Calendar: Things to do in Atlanta this weekend from the AJC
From gardening to education, wine tasting to music, it's all about learning this weekend around Atlanta with workshops, expos, concerts and festivals galore.
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Don't just sit around the house watching television all weekend long − expand your mind and enjoy a little sunshine to boot.
Start with a few of these enriching and enjoyable events happening in metro Atlanta this weekend:
Cobb
The Great American Franchise Expo. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, April 7-8. Cobb Galleria Centre. 2 Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta. 800–304–4271. www.cobbgalleria.com.
If you've ever thought about opening your own franchise, don't miss the Great American Franchise Expo taking place at the Galleria this weekend.
Teach Them Diligently Conference. Friday and Saturday, April 6-7. Cobb Galleria Centre. 2 Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta. 800-223-9491. www.teachthemdiligently.net.
Find everything you need to homeschool your children while enjoying seminars by veteran homeschoolers and experts in the field at the Teach Them Diligently Conference.
Civil War Music Program. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, April 8. Free. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, 900 Kennesaw Mountain Drive, Kennesaw. 770-427-4686. www.nps.gov.
Discover the power and history behind Civil War music with live demonstrations and lectures at Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield this Sunday.
The Georgia Festival Chorus in Concert. 6 p.m. Friday, April 6. First Baptist Church Smyrna. 1275 Church St. SE, Smyrna. 404-234-3581. www.tgafc.org.
Enjoy an evening of beautiful God-centered music this Sunday, courtesy of the Georgia Festival Chorus.
DeKalb
Credit: Courtesy of Chattahoochee Contra Dancers
Credit: Courtesy of Chattahoochee Contra Dancers
Contra Dance at Decatur Recreation Center. 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday, April 6. $10 per person, $5 per student with ID. Decatur Recreation Center Studio, 231 Sycamore St., Decatur. www.contradance.org.
Have fun with a few new friends as the Chattahoochee Contra Dancers teach you an easy and exciting group dance.
NewberyTart Podcast Party at Little Shop of Stories. 7 p.m. Friday, April 6. Free. Little Shop of Stories. 133A East Court Square, Decatur. www.newberytart.com.
Little Shop of Stories hosts a free Podcast Party this Friday featuring cocktails, games, food and free giveaways.
47th Annual Writers' Festival. 7:30 p.m.-midnight. Friday, April 6. Free. Agnes Scott College. 141 East College Ave., Decatur. 404-471-6000. www.agnesscott.edu.
Agnes Scott College celebrates the 47th Annual Writer's Festival on Friday with many distinguished guest speakers.
Spring FUN Break. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Sunday, April 6-8. $29.95-$34.95 per person. Stone Mountain Park. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. 800-401-2407. www.stonemountainpark.com.
Keep your kiddos busy this weekend at Stone Mountain Park's Spring FUN Break, which includes Dinosaur Explore, All Star Stunt Dogs, The Lost World 4D movie and more.
Gwinnett
Chateau Elan Winery Tour. 2:30 p.m. Friday, April 6. Free. Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. 100 Rue Charlemagne, Braselton. www.chateauelan.com.
Enjoy a free wine tasting and winery tour at Chateau Elan this Friday. Groups of 12 or more should call ahead for reservations.
Planting a Bee-Friendly Garden. 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 7. Free. Gwinnett County Public Library Buford Branch. 2100 Buford Highway NE, Buford. 770-978-5154. www.gwinnettpl.org.
Learn how to create a bee-friendly garden in your own backyard, courtesy of the Gwinnett County Public Library.
The Face of Homeless. 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, April 8. Ticket prices vary. Infinite Energy Center. 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-626-2464. www.infiniteenergycenter.com.
Find out about the reality of homelessness in the world with a special screening of The Face of Homeless, presented by The Homeless Tour.
Songwriters Open Mic. 5 p.m. Sunday, April 8. Red Clay Music Foundry. 3116 Main St., Duluth. 404-478-2749. www.eopopenmic.youcanbook.me.
Brave the stage and attempt to with the $100 prize later in the year by taking part in at the Songwriters Open Mic night on Sunday.
North Fulton
Spring Native Plant Sale. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 6-7. Free. Chattahoochee Nature Center. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. www.chattnaturecenter.org.
Shop from over 120 species of plants to fill your gardens at the Spring Native Plant Sale this weekend at CNC.
Credit: Courtesy of Heritage Sandy Springs
Credit: Courtesy of Heritage Sandy Springs
3rd Annual Rhythm & Brews. 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7. $35 per person at the gate. Heritage Sandy Springs. 6110 Blue Stone Road NE, Atlanta. 404-851-1327. www.heritagesandysprings.org.
The 3rd Annual Rhythm & Brews event is back with live music, local beers, vendors, outdoor games and more.
Bolshoi Ballet Presents: Giselle. 2:55 p.m. Sunday, April 8. $19.60 per person. Regal Cinemas Perimeter Pointe 10. Perimeter Pointe, 1155 Mount Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs. 844-462-7342. www.fathomevents.com.
Witness a special screening of Giselle performed by the Bolshoi Ballet this Sunday at Perimeter Pointe 10.
River Canoe Trip at CNC. 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 8. $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Chattahoochee Nature Center. 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. 770-992-2055. www.chattnaturecenter.org.
Enjoy a leisurely canoe trip along the Chattahoochee River this Sunday with a 2 1/2-hour guided tour.
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