The 4th of July is one of my most favorite holidays, and we're in a GREAT area for celebrating independence! Here's a list of local Independence Day celebrations for you to choose from. If I missed any, let me know in the comments!
St. Simons Island 4th of July Celebration
The Annual St. Simons Island Sunshine Festival held in the Pier Village on St. Simons has been an island tradition for over 60 years. With St. Simons Island fireworks, an arts & crafts show, a 5K and 1-mile fun run and more, this is the perfect family-friendly event this season. Festival Hours: 10:00am - 5:00pm.
Schedule of events:
7:00 am - One mile fun run
7:30 am - 5K Run
2:30 pm - Golf cart parade, beginning at Mallery Park and looping through to the Pier and back
6:00-9:00 pm - Live music by Caroline Aiken Band. Music will pause during the fireworks show and the band will resume playing until around 10:15 pm.
9:00 pm - Fireworks display on the St. Simons Island Pier
Bring picnic blankets, beach chairs, your friends and family to watch the beautiful firework show along the water at Neptune Park. Free admission and free parking.
St. Simons Island's fireworks will begin at sundown on July 4th, around 9:00pm. Please be aware the fishing pier and southernmost end of Mallery Street will be closed to cars and pedestrian traffic beginning the morning of July 4.
Brunswick's Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration
This 4th of July, join happy kids and adults come together for Brunswick's Old Fashioned 4th of July complete with free games, watermelon, and of course fireworks at Mary Ross Waterfront Park in the heart of Historic Downtown Brunswick. The festivities start at 7:00 p.m. and feature organized and supervised classic games like sack races, tug-of-wars, horseshoes, various ball games, hula-hoop contests and more. Brunswick's fireworks over the waters of the East River and Oglethorpe Bay start about 9:00 pm and last 30 minutes.
Brunswick's fireworks will begin around 9:00 pm on July 4th.
Jekyll Island Independence Day Celebration
Join your friends and family for a July 4th celebration on Jekyll Island. Whether spending the day at the beach, by the pool, or at Summer Waves Water Park, there is always a way to stay cool and enjoy July 4th on Jekyll Island. Celebrate America's birthday with an old-fashioned patriotic parade through the Historic District starting at 9:00 a.m. Local residents and island guests are invited to decorate their bikes, golf carts, strollers, pets, and themselves and join in the fun. Prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the parade. On July 5th, from 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. participate in Red, White & Bounce held at the Jekyll Island Beach Village. It will be a fun-filled afternoon with water slides, bounce houses, sidewalk sales and live music. Fireworks will take place the evening of July 4th. After sunset, around 9:00 p.m. witness the most spectacular fireworks in the Golden Isles. Arrive early to get your spot in the sand. Fireworks are best viewed from the beach between the Holiday Inn Resort and south to the Days Inn on the island's oceanfront side.
Jekyll Island's fireworks will begin around 9:00 pm on July 4th. Please be aware the Jekyll Island parking fee will be increased by $4 to all daily and weekly passes on July 4th only. More information can be found here.
Sea Island 4th of July Celebration
For guests and residents of Sea Island
The Cloister and Beach Club have many activities schedule each year during the 4th of July weekend. July 4th usually begins with a flag raising ceremony and ends the day of family fun and celebration with a Fireworks Spectacular at the Beach Club around 9:00 pm. Click here for more information about events at Sea Island.
Sea Island's fireworks will begin around 9:00pm on July 4th.
St. Mary's Fourth of July Celebration on the Waterfront
This is an annual festival celebrating the country's Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776... parade, entertainment, arts & crafts, food vendors, 5K & 10K races, fireworks, and kids fun run. For the health, safety and enjoyment of pets and festival goers, no pets are allowed. Thank you.
7:00am - 5K & 10K Run (Proceeds support Kiwanis Programs & Fellowship of Christian Athletes)
10:00am - Parade
Dusk - Fireworks
For more information visit the Kiwanis Club of St. Marys website at smkiwanis.com.
Waycross' Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration
Families can participate in old-fashioned games. Free watermelon, hot dogs, drinks and cookies will be available afterward while supplies last. This event will be at Group Shelter #2. This is sponsored by the Friends of Laura S. Walker State Park. Parking fee: $5 Event Phone: 912-287-4900
9:00am to Midnight @ Laura S. Walker State Park
More information can be found here