The long weekend in metro Atlanta will deliver a smorgasbord of enlightening and engaging events — from discussing "Hidden Figures" to stargazing near the Chattahoochee River.
No need to look far and wide for things to do in Atlanta this weekend, we've got the top picks for weekend events in North Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb and DeKalb counties.
Here's your weekend playbook:
Cobb
Hidden Figures Book Discussion. Noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17. Free. Smyrna Public Library. 100 Village Green Circle SE, Smyrna. sreference@smyrnaga.gov. www.smyrnacity.com.
Bring your lunch to the library this Friday and enjoy a screening and discussion of "Freedom Riders." In celebration of African-American History Month, dessert and sodas will be provided.
Lunch Can Be Murder. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. $19 per person. Brawner Hall and Taylor-Brawner House. 3180 Atlanta Road, Smyrna. 404-403-9679. www.travelcobb.org.
There has been a murder - a murder mystery lunch that is. Led by novelist and award-winning investigative reporter Hank Phillippi Ryan, guests will get into the action in solving a mystery and will even get a chance to win prizes.
Smyrna Arbor Day Celebration. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Free. Brawner Hall. 3180 Atlanta Road, Smyrna. 770-431-2863. www.smyrnacity.com.
This Arbor Day, celebrate the importance of trees with the rest of your community at Brawner Hall. You'll enjoy lunch, kids activities, tree planting and educational presentations. Free with RSVP.
Credit: Courtesy of VStar Entertainment Group
Credit: Courtesy of VStar Entertainment Group
Discover the Dinosaurs UNLEASHED. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 18 and 19. Ticket prices vary. Cobb Galleria Centre. Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 651-766-8200. www.travelcobb.org.
Experience dinosaurs like you've never seen them before this weekend at Discover the Dinosaurs UNLEASHED. With lifelike T-Rex, Velociraptor, and Stegosaurus encounters, interactive exhibits, fossil digs, and a Kid's Adventure Zone, this family fun day has it all.
DeKalb
Back to Our Roots: Restoring Oakland's Gardens. 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17. Free. Avondale Community Club. 59 Lakeshore Drive, Avondale Estates. 404-284-2934. www.avondaleestates.org.
Learn about the history and cultivation of the Gardens at Oakland Cemetery from it's Director, Sara Henderson. This invaluable presentation will cover research and information about the heirloom plants throughout the garden.
Credit: Courtesy of Dunwoody Nature center
Credit: Courtesy of Dunwoody Nature center
The Great Backyard Bird Count. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 17. Free. Dunwoody Nature Center. 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. www.cvbdunwoody.com.
Find out the skills of basic bird observation this Friday at the Dunwoody Nature Center. They will host, "The Great Backyard Bird Count," which will help you learn how to identify birds, find a bird count and you'll even get to make a bird feeder to take home. Free with registration.
Michael McDonald v.s. Kenny Loggins. 8 p.m. Saturday., Feb. 18. Avondale Towne Cinema. 106 North Avondale Road, Avondale Estates. 404-228-3125. www.avondaleestates.org.
It's a soft rock cage match this Saturday at the Avondale Towne Cinema between Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. Not only will the music of these two smooth rockers complete, but also music from Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers and more.
Sunday Supper Series: Cooking and Wine Experience. 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19. $79 per person. Vino Venue. 4478 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody. 770-668-0435. www.cvbdunwoody.com.
Eat a delicious meal while learning how to recreate it at home by attending the Sunday Supper Series, "Cooking and Wine Experience." At this educational event, a chef will demonstrate how to create each course, talk about wine pairings and give you recipes to take home.
Gwinnett
Credit: Courtesy of Jeri Lynn Cunningham
Credit: Courtesy of Jeri Lynn Cunningham
Kidsignments Sale. 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 17 and 18. Free. Gwinnett County Fairgrounds. 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. 678-377-1236. www.events.exploregwinnett.org.
Don't waste your money buying new - stop by the Kidsignment Sale going on this weekend for some amazing deals on second-hand items from over 1500 sellers. From clothing to strollers, this sale has all of your infants, kids and teens covered.
Black History Month Exhibit. 7 a.m. Friday through Sunday, Feb. 17-19. Free. Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville. 770-822-8000. www.events.exploregwinnett.org.
Celebrate African-American History Month by taking a self-guided tour of artwork, artifacts and important exhibits that honor Afrucan-American culture. Contributors include United Ebony Society of Gwinnett County, Inc., Discovery High School, Robbie Susan Moore Foundation for Education and Mike Glenn.
IRS Coffee and Questions. Noon, Saturday, Feb. 18. Free. Gwinnett County Public Library. 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville. 770-978-5154. www.events.exploregwinnett.org.
If you're confused about your tax returns, don't miss the IRS Coffee and Questions event taking place at the Gwinnett County Public Library this Saturday. Lonnie Melancon, a retired IRS Manager, will help answer your questions over coffee provided on site.
International Dance Challenge. All day, Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 18 and 19. Infinite Energy Center. 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth. 800-797-2145. www.events.exploregwinnett.org.
Get out and support local dancers at the International Dance Challenge this weekend. You'll enjoy watching dancers compete in this inclusive, well-organized event.
North Fulton
Roswell Green Expo. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Free. Bill Johnson Community Activity Building. 10495 Woodstock Road, Roswell. 404-375-3652. www.roswellgov.com.
Find out how you and your family can go green this weekend at the Roswell Green Expo taking place at the Bill Johnson Community Activity Building. This free event will include a Green Market, workshops, costumed characters, activities for kids, demonstrations and more.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Chattahoochee Nature Center
Credit: Photo courtesy of Chattahoochee Nature Center
STARLAB at Chattahoochee Nature Center. 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Included with admission, free for members. Chattahoochee Nature Center. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. www.visitroswellga.com.
Experience the stars in a brand new way at STARLAB, the Chattahoochee Nature Center's inflatable planetarium. You and your family will see winter constellations and find out how to identify certain stars in the night sky.
West African Rhythms at Barrington Hall. 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18. Free. Barrington Hall. 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. 678-639-7500. www.roswellgov.com.
Celebrate African-American History Month with the rhythms of West Africa this Saturday. Barrington hall will host DrumRise as they demonstrate drumming methods learned from Mamady Keita, Guinean Master Drummer.
And Then They Came For Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank. Sunday, Feb. 19. $10 per person. Georgia Ensemble Theatre. Roswell Cultural Arts Center. 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 770-641-1260. www.visitroswellga.com.
Join the Georgia Ensemble Theatre in celebrating the life of Anne Frank this Sunday at the one-time show, "And Then They Came For Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank." Don't miss this 20th anniversary production.
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