Always a blast, fireworks shows get people excited and pumped for an evening of celebration. North of Atlanta in Blue Ridge, Georgia, we love hosting fireworks shows for the Fourth of July — among many other fantastic Blue Ridge events! You can check out poppin’ fireworks displays from Lake Blue Ridge, the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, Blairsville’s Meeks Park, the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, and the University of North Georgia. Book your memorable Independence Day vacation in Blue Ridge and get ready for a night of oohing and aahing alongside family and friends.
Lake Blue Ridge Fireworks
Rent a boat or jet skis for a fun day on Lake Blue Ridge while waiting for the special event to begin at dusk, usually 9:30-10:30 p.m. Fire in the Sky is put on by Lake Blue Ridge Civic Association each year, a local tradition in Fannin County. Plus, there’s usually sizzling barbecue and live music starting earlier in the day, typically around 4:00 p.m.
Places to View “Fire in the Sky” at Lake Blue Ridge
- Lake Blue Ridge Dam
- Boat/shoreline
- Lake Blue Ridge Marina
- Tammen Park
- Morganton Point Recreation Area
Scenic Railway Firecracker Special
All aboard the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway — otherwise known as the Firecracker Special for an early Independence Day treat! This special train departs at 7:00 p.m. and whisks you away to enjoy family-friendly activities in downtown McCaysville and Copperhill (like shopping, dining, and special things to do for kids) before watching the Copper Basin Fireworks display from town or the train cars, both are great viewing areas.
The spectacular fireworks show begins around 9:30 p.m. You’re allowed to bring lawn chairs if you wish or simply enjoy the show from an open-air car. After the sensational fireworks finale, you’ll hop back on the train and return to downtown Blue Ridge by 11:00 p.m. Afterward, you can head back to your cozy cabin rental in North Georgia to relax.
Round-Trip Date — 1 Day Only
July 1, 2023 (Sat)
Red, White & Blairsville — Featuring Raffle Giveaway!
Hosted in Meeks Park in Blairsville, GA, about 30 minutes from Blue Ridge, this Independence Day Fireworks display is just the icing on the cake at this unique 4th of July event! Kids can play and shout in the bouncy castles in the park while adults make a very difficult dinner decision in the food truck arena. Fireworks shoot off at 9:30 p.m. Parking and admission are free.
Raffle Grand Prize
Before the fireworks display, be sure to enter the $10 raffle that could win you a Backyard Party package — worth $2,000! All proceeds support the Blairsville fireworks show in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Typical prizes included are listed below.
- Pop-up tent
- Lawn chairs
- Camping chairs
- 2 pairs of RayBan sunglasses
- Custom cornhole boards
- BBQ grill
- Porch sign
- Yahtzee yard game
- Splash Island season pass
- 4 tickets for Rolling Thunder River Co.
Fireworks Show at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds
A little further North in Hiawassee, GA, about an hour from central Blue Ridge, you’ll find a gem of a fireworks display at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds! Along with a show to light up the North Georgia Mountains, you can enjoy a FREE concert before the main event. New for 2023, there will be activities just for kids — with a bounce castle and fun games!
Of course, admission and parking are free as well! This event kicks off at 3:00 p.m. Fireworks usually start popping off around 9:45 p.m. Arrive early to this Independence Day celebration to find a good spot to watch the fireworks show and listen to some country music while you wait.
4th of July Celebration in Dahlonega
Head a little further South, about an hour from Blue Ridge, to check out a 4th of July fireworks display and all-day event in downtown Dahlonega. Before the fireworks pop and dazzle across the night sky, this quaint Appalachian town kicks off with a Firecracker 5K and a car show that features door-prize drawings, good food, and music. There’s even a formal reading of the Declaration of Independence from the balcony of the Dahlonega Gold Museum.
Food trucks open around Hancock Park at lunchtime — Southern bbq will be there! A patriotic parade around the town square starts in the afternoon. There’s a kids adventure zone to keep the little ones entertained, with face painting, games, and caricatures. And you can enjoy FREE live music in the park before the sun sets. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets for the grand fireworks finale!
Schedule of Events
- Firecracker 5K — 8:00 a.m.
- Car Show — 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Food Trucks — noon
- Reading of the Declaration of Independence — 2:35 p.m.
- Patriotic Downtown Parade — 3:00 p.m.
- Kids Adventure Zone — 4:00 p.m.
- FREE Concert in the Park — 6:30 p.m.
- Fireworks Show on the UNG Drill Field — dark (just after dusk)
Pajama Party at YOUR Cabin
After spending an evening of play at a fireworks show, return to your Blue Ridge, GA, cabin to unwind in your PJs. Enjoy a soothing soak in the outdoor hot tub in the cool night air or draw a hot bubble bath in the indoor jetted tub. Whiz up after-midnight margaritas for a real party or keep things chill with a holiday film on the big screen TV. Our recommendation: dive into your king-size bed and head straight to dreamland in your North Georgia cabin rental.
Wake up to views of the Blue Ridge Mountains or sparkling river scenes with a piping cup of joe in a rocking chair. Make breakfast with ingredients from the weekly farmers market in your full kitchen or slip into town for a fresh stack of pancakes. Play at local attractions in downtown Blue Ridge, try samples from local wineries, buy all the homemade sweets, shop for souvenirs, or hit the Appalachian Trail. Back at the cabin, you can shoot pool, beat arcade games, hop on the free Wi-Fi, mix drinks at the wet bar, and oh-so-much more!
Plan YOUR 4th of July vacation today (it’s never too early) and check out amazing fireworks in Blue Ridge, GA!
