Atlanta Celebrates America’s 250th

By Carol Carter

Published June 11, 2026

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America turns 250 years old this July 4. Amid the usual fireworks and cookouts, there will be additional excitement in honor of our country’s 250th anniversary.

Highlights

• A symphonic salute
• Family fun at Jimmy Carter Library
• Special Coca-Cola packaging
• Lights and more lights at Stone Mountain Park
• Fireworks across the metropolitan area

Atlanta Symphony Orchesta

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is paying tribute to America’s 250th birthday will several concerts. The June 17 concert is “America@250 Encore: Bernstein, Copland + Barber.” The ASO invites Atlanta to celebrate America@250 with the ultimate all-American playlist.

In an evening of high-energy family fun, the orchestra stirs up a rumble — mambo-style — with music from Bernstein’s “West Side Story.” The rugged, wide-open spaces of the American frontier come alive in Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.” In between, the ASO’s brass delivers goosebumps with the iconic “Fanfare for the Common Man” while the strings trot out a heel-kicking “Hoe-Down.” Bernstein and Barber get things under way with a snappy pair of overtures.

Happy Anniversary America at Carter Library

The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum plans a family-friendly celebration on July 4. Among the things to do: crafts and games, a scavenger hunt, patriotic giveaways and decorations, red, white and blue cupcakes, and a special author program. Denise Kiernan discuss her new book, “Obstinate Daughters: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution.”

Where: 441 Freedom Parkway

The Coca-Cola Company Honors America

An America250 signature partner, Atlanta-based The Coca‑Cola Co. is commemorating the milestone through a combination of limited-edition packaging, storytelling and community impact initiatives

The celebration includes a collection of limited-edition America250 packaging — custom bottles and America250 mini-cans. Each mini-can features a design unique to one of the 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The symbol for Georgia, no surprise, is a peach.

By scanning participating products, fans can unlock prizes and rewards, including the opportunity to win a new Jeep and other experiences inspired by exploring the country.

A cornerstone of the initiative is an ambitious goal to generate 250,000 volunteer hours in 2026, working alongside local bottlers and community partners nationwide.

Volunteer and marketing programs will focus on areas such as food insecurity, disaster relief, sustainability, youth empowerment, and honoring military members and veterans. The company’s local bottling system will play a key role in bringing these initiatives to life at the community level.

Coca‑Cola will also launch “Paint the Nation,” a large-scale public art initiative that will result in dozens of murals created in collaboration with local artists. Each mural will reflect local culture and community pride, creating a lasting visual legacy that extends beyond the anniversary year. Design and development will continue through the end of 2026.

Where: Visit World of Coca-Cola at 121 Baker St. NW

Stone Mountain Park Celebrates America with Lights

Stone Mountain Park began celebrating America’s big anniversary early. Thursdays through Sundays through Aug. 1, the park’s drone and light show honors the 250th anniversary of the United States and commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Visitors may enjoy imagery from 4k projectors, high-power laser systems, 250 choreographed drones, huge flame cannons, atmospheric effects and an incredible fireworks finale.

Metro Atlanta Lights Up the Skies on America’s Big Birthday

Communities all across the metropolitan area will celebrate our nation on or about July 4. From Lenox Square in Buckhead to Acworth, Woodstock and all points in between, Independence Day Fireworks Light Metro Atlanta Skies.

Alway check the Discover Atlanta calendar of events to find out more things going on in our city.

Carol Carter was a founding staff member of Atlanta Business Chronicle where she later served as editor. She served as editor of seven magazines including a 150-year business history of Atlanta. She worked as a reporter for WXIA TV’s Noonday Show, has written for the New York Times and is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Carol is author of “Junior Dragster Dreams: How Sam Found His Own Ride,” a children’s book.