Nature Fest: 16 things to do this weekend in Atlanta

For garden-lovers: Gibbs Garden Enjoy 220 acres that include 24 ponds, 32 bridge crossings and 19 waterfalls. For hiking and history: Mountain Crossings at Walasi-Yi Walasi-Yi calls to outdoor connoisseurs, with magnificent waterfalls and hikes du jour. For appreciators of the arts: Howard Finster's Paradise Garden Paradise Garden Foundation displays Howard Finster's folk art with pride, in hopes of continuing to inspire others now that he has passed. For adventure-seekers: Historic Banning Mills Hi

Just when you thought spring had arrived, another cold snap settles in like an unwanted weekend visitor. Thanks, Atlanta.

Although there might be a little nip in the air, you'll still have a blast with all the community-driven events taking place throughout the Metro.

But don't just sit around waiting for the sun to heat up your weekend get out a warm coat and experience these not-to-miss Atlanta events.

Here's the lineup:

Cobb

Spring Kindermart Consignment Sale. 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 9 and 10. Free. Smyrna First United Methodist Church. 1315 Concord Road, Smyrna. 770-436-4108. www.kindermartsale.com.

Stock up on children's clothes and baby gear at the Spring Kindermart Consignment Sale taking place this weekend at Smyrna First United Methodist Church.

Bike & Brew with REI. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 10. $75 per person. 195 Ottley Drive, Atlanta, shuttle to Sope Creek Mountain Biking Trail, 3760 Paper Mill Road SE, Marietta. 404-691-2537. www.rei.com.

Biking, barbecue and beer, oh my. The Georgia Conservancy and the REI Outdoor School will host a day of delicious eats and invigorating rides this Saturday at SweetWater Brewery and Sope Creek trails.

There's going to be a Touch-A-Truck event soon in Cobb County.

Credit: City of Kennesaw

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Credit: City of Kennesaw

Touch-A-Truck Kennesaw. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 10. Free. Depot Park in Downtown Kennesaw. 2828 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. www.kennesaw.com.

Your children will love getting up close to over 40 giant trucks, construction and public safety equipment and specialty vehicles at this free Kennesaw event.

The Georgia Bridal Show. Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 11. $15 per person. Cobb Galleria Centre. 2 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 800-532-8917. www.eliteevents.com.

Plan your summer or fall wedding the right way with a visit to the Georgia Bridal Show, which will feature a bridal fashion show, cake and food samples and a chance to explore honeymoon options, DJs, flowers, dresses, tuxedos, decor and more.

DeKalb

Fernbank After Dark: Microbes and Microbrews. 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, March 9. $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. www.fernbankmuseum.org.

Join Fernbank for an After Dark event to discover the Secret World Inside You. At Microbes and Microbrews you'll take part in exciting science activities, enjoy live music and craft beer, watch movies on the giant screen and gain after-hours access to exhibits.

Nature Fest. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 10. Included with museum admission. Fernbank Museum of Natural History. 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300. www.fernbankmuseum.org.

Bring the whole family to Fernbank on Saturday for their inaugural Nature Fest, which will include nature exploration, nature bingo, a beaded snake craft, making your own wildflower seed balls and enjoying treats from King of Pops.

Zumba Ladies Dance Party. 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 10. $10 per person. CORE Studio. 139 Sycamore St., Decatur. 404-373-4154. www.coredance.org.

Ladies, get fit and have fun this Saturday at CORE Studio with Zumba instructor Tracy Ann Wilson-Streves. Tickets include refreshments.

Wine, Cheese & The Spoken Word. 6:45 p.m. Saturday, March 10. $5 per person, nobody turned away. Underground Theatre at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta. 1597 I85 Frontage Road, Atlanta. 678-427-6697. www.uuca.org.

Enjoy some fine wine, a little savory cheese and powerful spoken word by featured poets Bernette Sherman, Joseph Reed, and singer/songwriter CiennaJade Rose this Saturday at Underground Theatre.

Gwinnett

I Am Fearless Conference and Worship. 7 p.m. Friday, March 9 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 10. Free on Friday, $25 on Saturday. Bethesda Senior Center. 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville. 770-865-9068. www.iamfearless.net.

Heal your heart, renew your faith and find inspiration at the I Am Fearless Conference and Worship event taking place at the Bethesda Senior Center. Families can attend the Friday event for free.

Gwinnett County Community Health Fair. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 10. Free. Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation Camps at Rhodes Jordan Park. 100 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-963-9205. www.scnievents.com.

Find out how to lead a healthier life and enjoy free health screenings this Saturday as part of the Gwinnett County Community Health Fair. This free event will feature speakers, giveaways, resources and more.

Scout Appreciation Days at Medieval Times. 10:45 a.m. Saturday, March 10. $29.95 per person, reservations required. Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. 5900 Sugarloaf Parkway #517, Lawrenceville. 770-225-0495. www.medievaltimes.com.

Calling all scouts: Medieval Times will host a special Scout Appreciation Day on Saturday including workshops and activities to earn badges, an exclusive scout show and a free Medieval Times participation patch.

Quince Girl EXPO. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 11. Free. Pickneyville Park. 4650 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Berkeley Lake. 678-277-0920. www.gwinnettcounty.com.

Plan an unforgettable 15th birthday for your daughter at the Quince Girl EXPO. It all takes place this Sunday at Pickneyville Park and will feature a dress fashion show, make-up and hair demonstrations, vendors and more.

North Fulton

French Wine Tasting: Colors of Provence. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, March 9. The Savvy Cellars. 6690 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. 404-236-0480. www.thesavvycellars.com.

Enjoy French wine tasting while learning about how you can take the trip of a lifetime in France's Wine Country at The Savvy Cellars this Friday.

Poetry Open Mic Night. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, March 9. Free. Phoenix & Dragon Bookstore. 5531 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta. 404-255-5207. www.phoenixanddragon.com.

Enjoy poetry and spoken word performances by local poets at Phoenix & Dragon Bookstore on Friday, which will feature family-friendly material from 7 p.m. to 8, and more mature content from 8 p.m. to 9.

A simple canopied structure now shelters the spring in Heritage Green park in downtown Sandy Springs.

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Heritage Sandy Springs Outdoors Club: Lost Corners Hike. 8 a.m. Saturday, March 10. Free. Lost Corners Preserve. 7300 Brandon Mill Road NW, Sandy Springs. 404-851-9111. www.heritagesandysprings.org.

Explore a 3-mile hike through the Lost Corners Preserve with the HSSOC this Saturday, then stick around to help clean up the park, plant flowers and tidy the trails.

Wetland Restoration Project at CNC. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 11. Chattahoochee Nature Center. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. www.chattnaturecenter.org.

Do your part to help restore the wetlands around CNC on Sunday at this family-friendly volunteer day. Registration required as this event fills up fast.