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A guide to fun things to do in Atlanta this weekend.

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Atlanta eyes 1st new MARTA heavy-rail station in decades

Planners must navigate freight tracks, a highway and elevated rail lines to make the stop work.

Transit

Atlanta Beltline officials are studying whether a proposed station near Adair Park could become MARTA&#x27;s first new heavy-rail stop in more than 25 years.

How Keisha Lance Bottoms won the governor's race

Despite attacks on her mayoral record, Bottoms won 54% of the vote against Republican Rick Jackson.

Politics

In 2021, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Keisha Lance Bottoms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/georgia-governor-election-results-bottoms-jackson" data-vars-content-id="c4dd29e0-4933-447b-bae6-425b68b1d48e" data-vars-headline="How Keisha Lance Bottoms won the governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/georgia-governor-election-results-bottoms-jackson" target="_self">Keisha Lance Bottoms</a> chose not to serve a second term as Atlanta&#x27;s mayor amid growing voter discontent. <ul><li>Five years later, Bottoms stunned the nation and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="made history" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/2026-midterm-elections-american-politics" data-vars-content-id="c4dd29e0-4933-447b-bae6-425b68b1d48e" data-vars-headline="How Keisha Lance Bottoms won the governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/11/04/2026-midterm-elections-american-politics" target="_self">made history</a>, becoming Georgia&#x27;s first Black woman governor by defeating Republican challenger Rick Jackson with 54% of the vote.</li></ul>

Bottoms assembles transition team ahead of January takeover

Her team must recruit agency leaders, review state finances and prepare to work with a GOP Senate.

News

Gov.-elect <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Keisha Lance Bottoms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/11/05/georgia-governor-election-2026-bottoms-jackson-atlanta-mayor" data-vars-content-id="bd546d9e-485e-422d-b31e-5fd22174e140" data-vars-headline="Bottoms assembles transition team ahead of January takeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/11/05/georgia-governor-election-2026-bottoms-jackson-atlanta-mayor" target="_self">Keisha Lance Bottoms</a> is tapping some of the same leaders who helped her find her footing at City Hall to do the same at the Georgia Capitol.Why it matters: Over the next eight weeks, Bottoms must simultaneously learn the government she&#x27;s inheriting, build the government she wants and keep the existing government humming along.<ul><li>When she takes office in January, Bottoms will become Georgia&#x27;s first Democratic governor in more than 20 years. She has a team of familiar faces and big names to help.</li></ul>

Georgia's election results suggest some ticket-splitting

Jon Ossoff received about 195,000 more votes than Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia's top races.

Election

Georgia Democratic candidates posted record vote totals in the 2026 midterms, but the results also showed signs of ticket-splitting in the state&#x27;s two top-of-ballot races.Driving the news: Political observers watched to see whether Tuesday&#x27;s election results showed any signs of split-ticket voting, in which voters choose a Democrat in one race and a Republican in another, or vice versa.

Five ways to take the stress out of holiday prep this season

Simplify the holiday season and check everything off your to-do list in one place at Lowe's.

Partners

In Atlanta, holiday prep can mean hanging lights in a T-shirt one day and firing up the fireplace the next.<ul><li>No matter the forecast, there&#x27;s plenty to tackle this holiday season: Maybe the tree lights are on the fritz, you still need a gift for the in-laws or that faucet in the guest bathroom still needs fixing.</li></ul>What you need to know: You can cut down on the chaos and make fewer stops this year.

Atlanta weekend guide: Diwali, chili, Hawks and more

Catch fireworks in Lilburn, a chili cookoff in Cabbagetown and basketball at State Farm Arena.

Holidays

Diwali, the multi-day Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil with fireworks, food, and music, falls on Sunday. <ul><li>Metro Atlanta communities have events throughout the weekend to mark the holiday.</li></ul>

Last chance to visit Smyrna's beloved haunted (actual) house

he Cabrera family's free Halloween attraction has raised money for gifts for hospitalized children.

Things to Do

One of Atlanta&#x27;s best-known haunted houses is saying its final boo this year.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cabrera family" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cabrera-family-haunt.com/" data-vars-content-id="d726f495-1c18-4e66-857a-6247b75bf670" data-vars-headline="Last chance to visit Smyrna&#x27;s beloved haunted (actual) house" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cabrera-family-haunt.com/" target="_blank">Cabrera family</a> has spent the past 14 Halloweens turning their Smyrna home into a ghoulish house of haunts and horrors for a good cause.

