Looking for something for the family to do this weekend in metro Atlanta? Outdoor movies and music are plentiful, so you can pack up your lawn chairs or blanket and head out to soak up the fun. If you'd rather be more active, several races are also scheduled.
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Check out these 16 things to do this weekend in metro Atlanta:
Cobb
Credit: From southernfriedgamingexpo.com
Credit: From southernfriedgamingexpo.com
Southern-Fried Gaming Expo. 3 p.m.-midnight Friday, July 12, 10 a.m.-midnight Saturday, July 13 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, July 14. $15-$30 with $65 three-day weekend passes for ages 13 and up and $30 for kids. Renaissance Waverly Hotel and Cobb Galleria Convention Center, 2 Galleria Parkway SE, Atlanta. http://southernfriedgameroomexpo.com/.
Celebrate gaming and join in the fun with over 250 full-sized arcade games, pinball machines and console systems as well as tabletop gaming, vendors, a film festival and more.
Christmas in July. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, July 13. Photos with Santa from 10 a.m.-noon. Free, with toy or cash donation for Santa photo. Glover Park, 50 N. Park Square NE, Marietta, with artist demos at the Marietta Square Artisan Market on Mill Street. https://www.winterwonderlandmarietta.com/.
Summer music, leis, and tropical shirts set the backdrop as kids send letters to the North Pole and take photos with "tropical" Santa. Artists will also help set the scene by creating unique reindeer art. Proceeds will benefit the Center for Family Resources and Cobb Christmas.
The Sports Fanatic 5K, 7:30 a.m. one-mile fun run, 8 a.m. 5K and 8:55 a.m. tot trot, Saturday, July 13. $30-$35. From Kennesaw First Baptist Church to downtown Kennesaw. https://kennesawgrandprix.com.
The third in the Kennesaw Grand Prix series of six races, The Sports Fanatic 5K is perfect for competitive as well as beginner runners/walkers. The atmosphere is festival-like, with plenty of food and drink.
"Beauty and the Beast." 7 p.m. Friday, July 12, 2 p.m. and 7 pm. Saturday, July 13 and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 14. $15-$18. Marietta Performing Arts Center, 1171 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. https://www.facebook.com.
Bring the family to see "Beauty and the Beast" as performed by Lolek's Storytellers.
DeKalb
Credit: From Jollof Festival's Facebook page
Credit: From Jollof Festival's Facebook page
Jollof Festival. 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, July 13. $20-$90. Grand Royale Events Center, 4473 Covington Highway, Decatur. https://www.eventbrite.com.
Celebrate and sample jollof, a one-pot rice dish native to many West African countries. At least five countries will be represented, and you'll be able to vote on your favorite jollof dish.
The Breeze Kings. 7-9 p.m. Saturday, July 13. $3-$5. Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. https://dunwoodynature.org/.
Show up early for a good spot, have a picnic and play some games before The Breeze Kings take the stage and play the blues. A rotating selection of craft beers – as well as cold waters and sodas – will also be available.
Avondale Estates Farmer's Market. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, July 14. 22 North Avondale Road (in the parking lot of My Parents' Basement), Avondale Estates. https://avondaleestatesfarmersmarket.org/.
Browse through local products from over 30 vendors, who sell fruits, vegetables, meats, coffee, sweets, vegan options and more. You can also listen to live music as you shop.
Multicultural Mental Health Fair. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, July 13. Free. Milam Park, 3867 Norman Road, Clarkston. https://www.eventbrite.com.
Learn about the stigmas surrounding mental health conditions as well as the indicators and available resources. Screenings and assessments will be provided onsite. Food, vendors, and fun activities such as face painting and playground activities will also be available.
North Fulton
"Hairspray." 8 p.m. Friday, July 12, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, July 13 and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 14. $30-$62. Byers Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. 770-730-5600. https://citysprings.com.
This family-friendly show is a feel-good musical about a "pleasantly plump" teen who follows her dreams.
Caribbean Festival. Noon-10 p.m. Saturday, July 13. $25-$40. The Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Drive, Roswell. https://www.facebook.com.
Roswell's first annual Caribbean Festival includes Caribbean food, arts and crafts, reggae and soca bands, blended drinks, and more.
Credit: From johnscreekga.gov
Credit: From johnscreekga.gov
"Ralph Breaks the Internet." 7 p.m. pre-show activities, movie starts at dusk. Saturday, July 13. Free. Newtown Park, Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek. https://www.johnscreekga.gov.
Show up before the movie to enjoy music, giveaways, an inflatable moonwalk, face painting, and children's activities. The movie is shown at dusk on a huge inflatable outdoor screen.
Music on the Hill. 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday, July 12. Free. Roswell City Hall lawn, 38 Hill St., Roswell. 770-594-6271. https://www.roswellgov.com.
Unwind from the week as you bring your own food and drink or buy beer and wine on site before settling down to hear music from Joe Grandsen & His Big Band.
Gwinnett
Chill'n in the Ville. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, July 12. Lawrenceville Lawn, 147 Luckie St., Lawrenceville. 770-963-2414. https://www.lawrencevillega.org.
Bring the kids and join them in playing interactive games and participating in outdoor activities.
Run Thru the Park Half Marathon, 10K and 5K. 7 a.m. Sunday, July 14. $30-$50. Lenora Park, 4515 Lenora Church Road SW, Snellville. https://www.deborahmontgomeryracing.com/.
The entire course will be run on a wide paved path through Lenora Park, and a well-stocked aid station will be available at the start and finish.
Credit: From norcrossga.net
Credit: From norcrossga.net
Summer Concert Series. 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday, July 12. Free. Thrasher Park, 93 Park Drive, Norcross. https://www.norcrossga.net.
Bring a chair and cooler, grab a picnic from a local restaurant, and enjoy the sounds of The System, a Bob Seger tribute band. Canned food and other non-perishable items will be collected for local food panties.
"The Princess and the Pea." 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 12, 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 13 and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 14. $10. Lionheart Theatre Company, 10 College St. Norcross. http://lionhearttheatre.org/.
This adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale tells the story of a prince who's seeking a princess to marry and a beautiful girl who tries to prove her royal status.
» RELATED: 11 can't-miss Atlanta festivals in July
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