15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend
Credit: Photo courtesy of Monsterama Con
Looking for something fun to do with your family this weekend in metro Atlanta? Attend a Monster Prom, panel discussions, screenings and more as Monsterama Con celebrates retro horror and sci-fi, or experience Cirque du Soleil “OVO,” where acrobats transform into a buzzing insect colony.
Check out the following 15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend:
Celebrate retro horror and sci-fi with screenings, panel discussions, vendors, a Monster Prom and more.
Friday-Sunday. $30 Friday or Sunday, $35 Saturday, $55 three-day pass. Atlanta Marriott Northeast/Emory Area, 2000 Century Blvd. NE, Atlanta.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Jupiter Coyote
Explore the new Brookhaven City Centre, which will house government offices and an event venue, while enjoying live music (including Jupiter Coyote from 5-7 p.m., with admission on a first-come, first-served basis), food vendors, kids games, interactive activities and more.
10:45 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday. Free. Brookhaven City Centre, 4001 Peachtree Road NE, Brookhaven. 678-879-4620.
Vinings Downhill 5K Run for the Kids
Start the race at the top of Mount Wilkinson, go through three downhill sections (as well as some hills) and end at The Lovett School. The 5K distance is a qualifier for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race, and you’ll want to stay for a postrace party with awards, music and food.
8 a.m. 5K, 9 a.m. 1K Fun Run, 9:05 a.m. Doggie Dash, 9:30 a.m. awards. Saturday. $45 5K in advance ($50 race day), $25 kids 1K ($30 race day), $25 Doggie Dash and costume contest ($30 race day). 2849 Paces Ferry Road SE, Atlanta.
Strand Ole Opry: Modern Country Hits
Enjoy what’s billed as a front porch-style summer sing-along at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, with the Strand Ole Opry band playing and singing new country hits. Country comedy and storytelling are also in the mix. Radio personality Dallas McCade of New Country 101.5 is the show’s new host.
8 p.m. Saturday. $30. 117 N. Park Square, Marietta. 770-293-0080.
Display or view classic custom vehicles, listen to music and buy some food to enjoy while supporting Special Olympics Georgia.
8 a.m.-noon. Saturday. Kennesaw First Baptist Church, 2958 N. Main St., Kennesaw. 770-424-8274.
Acworth Arts Alliance SIMA Reception
Attend a reception for the Students, Instructors and Member Artists exhibit, which showcases two- and three-dimensional artwork with themes of landscapes, seascapes and cityscapes.
4-9 p.m. Saturday. The Art House, 4425 Cherokee St., Acworth. 678-543-5777.
Credit: Tony Walsh/UGAAA
2025 College Football Forecast with Tony Barnhart
Wear your school’s colors and hear an up-to-date analysis of the upcoming college football season from Tony Barnhart, who spent more than 40 years covering the sport for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, ESPN, the SEC Network and more. The men’s kitchen crew will serve a hearty breakfast, so attendees are asked to email their number of guests to mensbreakfast@icloud.com.
8-10 a.m. Saturday. $10 adults, $5 high school and younger. Saint Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 1978 Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody. 770-393-1424.
Reset, reconnect and recharge before the week ahead with an introductory yoga class at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.
9:15-10:30 a.m. Sunday, plus additional dates. $17.33. 980 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta. 404-872-5338.
Watch the 1998 movie “The Parent Trap” on a 30-foot screen in an area with tiered lawn seating. Concessions will be available for purchase.
On-screen trivia during sunset (approximately 8 p.m.), movie begins after sunset. Friday. Heritage Amphitheatre Lawn, 6110 Blue Stone Road, Sandy Springs. 770-730-5600.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Avalon
Shop for one-of-a-kind goods from local makers, artists, crafters and designers in an outdoor marketplace while you listen to live music.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Free. The Plaza at Avalon, 400 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta. 770-765-2000.
Collective Soul & Live Summer Unity Tour
Rock out with decades of anthems, including Collective Soul’s “Shine” and Live’s “Lightning Crashes” with a lineup that also includes Our Lady Peace and Greylin James Rue.
6 p.m. Saturday. $54.50 and up. Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. 404-733-5010.
Credit: Liz Vandal, Cirque du Soleil
Watch 53 acrobats and musicians create their version of a buzzing insect colony in this new iteration of a popular Cirque show that’s appropriate for all ages.
Continuing 7 p.m. Friday, 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets $59-$142, parking $15. Gas South District, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 770-813-7500 office, 470-639-8243 tickets.
Go on a bat-spotting expedition and use acoustic bat monitoring equipment to discover these mammals. You’ll also learn about their large impact on our ecosystem.
8:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday. Free. Little Mulberry Park trail, 3855 Fence Road, Auburn. 678-277-0850.
Enjoy a high-energy evening in Duluth with music, dance, cultural stations and international cuisine.
6-9 p.m. Friday. Free. Main Stage and Parsons Alley, 3530 W. Lawrenceville St., Duluth. 770-476-3434.
Bring chairs or blankets or get comfortable in one of the park’s pavilions and treat yourself to offerings from multiple food trucks.
5-8 p.m. Friday. Free for Gwinnett County residents, $8 for nonresidents. Rhodes Jordan Park, Stanley R. Gunter Pavilion, 100 E. Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 678-277-0890.