Where to watch July 4th fireworks around Atlanta this weekend

From Stone Mountain to Truist Park, here's where to catch fireworks and other holiday weekend fun.

Put in your ear plugs, open your eyes wide, and celebrate America&#x27;s 250th birthday with some colorful explosions in the sky.Pro tip: Expect traffic delays and road closures early Saturday morning in Midtown and Buckhead due to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantatrackclub.org/peachtree" data-vars-content-id="11bceacb-4147-4609-9cd8-ee89e7e8b2ae" data-vars-headline="Where to watch July 4th fireworks around Atlanta this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantatrackclub.org/peachtree" target="_blank">Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race</a>, and in places where holiday parades and events are planned<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🎆 Fireworks!</h2>Stone Mountain Park: One of the Southeast&#x27;s largest July 4th celebrations features a drones, lasers, music, and nightly fireworks. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="through July 6" data-vars-click-url="https://www.stonemountainpark.com/" data-vars-content-id="11bceacb-4147-4609-9cd8-ee89e7e8b2ae" data-vars-headline="Where to watch July 4th fireworks around Atlanta this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.stonemountainpark.com/" target="_blank">through July 6</a>)

How to lower your power bill while displaying holiday lights

Electricity bills can jump well over $100 a month if homes use incandescent lights and/or larger displays like inflatables.

Lighting up the entire night might not be the wisest decision when it comes to your holiday displays. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rising energy prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/09/30/data-centers-grid-electricity-costs-pittsburgh" data-vars-content-id="f19c7d95-a47a-4f31-a8f9-24a022daf22a" data-vars-headline="How to lower your power bill while displaying holiday lights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2025/09/30/data-centers-grid-electricity-costs-pittsburgh" target="_self">Rising energy prices</a> during the holidays have Americans second-guessing if they should scale back on decorations.

Your pet snagged holiday scraps — here's what's OK and what's toxic

We love giving our pets a little bit of human food, but there are some things they cannot eat.

You&#x27;re in the kitchen, trying to juggle different recipes for holiday mains and sides — and amid the chaos, a piece of food drops on the floor.<ul><li>Your four-legged fur baby, who&#x27;s been watching you like a hawk, quickly snatches it before you can even react.</li><li>Depending on what your pet ate, you may be in for either a vet bill or an uneventful day.</li></ul>Why it matters: We love our pets and can&#x27;t resist the occasional sharing of table food with them, but there are some things veterinarians say they cannot eat.

ATL predicts over 4 million travelers for Thanksgiving holiday

The Atlanta airport projects its peak travel days will be Sunday, Nov. 30 and Monday, Dec. 1.

The world&#x27;s busiest airport says it expects to see more than four million travelers throughout the Thanksgiving holiday period.Why it matters: Pack your patience and arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at least two and a half hours in advance for domestic flights and three hours before international travel.

Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Atlanta

From fireworks to baseball, there's something for everyone.

