in the hours after the parade.
This year’s theme is “Happy Birthday Dunwoody,” with the Dunwoody Police Department marching as the grand marshal.
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Stone Mountain
This iconic celebration isn't organized by the city of Stone Mountain, but it goes down every year at nearby Stone Mountain Park. The "Fantastic Fourth Celebration" is associated with the park's Lasershow Spectacular, which features a patriotic fireworks finale.
If you’re not able to make it there on July 4, don’t worry. The park is presenting the exact same laser and fireworks show from July 1 to 7. Small disclaimer on this one: You’ll have to pay to get into the park unless you’re a member.
» RELATED: Your guide to visiting Stone Mountain Park this summer
Tucker
If you already have plans for July 4, this one’s for you. The city of Tucker is putting on a July 3 celebration, with live music, entertainment and of course, fireworks.
This year, the celebration will feature food trucks, but attendees can also bring their own food or visit a local restaurant. Buford-based band 16Penny is set to take the stage at 6 p.m. Wednesday, leading up to a fireworks show at 9:30.
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