2025 4th of July Parade, Festival, and Fireworks

Come out and celebrate America’s independence as the City of Marietta hosts the Fourth in the Park celebration beginning at 10 am on Friday July 4th, 2025.

The Independence Day celebration begins with the Marietta Freedom Parade that starts at Roswell Street Baptist Church and continues west on Roswell Street, then north on East Park Square past Glover Park, then down Cherokee Street, and ends at North Marietta Parkway.

The Fourth of July parade features marching units from local bands, civic organizations, beauty pageant queens, scouts, local businesses of all types, and much more. After the parade there will be free live concerts and entertainment, food, arts and crafts, carnival games, and of course fireworks.

2025 Schedule:

10 am – Let Freedom Ring Parade
10 am – 9 pm – Festival – Arts & Crafts, Kids Zone, Festival Food, Free Concerts
Noon – Concert – Scott Thompson
2 pm – National Bell Ringing Ceremony
2:30 – Concert – Atlanta Concert Band
7:00 – Concert – Cat Carter
8 – 9:30 – Concert – Chuck Martin and the Line Up
Fireworks at Dark (around 9:30 pm)

The parade spans a 1.5 mile route beginning at Roswell Street Baptist Church and heads west on Roswell St, then north on East Park Square through Marietta Square, then down Cherokee Street and finishing at North Marietta Parkway. The parade features more than two thousand participants in more than one hundred entries, and there will be an estimated thirty thousand people in attendance. Watch as local businesses, civic organizations, beauty queens, bands, scouts, National Guard, and numerous floats participate and compete for prizes based on design, color, theme, appearance, originality, and riders and costumes.

The Arts and Crafts show features vendors showcasing a wide variety of products. The vendors will be open from 10 am to 9 pm.

Food will be available from a variety of concessions beginning at 10 am. Marietta Square restaurants will also be open for business.

4th of July Celebration Fireworks on the Marietta Square – photo courtesy City of Marietta

Fireworks light up the sky and patriotic music fills the air at dark – around 9:30 pm. The fireworks are shot from the parking lot of the Marietta First United Methodist Church. If bad weather is expected, the fireworks may begin a few minutes early, to ensure the entire display is completed. If you want to watch the fireworks, make sure you get there early to grab a spot because traffic is expected to be heavy.

For more information, please call the Marietta Parks and Recreation department at (770) 794-5601.

For the weather related updates, please check with the event organizers by visiting the following links:

City of Marietta’s Facebook Page
City of Marietta’s Twitter Page
Marietta Parks and Recreation Department website or call the Marietta Parks and Recreation Department at (770) 794-5601 for updates.

Glover Park during the 4th In The Park Celebration

View of the 4th of July Let Freedom Ring Parade

4th of July Independence Day Celebration Float

Fire trucks and first responders in the Fourth of July parade.

A variety of food vendors will be on site during the Fourth of July festival.

Marietta Brazilian Festival

Marietta.com

The Marietta Brazilian Festival is an annual event that brings the vibrant culture of Brazil to Marietta. As the largest and most traditional festival of the Brazilian community in Georgia, it offers attendees a unique opportunity to experience authentic Brazilian food, music, dance, and more.

Taste an extensive variety of typical Brazilian foods, from savory dishes like feijoada (black bean stew) and pão de queijo (cheese bread) to sweet treats like brigadeiros (fudge balls). Local vendors and food trucks will be serving these delicious options throughout the festival.

Enjoy live performances of regional dances and music, including samba, forró, and capoeira. The festival features talented artists who bring the energy and rhythms of Brazil to the stage, creating an immersive cultural experience.

The festival is designed for all ages, with games and activities for children, youngsters, and adults. There are also crafts and workshops where you can learn more about Brazilian traditions and art.

Held on a 5-acre property at Vine Atlanta Church, the festival provides a welcoming environment. The location is conveniently situated at 1296 Gresham Road in Marietta, close to the iconic “KFC’s Big Chicken.”

Date:
June 13, 2025
June 14, 2025

Time:
Friday from 8 pm to 11:30 pm
Saturday from 5 pm to 11:30 pm

Admission:
Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance. Early bird tickets are available for a discounted price, so be sure to get yours in advance.