Friday is Independence Day and there&#x27;s no shortage of ways to celebrate around metro Atlanta. Here are some of the major events happening around the city:🥳 If you&#x27;re a morning person and not running (or walking) Friday&#x27;s Peachtree Road Race, you can cheer on participants by lining the sidewalks along the race route.<ul><li>Some of the best places to watch include the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center, the neighborhoods between Cardiac Hill and Brookwood, and 10th and Peachtree streets.</li><li>(When Kristal was with the AJC, she covered the race while stationed in front of the former Darlington Apartments along Cardiac Hill. It&#x27;s an event every Atlantan should experience at least once.)</li></ul>🎆 The Atlanta Track Club partners with Lenox Square to host <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fireworks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantatrackclub.org/news/fireworks-return-with-the-2025-atlanta-journal-constitution-peachtree-road-race" data-vars-content-id="05ac91d2-66a5-44a3-a542-ced8c8b067c0" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantatrackclub.org/news/fireworks-return-with-the-2025-atlanta-journal-constitution-peachtree-road-race" target="_blank">fireworks</a> at 9:15pm Thursday at the Buckhead establishment.<ul><li>It&#x27;s the first time fireworks will be displayed in Buckhead since 2016, the Atlanta Track Club said. </li></ul>🇺🇸 Fourth of July celebrations are also planned in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chamblee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chambleega.com/news_detail_T2_R198.php" data-vars-content-id="05ac91d2-66a5-44a3-a542-ced8c8b067c0" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chambleega.com/news_detail_T2_R198.php" target="_blank">Chamblee</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Decatur" data-vars-click-url="https://visitdecaturga.com/july4/" data-vars-content-id="05ac91d2-66a5-44a3-a542-ced8c8b067c0" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://visitdecaturga.com/july4/" target="_blank">Decatur</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dunwoody" data-vars-click-url="https://dunwoodyga.org/" data-vars-content-id="05ac91d2-66a5-44a3-a542-ced8c8b067c0" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dunwoodyga.org/" target="_blank">Dunwoody</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="East Point" data-vars-click-url="https://www.epmsa.org/event-details/salute-to-the-red-white-blue" data-vars-content-id="05ac91d2-66a5-44a3-a542-ced8c8b067c0" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.epmsa.org/event-details/salute-to-the-red-white-blue" target="_blank">East Point</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kennesaw" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kennesaw-ga.gov/kennesaw-event/salutetoamerica/" data-vars-content-id="05ac91d2-66a5-44a3-a542-ced8c8b067c0" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kennesaw-ga.gov/kennesaw-event/salutetoamerica/" target="_blank">Kennesaw</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Marietta" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mariettaga.gov/194/Fourth-of-July-Celebration" data-vars-content-id="05ac91d2-66a5-44a3-a542-ced8c8b067c0" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mariettaga.gov/194/Fourth-of-July-Celebration" target="_blank">Marietta</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lake Lanier" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lanierislands.com/special-events/july-4th-activities/" data-vars-content-id="05ac91d2-66a5-44a3-a542-ced8c8b067c0" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lanierislands.com/special-events/july-4th-activities/" target="_blank">Lake Lanier</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Powder Springs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cityofpowdersprings.org/873/4th-of-July-Celebration" data-vars-content-id="05ac91d2-66a5-44a3-a542-ced8c8b067c0" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cityofpowdersprings.org/873/4th-of-July-Celebration" target="_blank">Powder Springs</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sandy