Stone Mountain Park Know Before You Go Know Before You Go: Fantastic Fourth Celebration Planning a visit during Stone Mountain Park’s Fantastic Fourth Celebration? A little preparation can help make your day even more enjoyable. With larger crowds expected throughout the week, especially on July 3 and 4, these tips and tricks will help you make the most of your visit! Before You Arrive Arrive Early: The Fantastic Fourth Celebration is one of the busiest weeks of the year. Plan to enter the park before 3 PM, especially on July 3 & 4, as parking capacity may be reached. Please note: The park may close to guests once capacity is reached, regardless of ticket purchase status. Purchase Tickets in Advance: We recommend buying tickets before your arrival to save time during the check-in process. Review the Attractions & Entertainment Schedules: Start planning early! Make the most out of your day with attractions, Summer at the Rock entertainment, Adventure Outpost, and more! Find the schedules here. Leave Your Pets at Home: Pets are not permitted in ticketed areas, including attraction areas and Memorial Lawn where the Drone & Light Show is held. Please make arrangements for your pets before your visit and leave them safely at home. During Your Visit Stay Hydrated: It’s going to be hot! Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout your visit. Pack a Picnic: Bring a picnic or explore dining options inside the park (glass containers, alcohol, and grills are not allowed on Memorial Lawn). Wear Comfortable Shoes: There’s a lot to see and do throughout the park, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Claim Your Spot Early: Memorial Lawn fills up quickly, especially on July 4. We recommend bringing chairs or a blanket and securing your Drone & Light Show viewing spot early in the day. Then, enjoy the attractions, entertainment, and other activities throughout the park before the show starts. Additional Information No Re-Entry on July 4: If you leave the park on July 4, you will be required to pay admission again to re-enter. Due to the high volume of guests expected, especially on July 3 & 4, parking areas will fill quickly and a parking space may not be available if you leave and return. We recommend staying in the park and keeping your vehicle parked for the duration of your visit. Check the Weather Forecast Before Your Visit: Some attractions/entertainment and effects, including drones, may be delayed or canceled due to winds and unfavorable weather. Lodging Guest Information Arrive Early: We strongly recommend entering Stone Mountain Park before 3:00 PM, especially on July 3 and July 4, as attendance is expected to be very high. Due to the anticipated attendance levels, please be prepared for long lines at the park entrance gates. Park Gates May Close: Please be aware that park entrances will close to all vehicle traffic once parking capacity is reached, regardless of pre-purchased tickets or resort reservations. No Re-Entry: Due to anticipated attendance levels on July 3 and 4, guests should plan to remain inside the park once they arrive. Guests who leave the park and wish to return later may be required to pay the park entry fee again. Additionally, if the park gates have closed due to capacity, re-entry will not be permitted, even for resort guests with existing reservations. We strongly recommend arriving before 3:00 PM and remaining inside the park for the duration of your visit. Arriving Before Check-In? We understand many guests will arrive before standard check-in time. If your room is not yet ready, our Front Desk team will be happy to store your luggage so you can begin enjoying your vacation right away. While you wait for your room, we encourage you to: Enjoy a meal at Waterside Restaurant or The Commons Relax at the resort pool Explore one of Stone Mountain Park’s scenic hiking trails Experience the park’s attractions and activities Check out the children’s playground Make Yourself at Home: Feel free to bring blankets and chairs for your viewing spot on the lawn. Stone Mountain Park 4th of July Tickets and Parking Guide Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) When is the Fantastic Fourth Light Show & Fireworks? The Fantastic Fourth Celebration runs from July 1 – 6, 2026, with the NEW 250th Celebration Drone & Light Show beginning at 9:30 PM each night, immediately followed by a spectacular fireworks finale. Do Mountain Members need a ticket? Mountain Members can attend the Light Show, Fireworks, and Attractions for free during the Fantastic Fourth Celebration. What happens if the park reaches capacity? Once parking reaches capacity, the park will close to traffic, even for pre-purchased ticket holders. To ensure entry, arrive early—especially on July 4. If you leave the park, re-entry is not allowed on July 4, meaning you will need to pay for parking again if you return. Can I bring my own food to the Light Show? Yes! Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and enjoy a picnic on Memorial Lawn before the show. However, the following items are not allowed: Glass containers Alcohol Grills or open flames Are there food and drink options available at the park? Yes! Stone Mountain Park offers a wide variety of food vendors, snack stands, and dining options. Visitors can enjoy classic summer favorites such as: Burgers and hot dogs Barbecue plates Ice cream and cold beverages Can I bring chairs or blankets for the Light Show and Fireworks? Yes! Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets or low-profile chairs to sit comfortably while watching the show. Arriving early ensures you can find a prime viewing spot on Memorial Lawn. Can I bring my pet to the Fantastic Fourth Celebration? No, pets are not allowed at the Fantastic Fourth Celebration. Please make appropriate arrangements for your pet before visiting the park.
