Hello, local readers! We’re here to guide you through your 4th of July weekend with lots of fun things to do in and around Atlanta this Thursday through Monday. Don’t forget to add our tips to your Foursquare To-Do list, and as always, be sure to add anything we missed in the comments section. Enjoy your weekend, and of course, let us know where you end up!
Peach Jam
East Atlanta Village Farmer’s Market. Thursday, 4pm – 8pm. Free.
Grant Park Farmer’s Market. Sunday, 9:30am – 1:30pm. Free.
If you haven’t had your fill of this summer’s crop of Georgia peaches, head to Peach Jam 2011 to celebrate our state’s signature fruit. At this Thursday’s East Atlanta Village Farmer’s Market, local chefs and businesses will serve peach-themed dishes and compete in a peach cocktail mix-off while music & games keep your family entertained. Then, on Sunday, head to Grant Park Farmer’s Market to continue the bash. Watch as contestants compete for the title of “Best Peach Cobbler” and enjoy a peach-themed pig roast.
East Atlanta Village Farmer’s Market: More info and directions.
Grant Park Farmer’s Market: More info and directions.
Taste of the World Fest
Old Five Points Shopping Center (Ashford-Dunwoody Road at Johnson Ferry Road). Thursday, 4pm – 10pm; Friday, 5pm – 10pm; Saturday through Monday, 12pm – 10pm. Free.
Old Five Points presents Taste of the World Fest, a five-day celebration filled with family-friendly live music, art, comedy, dancing and more. Admission is free and attendees have the option of purchasing raffle tickets as well as a $10 passport for a sampler of food from seven International restaurants. Proceeds benefit Mustard Seed Communities, which aids Jamaican children in need.
More info and directions.
Coca-Cola Collectors Memorabilia Show & Sale
Renaissance Waverly Hotel. Saturday, 10am – 2pm. Free.
The Coca-Cola Memorabilia Show and Sale will feature nearly 175 tables of Coca-Cola collectibles ranging in price from $1 to $1000. It is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Collectors Club, an international organization with over 4000 members. Admission is free, and each attendee who registers will receive a free Coca-Cola collectible.
More info and directions.
BBQ & Beer with Chef Kevin Gillespie
Woodfire Grill. Saturday, 5:30pm – 11pm. $38 (tax & gratuity not included).
Chef Kevin Gillespie invites you to enjoy good company, food, and beer this Saturday evening at Woodfire Grill, where he’ll serve a slow-roasted whole hog with traditional Southern accompaniments in a three-course meal. Bartenders will be pouring SweetWater draft specials all night long to benefit “Save the Hooch,” SweetWater’s own campaign to protect the Chattahoochee River, its tributaries and watershed.
More info and directions.
Bird’s Eye Parade View
Earl Smith Strand Theatre (Marietta). Monday, 9am (parade starts at 10am). $10.
The rooftop view at The Strand offers a great view of the Freedom Parade sponsored by the City of Marietta. Bloody Marys, Mimosas, Screwdrivers and more will be available at a cash bar. With a maximum capacity of 100 guests, this event tends to sell out, so make sure to buy your tickets in advance!
More info and directions.
Peachtree Road Race
Peachtree Street. Monday, 7:30am. Free to cheer!
If you’re not one of the 60,000 runners and walkers participating in this year’s Peachtree Road Race, you can still participate as one of the 150,000 cheering fans who line the 6.2-mile course along Peachtree Street between Buckhead and Midtown. The world’s largest 10k features live music, great refreshments, and tons of promotional products up for grabs: a great way to kick off your Fourth of July festivities.
More info and directions.
4th of July Celebration at Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park. Monday, 2pm. Free.
Bring the whole family to Centennial Olympic Park in the heart of Downtown Atlanta this 4th of July for a day full of free live music, fun activities, and a spectacular fireworks display synchronized to a special selection of patriotic & popular music. Secure a front-row seat on the Great Lawn early and spend your afternoon with the face painters, stilt walkers, and other entertainers who will be on site providing family-friendly fun.
More info and directions.
For more great 4th of July weekend events, check out this article by Jennifer Maciejewski.