Springs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sandyspringsga.gov/fireworks?fbclid=IwY2xjawLSKVtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF4M2lIUng1NE8ySHBEek5DAR4j1RRXw-Ae4tYHQYlaxUqnMEj226s6GFOpJk_fjDNWu9TcrAjJk2RzBL8utw_aem_KG_B8jNf0k8MHTNxQF2opA" data-vars-content-id="05ac91d2-66a5-44a3-a542-ced8c8b067c0" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sandyspringsga.gov/fireworks?fbclid=IwY2xjawLSKVtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF4M2lIUng1NE8ySHBEek5DAR4j1RRXw-Ae4tYHQYlaxUqnMEj226s6GFOpJk_fjDNWu9TcrAjJk2RzBL8utw_aem_KG_B8jNf0k8MHTNxQF2opA" target="_blank">Sandy Springs</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Woodstock" data-vars-click-url="https://woodstock.recdesk.com/Community/Page?pageId=26351" data-vars-content-id="05ac91d2-66a5-44a3-a542-ced8c8b067c0" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://woodstock.recdesk.com/Community/Page?pageId=26351" target="_blank">Woodstock</a>.<ul><li>If you want your festivities to be more like a weekend getaway, Barnsley Resorts&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="All-American Weekend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.barnsleyresort.com/all-american-weekend/" data-vars-content-id="05ac91d2-66a5-44a3-a542-ced8c8b067c0" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.barnsleyresort.com/all-american-weekend/" target="_blank">All-American Weekend</a> could be an option.</li></ul>⚾ For the baseball fans going to Truist Park to watch the Braves <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="take on the Orioles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E00615C212755DA?tfl=Atlanta_Braves-Tickets-Promotions_Schedule-Single_Game_Tickets_Buy_Tickets_Button-x0-Desktop-Landscape&amp;adobe_mc=MCMID=72008783765421109603336478556802658877|MCORGID=A65F776A5245B01B0A490D44%40AdobeOrg|TS=1751467224&amp;affiliateId=tdl-Atlanta_Braves-Tickets-Braves_Tickets-ticket_grid-x0-Desktop-Landscape&amp;partnerId=716R5LB61Z-13U7&amp;_gl=1*14pnbls*_gcl_au*Mjg0MDU1MTYwLjE3NDg0NjA5NTg.*_ga*MTI5MjM1MjA4MC4xNzM1NTIwNjk5*_ga_N8YFCZLYSZ*czE3NTE0NjM2NTckbzE3JGcxJHQxNzUxNDYzNjg5JGoyOCRsMCRoMTIzMjAwMjMyNw.." data-vars-content-id="05ac91d2-66a5-44a3-a542-ced8c8b067c0" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E00615C212755DA?tfl=Atlanta_Braves-Tickets-Promotions_Schedule-Single_Game_Tickets_Buy_Tickets_Button-x0-Desktop-Landscape&amp;adobe_mc=MCMID=72008783765421109603336478556802658877|MCORGID=A65F776A5245B01B0A490D44%40AdobeOrg|TS=1751467224&amp;affiliateId=tdl-Atlanta_Braves-Tickets-Braves_Tickets-ticket_grid-x0-Desktop-Landscape&amp;partnerId=716R5LB61Z-13U7&amp;_gl=1*14pnbls*_gcl_au*Mjg0MDU1MTYwLjE3NDg0NjA5NTg.*_ga*MTI5MjM1MjA4MC4xNzM1NTIwNjk5*_ga_N8YFCZLYSZ*czE3NTE0NjM2NTckbzE3JGcxJHQxNzUxNDYzNjg5JGoyOCRsMCRoMTIzMjAwMjMyNw.." target="_blank">take on the Orioles</a>, the fireworks after the game will feature a special Fourth of July show.<ul><li>Or if minor league baseball is your thing, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gwinnett Stripers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.milb.com/gwinnett/news/homestand-highlights-stripers-celebrate-independence-day-with-two-fireworks-shows" data-vars-content-id="05ac91d2-66a5-44a3-a542-ced8c8b067c0" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.milb.com/gwinnett/news/homestand-highlights-stripers-celebrate-independence-day-with-two-fireworks-shows" target="_blank">Gwinnett Stripers</a> has two fireworks shows planned for Thursday and Friday.</li></ul>🌃 If you don&#x27;t want to commit to a specific event, head to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Roof at Ponce City Market" data-vars-click-url="https://poncecityroof.com/getting-here" data-vars-content-id="05ac91d2-66a5-44a3-a542-ced8c8b067c0" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://poncecityroof.com/getting-here" target="_blank">The Roof at Ponce City Market</a>, where you can celebrate the holiday and see fireworks shows from around Atlanta.🎇 Of course, there&#x27;s always the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fantastic Fourth Celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://stonemountainpark.com/activity/events/fantastic-fourth-celebration/" data-vars-content-id="05ac91d2-66a5-44a3-a542-ced8c8b067c0" data-vars-headline="Where to celebrate the Fourth of July in Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stonemountainpark.com/activity/events/fantastic-fourth-celebration/" target="_blank">Fantastic Fourth Celebration</a> at Stone Mountain Park, which was ranked by Yelp as one of the top 25 places to watch fireworks.

