Don't just sit around and let the weekend pass you by.
Learn a little something new by attending one of the many performances, presentations and classes taking place in and around Atlanta. From music workshops to cook-offs, events all around the Metro will keep you educated and entertained all weekend long.
You'll even find a few pre-Valentine's Day events for those of you who just can't wait to celebrate your love.
Check out this weekend's lineup of events:
Cobb
Bonsai Study Group. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9. Free with garden admission. Smith Gilbert Gardens. 2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw. 770-919-0248. www.smithgilbertgardens.com.
Discover how to tend to your own Bonsai trees and learn all about the Bonsai garden at Smith Gilbert Gardens at this interactive study group led by curator Rodney Clemons.
Adult Spelling Bee. 7:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9. Earl Smith Strand Theatre. 117 North Park Square, Marietta. 770-293-0080. www.earlsmithstrand.org.
Support local schools around Cobb by enjoying a little friendly spelling competition this Friday at The Strand.
GSO presents Heartstrings. 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. $10 to $30 per person. Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center at Kennesaw State University. 488 Prillaman Way NW, Kennesaw. 770-429-2390. www.georgiasymphony.org.
Experience a romantic evening of music on Saturday as the Georgia Symphony Orchestra performs "Heartstrings," a collection that includes works by Mendelssohn, Mahler and Debussy.
Super Museum Sunday. Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11. Free. Marietta Museum of History. 1 Depot St. #200, Marietta. 404-382-5410. www.georgiahistory.com.
Enjoy the Marietta Museum of History for free this Sunday as part of the Super Museum Sunday event. There are also a number of other museums participating. Check the list here.
DeKalb
Contra Dance at the Decatur Recreation Center. 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9. $10 per person, $5 per student with ID. Decatur Recreation Center. 231 Sycamore St., Decatur. www.contradance.org.
Take part in some old-fashioned dancing to live music this Friday as the Chattahoochee Contra Dancers teach you all you need to know. No partner necessary.
Outrageous Ladies Experience. 7 p.m. Friday Feb. 9 - Sunday, Feb. 10. Ticket prices vary. Legacy Worldwide Studios. 2775 Premiere Parkway, Duluth. 470-705-1800. www.outrageousladies.com.
Feel your faith this weekend at the Outrageous Ladies Experience, which will feature passionate and purpose-driven speakers to help you feel empowered and uplifted.
Fernbank After Dark: Love on the Brain. 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9. $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6400. www.fernbankmuseum.org.
Discover how your own biology affects your love life at a special Valentine's Day-related Fernbank After Dark. This adults-only event will include after-hours exhibit access, films on the big screen, live music, craft beer and more.
Valentine Papermaking at Clarkston Community Center. 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. $20 per person. Clarkston Community Center. 3701 College Ave., Clarkston. 404-508-1050. www.clarkstoncommunitycenter.org.
Make your own handmade Valentine cards at the Clarkston Community Center this Saturday using recycled materials.
Gwinnett
Muriel Anderson Concert and Workshop. 8 p.m. Friday Feb. 9. $20 per person. Red Clay Music Foundry. 3116 Main St., Duluth. 404-478-2749. www.eddieowenpresents.com.
Calling all guitarists: Muriel Anderson will hold a concert abd workshop this Friday at the Red Clay Music Foundry, featuring direction on technique, arrangement, interpretation and more.
Credit: Courtesy of Atlanta Ballet
Credit: Courtesy of Atlanta Ballet
Atlanta Ballet's "Beauty and the Beast". 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 10 and 11. Ticket prices vary. Infinite Energy Center. 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 404-892-3303. www.atlantaballet.com.
Take the whole family out for a night of magic and inspiration as the Atlanta Ballet performs “Beauty and the Beast” at the Infinite Energy Center this weekend.
The Rise of Civil Rights Film Series: Marshall. 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. Free. Gwinnett County Public Library Five Forks Branch. 2780 Five Forks Trickum Road SW, Lawrenceville. 770-978-5154. www.gwinnettpl.org.
The Rise of Civil Rights Film Series continues with the screening of "Marshall." This free event is open to the public and takes place at the Five Forks Branch.
Salsa Romantica Valentines Weekend Latin Night with Chocolate Fountain. 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. $10 per person. Nemoes Tavern and Grill. 6025 Peachtree Parkway, Norcross. 678-304-7343. www.salsaatl.com.
Enjoy a night of romance and dancing this Saturday as Salsa ATL hosts the Salsa Romantica Valentine's Weekend Latin Night with Chocolate Fountain at Nemoes Tavern and Grill.
North Fulton
Southern Sweets: 4th Annual Pound Cake Cook-Off. 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. Free. Bill Johnson Community Building. 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. 770-594-6199. www.roswellgov.com.
Get your appetite ready, because the 4th Annual Pound Cake Cook-Off is back with a wide array of delicious cake samples and an artists marketplace.
Father and Daughter Valentine's Night. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. $14 for residents, $21 for non-residents. City of Roswell. 38 Hill St., Roswell. 770-641-3705. www.visitroswellga.com.
Dads, don't miss the opportunity to let your daughter know she is special by taking her to the Father and Daughter Valentine's Dance this Saturday in Roswell. Space is limited, so make sure to register early.
»RELATED: Atlanta Events 2018: Your guide for things to do all year long
Enchanted Evening Date Night. 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and students, $6 for children ages 3 through 12, free for members and children ages 2 and under. Chattahoochee Nature Center. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. www.chattnaturecenter.org.
Bring your special someone down to CNC for date night under the stars. This Saturday couples can enjoy watching "Groundhog Day" staring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Chattahoochee Nature Center
Credit: Photo courtesy of Chattahoochee Nature Center
STARLAB at CNC. 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11. Included with admission, free for members. Chattahoochee Nature Center. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. www.chattnaturecenter.org.
STARLAB is back at CNC and will amaze guests will a customized planetarium viewing of the night sky and discussion.
About the Author
