The back-to-school blues may be in full swing, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun with the family this weekend in metro Atlanta. Food and music festivals take center stage, and you'll also find a back-to-school ice cream social on this weekend's calendar.
» RELATED: AJC Decatur Book Festival and 10 more can't-miss fests in August
Check out the following 16 things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend:
Cobb
Run for Wounded Heroes 5K. 7:30 a.m. 1-mile Fun Run, 8 a.m. 5K and 8:55 Tot Trot. Saturday, Aug. 10. Free Tot Trot, $15 1-mile Fun Run and $25 5K. In front of Kennesaw Baptist Church, 2958 N. Main St., Kennesaw. https://kennesawgrandprix.com.
This third race in Kennesaw's Grand Prix Race Series benefits wounded veterans.
Southeastern Civil War and Antique Firearms Show and Sell. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11. Adults $6, children under 10 and military personnel, veterans and first responders with ID are free. Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta. 678-401-6916. http://ngrha.weebly.com.
Browse through and buy items ranging from dug relics to guns and swords to paper items and currency.
The Cotton Club Revue. 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9 and 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10. $25-$30. Theatre in the Square, 11 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. 770-426-4800. https://www.theatreinthesquare.net.
Sing along to the sounds of the Cotton Club, New York's historically famous night club, in this musical review. You'll be taken back to Harlem of the '30s and '40s with hit songs, costumes and flashy choreography.
Greater Atlanta Coin Show. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11. Free. Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center, Joe Mack Wilson Ballroom, 500 Powder Springs St., Marietta. 770-772-4359. http://www.atlcoin.com/.
Browse over 35 coin dealers' tables with collectible and investment coins, currency, bullion, currency, jewelry and collecting supplies.
DeKalb
Credit: From decaturbbqfestival.com
Credit: From decaturbbqfestival.com
Decatur BBQ Blues & Bluegrass. 1 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. $15-$20, free for kids 12 and under. Legacy Park, 500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur. http://www.decaturbbqfestival.com/.
Treat yourself to a variety of classic Southern barbecue as you listen to live blues and bluegrass music.
Groovin' on the Green Back to School Social. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. Pernoshal Park, 4575 N. Shallowford Road, Dunwoody. https://dunwoodyga.gov.
Push away the back-to-school blues with live music, a free ice cream bar, giveaways, a photo booth and more.
Chamblee Rocks. 7 p.m. Friday, August 9. Free. Chamblee City Parks and Recreation, 3540 Broad St., Chamblee. https://www.chambleerocks.net/.
Chamblee's summer concert series hosts Sister Hazel, which is known for performing adult alternative as well as country songs. Bring your own food and beverages (no alcohol) in a cooler small enough to fit under a chair and no larger than 30 quarts. You can also buy from food trucks on site and purchase beer and wine.
Dumpling and Noodle Food Crawl. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9. $10 plus fees. Starts at China Kitchen, 5385 New Peachtree Road, Chamblee. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-club-dumpling-noodle-food-crawl-tickets-65803531133.
After starting at China Kitchen, carpool or drive on your own to LanZhou Ramen, Northern China Eatery and MIST Poke Dessert Bar.
North Fulton
"The Wonderful World of Disney Returns." 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11. Free with donations accepted. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-594-6323. https://roswellartsfund.org.
Wear your favorite Disney costume if you'd like and settle in for an afternoon of popular Disney music.
Family Night Hike. 8 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. General public $10, $12 Chattahoochee Nature Center members. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055, ext. 237. https://www.chattnaturecenter.org.
Take a hike to explore the sights and sounds of the forests and wetlands and wrap up your evening with an animal encounter and a campfire. Advance registration is required.
Peter Frampton. 7:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11. $29.50 and up. Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 404-733-5010. https://www.livenation.com.
The famed guitarist and singer's farewell tour stops in Alpharetta with hits including "I'm In You" and "Baby, I Love Your Way."
Credit: From surlatable.com
Credit: From surlatable.com
Ice Cream Social. 10 a.m.-noon Sunday, Aug. 11. $49 per seat. Sur La Table at North Point Mall, 1082 North Point Circle, Alpharetta. 678-280-0086. https://www.surlatable.com.
Practice making ice cream French-style and Philadelphia-style, along with chocolate balloon cups and DIY salted caramel sauce. If your child would like to join you, they should be at least 14.
Gwinnett
AtlantaFest. Starts at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. General admission $30 plus fees. The Bowl at Sugar Hill, 5039 W. Broad St., Sugar Hill. http://atlantafest.com/.
The one-day Christian music festival hosts acts such as Tori Harper, HumbleTip, JJ Weeks and Natasha Owens.
Credit: From runthecorners.com
Credit: From runthecorners.com
Light Up the Corners Glow Run. 8 p.m. 1K start and 8:30 p.m. four-mile run start. Saturday, Aug. 10. $35-$40 with discounts for teams. The Forum on Peachtree Parkway, 5155 Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree Corners. http://runthecorners.com/light-up-the-corners/index.html.
Flash and glow as you race and stay for a great post-race party with music and free food and drink. Proceeds benefit at-risk children and families in the community.
Rods & Rails. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. Southern Railway Museum, 3595 Buford Hwy., Duluth. 770-476-2013. https://www.train-museum.org.
Join members of the Georgia Street Road Association for a cruise-in and then tour the museum and its trains.
Concert & Wings Festival. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10. Free admission. Town Center Park, Buford Highway and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee. https://www.suwanee.com.
Bands and wings are the main attractions at this festival, and you can also buy beer and wine on-site.
» RELATED: Nine must-attend metro Atlanta food and drink events for August 2019
» More things to do today and this weekend in Atlanta
