15 family-friendly events in Atlanta this weekend
Looking for something fun to do this weekend with your family in metro Atlanta? Arts festivals will take place in Chastain Park and Dunwoody, and garden tours in Cobb County and Johns Creek will give you inspiration for your own landscaping projects. And since it’s Mother’s Day weekend, events such as a tea party and a Moms on the ’Hooch paddling trip are also on the calendar.
Check out the following 15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend:
Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival
This 17th annual festival includes works from 175 artists, a children’s area, acoustic music and food and beverage concessions, including gourmet food trucks.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 9 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 10. Free admission. Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta.
The 40th annual multicultural outdoor festival offers music (family-friendly only) on multiple stages, a youth activities zone, vendors, a food court and Historic Sweet Auburn tours and exhibits.
11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, May 9 and 1-8 p.m. Sunday, May 10. Free admission. Historic Sweet Auburn along Auburn Avenue near Irwin Street and John Wesley Dobbs Avenue, Atlanta.
Celebrate mom in the Root House gardens (weather permitting) or indoors and enjoy finger sandwiches, pastries and teas. Guests are encouraged to have fun dressing up in garden party attire.
11 a.m. and 1 p.m. seating, Saturday, May 9. $180 for four guests. William Root House, 80 N. Marietta Parkway NW, Marietta. 678-594-4994.
M2R Trailfest in Marietta highlights murals and art installations as well as kids’ activities, a pet parade, chalk art, an instrument petting zoo, aerial and musical performances and more.
9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 9. Multiple locations along the Mountain to River Trail, Marietta.
Get inspiration from four gardens designed and maintained by Cobb Master Gardeners. The homeowners and Master Gardener volunteers will be on hand to answer questions.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 9. $15, free for ages 17 and under. Four participating gardens in east Cobb. 770-630-8703.
Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival
Vote for your favorite wings on Friday and pulled pork, chicken and ribs on Saturday, with musical performances taking place on both days.
5-10 p.m. Friday, May 8 and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 9. Logan Farm Park, 4405 Cherokee St., Acworth.
Callanwolde Spring Concert Series
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center’s Spring Concert Series concludes for the season with music from True Blossom, a guitar pop band, and Slow Parade, songwriter Matthew Pendrick’s project that blends roots music, blues and country.
7:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, May 8. $35 and up. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta. 404-872-5338.
The annual festival showcases an art market with paintings, folk art, glasswork, metal art, photography, fiber, ceramics and more. A food court and Kidz Zone with face painting and arts and crafts are also part of the fun.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, May 9 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 10. Dunwoody Village Parkway, Dunwoody.
Sandy Springs Lantern Parade and pre-party
Attend a pre-party with DJs, a balloon artist, bubble station, food trucks and more and then either bring your lantern to participate in the parade or to watch it.
6-8:30 p.m. pre-parade party, parade afterward, Saturday, May 9. Free. Sandy Springs Municipal Complex, 620 Morgan Falls Road, Sandy Springs. 770-730-5600.
The grand opening of the Boardwalk at Town Center park in Johns Creek will be held and followed by a concert featuring Music Authority’s Eclipse and Boy Band Review.
6-10 p.m. Friday, May 8. Free. The Boardwalk at Town Center, 11362 Lakefield Drive, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200.
Moms on the ’Hooch: Mother’s Day Paddle
Paddle along one of the Chattahoochee River’s most beautiful stretches to experience nature, adventure and time together on the water. You’ll be led by Outdoor Center river guides.
10 a.m.-noon, Sunday, May 10. $60. Don White Memorial Park, 925 (B) Riverside Road, Roswell.
Tour six private home gardens in Johns Creek, where you can also listen to solo musicians and small ensembles and observe visual artists at work. Volunteers will be on-site to help you identify plants and guide you through the spaces.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 9. $44.52. Six participating private homes, Johns Creek. 470-485-5855.
Run to support the Maximus Janton Foundation, which serves the special needs community, and bring a blanket or folding chair to listen to music from Fly Betty Band and visit food trucks. Kids can participate in activities such as free face painting and getting glow accessories.
6:45 p.m. Fun Run for kids 12 and under, 7 p.m. 5K, 8:15 or 8:30 p.m. (approximately) awards. 6-10 p.m. Friday, May 8. $20-$35. Town Center Park, Buford Highway and Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road, Suwanee.
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with cultural booths, vendors and music and dance performances.
3:30-9 p.m. booths and open mic, 5-9:30 p.m. stage performances, Saturday, May 9. Free. Duluth Festival Center, 3142 Hill St., Duluth.
“Beauty and the Beast: The Ballet”
Shine a Light Ballet Co. and the Pointe of Grace Dancers bring this timeless fairy tale to life through ballet.
3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 10. $28.02, $5 parking. Gas South Theater, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 470-639-824
