America250: The local events to know about

The U.S. Semiquincentennial is the 250th anniversary of the United States of America's Declaration of Independence. Below is a list of events and celebrations happening that recognize the birth date and subsequent history of America.

* Now through Dec. 31 is the Georgia Reads for America250 Beanstack Challenge. Read at least one book from the curated reading list and do at least one activity from each of the historical categories to complete the challenge. Free to participate with a free Beanstack account. No library card required to register. Visit cobbcat.beanstack.org.

* Now through Aug. 24 will be Marietta History Center at 30: Rotating Artifacts Centennial & Bicentennial America at MHC, 1 Depot Street in Marietta. MHC is celebrating 30 years of collecting, preserving and sharing Marietta's story. One special area of the exhibit is designed to rotate artifacts, meaning there's always something new to discover. The summer rotation will include collection artifacts highlighting the American Centennial and Bicentennial celebrations. Admission is $10 adults, $7 seniors ages 60 and up, $7 students and free for members, military and children under 5. Visit MariettaHistory.org.

* June 4 will be an Evening With History - White House Workforce: Behind the Scenes featuring Matthew Costello of the White House Historical Association at The Marietta History Center, 1 Depot Street in Marietta. There will be a VIP event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and a lecture from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets for the VIP reception, which includes the lecture, are $40. Tickets for the lecture is $5 members, $10 non-members. Visit MariettaHistory.org.

* June 8 at 7:30 p.m. will be the lecture "The Patriot Painters: Peale, Stuart, Trumball and Early American Art" at the Smyrna Public Library, 100 Village Green Circle SE in Smyrna. Dr. William Marchione, historian and author of "A Brief History of Smyrna, Georgia," will examine the contrasting lives and careers of the principal painters of U.S. early national history: Charles Willson Peale, Gilbert Stuart and John Trumball. Peale is best remembered for his monumental portraits of George Washington and other Revolutionary War era figures. He also organized and opened America's first natural history and art museums in Baltimore and Philadelphia.

* June 14 at 4 p.m. will be Jazz at The Strand: The Music of Sarah Vaughan at the Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square in Marietta. Known as "The Divine One," Vaughan's voice helped shape the sound of American jazz and left a mark on the nation's musical heritage. The Jazz at The Strand Series is presented in partnership with the Jazz Legacy Project. Founded in 2015 by Justin Varnes following his experience teaching Jazz History at Georgia State University, the Jazz Legacy Project celebrates jazz as one of America's most influential art forms. With an ongoing residency at Velvet Note, the group blends live performance with storytelling - connecting the music to the moments in history that shaped it. VIP ticket package includes early access to seating, a Q&A with the band, two drink tickets and a poster signed by the band. Visit earlsmithstrand.org.

* On June 14 at 2 p.m., Acworth will celebrate 250 years of America with the Threads of Freedom Parade at 2 p.m. on June 14 in downtown Acworth. Registered participants can use a street-legal vehicle decorated in red, white and blue to line the streets in celebration. Visit www.acworth-ga.gov.

* June 19 from 6 to 11 p.m. will be Juneteenth All White Evening Under the Stars in Glover Park on Marietta Square. The event, presented by the Cobb County NAACP, marks the opening night of the annual Juneteenth Weekend Celebration. The evening invites guests to wear white in honor of unity, reflection and the ongoing journey toward freedom and equality. There will be music, culture and community. VIP tables are available for purchase. Visit cobbnaacp.org.

* June 20 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. will be the Juneteenth Cultural Festival on Marietta Square. Organized by the Cobb County Branch NAACP in partnership with Marietta, this annual celebration honors the enduring pursuit of freedom, unity and progress that continues to shape the nation. Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration of the ending of slavery. The celebration of June 19th was coined "Juneteenth" and grew with more participation from descendants. Juneteenth today celebrates African-American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. Families can enjoy a full day of live entertainment and explore over 150 vendors offering food, music, community resources, voter registration, raffles, health screenings, NAACP Juneteenth t-shirts and memberships, along with opportunities for fellowship and networking. Visit cobbnaacp.org.

* June 20 at 5 p.m. will be the Concert on the Green: A Juneteenth Celebration at Logan Farm Park with live music from 7 to 9 p.m. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. Participants can bring blankets and folding chairs. Visit www.acworth-ga.gov.

* June 21 from 2 to 6 p.m. will be Juneteenth Father's Day Salute to Heroes on Marietta Square. The Cobb County Branch NAACP and Marietta will co-host the celebration. Visit cobbnaacp.org.

