We got you ready for spring by telling you all about festivals, events and concerts. We hope you've saved some energy for this weekend and beyond, because there is plenty to do.
FESTIVALS
SweetWater 420 Fest
The SweetWater 420 Fest used to just be an annual neighborhood gathering in Candler Park, but the event’s jump to the big time last year is even more impressive this year.
Snoop Dogg, 311, the Wailers, Primus, Thievery Corporation, Cage the Elephant, Slightly Stoopid, Moe. and Gov’t Mule are just a handful of the 48 acts that will commandeer two stages at Centennial Olympic Park this weekend.
While the SweetWater 420 Fest is offering a heavy-duty lineup of rock, hip-hop, jam and funk artists, the Relapse 420 Comedy Tent, Not-So-Silent Disco and a local band stage will also keep patrons engaged.
And, yes, there will be plenty of SweetWater beer.
3-11 p.m. April 17; 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. April 18; 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. April 19. General admission wristbands are $42 per day; a three-day general admission wristband is $75; there are also VIP options. Children under 10 are free with a wristbanded adult. Anyone 10 and older requires a wristband. (All patrons under 17 must be accompanied by an adult 25 or older.) Centennial Olympic Park, 265 Park Ave. W. N.W., Atlanta. www.sweetwater420fest.com (see the website for set times).
Georgia Renaissance Festival
Zip back to a 16th-century English village for the fest's 30th anniversary. Kings, queens, jesters and knights populate the festival's 32 acres. You'll find activities such as live jousting, comedy troupes, animal exhibits, arts and crafts, and hands-on archery. 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day, April 18-June 7. $22, $10 ages 6-12, $20 ages 60 and older, free ages 5 and younger. 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Road, Fairburn. garenfest.com.
Sandy Springs Artsapalooza
150 artists and crafters, interactive arts stations, music, children's play area. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 18; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. April 19. Free. 6100 Lake Forrest Drive N.E., Sandy Springs. 404-873-1222, sandyspringsartsapalooza.com.
Bear on the Square Mountain Festival
The Bear on the Square Mountain Festival in Dahlonega, a little more than an hour north of I-285, offers a thoughtfully organized celebration of Southern Appalachian culture on April 18-19. There will be bluegrass and old-time music, arts and crafts and kids activities all around the historic square. The tale-spinning slate, organized by the Southern Order of Storytellers, has been designated the Southeastern Regional Spotlight Event this year by the National Storytelling Network. Free. 706-348-1370, www.bearonthesquare.org.
CONCERTS
Bryan Adams. To celebrate the 30th anniversary of his landmark "Reckless" album, Adams and his band are performing the record in full — bonus tracks included — and then treating fans to another block of hits from his extensive career. The hits from "Reckless" included "Summer of '69," "Somebody" and "Run to You." 8 p.m. April 17. $19.50-$99.50. Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Diana Krall. A lengthy bout with pneumonia sidelined the jazz singer-pianist last fall, but now she's ready to unleash her soulful contralto on her "Wallflower" tour, named after her most recent album of covers by artists including Paul McCartney and Bob Dylan, whose song gives the album its namesake. 8 p.m. April 19. $49.50-$125.50. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
The Waterboys. A couple of weeks after the release of their first new album in eight years, "Modern Blues," Waterboys leader Mike Scott will embark on a nationwide tour that includes bassist David Hood on his first tour since playing with Traffic in 1972. Other musicians joining Scott include longtime Waterboys fiddler Steve Wickham and drummer Ralph Salmins. 8 p.m. April 19. $35. Variety Playhouse. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
Denny Laine. With a pedigree that includes being an original member of the Moody Blues and the guitarist in Wings, no doubt Laine will have an extensive catalog of songs to choose from during his live performance. He also maintained a robust solo career. 8 p.m. April 20. $20-$200 (some options include meet and greet). Eddie's Attic, 515-B N. McDonough St., Decatur. 1-877-725-8849, www.ticketalternative.com.
Sleater-Kinney. The heralded punk rock trio from the '90s is enjoying a resurgence with this reunion tour. Corin Tucker, Janet Weiss and Carrie Brownstein (now also a TV star thanks to "Portlandia") earlier this year released "No Cities to Love," their first album of new material in a decade. With THEESatisfaction. 8 p.m. April 21. $30. The Tabernacle, 152 Luckie St., Atlanta. 1-800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
