There’s something extra special about the 4th of July when you live in a close-knit community. Maybe it’s the sound of laughter during a backyard cookout, or the way everyone gathers along familiar streets to watch the parade roll by. Here in Fayette and Coweta Counties, Independence Day is about more than fireworks; it’s about family, friends, and feeling at home.
Whether you’re a longtime local or new to the neighborhood, we’ve rounded up everything you need to make this year’s celebration your best yet, from parades and fireworks to simple recipes and festive traditions.
Local Events That Spark Joy
Looking to celebrate close to home? Here are some festive favorites happening around Fayette and Coweta Counties.
Trinity School & Church – Summer Nights Freedom Fireworks
📍 Sharpsburg
📅 Tuesday, July 2 | 6:30–9:30pm
Kick off your Fourth of July fun a little early at this free, family-friendly celebration featuring:
- Inflatable water slides (bring those swimsuits!)
- Live music
- Food trucks: Christos Pizza & Renegade Chef (burgers + sides)
- Cold drinks & treats from Trinity’s Youth Ministry (supporting summer missions!)
- A professional fireworks show set to music starting just after 9:00pm
📍 Best viewing: Lawn in front of the Student Center (Building 1). Don’t forget your chairs and blankets!
Peachtree City Parade & Fireworks
📍 Peachtree City
📅 Thursday, July 4 | 9:00am
Start your morning with one of the most beloved local traditions:
- Patriotic parade at 9:00am with festive floats, veterans, and plenty of small-town charm
- Bonus points if you arrive by golf cart!
Then, wind down the day with:
- Fireworks over Lake Peachtree around 9:30pm
- Great viewing from Drake Field; bring your blankets and enjoy the magic reflections over the water
Newnan Parade & Rotary Fireworks
📍 Downtown Newnan + Newnan High School
📅 Thursday, July 4 | 9:00am
Double the fun in Coweta County with a full day of celebration:
- Parade at 9:00am (begins near Veterans Memorial Park)
- “Let Freedom Ring” event starts at 5:00pm at Newnan High School
- Food trucks, live music, and kids’ activities
- Fireworks begin at 9:00pm, hosted by the Rotary Club of Newnan
Callaway Gardens Star-Spangled Beach Party
📍 Pine Mountain
📅 July 4–7
Turn Independence Day into a mini getaway at Callaway Gardens, about an hour away:
- Beach access at Robin Lake
- Live music all weekend
- Water inflatables & family-friendly games
- Fireworks over the lake at dusk on July 4
🌟 Pro tip: Tickets and resort lodging sell out quickly! Check out more info here: Callaway Gardens Tickets & Info
Where to Buy Fireworks (and Watch Them Safely)
Planning your own backyard spark show? Here are some local spots to stock up:
- TNT Fireworks: Seasonal stands pop up around Fayetteville: check spots like North Glynn Street or County Line Road.
- Phantom Fireworks: For a bigger selection, the Morrow location is a short drive and has everything from sparklers to sky-fillers.
🎇 Safety Tip: Fireworks are legal from 10am to midnight on July 4th in Georgia. Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby, supervise children closely, and always follow directions on labels.
📍Want to skip the mess? Stake out a great public viewing spot and let the pros handle the pyrotechnics!
Simple, Festive Recipes for Your Fourth
Festive Fruit-sicles
There’s something extra sweet about a homemade popsicle on a hot July day, and these fruit-filled beauties are as festive as they are refreshing! Here’s how to make your own red, white, and blue frozen treats:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- Coconut water
- Optional: Vanilla Greek yogurt for a creamy twist
Instructions:
- Layer sliced strawberries and blueberries into popsicle molds
- Pour in coconut water until each mold is about two-thirds full
- For a creamy effect, spoon in a bit of vanilla Greek yogurt between fruit layers
- Add a few extra berries on top
- Insert popsicle sticks
- Freeze for at least 6 hours, or overnight for best results
- To serve, run molds under warm water for a few seconds to release the pops
✨ Perfect for cooling off during fireworks and soaking up the sweet taste of summer on a stick!
Flag Fruit Kabobs
These no-bake treats are festive, fun to make, and almost too cute to eat! Perfect for little hands and big celebrations.
Ingredients:
- Skewers
- Blueberries
- Strawberries, sliced
- Bananas, or mini marshmallows for a sweeter twist
- Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for dipping
Instructions:
- Start a few skewers with a row of blueberries to represent the “stars”
- Follow with alternating slices of strawberries and bananas to mimic the flag’s red and white stripes
- Repeat the pattern on remaining skewers (without blueberries) for the full flag effect
- Chill before serving for a refreshing snack
- Serve on a platter with a bowl of whipped cream or yogurt for dipping
Kid-Friendly Tip:
Set up a mini kabob bar! Pre-slice the fruit and let kids assemble their own kabobs before the fireworks show.
Pro Tip:
Soak banana slices in lemon water to prevent browning and keep them looking fresh!
