As summer slips away, and with fall just around the corner, make sure to check out these festive events to squeeze in some last-minute summer fun.

This weekend, Atlanta has plenty of opportunities ranging from entertaining concerts to food festivals.

So, slather up in sunscreen and sport your favorite pair shades to enjoy what the weekend has to offer.

Ā A foodie festival worth checking out

There's no better way than to spend the weekend than licking delicious barbecue sauce off your fingers, right?

The 8th Annual Atlanta Bar-B-Que FestivalĀ Ā is a two-day celebration that features 30 professional barbecue teams across the region that will compete for up to $12,500 in cash prizes. Festival attendees do receive a chance to try the competition's BBQ as well.

4-10 p.m. Friday, August 12, and noon-8 p.m. Saturday, August 13, 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta.Ā $8 (general admission advance tickets), $12 (general admission day of show). $35 (bourbon experience advance tickets), $40 (bourbon experience day of event tickets). Ā www.atlbbqfest.com.

Catch some PokƩmon at the zoo

Zoo Atlanta will host a two-day event "Pokemon Go Weekend,"welcoming Pokemon trainers (players) to show the gaming app on their phone or tablet for $5 discount on general admission ($22.99 for adults, $16.99 for children ages 3-11). Players will be able to explore the 14 PokeStops around the zoo, take a ride on the Poketrain, or power up their Pokémon at lures (modules a part of the game). Prizes and Pokephoto opportunities will be available during the event.

9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 and 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.Ā Sunday, Aug. 14, at Zoo Atlanta,Ā 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta. http://zooatlanta.org/.

Dixie Chicks Concert

The country band, Dixie Chicks, which has crossed over to other genres including pop and alternative country, will be performing at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. The multiple Grammy award-winning band is currently on theirĀ DCX MMXVI World Tour, which is visiting over 40 cities.Ā 

Piedmont Park Arts FestivalĀ 

Soak in the summer sun outside atĀ Piedmont Park Arts Festival. Catch a glimpse of the artwork from up to 250 painters, photographers, scultorsĀ leather and metalwork, glass blowers, jewelers and crafters.Ā You can even bring your four-legged friend for a stroll, too. The Festival's website said pets are welcomed.

There will be acoustic live music, a street market, a children’s play area, festival foods and beverages.

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, August 13, and 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 15Admission is free. 1071 Piedmont Avenue Northeast, Atlanta.Ā piedmontparkartsfestival.com.Ā 

Wine and running?Ā 

It sounds like a winning combination.

AtĀ The Ultimate Wine Run and Fun, runners will get a chance to take an evening run, a 5K or 1K, and then enjoy a night full of live entertainment, wine and food. Participants are encouraged toĀ bring a blanket and lawn chairs to unwind after the run. Participants must be age 21 or older.

5 p.m. (5K begins). 7 p.m. (1K begins). August 13. $50. Turner Field 755 Hank Aaron Drive, Atlanta.Ā theultimatewinerun.com

About the Author

Keep Reading

Sure it's only mid-July, but Escape the Netherworld is hosting five themed escape rooms, including one called Haunted that challenges players to defeat the Night Hag. (Courtesy of Escape the Netherworld)

Credit: Courtesy of Escape the Netherworld

Featured

ā€œOur members cannot be bought off,ā€ General President Sean O’Brien said in a social media statement, calling UPS' offers ā€œillegal and haphazard.ā€ (Hyosub Shin/AJC 2023)

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC