What to Do in Atlanta for July 4th Weekend – Capital B News

Frederick Douglass delivered his historic speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” in 1852, calling out the hypocrisy of the holiday designated to celebrate America’s freedom.

For some of us, this message still resonates today.

So with the long weekend coming up, Capital B Atlanta rounded up some super Black events to celebrate our culture and heritage.

July 4th – Party Like it’s Your Birthday

Peach State Block Party, 2-10 p.m.

Featuring free BBQ until 4 p.m., you’ll want to get to the Underground early! This year’s lineup includes food trucks featuring local vendors, games, DJs, and fireworks at sundown. Admission is free, but get tickets in advance to enjoy all the food and drinks.

First Friday’s R&B and Art at the Underground, 7 p.m.

Mix and mingle with refreshing cocktails and food at this cultural festival as you view paintings, sculptures, installations, live music and vibe to the DJ on the one and two downtown. As the hosts of this event say, this is the space to be seen, celebrated and supported.

International Food + Spirits Fest – Atlanta Nite, 5-10 p.m.

Enjoy the last day of this culinary adventure that kicked off June 29 to celebrate the FIFA World Cup by putting your boots on the ground at Rodney Cook Sr. Park across from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Celebrate all the things we love about the 404 with cocktails, great food and legendary Atlanta DJ Kizzy Rock spinning through the night. Buy alcohol wristbands in advance.

4th of July Extravaganza, 5-10 p.m.

If a soulful party vibe is what you’re looking for, check out radio station V-103’s free showcase featuring Atlanta’s Jagged Edge, Austin Rogers, and Juiicy 2xs at the VyStar Amphitheater At The Bridge in Stockbridge.

July 5th – Reflect on the Culture

ILounge Taste 4 Culture Festival, 4-6 p.m.

Tap into the energy of artists from Caribbean, African, and Hispanic backgrounds at this the fifth-annual family friendly gathering in Marietta. Experience island culture with food, games, and arts and crafts for kids and live music. There will be live performances by Alan Cavé, Niko, Olivier Duret, Kanis, Zuluboy and BIC as well as the local Haitian dance group Kaju. Get your tickets in advance.

The King Center

A walk through the Coretta Scott King Peace and Meditation Garden is the perfect place to reflect on the sacrifices made in the past for the freedoms we enjoy today. Admissions and parking are free.

APEX Museum

From slavery to freedom, the Apex Museum, located on what was once called “The Richest Negro Street in the World,” this local cultural treasure features exhibits deeply rooted in our experience. Start with The African Holocaust exhibit to learn about the atrocities of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Then tour the Sweet Auburn: Street of Pride exhibit and witness the groundbreaking work of Black entrepreneurs who created a bustling neighborhood of businesses, community and wealth.

The African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta

ADAMA’s bold and brilliant exhibit Double Feature: The Art of Blaxploitation features 30 original movie posters from the 1970s. Heralded as “vivid, stylized works that merge graphic design, film history, and Black cultural expression” this collection is a celebration of iconic films and the creative brilliance of the creators.

Atlanta House Heads Picnic, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Grant Park is the place to be for the celebration of all things House music for the eighth year in a row. Bring your picnic basket, blanket and beverage of choice to dance the day and night away under the stars. For the latest installment of this can’t miss gathering, organizers are featuring seven DJs, food vendors and games for the kids.