Fireworks July 1 (not the 4th)?

Question

Is the traffic and amount of people just as crazy? They are doing their fireworks/drone show from July 1-7. Wondering if even the earlier dates are crazy. Do you really have to be there before 5?

Answer

The Stone Mountain fireworks and drone show is a popular event, and the traffic and crowds can be intense, especially on the 4th of July. However, since the event runs from July 1-7, it’s possible that earlier dates may not be as crowded as the peak day on the 4th, but it will still be busy.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Traffic and Crowds: While the 4th of July will definitely see the highest volume of visitors, the days leading up to it (like July 1st) will also attract many people. You can expect heavy traffic, especially in the hours leading up to the event. The closer you get to the evening, the more crowded it will become, so arriving earlier is a good idea. Traffic might be lighter earlier in the day, but it will pick up later as the show time approaches.
Arriving Before 5 PM: While it may not be absolutely necessary to arrive before 5 PM for earlier dates, it’s highly recommended if you want to secure a good spot and avoid the heaviest crowds. Many visitors start to arrive well before the event to get prime viewing spots, especially on popular days like July 1st. Parking can also become scarce later in the day, so arriving earlier increases your chances of getting a spot closer to the venue.
Best Strategy: To avoid the worst of the crowds, try to arrive as early as possible, preferably around 3-4 PM, even for the earlier dates. This will give you time to settle in, avoid the parking hassles, and ensure that you have a good spot for viewing the show. Plus, it will help you beat the traffic and the longer lines at food and restrooms.

In summary, while the traffic and crowds won’t be as extreme on the earlier days, they will still be noticeable, especially as the evening approaches. Arriving early (around 3-4 PM) will help you avoid the worst of the crowds and ensure that you have a good experience. If you’re planning to go on July 1st, expect some busy spots, but the experience will be more manageable than on the 4th.