LITHONIA
Kidney Action Day
OK, getting a kidney screening isn’t exactly how you’d want to spend a Saturday afternoon. But the folks from the American Kidney Fund are making it as pleasant as possible. They’re sponsoring Kidney Action Day to promote health and have a bit of fun as well, with dance and fitness performances, cooking demonstrations and healthy food bites. Mascots Freddie Falcon and Chopper of the Gwinnett Braves also will be on hand. The more serious part includes free kidney and other health screenings.
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 19. Free. Mall at Stonecrest, 2929 Turner Hill Road, Lithonia. 404-658-1421, kidneyfund.org.
GAINESVILLE
Nature Connects: Art With Lego Bricks
Picture this: 400,000 Lego bricks used to build 14 sculptures set against the backdrop of beautiful outdoor landscapes. If the thought of such a project energizes your imagination, check out the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s new exhibit, “Nature Connects.” A 6-foot-tall praying mantis and a butterfly with a 5-foot wing span are just some of the Lego works of art featured in the Gainesville location’s new woodland garden. A family festival is planned Saturday for the opening, featuring music and games in the Ivester Amphitheater, discovery stations and Lego-related activities. The exhibit runs until January 2016.
9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 19. $5-$8; free for children 3 and younger. Atlanta Botanical Garden: Gainesville, 1911 Sweetbay Drive, Gainesville. 404-888-4760, atlantabg.org/events-classes/nature-connects.
SMYRNA
Taste of Smyrna
Join the expected 18,000 hungry folks headed to Smyrna this weekend to discover what local restaurants are dishing up during the Festival of the Delectable. More than 30 eateries will be on hand to serve samples of their best dishes. Along with the culinary attractions, visitors will find live entertainment throughout the day on the festival’s two performance stages. Kids can have a good time in the Kids Zone, featuring inflatable slides, a rock wall and a roller coaster obstacle course. Admission is free; tastings range from $1 to $4.
11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sept. 19. Free. Village Green, 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna. 770-423-1330, jrmmanagement.com.
