Celebrate this summer, Cobb County, with festivals that honor the surrounding community with music, art, food and fun.
This year, Cobb County offers residents a summer full of festivals that will bring inspiration and excitement to your whole family.
Start your summer off right with a few of these community-oriented festivals around Cobb:
Juneteenth Weekend at the Marietta Square. Friday 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. June 17 through 19. Free. Glover Park. 50 East Park Square, Marietta. 770-425-5757. www.travelcobb.org.
Of all the festivals and events happening around Cobb County this summer, Juneteenth Weekend at the Marietta Square may rank up there with the most meaningful and important. In celebration of the date when the last of the slaves were actually freed, June 19, 1865, Juneteenth Weekend will feature live jazz and blues, dance performances and spoken word.
City of Kennesaw's Salute to America. 6-10 p.m. July 3. Free. Downtown Kennesaw. Between Main St. and Cherokee St. NW, Kennesaw. 30144. 770-422-9714. www.kennesawjuly3.com.
The City of Kennesaw knows how to celebrate an good, old-fashioned Independence Day. On July 3, the community will come together to enjoy live entertainment and music, kids activities and plenty of food. To top it off, a fireworks display will take place at the end of the evening across from Depot Park.
Marietta Fourth in the Park Celebration. Starts at 10 a.m. July 4. Free. Marietta Square. From Roswell Street Baptist Church to North Marietta Parkway, Marietta. 770-794-5601. www.mariettaga.gov.
Take part in one of the best Independence Day celebrations in the county at the Fourth in the Park Celebration happening on the Marietta Square. At 10 a.m., watch as the Marietta Freedom Parade escorts 110 floats and over 2000 participants around the Square, followed by a carnival, arts and crafts show, Kids Zone and (of course) a fireworks show after dark.
Atlanta Back 2 School Food Festival. 12:30-6:30 p.m. July 30. Admission by donation of school supplies. Jim R. Miller Park. 2245 Callaway Road SW, Marietta. 678-866-1586. www.atlfoodfest.com.
At this kid-friendly festival, families can enjoy eating delicious food, find out about after-school programs in the area and learn about local health and educational options. Kids will love the waterslides, climbing wall, bouncy houses and bungee jumping -- just make sure to bring a towel.
City of Kennesaw's Pigs and Peaches BBQ Festival. 6-10 p.m. Friday, Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 26 and 27. Free. Adams Park. 2600 Park Drive, Kennesaw. www.pigsandpeaches.com.
Nothing says Southern like a little barbecue and peaches. The City of Kennesaw really understands how to bring these two delicious flavors together at the Pigs and Peaches BBQ Festival. Over the course of two days, you'll taste some of the best barbecue in the South while shopping from over 200 artisans and exhibitors. Bring your kiddos to Kids Zone, where they can bounce around on inflatables and take part in activities. Don't miss out of seeing multiple BBQ competitions and the Peach Dessert contest.
Don't let summer go by without getting out there and enjoying community events and activities. Need a few ideas? Check out the 2016 summer bucket list for Atlanta families.
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