4th of July in Athens, Ga

The 4th of July is just around the corner, and to many, this monumental day is celebrated with family fun, parades, fireworks, concerts and picnics. Luckily, there's no need to travel to the coast, the city, or cross-country this year, because Athens, Georgia has all that you and the family could want- and more- for a July Georgia getaway to celebrate Independence Day this year!

Thanks to Foundry Entertainment, Packway Handle Band, and the Athens Folk Music and Dance Society, the Classic City American Music Festival is returning for its fifth year at The Melting Point! This one-day Blugrass/Americana festival is packed with eight of the most talented and established groups of their kind. Impressing the nation for six decades, Dr. Ralph Stanley will perform with The Clinch Mountain Boys at 8 p.m., elevating his musical ingenuity to a whole new level.  Originating in Athens, Georgia, and credited in part for creating the festival, the Packway Handle Band will take the stage at 10 p.m. and blow the whole family away. Their performance won't leave you confused as to why they've been named "Athens’ Best Bluegrass Band" in the readers’ choice Flagpole Magazine Music Awards three years in a row. Other unique bands performing include Adam Klein and The Wild Fires, whose hits reached the Top 5 of Americana charts, Asheville, NC's The Honeycutters, Jimmy Martin-inspired BorderHop Trio, 2012 Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition winner Bluebilly Grit, the dance-evoking String Theory, and the energetic and progressive High Strung String Band. Not much could beat this line-up for an Independence Day celebration! Tickets are $20 in advance and $25/$15 with UGA ID at the door, and all ages are welcome! If you're looking for a place to stay, the neighboring Foundry Park Inn has great special offers, including deluxe guestroom accommodations and your choice of add-on packages and a separate special room rate for UGA students and parents.  They're definitely worth a look!

For those craving traditional Independence Day activities like inflatables, face painting, fireworks, and a parade, the Star Spangled Classic is the perfect way to celebrate! Beginning at 6 p.m., families and friends of all ages will fill Bishop Park to enjoy the free live music, games, food, and kids inflatables. Fireworks will start at dark (around 9:30 p.m.)! Returning for the second year, the Kids Patriot Parade at 7 p.m. will show off bicycles, tricycles, and other non-motorized modes of transportation decorated by kids ages 10 and younger. The parade is free to enter, but you must register on location beginning at 6 p.m. Prizes will be given to the most creative decorators! The Star Spangled Classic is the perfect (and free!) Fourth of July bash for the young, old, and everyone in between! 

You can stop stressing about holiday plans, because the The Classic City American Music Festival and the Star Spangled Classic have got you covered here in Athens, Georgia! While you're at it, check out all of the activities on July 4th weekend, and make the celebration of the United States of America's 237th year of independence the best one yet!

Celebrating Independence Day in Athens: July 1-4

The Fourth of July is right around the corner! Celebrate the holiday by gathering friends and family and heading to Athens, Georgia for various Independence Day events. We're certain you'll find an exciting way to celebrate America in the Classic City all this weekend, and through Wednesday, July 4!

1. Classic City American Music Festival

Head to one of Athens' favorite music venues, The Melting Point, on Sunday, July 1 for the Classic City American Music Festival. This annual event features both indoor and outdoor stages hosting some of the best established and rising talents in the American Music Scene, including The Darnell Boys, Packway Handle Band, Mountain Heart, and more. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door, with a discounted ticket of $10 at the door to those who show a UGA ID card. All children ages 12 and under admitted free. Concessions begin at 1 p.m., with the first band coming on stage at 2:30 p.m. The Melting Point will begin serving food from its menu at 5 p.m. Come, rain or shine, to enjoy traditional Americana, bluegrass, and folk music!

2. Classic City Band Concert

The State Botanical Gardens of Georgia will host the Classic City Band Concert. The band will celebrate Independence Day by playing popular and patriotic tunes. The performance will be from 3-4 p.m. on Sunday, July 1 in the Visitor Center and Conservatory building. Admission is free for all ages. Spend a Sunday afternoon listening to the refined instrumentals of the Classic City Band!

3. Star Spangled Classic at Bishop Park

Back this year by popular demand, the Star Spangled Classic at Bishop Park on July 4 is a wonderful Athens Fourth of July tradition, complete with music, food, family-friendly activities, and a fabulous fireworks display! Bring the kids to participate in the Children's Patriotic Parade, when participants adorn festive and patriotic costumes while parading around the park. Registration for the Children's Patriotic Parade begins at 5 p.m., with the family events beginning at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Admission and parking are free. Celebrate Independence Day with a fun-filled evening at Bishop Park!

For even more events that will make for a delightful holiday weekend in Athens, GA, check out the listings on the Visit Athens, GA calendar!

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How are you celebrating national freedom this Independence Day?