Address:
1296 Gresham Road
Marietta, GA 30062

For more information, you can reach out to the event organizers at (770) 434-1434 or email vineatlanta@gmail.com

Marietta Named Most Generous City in the U.S.

Marietta.com

Marietta is once again in the national spotlight after being named the #1 Most Generous City in the United States by GoFundMe for 2024. This marks the third time Marietta has topped the list and the sixth consecutive year it has ranked among the top three cities nationwide.

To celebrate, the City of Marietta and GoFundMe are teaming up for a special evening during the May 30th 2025 Glover Park Concert Series. The celebration will begin at 6 pm on the Marietta Square, ahead of a concert by Canyonland (California Country Rock) featuring Michelle Malone .

In addition to the live music, the event will include giveaways, a photo booth, and interactive activities that are all free and open to the public. The recognition from GoFundMe is based on donation activity per capita and highlights Marietta’s continued tradition of civic engagement and generosity.

As Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin put it, “Our residents consistently show up for one another with compassion and generosity. We are proud of this national recognition and grateful to celebrate our community together on May 30th.”

Date:
Friday, May 30, 2025

Time:
6 pm to 9 pm

Admission:
Free

Address:
Glover Park on the Marietta Square
50 N Park Square
Marietta GA 30060

For more information, please contact the City of Marietta at mariettaga.gov or (770) 794-5601

GoFundMe’s 10 Most Generous U.S. Cities list:

Marietta, GA
Sarasota, FL
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Doral, FL
Alpharetta, GA
Orlando, FL
Sandy Springs, GA
Miami, FL
Greenville, SC
Boca Raton, FL

The most generous state on GoFundMe was Vermont for the third year in a row, and Ireland was the most generous country in the world for the sixth consecutive year. For more, check out the GoFundMe 2024 Year in Help Report.

Milford Recreation Center Grand Opening Celebration

Marietta.com

Cobb PARKS invites residents to the grand opening of the new Milford Recreation Center on Saturday, May 17. Funded through the 2016 SPLOST, with additional funding approved in 2022, this event marks the opening of the first new recreation center in Cobb County in almost 20 years.

The event begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 am, followed by an afternoon of fun from noon to 4 pm. Visitors can explore the modern facility, including a spacious game room, participate in interactive class demonstrations, and enjoy live music, carnival games, and tasty food.

Bring the family to discover all the exciting activities and amenities available at Milford Recreation Center. Located right next to Birney Elementary School, this new recreation spot features plenty of opportunities for fun, fitness, and leisure.

Date:
Saturday, May 17, 2025

Time:
11 am to 4 pm

Admission:
Free

Address:
Milford Recreation Center
675 Smyrna Powder Springs Road SW
Marietta, GA 30060

For more information, please contact Cobb PARKS at cobbcounty.org/parks or call 770-528-8800.

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park

Cory Sekine-Pettite

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Atlanta Braves partner on new fun zone at Truist Park.

By the time you read this, the 2025 Major League Baseball season will have begun and the Atlanta Braves will be in first place in the National League East (I assume). The team has made multiple updates to Truist Park this year to improve the fan experience, including continuing its longtime relationship with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Together, they have expanded and reimagined Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park. The dedicated family space will be relocated to the Left Field Plaza, between Truist Park’s Left Field Gate and Third Base Gate, and will accommodate more than twice as many families as the existing play area known as Hope & Will’s Sandlot.

This new, 30,000-square-foot Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park is a reimagined fun zone for younger fans that features a rock-climbing tower and other interactive play experiences, including BLOOPER’s Clubhouse, where fans can meet the mascot and take photos during the game; Hope & Will’s Sandlot, a kid-sized ball field featuring a scaled model of Truist Park’s outfield wall for organized and pick-up games; the Great Lawn with seating to play and relax; and collapsible batting cages for fans of all ages to practice their swing.

“A day at the ballpark is one of the most fun and meaningful experiences families share, and we were very cognizant of that when we designed Truist Park,” said Atlanta Braves President and CEO Derek Schiller. “Hope & Will’s Sandlot has been one of the most popular attractions at Truist Park from the first day we opened our doors. As demand in the space increased, we went back to the drawing board with our partners at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, who are the foremost experts in pediatric health, to create a new and enhanced space that will accommodate even more families and help them build a lifetime of memories.”

