Summer in Marietta is all about long evenings, music drifting across the Square, patio dinners with friends, and finding new ways to enjoy the outdoors. From mountain trails and local parks to concerts, and movies in the park, Marietta makes it easy to spend the season outside. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or simply looking for your next sunny-day adventure, here’s how to make the most of summer in Marietta.
Summer Nights on the Square
There’s something special about summer evenings in downtown Marietta. The heart of it all is Marietta Square, where live music, outdoor dining, and community events turn an ordinary night into an experience.
Glover Park Concert Series
One of the season’s biggest traditions is the Glover Park Concert Series. Locals and visitors gather with lawn chairs and picnic blankets while live music fills Glover Park on select Friday nights throughout the summer. Families dance near the fountain, friends linger over takeout from nearby restaurants, and the Square stays buzzing long after sunset.
The 2026 concert lineup brings everything from country hits to ‘80s throwbacks and tribute bands to downtown Marietta:
- June 26 – Guardians of the Jukebox – Soundtrack of the 80s
- July 31 – Seven Bridges – Eagles Tribute Band
- August 28 – Kasper & The 911 Band – R&B and Pop Hits
- September 25 – Nashville Nation – Modern Country Hits
Concerts take place in Glover Park on Marietta Square and begin at 8 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab dinner from one of the nearby restaurants, and settle in for one of Marietta’s favorite summer traditions.
Movies Under the Stars at Church Street Park
Just around the corner, Church Street Park hosts Movies Under the Stars, bringing outdoor movie nights to downtown Marietta. Grab a blanket, pick up dinner to-go, and settle in for a relaxed evening as classic family favorites play at sunset.
This year’s lineup includes:
- June 13 – Back to the Future
- July 11 – National Lampoon’s Vacation
- August 8 – Finding Nemo
- September 12 – How to Train Your Dragon
- October 10 – E.T.
Each movie begins at sunset, making it the perfect low-key summer night downtown.
Live Music or DJ at The Strand: Brew with a View
For more live entertainment or a DJ spinning tunes, head upstairs to the rooftop terrace at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre. The rooftop has become one of the best spots in downtown Marietta for summer nights, offering live music, dancing, skyline views, cocktails, and a laid-back atmosphere above the energy of the Square.
The Strand’s terrace creates the kind of summer evening that feels both relaxed and unforgettable. Arrive early to grab a drink, watch the sunset over downtown Marietta, and enjoy live music with one of the best views in the city.
Patio Season Is in Full Swing
Summer in Marietta was made for patio dining. Around the Square, restaurant patios fill with friends sharing cocktails, date nights stretching late into the night, and visitors stopping for a meal between events and shopping.
From weekend brunches to casual outdoor dinners, patio season becomes part of the experience in downtown Marietta. Spend the afternoon exploring boutiques and galleries before settling in outside for dinner.
Explore Marietta’s Public Art
Getting outside in Marietta also means slowing down and discovering the city’s creative side. Downtown murals, sculptures, and public art installations are scattered throughout the area, turning a walk around the Square into an open-air gallery experience.
Colorful murals tucked beside local businesses and artistic details throughout downtown make perfect photo stops while adding another layer of personality to the city. Pair a self-guided public art walk with coffee, shopping, or a patio lunch for an easy summer afternoon.
Celebrate Summer Events in Glover Park
Throughout the season, Glover Park transforms into the gathering place for some of Marietta’s biggest celebrations. From cultural festivals and international soccer excitement to one of Georgia’s favorite Fourth of July traditions, summer on the Square is packed with can’t-miss events.
Juneteenth on the Marietta Square
Every June, the Square fills with music, culture, and celebration during the Cobb County NAACP Juneteenth Celebration, a multi-day event honoring freedom and community. The annual celebration brings together live entertainment, food vendors, cultural performances, educational activities, and local businesses for an unforgettable weekend in downtown Marietta.