* June 27 at 2 p.m. will be The American Presidency In Artifacts: A Collector's Journey presented by Russell Clayton at The Marietta History Center, 1 Depot Street in Marietta. The event is free as part of the ongoing America 250th celebrations.

* June 27 at 2 and 6 p.m. will be Zion Production, Revisiting Zion: The Story of 88 Brave Souls at the Marietta Performing Arts Center, 1171 Whitlock Avenue NW in Marietta. A powerful tribute to the enduring spirit of freedom and resilience, this production honors the story of 88 formerly enslaved individuals whose legacy continues to shape the nation over 160 years later. Featuring video segments from Beverly Austin's stage play Zion, this presentation reflects on the courage and perseverance that remain central to the American story today. The 2 p.m. ticket is $30 adults, $10 children ages 12 and under. The 6 p.m. ticket is $35 adults, $10 children ages 12 and under. Visit www.zbcmarietta.org.

* June 28 at 3 p.m. will be Silent Films at The Strand: The Gold Rush (1925) at the Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square in Marietta. This is Charlie Chaplin's whimsical take on the deprivations of the Yukon gold rush. Cost is $18.80. Visit earlsmithstrand.org.

* June 29 at noon will be 250 In the Park at Dobbins Air Reserve Base Lakeside Pavillion, 1256 Lake Circle in Marietta. The 94th FSS Community Programs will host this event with live music, picnic food, unit games and activities for all members of the Dobbins community. Visit https://dobbinslife.com/.

* For the month of July, the Georgia Room in the Swizter Library, 266 Roswell Street NE in Marietta, will have a George Washington Letter Display. Participants can see for free a historic letter written by George Washington on display for the entire month. This remarkable document offers a direct connection to the American Revolution and the early years of the nation.

* July 1-31 will be A Southern Experience at the Gone With the Wind Museum. In honor of America250, the Gone With the Wind Museum has launched the "Passport to the Past," a community-wide initiative designed to encourage exploration, education and celebration of the nation's history. Participants can pick up a pass at any participating institution or the Marietta Welcome Center and have it stamped by museum staff during each visit. Once the passport is filled, it can be returned to the Gone With the Wind Museum to receive a free gift. One card per person, over the age of 10. Participating locations are the Gone With the Wind Museum, Old Zion Heritage Museum, Marietta History Center, William Root House, Aviation History & Technology Center and the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art. Cost is regular museum admission. Visit www.GWTWMarietta.com.

* July 1 from 9 a.m. to noon will be the installation of the 250-flag memorial marking the nation's 250th birthday at the Twentieth Century Veterans Memorial, 2800 King Street SE in Smyrna. The display will remain for the month of July. Local veterans and active-duty service members are invited to lead the way in this tribute. To participate in the planting and receive a commemorative coin, registration is required. Please register only the head of a household. Children are welcome to participate with a parent or guardian. Register for free at https://tinyurl.com/yc42pr2y.

* July 3 from 5 to 9 p.m. will be Salute to America in downtown Kennesaw. Kennesaw's Independence Day Celebration will feature live music, street entertainment, food vendors, family-friendly activities and fireworks. Visit https://www.kennesaw-ga.gov/parks-and-recreation/special-events/salutetoamerica/.

* July 3 from 7 to 10 p.m. will be Southern Spirits at the Southern Museum, 2829 Cherokee Street NW in Kennesaw. The event, which runs alongside Kennesaw's Salute to America, is for ages 21 and up. It features museum access, live music and front row fireworks. Admission includes three adult beverages, food and lawn seating. Visit https://www.kennesaw-ga.gov/kennesaw-event/southern-spirits-9/.

* July 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. will be an Independence Eve Concert on Marietta Square featuring Atlanta's own Drivin N Cryin. The concert kicks off Marietta's beloved Fourth in the Park weekend and is part of the community's celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Participants can bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of free live music and patriotic celebrations.

* July 4 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. will be Marietta's 4th in the Park Celebration including a morning parade, an all-day arts and crafts show, food, carnival games and an evening concert featuring Departure and fireworks finale. The event is free. Visit www.mariettaparks.com.

