There are so many things to do in Fulton County this month. Many of the activities are free, and lots of them are in the balmy outdoors. Here is just a sampling of Fulton County activities that might tempt you to venture out of the house in the coming weeks:
Sundays on the River Concert: The Georgia State University Jazz Ensemble
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., concert starts at 7:30 p.m.
April 10
$22.50 for table seating at the Ben Brady Lakeside Pavilion
$17.50 for general lawn seating, bring your own low chair or blanket
Chattahoochee Nature Center
9135 Willeo Road, Roswell, Ga. 30075
770-992-2055 ext. 238
Sundays on the River Concert Series
The warmer weather's here, must be time to pack a picnic and some chairs and head over to the Chattahoochee Nature Center's Sundays on the River Concert Series. The Georgia State University Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dr. Gordon Vernick, sets the tone for the series' debut, dedicating the evening to authentic jazz with a Georgia twist. A bit of blues, a riff of ragtime, an outpouring from featured vocalist Lisa Chauntel. Jazzy magic, for sure! If you'd like to sip libations while you listen, note that you can't bring your own, but there will be plenty for purchase at the concert.
Atlanta Dance Party at Chukkar Farm T.G.I.F.
8 p.m., April 15
Reserved seating, with tables and chairs provided at pavilion level: table for two, $40; table for four, $75; table for six, $110; table for eight, $145
General admission, first come first served, bring your own lawn chair (no tables allowed): $15 per person
Chukkar Farms
1140 Liberty Grove Road, Alpharetta, Ga. 30004
770-664-1533
Atlanta Dance Party
The third Friday of each month from April to October, Atlanta Plays it Forward hosts a musical series at Chukkar Farm. This April brings Atlanta Dance, a 10-piece band that will cut loose with Top 40 dance covers of music including Chicago, Temptations, Cheryl Crow, Huey Lewis and Stevie Nicks. The event is "Chastain-style" -- you bring your own picnic basket and beverages. The event benefits Releash Atlanta.
Georgia Renaissance Festival
10:30 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays
April 16-June 5
General admission: adults $22, child 6-12 $10, children 5 and under free, some discounts online and early purchases; Royal Value Combo includes 4 adult tickets, entrees, costume rental coupons, and games and souvenirs starting at $109.95 online.
Festival fairgrounds
6905 Virlyn B. Smith Road, Fairburn, Ga. 30213
770-964-8575
Georgia Renaissance Festival
They're getting really good at this -- this is the 31st season of the 16-century kingdom fest in Fairburn. Held on weekends on 32 acres, the fair features 10 stages, feast-quality food, and a 150-strong artisan marketplace. The costumes are amazing, from Anne Boleyn to jesters and minstrels, and everyone stays in merry olde character throughout. Festival highlights include the Equus Maximus Extreme Joust Show, complete with horseback jousting and chariot races, and the Barely Balanced circus-style acrobatic show. New this year: The Geoff Marsh Fire Circus. And of course there's always the fun of wearing your own costumes and people-watching amid the amateur and professional fair-goers.
Johns Creek Spring Park Party
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
April 16
Free
Shakerag Park
10945 Rogers Circle, Johns Creek, Ga. 30024
678-512-3200
Johns Creek Recreation & Parks
A first-ever city event -- bring the young and the young at heart for kids activities and games, food and fresh-air fun!
Georgia Cities Week Family Night
Show 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 19
Free
Downtown stage and plaza
15 W. Broad St., Fairburn, Ga. 30213
770-964-2244, ext. 133
Fairburn events calendar
Gather the whole family, bring your picnic dinner, blanket, and chair for dinner on the green. Storyteller and writer J. Cecil Anderson will entertain at this great chance to relax on a spring evening and celebrate small-city sweetness.
Scottsdale Farms Small Animal Petting Zoo
Noon-4 p.m.
April 23
Free
Scottsdale Farms
15639 Birmingham Highway, Alpharetta, Ga. 30004
770-777-5875
Scottsdale Farms
The baby animals are enjoying springtime, and kids can come by the farm to pet them and take photos.
Milton Earth Day Festival
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
April 23
Free admission
Friendship Community Park
12785 Birmingham Highway, Milton, Ga. 30004
Earth Day Festival
Milton Grows Green and the City of Milton join forces to provide music, activities, craft stations and animal encounters, all with the key message that it's not so hard to be green after all. Look for great food and lots of local vendors representing earth-friendly products and services.
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