Based on feedback from parents who spend considerable time at the Sandlot, the Braves have added additional amenities to ensure that everyone has fun. A new, 480-square-foot video board on the Delta Deck will allow families to play in Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park without missing any of the Braves action on the field. Additional enhancements include seating for family members across the park, increased areas of shade, cooling misters, and easy access to restrooms. The area will feature dedicated concessions and kid-focused merchandise as well.

“Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is excited to renew our partnership with the Braves and continue our support for families throughout Braves Country,” said Linda Matzigkeit, Chief Administrative Officer at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “Children’s is not only the leading place for pediatric care, but we are also fully dedicated to improving the lives of children in our community. The new Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park provides a great opportunity for us to deliver on that commitment to be a part of kids’ lives — both when they are sick, and when they are healthy.”

Traditional concessions have been transformed into modern market-style and grab-and-go options. Additionally, the clubhouse store was expanded to improve circulation and access on both game and non-game days, further strengthening connectivity with the community. These improvements not only extend Truist Park’s footprint by linking it more seamlessly with The Battery Atlanta, but also enhance its revenue potential, creating lasting memories for fans in the years to come.

The new Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park will be open on gamedays and accessible from The Battery Atlanta for non-gameday events and activities.

Cobb County Senior Services Expo

Marietta.com

The Cobb County Senior Services Annual Expo returns this April with plenty of helpful resources, engaging seminars, and even some complimentary fresh produce for early attendees. The event takes place at the Cobb Civic Center and features dozens of vendors specializing in areas like transportation, nutrition, senior living options, Medicare guidance, wellness programs, safety information, and more.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as the first 400 households attending the event will receive a bag of free produce. Additionally, Northside Hospital will offer complimentary health screenings throughout the day. Attendees can receive screenings for blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), skin cancer, and carotid artery evaluations to assess stroke risk.

Educational seminars presented by industry experts will also run during the expo, providing valuable insights into key topics impacting older adults. The seminar lineup includes a 10:30 am presentation on “Preventing Medicare Fraud” hosted by Senior Medicare Patrol. At 11:45 am, BEST Learning Center will discuss “Community Resources & Services.” Wrapping up the sessions at 1 pm, Stanton Gatewood from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will present “Cyber Security and Scam Prevention,” a timely discussion aimed at keeping attendees informed and protected.

This informative day at the Cobb Civic Center is the perfect chance to gain valuable knowledge and make meaningful connections while enjoying some thoughtful perks. With parking and admission both free, it’s an easy decision to drop by and explore everything the expo has to offer.

Date:
Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Time:
10 am to 2 pm

Admission:
Free

Address:
Cobb Civic Center
548 S. Marietta Parkway
Marietta, GA 30060

For more information, please contact Cobb County Senior Services at 770-528-5381.

Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. Buys Pennant Park

Marietta.com

Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. announced today that the Braves Development Company has acquired Pennant Park, a prominent six-building office complex located strategically at the intersection of I-75 and I-285, adjacent to The Battery Atlanta. Previously owned by Rubenstein Partners since 2017, the sprawling 34-acre Pennant Park offers approximately 763,465 square feet of office space and 2,699 parking spaces, making the $93 million purchase an ideal expansion for the Braves’ growing real estate portfolio.

Strategic Expansion at The Battery

Mike Plant, President & CEO of Braves Development Company, described the acquisition as a key move to enhance the experience for tenants and visitors alike, thanks to its proximity to The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park. “This expands our footprint, allowing us to capitalize on growing interest and providing additional parking for the nearly 9 million visitors we welcome each year,” Plant said.

Currently, Pennant Park enjoys strong occupancy rates, hosting major tenants such as The Home Depot, which occupies two of its buildings. The complex is divided into two main sections, Pennant Commons and Pennant View, each offering extensive amenities including fitness centers, cafés, multimedia lobbies, and recreational facilities like a putting green, bocce ball court, and jogging trails.

