Community Events

DTL CON-Quest is an award-winning, free two-day celebration of comics, cosplay, games and fandom in the heart of downtown Lawrenceville.

Formerly Free Comic Book Day, the event has evolved into a full convention experience in celebration of a 10-year partnership with Galactic Quest. Join us for workshops, panels, cosplay, interactive activities and the #DTLcomicquest, which is the Downtown Comic Book Scavenger Hunt. At DTL Con- Quest.

To plan your adventure, see the website below.

Travel back in time at Cruzin the Depot in Ringgold, Georgia! Take it back to the good ‘ole days with the Ringgold Cruisers and Pharoah’s Choo Choo on the first Saturday of each month. Shop, eat, explore Ringgold’s downtown area and enjoy dozens of vintage cars and trucks! 

Cruise-ins happen on the first Saturday of each month, beginning in April and running through November. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., but the streets start filling up quickly around 5 p.m., so arrive early to get a good spot! Visit the website below for more information.

Georgia Tech Baseball is your reigning 2025 ACC Regular Champs heading into 2026! Get your tickets today to watch the Yellow Jackets swarm Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium all season long.

Atlanta Food Festival vibes every week with food, crafts, music and kids' activities.

Free admission fun for all ages!

This is the perfect place to eat, shop, dance, and make memories at one of the most family-friendly food markets in Atlanta.

Food & Drinks

• Over 15 delicious food vendors featuring a diverse selection of foods every week
• A diverse mix of crave-worthy eats from local culinary favorites
• Food, drinks & most activities available for purchase

Shop Local

• Craft vendors showcasing local artisans
• Handmade goods, unique gifts & one-of-a-kind finds
• Support small businesses in a vibrant marketplace atmosphere.

Entertainment & Experiences

• Live music from talented local bands all day
• High-energy DJ sets spinning your favorite hits at night
• Monthly Silent Disco experience with glowing headphones
• Monthly Outdoor Movie Nights under the stars. Bring blankets and chairs!
• Seasonal themes and interactive activities
• Exciting sponsor activations and giveaways

Family Fun

• Kids activities including inflatables
• Face painting and family-friendly games
• Safe, welcoming environment for all ages

When
Every Saturday, April 4-Nov. 14, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Eat. Shop. Dance. Celebrate. Repeat.

RSVP BY GRABBING A TICKET FOR EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND DISCOUNTS FROM OUR VENDORS!

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/uptown-market-atlanta-4820292

Escape the ordinary and step into a world of knights, noble ladies, lively music, artisan treasures, and unforgettable fun at the Georgia Renaissance Festival.

From thrilling jousts and hilarious stage acts to delicious food, themed drinks, shopping, games, and immersive village streets, every visit feels like a full-day adventure. Bring your family, gather your friends, and spend the day feasting, shopping, laughing, and making memories in a place where fantasy feels real.

Come see why generations of guests return year after year for a royal springtime tradition. Open Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day, Monday April 11-May 31. 

Did you know over 100 years ago the town of High Falls was known far and wide for its annual May Day picnic?

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of High Falls State Park, they're hosting it once again!

Bring the family for a day of cane pole fishing, potato sack races, horseshoes and more on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

How many chickens do you weigh?

How tall are you in apples or inches or pennies? Can you use your foot as a ruler?

Explore these and other questions in this new interactive exhibit in the Discovery Garden!

It may be common to measure using standard tools such as measuring tapes and cups, but Measurement Rules explores non-standard tools such as balancing scales, odometers, calipers, 3-D imaging and counting “Mississippis.” Explore this exhibit and become confident in the language of measurement through length, weight, volume and time.

The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Designed for beginners and those with limited experience, this hands-on class introduces participants to the fundamentals of skeet and trap shooting in a safe, supportive environment. Instruction covers essential equipment types and their components, proper shooting safety, stance and body positioning and foundational shooting techniques.

The course includes firearm rental, two rounds of skeet and trap, guided practice, instructional materials and dedicated range time—everything you need to build confidence and develop solid shooting skills from the ground up.

Registration is $100 and you can register at tinyurl.com/mwrclasses or by calling 706-791-5078. Registration closes 10 days before each class date.

Don't have gate access but want to join in on the fun? Register for a gate pass at https://pass.aie.army.mil/steps/installation_selection.

