Atlanta Celebrates America’s 250th

By Carol Carter

Last Updated June 26, 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
• Films about America at Fernbank
• 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 nation’s 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.

The Atlanta mural, “A taste of my ATL – Mi sabor de ATL” by Liliana Penagos was brought to life by more than 250 Atlanta-based Coca-Cola employee volunteers, produced by Living Walls in partnership with Keep Atlanta Beautiful, a local affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. This project is a cornerstone of Coca-Cola’s “250 Days of Service” – the company-wide volunteer initiative tied to the America250 celebration. The mural represents the city of Atlanta, its citizens, its culture and the communities that surround Coca-Cola’s headquarters.

This project is a key part of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens’ “Bridges, Tunnels and Walls” program to beautify the city and create a welcoming atmosphere for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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.

Fernbank Salutes the USA

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Fernbank Museum of Natural History is showing film selections that highlight our nation. This limited schedule of films is only available from June 27 through July 5. The times below indicate the daily rotation of films throughout the period that they will be shown.

“Horse Power” 2D, 10:15 a.m., June 27

Travel across continents to discover the power and depth of horses and their enduring bonds with humans. Experience stories of courage, connection and survival as the lives of horses and humans intertwine across cultures, landscapes and climates. Note that this film will be shown as part of the museum’s sensory-friendly mornings so it will have modified lighting and lower volume.

“Into America’s Wild” 3D, 11:15 a.m.

Narrated by Morgan Freeman, “Into America’s Wild” is a cross-country trek via kayak, hot air balloon, train, zipline, bike, kite surfboard and more through some of the most beautiful and unknown wonders of the nation. Through incredible footage, stretching from the wilds of Alaska to the hills of the Appalachian Trail, this film celebrates nature’s allure and highlights the joy and inspiration that come from spending time outside.

“National Parks Adventure,” 2D, 12:15 and 4:15 p.m

A MacGillivray Freeman film produced in association with Brand USA and narrated by Robert Redford, “National Parks Adventure” is filmmaker Greg MacGillivray’s visually ambitious giant-screen film that offers a sweeping overview of the national parks’ history.

“Wings Over Water,” 3D, 1:15 p.m.

“Wings Over Water” tells the story of the epic journeys of three amazing bird families – the Sandhill Crane, the Yellow Warbler and the Mallard Duck. The film reveals the triumphs and challenges of these creatures that defy all odds and soar across mountains, deserts, cities and forests as they head home to raise their young.

“America’s Musical Journey,” 2D, 2:15 p.m.

In America’s musical cities, every chord, every riff, every bang of a drum tells a story. In the film, “America’s Musical Journey,” these stories come together to create a soundtrack for the American experience — a soundtrack that showcases the nation’s diversity and its collision of cultures, culminating in a unique blend of sound, music and innovation unlike anywhere else in the world. The film is narrated by Morgan Freeman.

“Grand Canyon Adventure,” 2D, 3:15 p.m.

Landscapes surround viewers as they rush down the mighty Colorado River on a whitewater raft with environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., anthropologist Wade Davis and their daughters. This expedition showcases river rafting and family adventure while discussing the importance of conservation. Music is provided by the Dave Matthews Band.

Six Flags Over Georgia Presents Star-Spangled Nights

Six Flags Over Georgia celebrates America 250 with Star-Spangled Nights July 3-5 featuring fireworks, entertainment and limited-time treats. On July 3-5 there will be fireworks beginning at 9:30 p.m. On July 4 and 5, guests can upgrade their experience with a VIP Fireworks Party in Hurricane Harbor Atlanta, which includes after-hours water park access, a summertime buffet, premium fireworks viewing and live entertainment. At the park’s entrance, there will be patriotic banners, photo opportunities, flags, garlands and buntings. Stilt walkers will tower above the crowd, and a there will be a percussion group performing.

Limited-time food and beverage options will include patriotic vanilla layer cake colored red, white and blue and topped with red, white and blue sprinkles. A funnel cake will be topped with vanilla ice cream and red, white and blue sprinkles. The Liberty Bell apple pie shake will be layered with red and blue syrup, topped with whipped cream and finished with a fried apple hand pie skewer, cinnamon streusel-coated apple slices and an American flag.

Special cocktails on hand will be the Americana colada frozen cocktail –a pina colada layered with rum, blue curacao and strawberry puree in a collectible stars-and-stripes pilsner glass.; the All-American Sprite — strawberry-popping boba and blue curacao syrup served in a souvenir Americana cup; and the Tavern cherry Coca-Cola — cherry and cold foam served in an Americana cup.

Atlanta Braves Fete America

The Atlanta Braves plan a week-long salute to America, June 30 through July 6. The week will be packed with patriotic tributes, military flyovers, fireworks, promotions and family-friendly entertainment.

The main event of the week will be the July 4 Independence Day Celebration, which will feature a Braves block party where fans can enjoy live performances including a motorcycle stunt performance before the game; on-field presentations including a cannon display, militia representation, battalion flags, a giant America 250 flag display and a National Anthem performance by the City Springs Theatre Company.

There will be a C-130 aircraft flyover from Dobbins Air Reserve Base immediately following the National Anthem and a mega fireworks show after the game.

Limited-edition patriotic merchandise will be available at the Braves Clubhouse Store. Special Coca-Cola Corner tickets are available for July 5 and 6. Monument Garden will feature a special gallery wall highlighting Braves All-Star contenders Matt Olson, Ronald Acuña Jr., Drake Baldwin, Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris, all dressed in their Americana-best.

Last and certainly not least will be the Independence Week eating competion July 2-4. Fans will have the opportunity to compete in these competitions — Krystal burgers, watermellon and apple pie.       

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.

Originally Published June 11, 2026