Pennant Park is located just a half-mile from the Braves’ home stadium, separated by Interstate 75 but connected by Windy Ridge Parkway and the adjacent pedestrian bridge. Most buildings at Pennant Park were constructed in the 1970s and 1980s and range from four to six stories in height. The acquisition does not include the adjacent building at 300 Interstate North Parkway, a 175,000-square-foot facility occupied by the Weather Channel and often visible from the interstate.

Potential NHL Connections?

The Braves’ acquisition has sparked renewed discussions regarding Atlanta’s potential return to NHL hockey. While the NHL has not officially initiated an expansion process, the city’s name frequently surfaces among possible future locations. Atlanta previously hosted two NHL teams: the Flames from 1972-1980, who moved to Calgary, and the Thrashers from 1999-2011, who relocated to Winnipeg.

Several groups in the region have publicly expressed interest in bringing NHL hockey back to Atlanta. Notably, the Alpharetta Sports & Entertainment Group, led by former NHL player Anson Carter, and a separate initiative led by billionaire Vernon Krause, have both proposed new arena developments.

However, the acquisition of Pennant Park does not immediately indicate plans for an NHL-sized arena at The Battery itself. Nonetheless, the increased real estate footprint and enhanced infrastructure could provide flexibility for future sports and entertainment ventures.

NHL Expansion Buzz

Despite the NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman stating expansion is not an immediate priority, interest continues to grow nationwide. Alongside Atlanta, Houston remains another frequently discussed candidate for a new NHL franchise.

A Forward-Looking Investment

The purchase of Pennant Park signifies Atlanta Braves Holdings’ continued dedication to expanding entertainment and sports opportunities at The Battery. While hockey enthusiasts in Atlanta may need to temper immediate expectations, this strategic real estate investment undeniably keeps doors open for future possibilities.

Pennant Commons

Pennant Commons consists of four office buildings sitting on a 17-acre site centered around a communal plaza.

320 Interstate N Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 (Home Depot)
340 Interstate N Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339 (Home Depot)
360 Interstate N Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339
380 Interstate N Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339

Pennant View

Pennant View consists of two office buildings sitting on a 17-acre site.

210 Interstate N Pkwy E SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
3100 Interstate N Cir SE, Atlanta, GA 30339

2025 May-retta Daze Arts, Crafts, & Music Festival

Marietta.com

May-retta Daze is an annual arts, crafts, and music festival that takes place at Glover Park in historic Marietta Square on the first weekend in May. The festival features exhibitors and artists showcasing handmade goods including painting, pottery, woodwork, metal, glass, fabric, soap, candles and more. All work is made and displayed by the artist, and the event draws both local Georgia artists as well as artists from around the Southeast.

Additional Activities:
The event includes live acoustic music by many local artists performing on the Glover Park stage. On Saturday, the Marietta Square Farmers Market is near the Square at the Mill Street Parking Lot from 9 am to noon.

May-retta Derby Daze Hat Parade
Celebrate Kentucky Derby Day by dressing up in your best Derby attire and wearing your most creative, hand-made hat. Meet at the Glover Park Gazebo at 11 am for a 11:30 am post time. No pre-sign-up required. Prizes will be awarded to those with the most unique designs, so get creative.

Date and Time:
Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 10 am to 7 pm
Sunday, May 4, 2025 from 11 am to 5 pm

Schedule:

Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm – Arts & Crafts Show, Kid’s Zone, Festival Food
Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm – Music Festival performances by local musicians on the Glover Park stage
Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm – Arts & Crafts Show, Kid’s Zone, Festival Food
Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm – Music Festival by local musicians on the Glover Park stage

Location:
Glover Park and the Historic Marietta Square
50 Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060

Parking:
Marietta Square Parking

Applications:
Performing Artist Application
Volunteer Application

Sponsor This Page

For more information, please call the Marietta Parks & Recreation department at (770) 794-5601.

What is May-retta?
May-retta is the traditional pronunciation of Marietta, although now it is more commonly pronounced Mary-etta. May-retta Daze (Marietta Days) is a festival featuring artists and their arts and crafts that are produced without machines, manufacturing and mass-production.

For more information, please call the Marietta Parks & Recreation department at (770) 794-5601.

