Weekend Radar ATL
 

Happy Fourth of July weekend! It's a big one — America turns 250, the World Cup is still buzzing, and there's plenty to do before school-year schedules kick back in. Here's what's worth your time this weekend and beyond.

 
This Weekend: July 4–5, 2026

Peachtree Road Race (Midtown/Buckhead) — 60,000 runners take over Peachtree Street in Atlanta's biggest July 4th tradition. Even if you're not running, spectating is free and the energy is worth the early wake-up. The race finishes at Piedmont Park. Peachtree StreetSaturday July 4, starts 6 a.m. • Free to watch

American Tall Tales (Midtown) — Paul Bunyan, Pecos Bill, and other legendary characters come to life in this foot-stomping puppet show. Tickets include museum access and a take-home Babe the Blue Ox puppet kit. Opens July 3. Center for Puppetry ArtsJuly 3 and ongoing, see website for showtimes • $20; members $16

Decatur Fourth of July Celebration (Decatur) — Hometown Fourth at its best. The Pied Piper Parade winds through downtown at 4 p.m. with floats, wagons, stilt walkers, and decorated bikes — anyone can join in. Live music from G Clef & The Playlist at 7 p.m., fireworks at dark. The kind of July 4th your kids will remember. Downtown DecaturSaturday, July 4, parade at 4 p.m., fireworks ~9 p.m. • Free

 
Last Chance

These events close before next weekend — skip them now and you'll miss them entirely.

Space Explorers: THE INFINITE (Pullman Yards) — The immersive ISS experience wraps up Monday. If your space-obsessed kid hasn't gone yet, this weekend is it. Last day: Monday, July 6

The Great Ant Sleepover (Midtown) — This charming kids' theater show about bravery and bedtime closes today. Last day: Sunday, July 5

 

Heads Up

This weekend is the first weekend of the month, which means Bank of America cardholders get free admission to the High Museum, Fernbank, and other Atlanta museums through the Museums on Us program. Check bankofamerica.com/museums for the full list.

Looking for fireworks? We didn't try to compete with the dozen great guides already out there. Atlanta on the Cheap has the definitive list with an interactive map. Our picks: Decatur's Pied Piper Parade if you want charm, Stone Mountain if you want spectacle, Sandy Springs if you want easy.

 
World Cup Events

FIFA Fan Festival (Downtown) — Free, open-to-the-public World Cup celebration in the heart of the city with games, activations, and the energy of a global soccer party. Registration required — grab your spot before the weekend. Centennial Olympic ParkThrough Jul 16 • Free (registration required)

All The Soccer Things (Westside) — Eight weeks of World Cup fun with watch parties, live music, movies, and giveaways. Drop in anytime. Through Jul 18

 
Still Going

Basura (Midtown) — Inspired by Paraguay's Recycled Orchestra, this Alliance Theatre musical about turning scrap into music is a standout for kids 8 and up. Through Sunday, July 12

Glow Nights (Downtown Atlanta) — Georgia Aquarium's evening-only experience with glowing corals, radiant jellyfish, live performances, and more. Runs daily from 4 p.m. to close. Through Sunday, August 9

A Garden with Wings (Kennesaw) — Meet butterflies at every stage of life, plus nectar plants, at Smith-Gilbert Gardens. Reservations recommended; runs Tuesday–Saturday. Through Sunday, August 16

DinoVerse Atlanta (Doraville) — Real fossils, dino science, and VR adventures for ages 6 and up — a strong rainy-day destination all summer. Through Saturday, August 29

Butterfly Encounter at Chattahoochee Nature Center (Roswell) — Hundreds of native butterflies up close in a naturalistic setting — a genuinely magical experience for kids of all ages. Through Monday, August 31

Niki in the Garden (Midtown) — Monumental, colorful sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle scattered throughout the Atlanta Botanical Garden — stunning for all ages and a great photo backdrop. Through Monday, September 7

Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure! (Downtown Atlanta) — Dive into ocean habitats alongside the Wild Kratts crew in this hands-on traveling exhibit. A sure hit for fans of the show. Through Monday, September 14

Frame by Frame: The Art of Stop-Motion Animation (Midtown) — Original puppets and sets from real productions — a fascinating peek behind the curtain for creative kids and anyone who's ever loved a stop-motion film. Through Nov. 2

Los Porfiados (Midtown) — Fourteen playful inflatable sculptures that wobble and bounce at the High Museum — irresistible for curious kids. Through Monday, November 30

 

Hope you have a safe, fun, and fireworks-filled Fourth! See you next week. 🎆

The Weekend Radar ATL Team

 

Know a parent who'd love this? Share it with them and tell them to sign up at WeekendRadarATL.com

Got feedback? Just reply to this email. It goes to a real inbox and I read everything.

 
Instagram @weekendradaratl
© 2026 Weekend Radar ATL

Atlanta's best family events,
delivered every week.