As students finish up their last few weeks of school and Atlanta residents of all ages make plans for summer, several metro Atlanta cities and attractions are hosting can’t-miss events.
Several of them are free or support a great cause. All of them promise fun and a chance to explore metro Atlanta.
Here are our 10 can’t-miss events for May:
Marietta Square Art Walk
The Marietta Square transforms into an open art gallery on the first Friday of each month for Marietta Square Art Walk. The series started in April and lasts through November, giving local art lovers a chance to support various Marietta businesses while enjoying live music and more.
5 p.m.-9 p.m. May 5. Free. Marietta Square, 25 West Park Square, Marietta. Artwalkmarietta.com.
Atlanta Botanical Garden’s The Curious Garden exhibit
Atlanta Botanical Garden will have a busy month in May. In addition to the return of Cocktails in the Garden and the extension of the space through Skyline Garden, the popular Atlanta attraction will open its summer exhibit on May 6.
The Curious Garden exhibit will include 11 installations from Adam Schwerner, whose work blends his passions for art and nature.
The exhibit was designed to invite attendees to take a deeper look at the nature around them.
9 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays. May 6-Oct. 29. Free (garden members, children under 3), $15.95 (children, 3-12), $21.95 (adults). Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. Atlantabg.org.
Food that Rocks
25 Sandy Springs restaurants will participate in Food That Rocks in Hammond Park this year. From Kevin Rathbun’s Kaiser’s Chophouse, which opens May 2, to Marlow’s Tavern, this event will celebrate the restaurants that residents love, and feature live music, alcohol and more. You must be 21 years old to attend this event.
Food that Rocks will benefit Second Helpings, Ian’s Friends Foundation and the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance.
6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. May 6. $55-$60 (general admission), $70-$75 (VIP). Hammond Park, 705 Hammond Drive, Sandy Springs. Foodthatrocks.com.
Move – Beyond – Live on Tour
Celebrity siblings Julianne and Derek Hough will bring their dancing and choreography skills to Atlanta for a show at Fox Theatre inspired by the elements. “Move – Beyond – Live on Tour” is the third time the siblings have toured together.
7:30 p.m. May 11. $35.00 - $125.00. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta. foxtheatre.org.
Atlanta Ballet’s “Camino Real”
Choreographed by Helen Pickett, Atlanta Ballet’s “Camino Real” is based on the popular 1950s play by Tennesee Williams. The show opens at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre May 12.
8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. May 12-14. $20-$128. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. Atlantaballet.com.
Decatur Lantern Parade
This kid-friendly event invites families to make their own lanterns then parade them through downtown Decatur on May 12. Hosted by the Decatur Arts Alliance and Decatur Education Foundation, the event will kick off at Color Wheel Studio and take families through the downtown square. Get inspiration for your lantern or sign up for workshops ahead of the parade here.
8 p.m. May 12. Free. Color Wheel Studio, 508 E. Howard Ave., Decatur.
Kirkwood Spring Fling
Discover why residents love Kirkwood at the 15th annual Kirkwood Spring Fling and Tour of Homes. Visit the festival’s artist market before witnessing the BBQ competition and enjoying live music. Select neighborhood homes will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday.
Tour of Homes: noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Festival: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday. May 20-21. Free admission. Bessie Branham Park, 2051 Delano Drive, Atlanta. kirkwoodfling.com.
East Atlanta Craft Beer Fest
Sample more than 150 craft beers alongside fellow beer enthusiasts at the 14th annual East Atlanta Beer Fest. In addition to beer, attendees can enjoy tasty treats from food trucks and live music when they visit Brownwood Park for the festival on May 20.
Proceeds from this event will go towards local organizations in East Atlanta.
1 p.m.-5 p.m. May 20. $40-$75. Brownwood Park, 602 Brownwood Ave., Atlanta. Eastatlantabeerfest.com.
Atlanta Party for Prevention
Eventide Brewing will host a party to raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention on May 20. The event will feature live music, a tour of the brewery, a silent auction, food and, of course, beer.
7 p.m. May 20. $40. Eventide Brewing, 1015 Grant St., Atlanta. Afsp.donordrive.com.
Chris Rock
Comedian Chris Rock will visit Atlanta as a part of his “Total Blackout” tour this month. The popular actor will provide a hilarious form of escapism to fans during three shows at the Fox Theatre starting May 26.
8 p.m. Friday, 7 p.m. Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday. May 26-28. $65.60 - $144.95. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta. Foxtheatre.org.
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