Local Voices: Patriotic Fourth of July Events

Looking for something patriotic to do as Independence Day 2011 approaches? Well, whether you want to stay close to Acworth or go elsewhere in Metro Atlanta, here are 15 options. Some are free; others, not so much. Follow the links for full details. And have a grand ole red, white, and blue time!

1. You have a chance to catch the Georgia Symphony Orchestra (GSO) Saturday, July 2, at the Marietta First United Methodist Church Amphitheater. 7 p.m. Free.
2. Missed the GSO? Here's your last opportunity: Sunday, July 3, at Mount Paran North Church in Marietta. 7:30 p.m. Free.
3. Celebrate America's birthday at Atlantic Station Saturday, July 2, with games and live music with Radio Disney and lots of fun for the whole family. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Free.
4. Stone Mountain Park celebrates their 44th annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration July 2-4. Park attractions open at 10 a.m. each day and the all-new Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision can be seen each night at 9:30 p.m. followed by fireworks. Check their website for parking and attraction fees.
5. The City of Kennesaw celebrates Independence a day early on Sunday, July 3, with an outdoor concert at the Depot. The band Destination performs at 6 p.m., Eagles tribute band Hotel California takes the stage at 8 p.m., and fireworks are planned for 9:30 p.m. General admission lawn seating is free, but tables can reserved for a fee.
6. The City of Acworth lets freedom ring on Monday, July 4, with live music and fireworks at Cauble Park on Lake Acworth. Local bands take the stage beginning at 4:00 p.m., leading up to the headliner FLASHBACK at 8 p.m. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. Admission is free, although a table can be purchased. Check their site for parking directions.
7. Six Flags over Georgia celebrates July 4 with a special patriotic fireworks display. They'll be open 10:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. that day. Normal admission and parking fees apply.
8. The City of Marietta celebrates their annual Fourth in the Park on, you guessed it, July4 at the Marietta Square. The Marietta Freedom Parade starts at 10:00 a.m., which also marks the start of the festival, which will feature food, arts and crafts, carnival fun, and live music, capped with fireworks. Free.
9. The City of Powder Springs celebrates the day in style with their 16th Annual Independence Day Celebration at the Powder Springs Town Square. From 4 p.m. till 10:00 p.m. the day will feature live entertainment, great food, a variety of children's activities, and a fantastic fireworks show. Free.
10. The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra presents an All-American Celebration Monday, July 4, at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. The program will feature great patriotic standards and a spectacular fireworks display. 8 p.m. Tickets $12-$35.
11. Celebrate the fourth with the all-American game of baseball as the Braves take on the Colorado Rockies at Turner Field, followed by fireworks. 7:10 p.m. Tickets $8-$82.
12. Centennial Olympic Park's 4th of July Celebration will feature fun and entertainment for the whole family. Park gates open and fun activities begin at 2:00 p.m., with free musical entertainment beginning at 4 p.m. with von Grey, followed by The Regulars at 5:00 p.m., theKey at 6:30 p.m., and American Idol runner-up Crystal Bowersox at 8:30 p.m. The highlight is the fireworks show synchronized to patriotic and popular music, which will also be broadcast live by 11Alive WXIA-TV (beginning at 9 p.m.) and simulcast on All The Hits Q100.
13. Celebrate the 4th at Lenox Square with one of the largest fireworks displays in the country. Kids Zone play area opens at 12 noon and Lenox Square shops and restaurants will be open noon-6 p.m. Cover band Party on the Moon takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. leading up to the big fireworks show, which will be broadcast on WSB-TV at 10 p.m.
14. And for something completely different, head over to the Carter Presidential Library & Museum the afternoon of the 4th. The Southern Order of Storytellers presents Patriotic Stories--tales that bring the nation's history to life. 2 p.m. No extra charge with paid museum admission.