Celebrate the 4th of July with parades in metro Atlanta

Is there a more nostalgic piece of Americana than a local Independence Day parade? Probably not. And metro Atlanta communities are stepping up and getting involved in a big way this fourth quarter. You can be one of the thousands of spectators lined up to watch the colorful floats, marching bands, horse riders and local celebrities as they stroll down the area’s main streets. Here’s how:

Parade of flute players, concert and fireworks

This is your chance to see Decatur celebrate Independence Day to the fullest with a well-known parade that’s sure to please. Floats, bikes and carts will circulate through the town center in the early evening before the concerts kick off in the square at the community bandstand.

Location: Decatur Square; Website: Facebook.com; Date: 4th July; Time: 18 hours ; Admission: Free

4th of July Parade in Avondale Estates

This kid-friendly parade will feature characters from Lightning McQueen, Paw Patrol and Ghostbuster, and more! The procession begins at the intersection of Clarendon Avenue and Berkeley Road and will travel down Clarendon to South Avondale Road. See your neighbors, young and old, moving around on motorbikes, tanks, bicycles and scooters.

Location: Clarendon Avenue and Berkeley Road – Avondale Estates; Website: avondaleestates.org; Date: 4th July; Time: 10:00 a.m.; Admission: Free

4th of July Parade in Dunwoody

This celebration calls itself the state’s “largest Independence Day parade.” His theme this year is “Red, White and You” and he runs through Woodstock early in the morning. This year’s grand marshal will be David Abes, founder of Dash Hospitality Group. Be among the 35,000 spectators expected to witness marching bands, clowns, floats, local celebrities and much more! The parade starts at the intersection of Jett Ferry and Mt. Vernon roads, proceeds down Mt. Vernon, turn right at Dunwoody Village onto Dunwoody Village Parkway, circle around Parkway and turn toward Dunwoody Village between Citizens Bank and First. Watch.

Location: Mt. Vernon Road and Jett Ferry Road (start); Website: dunwoodyga.org ; Date: 4th July; Time: 9 a.m.; Admission: Free

Let Liberty Ring the Parade – Marietta

Get in the spirit of Independence Day with the Let Freedom Ring Parade in Marietta! Be part of the 30,000 spectators expected to witness the 110 glittering entrances as they head west on Roswell Street, north on East Park Square and down Cherokee Street to North Marietta Parkway. At the end of the parade, the fourth city park celebration begins.

Location: Roswell Street Baptist Church (departure); Website: mariettaga.gov; Date: 4th July; Time: 10:00 a.m.; Admission: Free

Cartersville 4th of July Celebration

Come to Cartersville for a 4th of July parade your family will love! You’ll also support charity, as all profits go to local organizations. The parade begins at Tabernacle Baptist Church, goes down Douglas Street, then forms a rectangle following Church, Bartow, Main and Tennessee streets before turning right onto Douglas Street and returning to the church.

Location: Tabernacle Baptist Church (departure); Website: etowahrotary.com ; Date: 4th July; Time: 9 a.m.; Admission: Free

Spectacular 4th of July Parade in Woodstock

This ongoing celebration begins at Woodstock Elementary School, continues on Rope Mill Road, heads south on Main Street, and ends at Sam’s Club. The fourth festivities in Woodstock also include a 5K run at 7 a.m., a festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the downtown park and fireworks at 9 p.m.

Location: Woodstock Primary School (secondary stage); Website: woodstockga.gov; Date: 4th July; Time: 10:00 a.m.; Admission: Free

Newnan Fourth of July Parade

Coweta Counties will begin its fourth festivities early today with this annual parade that starts at Veteran’s Memorial Park and ends just before Greenville Street Park.

Location: Veterans Memorial Park (departure); Website: mainstreetnewnan.com; Date: 4th July; Time: 9 a.m.; Admission: Free

4th of July Parade in Peachtree City

This patriotic procession begins on Peachtree Parkway, in front of Village on the Green. It will travel north and turn left onto McIntosh Trail before ending at the McIntosh Trail Complex.

Location: Village on the Green (departure); Website: Peachtree-city.org ; Date: 4th July; Time: 9 a.m.; Admission: Free

Milton Independence Day Walking Parade

Milton brings the celebratory spirit of Independence Day with a low-key parade followed by a patriotic dance party. Take the whole family out and proceed with carts, bicycles and scooters. Your pets on a leash are also welcome! Prizes will be awarded for most patriotic decorations and outfits.

Location: Broadwell Pavilion; Website: miltonga.gov; Date: 4th July; Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Admission: Free

The 67th Annual Thomas Mashburn Steam Engine Parade

Whirring steam locomotives take to the streets of Cumming during this treasured annual event. The route begins at Forsyth Central High School and heads south on Tribble Gap Road to end at the Cumming Fairgrounds. Hearing protection recommended.

Location: Forsyth Central High School (stage); Website: cummingfair.squarespace.com; Date: 4th July; Time: 10:00 a.m.; Admission fee