In Dunwoody, we believe there’s a recipe for the perfect Southern Fourth of July celebration. The ideal Independence Day combines the drumbeat of a larger-than-life marching band playing reverent patriotic tunes, a tapestry of red, white and blue decorations, jubilant children waving American flags, and the irresistible fragrance of barbeque and hot dogs cooked to perfection on the grill. At the Dunwoody Fourth of July parade, you’ll experience all of this and more.
Dunwoody is the home of the largest Independence Day Parade in Georgia. The parade is presented by the Dunwoody Homeowners Association and Rough Draft Atlanta, and it’s a treasured holiday tradition that draws more than 30,000 spectators to the 2.7 mile route through the heart of Dunwoody. The event culminates with a lively family festival in Dunwoody Village. Since its humble beginnings in 1976 when it was first organized by local families with significant support from Dunwoody Woman’s Club, the parade has grown tremendously while preserving a thread of hometown nostalgia.
“It's a picture-perfect slice of Americana," describes Bob Fiscella, President of the Dunwoody Homeowners Association.
This year’s parade theme is “Red, White and YOU” and the Grand Marshal is David Abes, Founder of Dash Hospitality Group. For the past several years, Abes has worked continuously on developing a thriving restaurant district in Dunwoody Village. The area, aptly named “Funwoody”, now includes BAR{n} Booze and Bites, Morty’s Meat and Supply, Message in a Bottle and a food truck serving samplings from the group’s newest concept, a foray into Mediterranean street food. Along with Abes riding in a convertible, spectators can count on a lively and spirited presence from the Funwoody group in this year’s parade.
“I am beyond honored to be the Grand Marshal this year”, said Abes in an Instagram post. “It’s awesome seeing the entire Dunwoody community come together for the parade.”
A proud sponsor of the event, Discover Dunwoody is excited to greet you along the parade route this year! Look for our team riding in a trolley and handing out DUN stickers along with other fun giveaways. Sponsors are crucial to the parade’s success, underwriting costs from marching bands to equipment rentals and more. Jim Ellis Buck GMC Atlanta is supporting the parade as a Platinum sponsor, and Gold level sponsors include Discover Dunwoody, the City of Dunwoody, Dinowoody and EEP Events.
As the parade has grown both in size and variety of entries over the decades, floats crafted by local community organizations and sports teams continue to receive as much applause as traveling entries like the Oscar Meyer Weinermobile and the Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps, both returning this year.
To amplify the resounding drumbeat of patriotic tunes along the route, longtime crowd favorites the 116th United States Army Band and Dunwoody High School Band will both return to delight spectators this year, along with Atlanta CV Drum and Bugle Corps. With four bands, the 2024 Dunwoody 4th of July Parade promises to be one of the largest – and loudest – parades in recent history.
During this year’s Dunwoody 4th of July Parade, there will be two important charitable giving opportunities. The Lions Club will be walking in the parade collecting used eyeglasses for recycling at the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, so be sure to bring along your well-loved spectacles to toss into the donation boxes as they march by. Also, local Boy Scout troop 764 will collect non-perishable food donations for the Community Assistance Center (CAC). Visit their website for a list of most-needed items and bring your donations to the parade to help stock their pantry to support local families in need.
Now that you’re up to date on the highlights of this year’s parade line-up, we’ll share some helpful tips on where to watch the Dunwoody 4th of July Parade march through our beautiful destination just North of Atlanta.
The parade route is approximately 2.7 miles and steps off from the intersection of Mount Vernon Road and Jett Ferry Road at 9:00 a.m., proceeds west on Mt. Vernon to Dunwoody Village, turns right onto Dunwoody Village Parkway, circles around the Parkway, and left into Dunwoody Village parking lot.
For many Atlanta area families, preparation for the parade begins on July 3rd when they set up their folding chairs and patriotic decorations along the parade route. We highly recommend snagging a prime spot on the eve of the parade and arriving early on the morning of July 4th. Note that Mount Vernon will be closed from 8:15am until about 11:30am, so settle into your lawn chair with time to spare before road closures begin.
After the parade, gather your family and friends and join us in Dunwoody Village for the high-energy family festival that will feature a performance by Dunwoody Idol winner Lauren Schroder and the presentation of parade awards. Be sure to bring your appetite, as the family festival will feature the Rotary Club of Dunwoody’s famous hot dog stand and the longtime tradition of barbeque plates sold by local Boy Scout Troop 266 and frosty treats from Kona Ice. Sponsors will be on site with family-friendly games and giveaways. It’s a Dunwoody Independence Day tradition you don’t want to miss.
Whether you’re a longtime resident who’s been enjoying the Dunwoody 4th of July Parade for decades, or a first-time visitor to Dunwoody staying in one of our nine fantastic hotels, we’re sure celebrating Independence Day in our beautiful city just above Atlanta will make you feel right at home.