* July 4th Fireworks on the Bricks at The Marietta History Center, 1 Depot Street in Marietta. There will be a limited number of tables available in front of the Kennesaw House, located right by the railroad tracks, for participants to view the Marietta fireworks. MHC is located across from the Marietta First United Methodist Church parking lot where the fireworks are launched. Seating begins at 5 p.m. and runs until the end of the fireworks. Cost is $200 for a four person table or $300 for a six person table. Table packages include an first-floor, air-conditioned community room with tables for cooling off or getting out of the rain and restrooms inside MHC. Participants may bring their own dinner and beverage and may eat indoors. Light snacks, cold water and sodas will be provided. Visit MariettaHistory.org.

* July 4 from 6 to 10 p.m. will be Powder Springs' 4th of July Celebration in Thurman Springs Park, 4485 Pineview Drive in Powder Springs. There will be music, food, vendors, a kids area, a car show and fireworks.

* July 6 from 6 to 7 p.m. will be Revolutionary Soldiers of Marietta National Cemetery at The Community Room at the Switzer Library, 266 Roswell Street NE in Marietta. Join the Georgia Room for a free special presentation by Marietta National Cemetery historian Brad Quinlin, who will explore the stories of two American Revolutionary War veterans laid to rest at Marietta National Cemetery - John Hames and John Clark. Participants can discover how these soldiers of the Revolution came to be buried in Marietta and learn more about their lives, service and lasting legacy.

* From July 11 to Dec. 13, the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, 30 Atlanta Street SE in Marietta, will have Exhibition – MCMA Permanent Collection: America's 250th Celebration. Encompassing U.S. history, landscapes and iconography, this special exhibition will be on display in MCMA's Northside Hospital Board Room. Cost is $10 adults, $8 students/seniors and free for members and children under 6. Visit mariettacobbartmuseum.org.

* July 18 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be Pop In For Family Fun: Revolutionary America at the Marietta History Center, 1 Depot Street in Marietta. Held on the third Saturday of every month, Pop-Ins offer an opportunity for children and their families to engage with the museum through themed activities and crafts. This month families will explore colonial life, local history and the Revolutionary era through crafts and activities. Visit www.MariettaHistory.org.

* July 20 from 6 to 7 p.m. will be Nancy Hart: Georgia's Heroine of the Revolution in the Community Room at the Swizter Library, 266 Roswell Street in Marietta. This is a free presentation by author Lisa Russell as she brings to life the story of Nancy Hart, Georgia's most legendary Revolutionary War heroine. Discover the history, folklore and legacy of this fierce patriot whose exploits made her a symbol of frontier courage during the American Revolution.

* July 21 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. will be American Revolution Trivia with the Georgia Room at the Switzer Library, 266 Roswell Street in Marietta. Celebrate America250 with a night of American Revolution trivia and a chance to win prizes.

* July 25 from 6 to 10 p.m. will be the Sounds of the Springs Concert at Thurman Springs Park, 4485 Pineview Street in Powder Springs. The series will continue on Aug. 29 and Sept. 26.

* Aug. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m., will be Heritage Craft Circle at MCMA: Knitting. The Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, 30 Atlanta Street SE in Marietta, will have crafters on select Fridays drop in and work on their personal craft project. There will be an experienced artist hosting the monthly featured craft to help answer questions. Crafters must bring their own supplies. All participants must pay the museum admission fee - $10 adults, $8 students/seniors and free for MCMA members and children under six. Sept. 4 will be embroidery, Oct. 2 is quilting, Nov. 6 is corn husk dolls and Dec. 4 is origami and paper crafts. Visit https://mariettacobbartmuseum.org.

* Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will be The Chalk Spot in Glover Park on Marietta Square. Chalk Spot invites young artists to take part in a classic American tradition - creating art in the open air and bringing communities together through creativity. During the Marietta Art in the Park festival, participants will transform a three-foot square section of a closed street into their own chalk masterpiece, adding color and personality to a shared public space. Artwork will remain on display throughout the festival, weather permitting. No pre-registration is required. Participating children will receive a box of sidewalk chalk and two tickets to the North Georgia State Fair, while supplies last. Proceeds benefit the Marietta High School Visual Arts Department. Visit www.artparkmarietta.com.

* Sept. 5-7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily will be 40th Marietta Art in the Park in Glover Park on Marietta Square. This juried festival features over 200 artists from across the country, live music and engaging hands-on activities for children. As Cobb County's only fine art festival, it has been consistently recognized by Sunshine Artist Magazine for attracting top talent nationwide and welcoming over 55,000 visitors each year. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Marietta Business Association. Visit www.artparkmarietta.com.

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.