Things to do around Atlanta: Maxwell, fall ramble and a giant booksale

Neo-soul trailblazer Maxwell performs in Atlanta Oct. 12. Known for his soulful and richly melodic music, “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite” established him as a force in urban music. (Akili-Casundria Ramsess/Special to the AJC)

Neo-soul trailblazer Maxwell performs in Atlanta Oct. 12. Known for his soulful and richly melodic music, “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite” established him as a force in urban music. (Akili-Casundria Ramsess/Special to the AJC)

Whether you want to jump into a good book, explore Georgia’s architectural history or kick back to the sounds of Maxwell, this weekend offers a lot to do in and around Atlanta.

MAXWELL IN CONCERT

Maxwell brings his “50 Intimate Nights Live” concert to State Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park.

The soul and R& B singer and songwriter is hitting 50 U.S. cities on this tour as he releases his fourth album, “BLACKsummers’night,” which will complete the musical trilogy which started in 2009.

Maxwell is credited as being  one of the leaders of the neo-soul movement and has charmed audiences with his sensual, smooth vocals.

8 p.m. Oct. 12. $40-$155. State Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta. 404-233-2227. www.chastainseries.com.

COBB COUNTY BOOK SALE

Here’s something for lovers of the written word.

The Cobb County Library and the Friends of the Library will host their semi-annual book sale at the Cobb Civic Center.

More then 100,000 items are for sale, including paperback and hardcover books, books on tape and CD, magazines, comic books and CDs.

Proceeds will be used to buy new books and other library materials. Donations can be made at the Charles D. Switzer Public Library, 266 Roswell St. Marietta.

Only cash and checks will be accepted. Prices range from 10 cents to $4.

9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 12 -13; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 14. Free. Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Pkwy. S.E., Marietta. 770-528-2342. www.cobbcat.org.

FALL RAMBLE IN COVINGTON AND NEWTON COUNTY

More than 45 historic homes and sites will be open for tours during the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s Fall Ramble in Covington and Newton County, Oct. 12-14.

Often called the “Hollywood of the South,” Covington and Newton County boast an array of historic homes and sites that have been featured in movies and television shows.

Dixie Manor will be among the historic sites visited during the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s fall ramble. CONTRIBUTED.

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On Friday, ‘ramblers’ will have the opportunity to explore the rich architectural history of Covington and Porterdale, including the 1838 antebellum home, Dixie Manor, which is a hot spot for film productions that include “In the Heat of the Night” and “The Vampire Diaries.” In Porterdale, one of the most intact mill villages in the South, participants will visit several restored and in-progress mill cottages and lofts, as well as the Porter Memorial Gymnasium ruins.

Guests will spend Saturday in Covington, visiting excellent examples of high style and vernacular architecture of the city’s historic districts. ‘Ramblers’ will finish the afternoon in the historic town of Oxford, the birthplace of Emory University and High Point at Chestnut Grove, a stately Greek revival home.

On Sunday, attendees will wrap up the Ramble weekend by traveling off the beaten path and discovering Mansfield and Newborn.

The Ramble also includes special dining experiences held at historic sites throughout the weekend. Proceeds benefit the Georgia Trust.

11 a.m. -8 p.m. Oct. 12; 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Oct. 13; and 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Oct. 14. Covington and Newton County (start locations vary by day). $50 - $170. 404-881-9980. www.GeorgiaTrust.org.

DAVE’S OLD SCHOOL PRESENTS BLACK ODYSSEY

Get your spades game and dance on at the annual “Dave’s Old School Jam,” which this year will honor special guest DJ Sedrick, and present DJ Rick from MIXX.

The party will include a soul food buffet, open bar and  spades and bid whist  battles. The attire is retro, African-inspired or come as you are.

9 p.m. Oct. 13. $25. Venue at Redan, 4964 Redan Rd., Stone Mountain. Tickets sold at the door. www.facebook.com/events/2090474661276599/

NATIONAL CHESS DAY CELEBRATION

Chess Atlanta will host the “National Chess Day Celebration” at Atlantic Station on Oct. 13.

There will be activities for kids and adults. Learn how to play, or if you already know how, challenge others to a game with opportunities to win prizes. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Youth  will receive a one -year gold membership account on www.chesskid.com and a chess book.

10 a.m. Oct. 13. $50. Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive N.W. Atlanta.  Email: info@chessatlanta.com  or www.chessatlanta.com.

Check out the weather before you go.