CBD dog treats for fireworks anxiety: Vets urge caution

The American Veterinary Medical Association says more information is needed to determine how CBD affects dogs.

We&#x27;re approaching the perennial problem — how to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="keep pets calm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/30/fireworks-dog-scared-how-to-calm" data-vars-content-id="cbdf1325-ad87-4ed9-a73a-6fc6a2b9e9e5" data-vars-headline="CBD dog treats for fireworks anxiety: Vets urge caution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/30/fireworks-dog-scared-how-to-calm" target="_self">keep pets calm</a> as the sounds of July 4th fireworks and revelry ring through their hyper-sensitive ears.Why it matters: Dog intakes and runaways are the highest around the Fourth of July, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Shelter Animals Count" data-vars-click-url="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.8F7ZaQG-2BrnCDuOZkf5NrH1wQKRdcktA3j3-2Fvv8zxqzHoSvbscn7vB716FF0fY3H8t9pf_O9v00qWCSEZ3FvEroyX4AFEcC-2BcKg-2B9erDt4Cn-2F3BLaHmZZD1yFfQ-2Fmk6Hq84qt4Wy1MytgmqXfbMR-2FOQ9WoOStIMFjZ9sBA4roGKLjHmPTvOZoKw2fEfgFxTX8xHsiRur1qGqYorslNinzdm9IKfZk8Y5RLvoYQZTR4n2gy457hTN76McR-2B9XdJL2LDtWg7-2BT-2FwRnkuBt-2BhISSo4LUGOZNcmqVk44WghvGSRnqFwfgOf7c0RMH8mu5OsuE1IwYBCRtfH19SG3-2BVIo78uq-2FlRdXNZ7cGb4BemTJUucPhOqtiE4JwtV2Gxtw2v7oQsUVOp3DSfx6zuoSWWd6O7LJm6o7kQaKfrUEU1EUIhXpdMgO1dCgRXPmdLxlXGDBukS2XmLp91SdNTJbQfJRoOuWROg-3D-3D" data-vars-content-id="cbdf1325-ad87-4ed9-a73a-6fc6a2b9e9e5" data-vars-headline="CBD dog treats for fireworks anxiety: Vets urge caution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.8F7ZaQG-2BrnCDuOZkf5NrH1wQKRdcktA3j3-2Fvv8zxqzHoSvbscn7vB716FF0fY3H8t9pf_O9v00qWCSEZ3FvEroyX4AFEcC-2BcKg-2B9erDt4Cn-2F3BLaHmZZD1yFfQ-2Fmk6Hq84qt4Wy1MytgmqXfbMR-2FOQ9WoOStIMFjZ9sBA4roGKLjHmPTvOZoKw2fEfgFxTX8xHsiRur1qGqYorslNinzdm9IKfZk8Y5RLvoYQZTR4n2gy457hTN76McR-2B9XdJL2LDtWg7-2BT-2FwRnkuBt-2BhISSo4LUGOZNcmqVk44WghvGSRnqFwfgOf7c0RMH8mu5OsuE1IwYBCRtfH19SG3-2BVIo78uq-2FlRdXNZ7cGb4BemTJUucPhOqtiE4JwtV2Gxtw2v7oQsUVOp3DSfx6zuoSWWd6O7LJm6o7kQaKfrUEU1EUIhXpdMgO1dCgRXPmdLxlXGDBukS2XmLp91SdNTJbQfJRoOuWROg-3D-3D" target="_blank">Shelter Animals Count</a>, as animals perceive the loud, unpredictable crashes of fireworks as a threat and try to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="escape" data-vars-click-url="https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/behavior/understanding-dogs/why-are-dogs-scared-of-fireworks#:~:text=They&#x27;re%20Threatening,%2C%20panting%2C%20pacing%20or%20whining." data-vars-content-id="cbdf1325-ad87-4ed9-a73a-6fc6a2b9e9e5" data-vars-headline="CBD dog treats for fireworks anxiety: Vets urge caution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/behavior/understanding-dogs/why-are-dogs-scared-of-fireworks#:~:text=They&#x27;re%20Threatening,%2C%20panting%2C%20pacing%20or%20whining." target="_blank">escape</a>.By the numbers: Animal control officials across the U.S. see a 30%-60% increase in lost pets each year between July 4-6, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PetAmberAlert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.petamberalert.com/blog/" data-vars-content-id="cbdf1325-ad87-4ed9-a73a-6fc6a2b9e9e5" data-vars-headline="CBD dog treats for fireworks anxiety: Vets urge caution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.petamberalert.com/blog/" target="_blank">PetAmberAlert</a>, a national pet recovery system.<ul><li>Only 14% of lost pets are returned to their owners, the organization says.</li></ul>The intrigue: One possible calming mechanism in recent years is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CBD oils and chews" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/07/03/cbd-dog-treats-4th-of-july-fireworks" data-vars-content-id="cbdf1325-ad87-4ed9-a73a-6fc6a2b9e9e5" data-vars-headline="CBD dog treats for fireworks anxiety: Vets urge caution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/07/03/cbd-dog-treats-4th-of-july-fireworks" target="_self">CBD oils and chews</a>. CBD is extracted from hemp, which has very low traces of THC.