The calendar still says it's late July, but back-to-school events are already getting underway in the metro Atlanta area.
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If you're looking for something for the family to do this weekend, you can also get in the holiday spirit months early with a Christmas in July event or shop and cosplay at a cosmic convention.
Check out the following 16 events this weekend in metro Atlanta:
Cobb
Southeast Homeschool Expo. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, July 26 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 27. $20 per person, children 18 and under free. Cobb Galleria Centre, Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 1-800-285-6340. https://www.southeasthomeschoolexpo.com/dates-times-and-costs/.
See, discuss and buy homeschool educational materials, get creative ideas, and attend "how to" workshops on different homeschooling subjects.
Not Just a Movie Movie Series. 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, July 27. Free admission and popcorn. Brinkley Park, 1270 Hunter St., Smyrna. https://www.smyrnaga.gov.
Bring the family out for pre-movie activities, including inflatables and face-painting before watching "RV," which stars Robin Williams.
Hot Fun in the Summer Sun 5K. 7 a.m. registration and packet pickup, 8 a.m. race. Saturday, July 27. $25-$30. Starts at Ozone Billiards, 890 Cobb Place Blvd. NW, Kennesaw. https://fivestarntpq3.com/.
Bring your dog along for the race if you'd like, and all participants will qualify for free entry for the upcoming Five Star Thanksgiving Turkey Trot.
Credit: From The Concert "A Tribute to ABBA" Facebook page
Credit: From The Concert "A Tribute to ABBA" Facebook page
A Tribute to ABBA. 8 p.m. Saturday, July 27. $36 and up. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 770-916-2800. https://www.cobbenergycentre.com/.
Sing and dance at the ultimate ABBA tribute celebration, where you'll hear their most popular hits including "Mama Mia," "Waterloo" and "Dancing Queen."
DeKalb
Storefront Saturday. Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, July 27. At 15 participating stores in Decatur. https://www.visitdecaturgeorgia.com/.
This city-wide shopping event is held twice a year and includes prizes, pop-ups, specials and more.
$500 Weddings Summer Bridal Show. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, July 28. Free admission. 5380 Studios, 5380 E. Mountain St., Stone Mountain. https://www.eventbrite.com.
Enjoy one-stop shopping for everything wedding-related, including caterers, event planners, florists, ice carvers, officiants, hairstylists and more.
Credit: From atlantacomicconvention.com
Credit: From atlantacomicconvention.com
The Atlanta Comic Convention. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, July 28. $5. Marriott Hotel-Century Center Northeast/Emory area, 2000 Century Blvd., Atlanta. 706-837-4976. http://www.atlantacomicconvention.com.
The comic convention features over one million comics, toys and more, and cosplayers will receive free gifts.
B at the Movies. 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturday, July 27. Free admission. Brook Run Park, 4770 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody. https://dunwoodyga.gov/.
Play games, eat snacks and join in family fun before watching "How to Train Your Dragon 3" together on a giant screen.
North Fulton
Family Yoga. Price included with Chattahoochee Nature Center Admission of $6-$7, free for members. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. https://www.chattnaturecenter.org/.
Bring your own yoga mat or borrow one from the instructors and start your day by stretching in nature.
Shred. Swing. Sip. 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 27. Topgolf,
Credit: From eventbrite.com
Credit: From eventbrite.com
10900 Westside Parkway, Alpharetta. 843-445-5010. https://www.eventbrite.com/.
Take part in a HIIT workout, play complimentary golf (only for workout participants) and stay for brunch at Topgolf.
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." 7 p.m. Friday, July 26, noon and 5 p.m. Saturday, July 27 and 4 p.m. Sunday, July 28. $10 general admission, $25 reserved seating. Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Blvd., Roswell. 678-871-7766. https://rumcactingup.webs.com/.
This enduring musical features the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and is presented with a live 20-piece orchestra and costumes from New York.
City Green Live. 6:30 p.m. festivities and 7:30 p.m. performance. Friday, July 26. Free. The Green at City Springs, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. 770-206-2022. https://citysprings.com/.
Join Big Sam's Funky Nation, which puts forth a boisterous blend of funk, jazz, rock and hip-hop.
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Gwinnett
Credit: From eventbrite.com
Credit: From eventbrite.com
Venezuela Color Run. 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m.-11 am. Race and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. festival. Saturday, July 27. $15-$25 to register in run. Lilburn City Park, 76 Main St. NW, Lilburn. https://www.active.com.
Run, walk, jog, dance or jump your way along the race route and cover yourself with a variety of colors. Music, a DJ, food and other entertainment is also offered, with half of event profits being used to help education in Venezuela.
Christmas in July Arts & Crafts Festival. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, July 27. Free admission. Grayson Community Park, 475 Grayson Parkway, Grayson. https://cityofgrayson.org.
Celebrate the spirit of Christmas early with holiday music, photos with Santa, plenty of arts and crafts vendors and kids' activities.
Gwinnett County Community Health Fair and Back-to-School Bash. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, July 27. Free. Bogan Park Recreation Center, 2723 N. Bogan Road, NE, Buford. http://www.livehealthygwinnett.com/.
Screenings, speakers, inflatables, welcome bags, a school supply giveaway and collection and more highlight this community event.
Repticon. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 27 (9 a.m. VIP early entry) and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, July 28. $5-$15. Gwinnett County Fairground, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. https://repticon.com/.
See live animals, buy pets and pet products and enjoy live seminars and demonstrations at this expo that's dedicated to reptiles and exotic animals.
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