The 2026 celebration includes:
- Friday, June 19: 6 –11 p.m.– Wear All White Evening Under the Stars
- Saturday, June 20: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.– Juneteenth Cultural Festival featuring live entertainment, food vendors, merchandise vendors, community organizations, and family activities
- Sunday, June 21: 2–6 p.m.– Salute to Our Heroes with music, community tributes, and celebration
Marietta SoccerFest ’26
Soccer takes over downtown Marietta during Marietta SoccerFest ’26, a citywide celebration inspired by the world’s biggest tournament. For three days, fans from across the region gather on the Square and at the Franklin Gateway Sports Complex to experience watch parties, family-friendly activities, and the excitement of the global game right in the heart of Marietta.
Independence Eve
Kick off your Fourth of July celebrations with Independence Eve, a free community concert in Glover Park on July 3 at 7 p.m. As part of the nationwide celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the City of Marietta is inviting residents and visitors to gather on Marietta Square for an evening of live music. Headlined by Atlanta favorites Drivin N Cryin, the concert offers the perfect opportunity to spread out a blanket, set up a lawn chair, and enjoy a summer evening under the stars. Independence Eve serves as the official kickoff to Marietta’s Independence Day festivities in the heart of downtown.
Fourth in the Park
No summer in Marietta is complete without Fourth in the Park, one of the city’s favorite traditions. The annual Independence Day celebration transforms the Square into an all-day festival filled with patriotic spirit, live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts, carnival fun, and fireworks.
The celebration includes:
- 10:00 a.m. – Let Freedom Ring Parade
- 10:00 a.m-9:00 p.m.– Festival – Arts & Crafts, Kid’s Zone, Festival Food, Free Concerts
- 12:00 p.m. – Concert
- 2:00 p.m. – Bell Ringing Ceremony
- 2:30 p.m. – Atlanta Concert Band
- 7:00 p.m. – Concert
- 8:00-9:30pm – Headline Concert : Departure
With thousands of visitors filling downtown each year, Fourth in the Park is one of the biggest and most anticipated summer events in Marietta.
Explore Marietta’s Parks and Trails
Looking to stretch your legs and enjoy the outdoors? Beyond Kennesaw Mountain, Marietta’s growing network of parks and multi-use trails makes it easy to explore the city on foot or by bike. The city’s trail system is designed to connect neighborhoods, downtown Marietta, local universities, employment centers, and regional trail networks, creating opportunities for both recreation and transportation. Whether you’re looking for a morning walk, a scenic bike ride, or an afternoon spent exploring, Marietta’s trails offer a great way to experience the city from a different perspective. The popular Mountain to River Trail and other connected pathways take visitors past parks, public art, historic sites, and some of Marietta’s most scenic green spaces.
Hit the Trails at Kennesaw Mountain
When you’re ready to trade the city streets for scenic views, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park is only minutes away from downtown Marietta. The park offers miles of hiking and walking trails surrounded by wooded landscapes, historic sites, and panoramic overlooks.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging morning hike to the summit or a casual afternoon walk, Kennesaw Mountain is one of the area’s favorite ways to get outdoors. Early morning hikes are especially popular during the summer months.
Cool Off at Elizabeth Porter Park Sprayground
When Georgia temperatures start to climb, there’s no better place to cool off than the Sprayground at Elizabeth Porter Park. This family-friendly destination features interactive water jets, sprinklers, and splash features that make it a favorite summer stop for kids and parents alike. Park admission is $2 for Cobb County residents, $3 for non-residents and must be purchased online. Located just minutes from Marietta Square, it’s the perfect addition to a summer day of exploring downtown. Pack a towel, bring the kids, and enjoy one of Marietta’s most popular warm-weather attractions.
Make a Splash at Six Flags White Water
There’s no better place to cool off than Six Flags White Water. This 69-acre water park is packed with thrills, family attractions, and relaxing ways to beat the heat. Brave high-speed slides like the Typhoon Twister and Dive Bomber, race your friends down multi-lane slides, catch a wave in the Atlanta Ocean Wave Pool, or take it easy floating along the Little Hooch Lazy River. Younger visitors will love the kid-friendly splash zones and interactive water play areas, making it a perfect destination for families. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures or a laid-back day in the sun, Six Flags White Water is one of Marietta’s ultimate summer attractions.
From rooftop music and outdoor movies to hiking trails and festivals on the Square, summer in Marietta is meant to be experienced outside. Start planning your next sunny-day adventure and discover why this season feels right at home in Marietta.