Fall offers some of our best weather for being outside and enjoying friends, fun and food. And metro Atlanta brings you unique ways to enjoy the weather with outdoor events for every cultural and culinary taste.
This weekend serves up festivals from the weather-delayed July Fourth fireworks in Marietta to immersion in the cuisine and culture of Japan.
Pick one, grab the kids, jump in the car and enjoy.
Sandy Springs Festival
Highlights include a pet parade, music, dance and vocal performances, the second annual “ArtSS Chalk Walk” chalk art competition, the Doug Kessler Sandy Springs Lightning 10K/5K, a Business & Civic Expo, food vendors, activities for children and teens and an artists’ market. The festival takes place throughout the heart of Sandy Springs. Free parking is available at Century Springs East and West Parking Lots at the corner of Lake Forrest and Hammond drives, and a shuttle will be available. Organizers ask that you do not park at the CityWalk or area shopping centers, as those lots are for retail patrons.
9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 21 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 22. $5 for adults, $2 for children 6 to 17, free for children 5 and younger and free for Heritage Sandy Springs members. Two-day passes are available for $7 for adults and $3 for children 6 to 17. Race registration is $30 for the 5K and $35 for the 10K or $35/$40 after Sept. 19 or on race day. 404-851-9111, www.sandyspringsfestival.com.
Jennifer Brett
Marietta StreetFest
Happy 21st of September! Since this year’s Independence Day parade and fireworks were rained out, the city of Marietta will celebrate during StreetFest. The event features arts and crafts, antiques, a car show, music, children’s activities and a farmers market. Assuming it does not rain again, the fireworks display begins when it gets dark.
9 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 21. Free. Marietta Square. The Marietta Museum of History, which organizes the event, will be open. Museum admission is $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and free for children 5 and younger. 770-794-5710, www.mariettastreetfest.com.
Jennifer Brett
Shakerag Arts and Crafts Festival in Peachtree City
Peachtree City’s 36th annual Shakerag Arts and Crafts Festival will be held in a shaded, wooded area. It’s known for its handmade arts and crafts and the delicious array of food vendors. New food options this year include smoked barbecue and shrimp baskets.
Shakerag, a city-sponsored event, showcases a variety of vendors from around Georgia and the South and will include pottery, paintings, ceramics, clothing, florals and pet accessories. A children’s area will feature games, pony rides and a craft station.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 21 and noon-5 p.m. Sept. 22. Free. 191 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City. 770-631-2542, www.peachtree-city.org/recreation.
Helena Oliviero
JapanFest
The festival, billed as the largest Japanese festival in the Southeast, is in its 26th year and draws crowds nearing 20,000. It includes dance, music, storytelling and traditional Japanese puppetry. This year’s theme is “Japanese Performers,” and guest performers will include Akira Satake, Bunraku Bay Puppet Theater, Kazunori Kumagai, Kuniko Yamamoto, Matsuriza and the NY Samurai Brothers.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 21 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept 22. $8 adults, children 6 and younger free. Teachers may bring up to 50 students for free by applying online. Gwinnett Convention Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 404-842-0736, www.japanfest.org.
Jennifer Brett
Roswell Arts Festival
Set in Roswell’s Historic Town Square, the 47th annual Roswell Arts Festival promises an array of entertainment featuring local singers, dance companies and children’s entertainers. Children’s painting, sand art and other activities are also available. Food vendors will be on site.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 21 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 22. Roswell Town Square, 616 Atlanta St., Roswell. 770-640-3253, www.roswellartsfestival.com.
Gracie Bonds Staples
