Atlanta July 4th Fireworks 2018: Times, Locations, Entertainment

ATLANTA, GA — Atlanta's largest fireworks display has moved this year. The annual Fourth of July celebration usually held in Centennial Olympic Park is moving to International Plaza — the space near the Georgia World Congress Center and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The change of venue is due to ongoing construction at Centennial Olympic Park. Work has been going on for a while there, with plans being to have it complete before Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosts the Super Bowl in early 2019.

Here are all the details you'll need to enjoy the July 4th celebration in downtown Atlanta:

Date: Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Time: Gates open at 6 p.m. Entertainment begins at 7 p.m. and fireworks are set for 9:45 p.m.
Travel: People attending are encouraged to ride MARTA. International Plaza is accessible from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium/Philips Arena/Georgia World Congress Center Station.
Cost: The event is free.

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Parking

Attendees planning on parking at the site are encouraged to purchase their spot in advance. Pre-event parking is $5 and parking the day of the fireworks will be $10. You may purchase a parking spot here. Your parking options are:

• Red Deck – adjacent to Georgia World Congress Center (lower entrance only)
• Silver Deck – adjacent to Mercedes-Benz Stadium (lower entrance only)
• Green Deck – adjacent to Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame
• Blue Lot – located on Northside Drive

Music Lineup

The headline performer for the celebration is R&B trio After 7, best known for the hits "Ready or Not" and "Can’t Stop." Other artists scheduled to perform are:

• Keisha Jackson
• Christian Jones
• Kayte Burgess
• Von Grey
• Hamilton Park
• Dionne Farris
• Cody Matlock
• Klymaxx
• Melvin Miller
• JessLove
• The Van Lears
• Charlie Singleton from Cameo
• Griots String Ensemble

Prohibited Items

All bags will be subject to search at the July 4th celebration. The following items are prohibited:

• Coolers
• Glass containers
• Pets
• Personal fireworks
• Large umbrellas
• Lawn chairs (low profile versions permitted)
• Tents
• Grills
• No outside food or beverage (note: 23 retail locations available)
• Drones

Additional Information

Visitors younger than 17 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian at least 18-years-old at all times. The Georgia World Congress Center will be closed, attendees will not have access to the building.

International Boulevard will be closed. Red and Silver parking decks may be accessed via the lower entrance on Mangum Street. West Plaza (the space between building C and Mercedes-Benz Stadium) also will be closed. If accessing International Plaza from Northside Drive plan for an alternate route.

Weather

There's a chance for thunderstorms every day this week, according to the National Weather Service. On Wednesday, a 40 percent chance for rain kicks in at about 9 a.m. and lasts all day. We'll have that same 40 percent chance after dark, so keep an eye on the latest forecasts before heading out to enjoy the fireworks shows.

Meanwhile, temperatures will be warm, but not brutal by July-in-Georgia standards. Tuesday's forecast high of 91 is the warmest of the week. On Independence Day, we're looking at a high of 89, with Wednesday night's low expected to be around 73 under partly cloudy skies.

Other Atlanta July 4th Celebrations

• In the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, Ponce City Market and the Old Fourth Ward Business Association are sponsoring Fireworks in Fourth Ward. The event runs from 5-10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 4, and will feature cornhole competitions, face-painting, food trucks, craft beer and fireworks after dark. At Historic Fourth Ward Park, the event is free and open to the public.
• Children's Museum of Atlanta 4th of July Celebration. Follow Uncle Sam in musical kids' parades at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on July 4. A Fourth of July sing-along is set for 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and there will be indoor "fireworks" at a noon science spectacular show.
• AJC Peachtree Road Race. One of Atlanta's premier Fourth of July traditions, the race starts at 7:30 a.m. About 60,000 runners of all ages and abilities are expected to participate.
• East Point Salute to the Red, White & Blue. Across from the East Point MARTA station, south Fulton's biggest July 4 celebration will feature a vendors' market, live entertainment and fireworks.