With the perfect temperatures and sunny skies of May, you'll want to spend as much time as you can at some of the local events happening in Cobb County this spring. You're sure to find a little something for everyone at these family-friendly events -- check them out:
Acworth
Smoke on the Lake BBQ. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. May 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 7. Free to watch, $125 to compete in sauces only, $250 and up to compete in cook teams. Cauble Park at Lake Acworth, 4425 Beach St., Acworth, Ga. 30101. 770-423-1330. www.smokeonthelake.org.
What's better than spending a day on Lake Acworth with family, friends and great BBQ? On May 6 and 7, the City of Acworth and the Rotary Club of North Cobb will host the Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival, featuring a Lord of the Wings and a people's choice competition for the best barbecue. Sign up to compete for best sauce, or join other BBQ aficionados to compete in a cook team.
Kennesaw
National Train Day for Autism. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 7. $7.50 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, $5.50 for kids ages 4 through 12, free for kids ages 3 and younger. Southern Museum, 2829 Cherokee St. NW, Kennesaw, Ga. 30144. 770-427-2117. www.southernmuseum.org.
May 7 is National Train Day, and the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History will celebrate by providing an event that children with autism can truly enjoy. The museum plans to eliminate extra noises, change lighting and set up spaces where kids can have quiet time to help children with autism experience the world of model trains in a stress-free environment. Appleseeds Learning Center will volunteer throughout the event to provide staff training and additional support.
Swift-Cantrell Classic 5K. 7:30 a.m. May 7. Free to watch, $30 pre-registration per racer, $35 race day registration per racer. Kennesaw First Baptist Church, 2958 North Main St., Kennesaw, Ga. 30144. 770-429-9733. www.kennesawgrandprix.com.
Get ready to race this May at the Swift-Cantrell Classic 5K through Downtown Kennesaw. Late registration the day of the race begins at 6 a.m., so if you plan on racing and haven't pre-registered, make sure to arrive early so that you have time to sign up. The mile Fun Run will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the start of the 5K at 8. Planning to bring your little ones with you? They can join in on all the running fun by taking part in the Tot Trot beginning at 8:55. Just make sure to stick around for the awards ceremony at 9:15 a.m., followed by a free pancake breakfast for all participants and friends.
Marietta
Marietta Greek Festival. 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. May 13, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. May 14 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 15. Admission is $4 per person, free for children 12 and younger. Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 3431 Trickum Road, Marietta, Ga. 30066. 770-924-8080. www.marietta.com.
The Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church will host the 26th annual Marietta Greek Festival on May 13-15. Taste traditional Greek food, like keftedes, gyro wraps, dolmades, souvlaki and baklava while you enjoy watching the Hellenic Dance Program featuring Greek dances performed by children in grades pre-K to 12. After you eat, make sure to peruse the Greek marketplace to shop for Greek cookbooks, artwork, jewelry, home goods and clothing.
Mableton
Mableton Day. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 14. Free. 5239 Floyd Road SW, Mableton, Ga. 30126. 678-590-2803. www.mabletonday.com.
It's that time of year again -- time for the 11th annual Mableton Day on May 14. Bring the whole family for a day of fun with a 5K race, Kid's Corner, Car Cruise-in, live entertainment, food vendors, and arts and crafts booths. Money raised goes to help nonprofit programs around Mableton and South Cobb County.
Looking for an outdoor adventure this spring? Check out these 5 great hiking and biking trails in Cobb County.
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