Looking for something fun to do this weekend with your family in metro Atlanta? Duluth’s Derby Day invites attendees to watch the race in their finest hats and attire, while May-Retta Daze features a Kentucky Derby Parade. And dogs aren’t left out of the weekend’s fancy festivities, since they’ll show off their outfits on the red carpet at Midtown’s Mutt Gala.
Check out the following 15 family-friendly things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend:
Come with or without a dog, wear fashionable attire if you’d like, and watch the doggy version of the Met Gala red carpet experience. The event also features a costume contest, music, food, a vendor village, a roaming photo booth, free pet sketches (first come, first served) and foster dogs to meet.
2-5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. 10th Street Park, 1021 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-892-0050.
“Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp”
This new stage production features music, mystery, adventure and wonder as it tells the story of Aladdin, who explores his destiny and learns that true strength comes not from magic, but from honesty, courage and the heart.
Continuing 8 p.m. today and Saturday; and 3 p.m. Sunday, plus additional dates. $24.50-$47.50. Marietta’s New Theatre in the Square, 11 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. 770-426-4800.
The annual festival features exhibitors and artists showcasing their handmade goods, acoustic musical performances, a kids zone and festival food. And since Saturday is also Kentucky Derby Day, the fun includes an all-walking parade through festival streets with participants dressed in their Derby duds with elaborate hats.
10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Glover Park at Historic Marietta Square, 50 N. Park Square NE, Marietta. 770-794-5601.
Taste dishes from east Cobb restaurants, visit vendors, listen to music, and let the kids play on inflatables and enjoy hands-on activities such as sand art and face painting.
11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. Free admission, Taste tickets $1 (menu items cost 1-5 tickets per serving), cotton candy, drinks and activities (2-5 tickets). Johnson Ferry Baptist Church South Lot, 955 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Acworth Dragon Boat Festival
Credit: Photo courtesy of Acworth Dragon Boat Festival
Watch colorful 40-foot-long boats — with 10 or 20 seats and the head of a dragon on one end and its tail on the other — as they race.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Dallas Landing Park, 5120 Allatoona Drive, Acworth. 404-435-2178.
Gather at Skyland Park for a family-friendly bike ride that visits six public parks in Brookhaven. Riders can collect a stamp in their passports in each park, which makes them eligible to win prizes.
1:15 p.m. bicyclists gather, 2 p.m. ride begins, Sunday. Free. Starts at Skyland Park, 2600 Skyland Drive NE, Atlanta. 404-637-0500.
Credit: Photo courtesy of Tucker Day
Credit: Photo courtesy of Tucker Day
A parade, food trucks and a lineup of bands on stage highlight Tucker Day. At the end of the procession (around 10:20 a.m.), the Seed & Feed Marching Abominables will compete in a battle of the bands with the Tucker High School Band.
9 a.m.-4 p.m. festival, 10 a.m. parade, Saturday. Free admission. Main Street, Tucker.
Explore the world of bugs by meeting live insects, observing beehives up close and participating in more hands-on activities, crafts and learning.
10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Included with general admission of $25.95-$27.95. Fernbank Museum of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road, Atlanta. 404-929-6300.
Hoot and holler at traditional rodeo events such as bareback bronc riding, barrel racing and more. Guests can arrive early to enjoy boiled peanuts, barbecue, mechanical bull riding, rock wall climbing, bungee jumping and other activities.
7:30 p.m. today, and 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. $25, free for children under 8. Wills Park Equestrian Center Arena, 11915 Wills Road, Alpharetta. 678-297-2811.
Celebrate traditional food, music and art from different cultures at the festival, which also features a Kids Corner with face painting, cultural storytelling and art stations.
Noon-6 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. Atlanta Athletic Club (fields across from Club), 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, Johns Creek. 678-512-3200.
“Legally Blonde The Musical Jr.”
The Roswell Youth Theatre will perform this funny journey of expanding horizons and self-empowerment that’s a PG-rated adaptation of the hit film and Broadway musical.
7 p.m. today , and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday. $17. Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell. 678-639-7551.
Credit: Photo courtesy of the city of Duluth
Credit: Photo courtesy of the city of Duluth
Duluth Chalk Art Festival/Derby Day
Head to Duluth for a weekend of chalk art and a Derby Day celebration. The fun starts today with live music, food trucks and chalk artists starting their creations and continues Saturday with chalk art activities as well as Derby coverage and best-dressed contests for adults and children.
6-9 p.m. today, and 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday: Chalk Art Festival. Free admission. Downtown Duluth. 2:30-7:30 p.m. Saturday. Derby Day: Free admission. Town Green, 3124 Hill St. NW, Duluth.
Immerse yourself in the energy and traditions of Cinco de Mayo with music, dance, cultural arts and crafts vendors, and traditional Latin foods. Mucha Lucha ATL will host Lucha Libre Wrestling, and kids can play on inflatables for $20 for unlimited play or $1 tickets (three tickets per activity).
4-7 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. Lilburn City Park, 76 Main St., Lilburn. 770-921-2210.
Wear your favorite cosplay costume and search for free comic books throughout Duluth, attend expert-led panels, workshops and more.
6-10 p.m. today and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. Free admission. Lawrenceville Arts Center and downtown Lawrenceville. 125 N. Clayton St., Lawrenceville. 678-407-6670.
Stroll from house to house (12 in all) and listen to diverse musical performances, participate in activities and visit food trucks and art vendors.
Noon-6 p.m. Saturday. Free, with tips for performers encouraged. Centered around Thrasher Park, 93 Park Drive, downtown Norcross.
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