SANDY SPRINGS
Atlanta Meatball Festival
“Meat” up with friends and have a “ball” — or several — at the second annual Atlanta Meatball Festival. Chefs from more than 20 metro area restaurants will duke it out in the Battle of the Balls competition by concocting entries made of beef, pork, lamb, chicken and seafood. The three top choices will advance to the MeatBrawl Throwdown at Taste of Atlanta in September. Last year’s champ, chef Drew Belline of No. 246, will be on hand to defend his title. Savor the meat madness rain or shine, with wine and beer for purchase, limoncello tastings and music from DJ MadFlip.
1-5 p.m. Aug. 30. $25-$30. Belle Isle Square, 4969 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. 404-875-4434, atlantameatballfestival.com.
LAWRENCEVILLE
Family Campout
Want to get back to nature, but can’t hack the long drive to the mountains and the hunt for that perfect, secluded campsite? Tribble Mill Park has a viable alternative. Families are invited to bring their sleeping bags and tents for a close-to-home campout. Games and activities will be held in the evening, and dinner and breakfast will be provided. Plus, of course, before anyone turns in there will be plenty of gooey s’mores around the campfire. You can leave the firewood at home — no individual campfires are permitted.
7 p.m.-9 a.m. Aug. 28-29. $12 per person; $40 per family of four. Tribble Mill Park, 2125 Tribble Mill Parkway, Lawrenceville. 678-227-0906, gwinnettcounty.com.
KENNESAW
Hummingbird banding
The pubic is invited to be part of Smith-Gilbert Gardens’ fifth annual hummingbird banding event. During the morning, birds will be “banded” — tagged — so naturalists can study their health, migration patterns and longevity, all without harming the birds. Hummingbird Whisperer Julia Elliot will showcase the process, which requires a bit of dexterity and patience. Bird rehabilitator Monteen McCord also will be on hand, inviting attendees to hold an owl for a $10 donation that goes toward saving birds of prey. Master gardeners will share information about the plants and pollinators that attract hummingbirds. And, if the birds aren’t attraction enough, the kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt, crafts and yard games.
8-11 a.m. Aug. 29. $5-$7. Smith-Gilbert Gardens, 2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw. 770-919-0248, smithgilbertgardens.com.