2025 Yaarab Shrine Circus

Marietta.com

The circus is coming to town, and it happens to be the biggest Shrine Circus in North America. For generations, the Yaarab Shrine Circus in Marietta has been a favorite annual event that combines thrilling circus performances, exciting carnival rides, deliciously indulgent fair foods, and a commitment to a greater cause.

Circus Performances Under the Big Top

With twenty-two captivating performances, audiences can experience awe-inspiring acts including skilled acrobats, daring aerialists, and entertaining animal presentations. Performances run for 5 days only, featuring multiple showtimes throughout the weekend and select weekday performances. The laughter continues outside the tent with Lew-E’s Comedy Circus, providing hilarious slapstick entertainment and engaging magic acts.

Carnival Rides and Attractions

Carnival fans will find plenty of excitement on the midway, which opens daily throughout the event. Wade Shows, recognized among the top amusement companies nationwide, is bringing 35 rides, including classics like the Tilt-A-Whirl and the playful Wacky Worm. Visitors can enjoy unlimited rides for $35 on opening night, May 16, beginning at 5 pm.

Specialty Events: Derby, Rock, and Rodeo

Adding even more entertainment, the fair will host its first-ever Demolition Derby night on Wednesday, May 21 at 7 pm, sure to delight thrill-seekers. Following this smashing event, music lovers can relive the glory days during an 80’s Rock Concert on Thursday, May 22 at 7 pm. The excitement culminates with rodeo events scheduled for Friday, May 23 through Sunday, May 25, offering heart-stopping bull riding and classic rodeo excitement.

Fair Food Favorites

Attendees can indulge in an array of classic fair foods such as funnel cakes, fried Oreos, corn dogs, cotton candy, hot wings, elephant ears, and snow cones.

A Worthy Cause

The circus is organized by the Yaarab Shriners, a fraternal organization dedicated to supporting Shriners Hospitals for Children. The Yaarab Shrine Circus is an annual fundraising drives that the Yaarab Shrine conducts, with the proceeds from the circus supporting the ongoing operations of Yaarab Shrine, which in turn enables them to continue raising money for Shriners Hospitals. These hospitals provide life-changing medical care to children in need, regardless of their ability to pay. Attending the circus not only provides entertainment but also contributes to an organization that makes a real difference in the lives of children and families.

Date:
May 16-25, 2025

Midway opens:

Weekdays at 5 pm
Saturday at 10 am
Sunday at Noon

Circus Times:

Friday: 7 pm
Saturday: 11 am, 1:30 pm, 4 pm, & 7 pm
Sunday: 1:30 pm, 4 pm, & 7 pm
Monday: 7 pm
Tuesday: 11 am & 7 pm

Demolition Derby Night:

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 7 pm

80’s Rock Concert:

Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 7 pm

Rodeo:

Friday, May 23, 2025 at 7 pm
Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 7 pm
Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 3:30 pm

Admission:
Adults: $10 including circus show
Children 10 & under are free

Address:
Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center
2245 Callaway Rd SW
Marietta GA 30008

For more information, please call (404) 419-6755 or visit yaarabshrine.net.

Flu Levels Remain High in Cobb County

Marietta.com

Flu activity continues to be elevated throughout Cobb County, prompting Cobb & Douglas Public Health (CDPH) to urge residents to obtain their flu vaccine promptly. Influenza is a potentially severe illness that can lead to hospitalization or, in some cases, even death.

Influenza does not discriminate based on age, gender, or ethnicity; anyone can contract the illness. Groups particularly vulnerable to flu complications include adults aged 65 and older, children under 5 years old, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or other ongoing medical issues.

“Simple preventive measures like covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and frequent hand washing can significantly reduce your flu risk,” explained Priti Kolhe, Director of Immunizations at CDPH. “However, receiving your annual flu vaccine remains the most effective form of protection.”

Symptoms of the flu often vary among individuals but commonly include fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue. Residents experiencing these symptoms should promptly contact their healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.

For additional information about influenza or scheduling a vaccination, residents are encouraged to contact Cobb & Douglas Public Health at 770-514-2300 or visit www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.com.

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