<ul><li>83% of dogs showed a decrease in stress when given CBD ahead of a stressful event, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="study from Cornell" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/cbd-what-you-need-know-about-its-uses-and-efficacy" data-vars-content-id="cbdf1325-ad87-4ed9-a73a-6fc6a2b9e9e5" data-vars-headline="CBD dog treats for fireworks anxiety: Vets urge caution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/cbd-what-you-need-know-about-its-uses-and-efficacy" target="_blank">study from Cornell</a>.</li><li>Much like humans, side effects for animal CBD use include dry mouth and drowsiness.</li></ul>Yes, but: The American Veterinary Medical Association does not currently recommend <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CBD products" data-vars-click-url="https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/cannabis-use-and-pets" data-vars-content-id="cbdf1325-ad87-4ed9-a73a-6fc6a2b9e9e5" data-vars-headline="CBD dog treats for fireworks anxiety: Vets urge caution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/cannabis-use-and-pets" target="_blank">CBD products</a> as calming agents.<ul><li>&quot;We still need more information regarding factors such as how CBD behaves in an animal&#x27;s body, appropriate dosages, potential side effects and interactions with other medications,&quot; AVMA spokesperson Michael San Filippo tells Axios.</li></ul>Between the lines: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The FDA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd#safeforpets" data-vars-content-id="cbdf1325-ad87-4ed9-a73a-6fc6a2b9e9e5" data-vars-headline="CBD dog treats for fireworks anxiety: Vets urge caution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd#safeforpets" target="_blank">The FDA</a> has also not approved CBD for animals, and warns that side effects could include lethargy, depression, heavy drooling, vomiting, agitation, tremors and convulsions.In addition to checking with your vet, look for organic CBD products as well as how much CBD is in the product and confirm there&#x27;s no THC, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="American Kennel Club recommends" data-vars-click-url="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/#:~:text=Risks%20of%20Using%20CBD%20Oil,check%20with%20your%20veterinarian%20first." data-vars-content-id="cbdf1325-ad87-4ed9-a73a-6fc6a2b9e9e5" data-vars-headline="CBD dog treats for fireworks anxiety: Vets urge caution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/cbd-oil-dogs/#:~:text=Risks%20of%20Using%20CBD%20Oil,check%20with%20your%20veterinarian%20first." target="_blank">American Kennel Club recommends</a>.State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ASPCA has" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/fourth-july-safety-tips" data-vars-content-id="cbdf1325-ad87-4ed9-a73a-6fc6a2b9e9e5" data-vars-headline="CBD dog treats for fireworks anxiety: Vets urge caution" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/fourth-july-safety-tips" target="_blank">ASPCA has</a> several other tips to help keep your dog or cat calm this weekend.<ul><li>Perhaps obvious, but don&#x27;t take them to the fireworks show. Leave them at home in a room without windows and play some soft music.</li><li>An anxiety vest or snug shirt is like swaddling a baby; it makes your furry companion feel safe.</li><li>If your veterinarian prescribes anti-anxiety meds, make sure to test them out a few days before to ensure your animal will react well.</li><li>Don&#x27;t leave alcohol within reach of them.</li><li>Make sure your pet&#x27;s tags and chips are up to date in case they get out of the backyard.</li></ul>The bottom line: Animals have no idea what the Fourth of July means, or why it must be celebrated with loud noises. Give them some extra snuggles.

Where to honor Juneteenth (for free) in metro Atlanta

Parades, concerts, family festivals and more pack the calendar this weekend and on the holiday.

Metro Atlanta will celebrate Juneteenth and commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans this weekend and on the date itself.Here&#x27;s a peek at what&#x27;s available. All events are free.

Metro Atlanta's best and worst July 4 drive times

Metro Atlanta's best and worst times to drive for July Fourth

A table lists best and worst driving times for the nine-day July 4 holiday period, from June 27 to July 5. Worst traffic usually falls from noon to evening, longest on July 1 at noon-9 p.m. Best travel is generally before late morning or noon, except July 4 after 3 p.m.