Patch Picks: Fourth of July Events

The city of Stone Mountain may not be having a fireworks show spectacular, but there are plenty of other places in and around town that are celebrating the red, white and blue with a bang. Here are the top Patch Picks for Fourth of July events.

Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Stone Mountain Park
July 2-4, 10 a.m., Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Boulevard, Stone Mountain

If you live in the metro Atlanta area, you have to experience the Independence Day celebration at Stone Mountain Park at least once. The park is in its 44th year in celebrating the Fourth of July, and this time it's with its new Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision, special food and seat packages, live entertainment and more. Remember: It's $10 to enter the park, unless you have an annual pass, of course. 

Stars and Strikes
July 4, 10 a.m.-midnight, Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center, 1741 Mountain Industrial Boulevard.  

Not much into the outdoor, heat-wrapped celebrations that Fourth of July outings tend to be? Stars and Strikes, which just opened a Stone Mountain location last week, is offering $5 off for every game card that is sold July 4th. The family-friendly center offers a variety of activities, including laser tag in a two-story area, bowling, indoor bumper cards, arcade games and a balladium, which is similar to paintball, except with UV foam ball air cannons. For more information on pricing and activities, visit their website at starsandstrikes.com.  

All-American Celebration at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
July 4, 8 p.m., Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, 2200 Encore Parkway, Atlanta 

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will perform the annual celebration with singalong anthems, patriotic tunes and classical hits. The performance will feature the U.S. Army Chorus and conductor Rob Fisher, the music director of the Tony-winning Broadway show "Encores." Of course, it isn't a Fourth of July celebration without fireworks at the end. Tickets range from $12 to $35 and can be purchased here. 

Heritage Arts Festival at Underground Atlanta
July 1, 2 & 4, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and July 3, noon-6 p.m., Underground Atlanta, 50 Upper Alabama Street, Atlanta

Celebrating the African and African-American heritage, the landmark festival is back for its 16th year with music and arts. This year's theme is "Loving our creative spirit," which will feature nine visual artists, numerous musical performances, and more than 50 national and international vendors all weekend. 

Red, White & Brew at the Georgia Aquarium
July 4, 6 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker Street N.W., Atlanta 

The Georgia Aquarium is celebrating the Fourth of July the traditional way, with some beer, food and live music, all to benefit the aquarium's educational initiatives. Listen to Atlanta rock band Yacht Rock Revue while devouring Jim 'N Nick's barbecue, hotdogs and slaw, and while sampling from 16 beers including Hoegaarden, Red Brick and SweetWater. Afterward, attendees will be able to view Centennial Olympic Park's legendary fireworks from the aquarium's parking deck rooftop. Tickets are $45 and ticket holders must be at least 21 years of age.

Decatur's July 4th Pied Piper Parade
July 4, 6 p.m., Decatur Square, East Ponce De Leon Avenue, Decatur

Watch wagons, bikes and cars as they stroll through Downtown Decatur in patriotic garb with a mini-firetruck leading the way, driven by Decatur's City Commissioners. (Check out the website for details if you wish to partake in the parade.) At 7 p.m., Callanwolde's Concert Band will perform at the community bandstand, and fireworks begin at 9 p.m. from the top of the DeKalb County parking deck. 

Star Spangled Snellville and American Celebration
July 3, 3 p.m.-9 p.m., Snellville Town Green and  of Snellville, Oak Road and 2400 Main Street East, Snellville. 

Set-up by the Snellville Tourism and Trade and First Baptist Church of Snellville, the grand celebration will have live music, a car show, games, inflatable rides and fireworks. Texas Roadhouse, the Varsity, Bruster’s Ice Cream, Rey’s Cuban Cafe, Uncle Betty's, Papa John's and C&D Concessions will all provide food for the red, white and blue occasion.