Best Bets | June 25-July 1

THURSDAY

Museum: "Extreme Mammals: The Biggest, Smallest and Most Amazing Mammals of All Time" runs through Aug. 18 at Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta.

Museum, visual arts: Check out classic Dutch paintings, including the title entry at "Girl With a Pearl Earring" at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta through Sept. 29. See a gallery of the exhibit here and paintings and painters in the movies here.

Nature: Plants take on larger-than-life proportions in "Imaginary Worlds: Plants Larger Than Life" through Oct. 31 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Atlanta.

Visual arts: Design fans can check out "Eero Saarinen: A Reputation for Innovation" through June 30 at Museum of Design Atlanta.

Family, film: Enjoy free movies at the Central Park Series at Atlantic Station in Atlanta at 7 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 15.

Performing arts: Check out a classic in puppet form at Dr. Seuss' Cat in the Hat at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta through July 28.

FRIDAY

Performing arts: Stop by Agatha's: A Taste of Mystery Dinner Theatre in Atlanta for "Murder at the Stonevault Museum." The show runs until July 31 and tickets start at $65.

Music, holiday: Celebrate 4th of July early at the Roswell Patriotic Celebration at 7:30 p.m. June 28 at Roswell United Methodist Church. Enjoy music from the Atlanta Wind Symphony and appearances from each branch of the military. Check out more Fourth of July-related events and news here.

Music: Jamey Johnson and Merle Haggard are bringing their gritty country to the Masquerade Music Park in Atlanta at 6 p.m. June 28.

Music: Rock out in nature at Concerts in the Garden: The B-52s. The Georgia natives are playing at the Atlanta Botanical Garden at 8 p.m. June 28.

Music: Groove outdoors at Jazz on the Lawn: Seranata Band at 7:30 p.m. June 28 at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center in Atlanta.

Music: Straight No Chaser bring their pop tunes to Chastain Park Amphtiheatre in Atlanta June 28.

Music, party: Relive the 80s -- and your prom -- at the Rad '80s Prom Party with Radio Cult at 9 p.m. June 28 at at Vinyl in Atlanta.

Music: Get soulful with Kindred the Family Soul at 9 p.m. June 28 at Center Stage in Atlanta.

Performing arts: The classic children's tale "The Velveteen Rabbit" comes to the Serenbe Playhouse in Chattahoochee Hills through July 27.

Comedy: Comedian Dave Chappelle brings his unique humor to The Tabernacle in Atlanta 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. June 28-29.

Comedy: Everybody's favorite television dad Bill Cosby performs at the Cobb Energy Centre for Performing Arts in Atlanta at 8 p.m. June 28.

Performing arts: The mobile dance experience Dance Truck Returns comes back to Arts Exchange in Atlanta at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. June 28. Enjoy dance, art and music -- all in trucks. Check out a preview of the show here.

Performing arts: Take a time machine back to a simpler era at the musical "Hairspray" at Buford Community Center at 8 p.m. June 28 and 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. June 29.

Movie: Catch the release of the wine world documentary SOMM at Plaza Theatre in Atlanta.

SATURDAY

Arts, festival: Enjoy the inaugural year of the Old Fourth Ward Park Art Festival from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 29 at Old Fourth Ward Park in Atlanta with 200 arts and crafts vendors, children's area, food and music.

Festival: Celebrate our neighbors to the north at Atlanta Canada Fest at 2 p.m. June 29 at Meehan's Public House in Atlanta. Enjoy Canadian music, artists and food, as well as street hockey for the kids.

Party, television: "Mad Men" fans can take a spin through the 1950s at the MODA Mad Men Party at 8 p.m. June 29 at Museum of Design Atlanta. Enjoy cocktails, 1950s and 60s lounge music, authentic mid-century party fare and a "Mad Men"-inspired costume contest.

Music: Local singer-songwriter Michelle Malone brings her tunes to Eddie's Attic in Decatur at 7 and 9:30 p.m. June 29.

Music: Holy Grail and Anti-Mortem perform at The Earl in Atlanta at 8 p.m. June 29.

Music: Musical powerhouses join forces for the Americanarama Festival of Music featuring Bob Dylan, Wilco and My Morning Jacket at 5:30 p.m. June 29 at Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood in Atlanta.

Music: Relive the 50s with The Temptations and The Four Tops at 8 p.m. June 29 at The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphtiheatre in Peachtree City.

SUNDAY

Music, holiday: Start getting patriotic early with a Patriotic Concert at 11 a.m. June 30 at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Marietta and a Salute to America at 4 p.m. June 30 at the Dunwoody United Methodist Church. Check out more Fourth of July-related events and news here.