Where to watch fireworks, celebrate Independence Day around Middle Georgia
Cities across Middle Georgia are preparing for Independence Day celebrations taking place Friday and Saturday, with concerts and fireworks shows for the public to enjoy.
Here's what to know about the events, including parking, times and prices.
Macon
Macon officials will hold a fireworks show at the 29th iteration of “Sparks Over the Park” at Sandy Beach at Lake Tobosofkee on Saturday. Gates will be open at 8 a.m. Guests “can enjoy everything the lake has to offer, including swimming, boating, picnicking, disc golf, and more,” city officials said in the event announcement.
The Plum Tuckered band will perform from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m.
While Claystone, Sandy Beach and Arrowhead parks of Lake Tobosofkee will be open, officials said Sandy Beach offers the best view of the show. Visitors at Claystone “should plan to watch from the west end of the beach for the best vantage point,” officials said.
Guests are also encouraged to arrive early. Gates will close at 8 p.m.
Admission to the park is $3 per person. Children under 6 years old are free. Alcohol and glass containers are not permitted, officials said.
Warner Robins
Warner Robins will host the 43rd Warner Robins Independence Day Celebration at McConnell-Talbert Stadium on Saturday, according to a news release.
Gates will open at 6 p.m. and admission is free. The fireworks display will be held at 10:30 p.m.
There will be entrances to the stadium from Martin Luther King Boulevard and South Davis Drive.
Parking is available at the grassy area of Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church, C.B. Watson Primary School, Warner Robins High School, Pearl Stephens Elementary School, Rumble Academy, Sacred Heart Catholic Church Complex, Robins Financial Credit Union, Middle Georgia State University, Commercial Circle Area and the Warner Robins Municipal Complex.
A complimentary shuttle service will be available from Middle Georgia State University from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be no shuttle service at the conclusion of the event.
Guests are allowed to bring chairs, picnic blankets, small personal umbrellas, strollers and clear bags. Items will be screened before entry. Reusable drink containers must be empty.
“The City of Warner Robins and the Warner Robins Police Department encourage everyone to plan ahead, arrive early, and enjoy a safe and memorable Independence Day celebration,” the news release said.
Other events will also be held in Warner Robins, including Celebrating America’s Heritage Dance, Greatest American Cleanup, Hometown Spring Fling Food Truck Roundup, Take Flight Movie Night, Hometown Heroes/Military Kids, State of the Base, Warner Robins Police Department Strong, Warner Robins Fire Department Afterburn Auto Show, Take Flight Tour, Boots, Bites and Bids and Wellston Winds Concert Band Patriotic Program. More information can be found here.
Centerville
The city will host a concert with Cashmere, an Atlanta-based cover band, opening and DEPARTURE, a Journey tribute band, as headliners, at Center Park on Friday. The event will take place from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Cashmere will perform from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and DEPARTURE will perform from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
“Immediately concluding the concert, the celebration reaches its pinnacle as a synchronized fireworks extravaganza takes center stage over Center Park,” the Centerville park said in its event announcement on Facebook.
There also will be a challenge where pre-registered participants are “invited to showcase their community spirit and creativity by styling their vehicle trunks or truck beds with an original red, white, and blue flair,” the Facebook post said.
The event is free and open to the public.
Food and drink vendors will be available. There will also be face painting and balloon stations available.
Forsyth
Forsyth officials will celebrate Independence Day with “Fireworks over Forsyth” on Saturday at Main Street. Atlanta-based Mass Affect Party Band will perform at 7:30 p.m. before the fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Officials encouraged guests to arrive early to secure seats and enjoy food and drinks. Guests are permitted to bring chairs, but not tables, tents or grills.
“We encourage attendees to utilize all available parking at the Monroe County Fine Arts Center and around the square,” Forsyth Main Street said on Facebook.
Perry
Perry officials will hold the “Red, White and Boom” celebration in Historic Downtown Perry on Saturday, starting at 7 p.m. The event will take place on Carroll, Jernigan, Ball and Main streets. The fireworks show will begin at 9:20 p.m.
It’s free for the public to attend, with parking available around Historic Downtown. City officials encourage visitors to bring “lawn chairs, blankets, and a festive spirit as we come together to honor our nation’s independence,” according to the city’s event announcement.
“Well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed at this event, but keep in mind our furry friends may not enjoy the fireworks as much as we do,” the announcement said.
Food and drink vendors, face painting and balloon stations will be available.
