WEEKEND WATCH: Middle Georgia Fourth of July guide – Parades, fireworks and family fun
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — With Independence Day right around the corner, communities across Middle Georgia are rolling out the red, white, and blue for a packed weekend of parades, fireworks, and family fun. Here’s your guide to the biggest events happening across the region.
SPARKS OVER THE PARK AT LAKE TOBESOFKEE
Lake Tobesofkee is lighting up the sky with its 29th annual Sparks Over the Park fireworks show on Saturday. Gates to all parks open at 8 a.m. Enjoy live music from the Plum Tuckered Band at Sandy Beach from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., then stick around for fireworks at 9:15. Gates close at 8 p.m., so arrive early. Admission is $3 per person, with kids six and under free. Alcohol and glass containers are not allowed.
MACON’S HISTORIC INGLESIDE PARADE
In Macon, get creative and decorate your tractors, golf carts, bikes, wagons, strollers—or even yourself—for the annual Ingleside 4th of July Parade. Lineup is at 10 a.m. and the parade rolls at 10:30. Afterward, enjoy music and snacks with neighbors.
WARNER ROBINS HOSTS BIG BASH
Warner Robins’ 43rd annual Independence Day Celebration kicks off at the McConnell-Talbert Stadium parking lot, with gates opening at 6 p.m. Enjoy performances by Kool and the Gang, Phillip Phillips, and local talent Cam Vance, plus food vendors, family activities, and fireworks. The event wraps up at 11 p.m. For full details on vendors, parking, and shuttles, visit the city website.
COOL OFF AT RIGBY’S WATER WORLD
Beat the July heat in Warner Robins at Rigby’s Water World. Festive Fourth of July events include American aerobics, a belly flop competition, and more. The pool opens at 10 a.m. for a day of family-friendly fun.
DOWNTOWN COCHRAN’S STARS, STRIPES AND SUMMER NIGHTS
Downtown Cochran is hosting the Stars, Stripes and Summer Nights celebration Saturday starting at 5 p.m. Activities include a bike parade, classic car cruise-in, barbecue cook-off, peach cobbler competition, ice cream contest, live music, fun runs, a water play zone for kids, and a fly-in at the municipal airport. The event is free.
PERRY’S HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CELEBRATION
Perry’s Historic Downtown is planning a big Fourth of July bash from 7 to 10 p.m. Enjoy live music from Mix Master, activities for kids like face painting and Middle Georgia Gellyball, and tasty bites from local food trucks. The night ends with a dazzling fireworks display. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and leashed pets. Outside coolers, amplified sound, and fireworks are not allowed.
CELEBRATE EARLY IN MILLEDGEVILLE
Milledgeville is getting the jump on Independence Day with a fireworks show Friday at dusk on the Central Georgia Technical College campus. The campus parking lot will be closed, but suggested viewing areas include Walter B. Williams Park and the Board of Education parking lot.
FORT VALLEY’S FAMILY FUN AT LANE SOUTHERN ORCHARDS
In Fort Valley, Lane Southern Orchards will offer water slides, face painting, a foam party, and fresh treats from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday for families looking to make holiday memories on the farm.
