Fourth of July 2017
What's happening in Atlanta today
Terminus City Fourth of July Backyard Barbecue
Revival - 129 Church St. Decatur, GA 30030 $12-$15. Noon.
Chef and restaurateur Kevin Gillespie hosts the Terminus City's Fourth of July BBQ at Communion Cantina behind Revival. This all-ages celebration features barbecue, beer and outdoor games from noon-6 p.m. or until the barbecue runs out. Terminus City serves up plates of chopped whole hog barbecue for $15 and vegetarian-friendly pimento cheese plates for $12. Each plate includes pickles, bread, slaw and potato salad. "$4 on the Fourth" drink specials from Communion Cantina include cervezas, margaritas, wine by the glass and sangria. While the restaurant itself will be closed, families can mingle at communal picnic tables and on the front and side porches of Revival. No reservations or tickets are necessary for this event.
4th of July Dowdy Girl Beach Ball Extravaganza
Rowdy Dowdy - 1300 Sylvan Road S.W. Atlanta, GA 30310 $5 suggested donation. 4 p.m.
The folks over at the up-and-coming theatrical house party venue Rowdy Dowdy are hosting an all-day chill and grill to celebrate America's mother-effing birthday. Rowdy Dowdy has compounded a massive lineup featuring an array of genres from "Rocky Horror hip-hop" rapper Michael Myerz to experimental psych rock outfit Newark Wilder. Also on the bill, shoegaze dream-pop quartet Twin Studies, rising indie rockers Sea Ghost and the list goes on. In addition to a continuously growing lineup, the show's hosts also have a wet drag queen contest, "pools on pools," a fashion show and fireworks display scheduled throughout the day. Get down and rowdy, y'all.
Rooftop Backyard BBQ
Skyline Park - Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30308 $25-$75. 5 p.m.
Happy independence, America. Ponce City Market is throwing a Fourth of July bash at Skyline Park with live entertainment, food and a panoramic fireworks show from nine stories up. General admission tickets are available at the door only and include access to Skyline Park's dinner menu, complimentary boiled peanuts, open access to the three-story slide and Heege Tower and entertainment by DJ Hands of Grace. Rooftop Terrace tickets include general admission access along with a barbecue buffet dinner, two drink tickets and access to a live music performance under the private tented event space. Limited VIP admission includes all benefits along with access to Nine Mile Station, the roof's beer garden.
Fourth of July Celebration
Centennial Olympic Park - 265 Park Ave. West N.W. Atlanta, GA 30313 Free. 6 p.m.
The snap, crackle and pop of Fourth of July fireworks get even louder this year at the Southeast's largest fireworks show. Lenox Square and Centennial Olympic Park have always held two of the city's largest Fourth of July celebrations separately, but they're switching things up in 2017, combining their efforts this year and promising "a more spectacular fireworks show than ever before." Lenox lends financial support to Centennial's celebration, shifting its focus to the Peachtree Road Race and other daytime activities for the whole family. The musical lineup includes Bobby Brown, Ann Nesby, CeCe Peniston, Algebra Blesset, Chelsea Shag and more. With the focus on Centennial, spots are sure to fill quickly, so go ahead and nab one at dawn.
Atlanta United FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes
Bobby Dodd Stadium - 150 Bobby Dodd Way Atlanta, GA 30313 $30-$80. 7 p.m.
Celebrate both American patriotism and Atlanta pride by going to an Atlanta United FC game. The team takes on the San Jose Earthquakes in the Georgia Tech stadium. The roar of the crowd may be even louder than the fireworks as all of Atlanta turns out to rally for this new team.