Prelude to the Fourth is Lawrenceville's free July fireworks night on the Lawrenceville Lawn. 2026 was Wednesday, July 1; the 2027 date is not posted.

Last checked Oct. 6, 2026. Dates, times, closures and parking come from the City of Lawrenceville’s Prelude to the Fourth page. This page is updated for each year’s show at the same address.

The 2027 date for Prelude to the Fourth has not been announced. The city held the 2026 celebration on Wednesday, July 1, from 5 to 10 p.m. on the Lawrenceville Lawn, with the fireworks at 9:30 p.m. We will add the 2027 date and schedule here when the city posts it.

Prelude to the Fourth is the City of Lawrenceville’s Independence Day night downtown: family activities from late afternoon, live bands on stage, food vendors and a fireworks show to close. For America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the city billed the show as “one of the largest fireworks shows in Lawrenceville history.”

Know before you go

  • When: early July, before the holiday; 2026 was Wednesday, July 1, 5 to 10 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
  • Where: Lawrenceville Lawn, downtown
  • Cost: no admission charge listed; vendors sell food and drinks
  • Bring: lawn chairs and blankets
  • Pets: the city discourages them because of crowds and loud fireworks
  • Organizer: City of Lawrenceville, Prelude to the Fourth page; Downtown Lawrenceville office, 70 S. Clayton St., 770-963-2414

What the evening looked like in 2026

The city’s event page listed:

  • 5 p.m.: the evening opens with the national anthem, sung by Mary Kate Farmer
  • Family activities: carnival games, face painting and glitter tattoos
  • Vendors: more than 19
  • 5:30 to 8 p.m.: Dance Through the Decades with Atlanta Historic Dance
  • Live music: Geek Squad at 5:30 p.m., MetroGnomes at 7 p.m., and Chris Taylor & The Rumor at 8 p.m.
  • 9:30 p.m.: fireworks

Road closures (2026)

The city closed roads around the Lawn from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026:

  • Langley Drive at Constitution Boulevard, from 6:30 p.m.
  • Constitution Boulevard, from 9 p.m.
  • Luckie and Chestnut streets once the parking deck was full
  • The Silver (backstage) and Green (Lawn) parking lots were closed for the event
  • The Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center parking lot closed from 6:30 p.m.

Plan to be parked well before the fireworks: the main closures come in the hour before the show and the roads stay shut until about an hour after it.

Parking

Parking downtown is free through the city’s EZ-2 Park program, with more than 1,200 spaces in color-coded decks and lots. The city’s parking page lists them all, including the Blue Deck (225 Luckie St.), Gold Lot (70 S. Clayton St.), Orange Lot (112 W. Pike St.), Gray Lot (245 N. Perry St.) and Red Lot (400 N. Clayton St.), with an interactive map. Check the event page each year for the lots that close.

What to know

More signature events in Lawrenceville

Frequently asked questions

When is Prelude to the Fourth in Lawrenceville in 2027?

The City of Lawrenceville had not posted a 2027 date as of Oct. 6, 2026. The 2026 show was Wednesday, July 1, from 5 to 10 p.m., with fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

What time are the Lawrenceville fireworks?

In 2026 the fireworks began at 9:30 p.m. on the Lawrenceville Lawn. The evening opened at 5 p.m.

Can I bring my dog to Prelude to the Fourth?

The city discourages pets because of the large crowds and loud fireworks.

Is Prelude to the Fourth free?

The city does not list an admission charge. Bring lawn chairs and blankets; vendors sell food and drinks.

Which roads close for Prelude to the Fourth?

In 2026 closures began at 6:30 p.m. at Langley Drive and Constitution Boulevard, Constitution Boulevard closed at 9 p.m., and Luckie and Chestnut streets closed once the parking deck filled, through 10:30 p.m.