Backyard BBQ Favorites
No summer cookout is complete without a colorful side dish, and this Patriotic Potato Salad is as festive as it is flavorful!
Ingredients:
- Red potatoes (boiled and chopped)
- Finely chopped red bell pepper
- Green onions (for color and crunch)
- Dressing:
- Mayonnaise
- Splash of Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: Smoked paprika or fresh herbs
Instructions:
- Boil and chop red potatoes
- Toss with red bell pepper and green onions
- In a separate bowl, mix together mayo, Dijon, vinegar, salt, and pepper
- Combine everything and chill before serving
- Top with smoked paprika or herbs for an extra pop of flavor and color
Serving Suggestions:
- Looks beautiful on a picnic table and pairs perfectly with anything from the grill.
- Can be made ahead of time, so you’re free to enjoy the festivities!
Entertaining Tip:
Create a self-serve station with:
- Labeled dishes
- Patriotic napkins
- A cooler stocked with chilled drinks
Keep the vibe festive, flavorful, and stress-free!
Freedom Cupcakes
These sweet little treats are full of patriotic flair, and they’re as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious!
Ingredients:
- Vanilla cupcakes (homemade or boxed mix)
- Whipped cream frosting (for a light, summery touch)
- Fresh blueberries
- Fresh raspberries
- Sliced strawberries
Instructions:
- Bake vanilla cupcakes and let them cool completely
- Top each cupcake with a generous swirl of whipped cream frosting
- Decorate with blueberries, raspberries, and strawberry slices:
- Create mini American flag designs
- Arrange in stars, stripes, or swirls of red, white, and blue
- Let kids join the fun, as they’re easy (and fun!) to decorate
Shortcut Tip:
Short on time? Grab store-bought cupcakes and simply top them with fruit for a no-stress, still-festive option.
Serving Idea:
Display on a tiered dessert stand and add mini American flags or sparkler toppers for extra wow factor before the fireworks!
Strawberry Lemonade
A summer classic with a berry-bright twist: refreshing, beautiful, and perfect for patriotic parties!
Ingredients:
- Fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- Ripe strawberries (blended)
- Water and sweetener of your choice (sugar, honey, or agave)
- Optional: Sparkling water or lemon-lime soda for a fizzy finish
- Garnish: Lemon slices & fresh mint
Instructions:
- Blend strawberries until smooth
- Mix with fresh lemon juice, water, and sweetener to taste
- Strain for a smoother drink, or leave a little pulp for a rustic vibe
- Pour over ice in mason jars or a glass pitcher
- Garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs
- Optional: Add a splash of sparkling water or soda for a fizzy twist
Grown-Up Twist:
Add a splash of vodka or prosecco and call it your Star-Spangled Sipper. 🍾✨
Make-Ahead Friendly:
Make a big batch in the morning and chill—flavors deepen and get even better over time!
Deck the Porch in Red, White & You!
Bring the spirit of the 4th to your front porch, backyard, or picnic table with simple touches that feel joyful, not overdone. You don’t need to go full parade float to make your space feel festive and fun.
Here are a few easy and charming decorating ideas:
Front Porch Flair
- Hang a fabric flag bunting across the railing or above the door
- Add small flags to your planters
- Add red or navy throw pillows to your rocking chairs or porch swing
- Fill mason jars with mini American flags or fresh white flowers for a sweet, classic look
Tabletop Touches
- Use bandanas or star-patterned fabric as casual placemats or napkins
- Display snacks and desserts on red, white, or blue cake stands or trays
- Tie sparklers together with ribbon and place them in a clear vase for a centerpiece that’s both pretty and practical
Backyard Glow-Up
- String up white twinkle lights or lanterns to create a magical evening atmosphere
- Toss red and blue glow sticks in the cooler for fun after-dark accessories
- Use galvanized buckets or woven baskets to hold drinks, utensils, or sparklers
Bonus Tip:
Add a pop of patriotic color with potted red geraniums, white petunias, and blue salvia near your entryway, as they look beautiful and last all summer long.
Traditions That Make It Yours
Sure, fireworks light up the sky, but it’s the little traditions that truly light up our hearts. Whether your celebration is loud and lively or slow and sweet, the magic comes from making it your own.
Here’s a few simple ideas:
- Sidewalk Chalk Contest: Let kids (and grown-ups!) turn the driveway into a masterpiece of stars, stripes, and creativity.
- Golf Cart Parade: Decorate carts with streamers, bunting, and flags, then cruise the neighborhood with big waves and bigger smiles.
- Backyard Game Zone: Keep little ones entertained with games like cornhole or water balloon toss.
- Twinkle Light Hangouts: Simply relax with neighbors under string lights, sip something cold, and enjoy the sounds of laughter and summer.
❤️ These are the moments that linger, and the memories that grow richer with each July. Celebrate your way, and lean into the traditions that make your 4th feel like home. Because sometimes, the best fireworks show is the one in your own backyard. We hope your Independence Day is filled with love, laughter, and a little extra sparkle.
Happy memory-making,
The Gals at Good to Be Home 🐝