For questions or more information, please call (706)791-5078.

Perfect for newcomers, this introductory archery class is designed for individuals aged 15 and older with little to no prior experience. Participants learn the essentials of the sport, including equipment types and their parts, proper shooting safety, stance and form, and guided shooting practice to build confidence and skill.

Instruction, all necessary instructional materials, and dedicated range time are included, making this a complete and supportive start to your archery journey.

Registration is $45 and you can register at tinyurl.com/mwrclasses or by calling 706-791-5078. Registration closes 10 days before each class date.

Don't have gate access but want to join in on the fun? Register for a gate pass at https://pass.aie.army.mil/steps/installation_selection.

For questions or more information, please call (706)791-5078.

Georgia Tech Baseball is your reigning 2025 ACC Regular Champs heading into 2026! Get your tickets today to watch the Yellow Jackets swarm Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium all season long.

Escape the ordinary and step into a world of knights, noble ladies, lively music, artisan treasures, and unforgettable fun at the Georgia Renaissance Festival.

From thrilling jousts and hilarious stage acts to delicious food, themed drinks, shopping, games, and immersive village streets, every visit feels like a full-day adventure. Bring your family, gather your friends, and spend the day feasting, shopping, laughing, and making memories in a place where fantasy feels real.

Come see why generations of guests return year after year for a royal springtime tradition. Open Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day, Monday April 11-May 31. 

Quilts Japan: The 17th Quilt Nihon features stunning traditional and modern quilts from the biennial competition.

SQTM is honored to be one of only four venues in the United States where the works will be on view.

Join Zoo Atlanta for a morning of learning and discovery designed specifically for homeschool students!  

HomeSchool Academy is a two-hour program for grades K-12 that allows students to explore animal and science concepts in an engaging, interactive environment. Programs are grade-appropriate and include hands-on, minds-on activities and Zoo tours that hone students’ STEM skillsets in a collaborative environment.     

Spring 2026 Dates:
February 11
March 11
April 15
May 6

Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

Member Cost:
$105 per semester or $40 per program 

Non-Member Cost:
$130 per semester or $45 per program  

THEMES:

K-2nd Grade Theme: Aaand…ACTION!
Crawl, slither and hop with us as we soar and explore some of the different ways animals move. This semester will be a high-flying adventure filled with animals and ways they get their groove on. 

3rd-5th Grade Theme: Gotta Go Fast
From sloths and red pandas to ostriches and tigers, join us this semester as we visit some of the fastest (and the slowest) animals here at Zoo Atlanta. We'll discover why some animals feel the need for speed while others take the slow route. 

6th-8th Grade Theme: Have to Have a Habitat
Habitat, habitat, have to have a habitat. A habitat is so much more than just where an animal lives. Join us this semester as we aim to discover the ins and outs of what makes a healthy and happy home for an animal. 

9th-12th Grade Theme: If I Only Had a Brain
BRAAIIINS! Get your head in the game as we learn about not only our mighty brains, but those of other animals too. Are owls truly wise? Do elephants really never forget? Join us to find out! 

Quilts Japan: The 17th Quilt Nihon features stunning traditional and modern quilts from the biennial competition.

SQTM is honored to be one of only four venues in the United States where the works will be on view.

Quilts Japan: The 17th Quilt Nihon features stunning traditional and modern quilts from the biennial competition.

SQTM is honored to be one of only four venues in the United States where the works will be on view.

Beats on the Streets brings the rhythm to 12 Thursdays of live DJ sets, inviting the community to shop and dine throughout downtown Lawrenceville.

For more information, see the website below.

Spend the night at Zoo Atlanta with your school or group at a NightCrawler Overnight.

Embark on a nocturnal adventure you won’t soon forget! 

When the last guest leaves for the day, we invite you to stay! Come find out what really happens when the sun goes down. Which animals stay up late and how do others settle down for the night? And in the morning, how do animals greet the day? Join us as we explore these questions and more on an overnight adventure designed for schools, Scouts, and other groups.

Participants will spend the majority of the evening outdoors walking around the Zoo with an Educator as their guide, stopping along the way to observe the nocturnal behaviors of the animals who call the Zoo home. During the evening, participants will have the opportunity to use night vision technology and will visit Scaly Slimy Spectacular to discover the nocturnal world of frogs, lizards, snakes, and turtles, illuminated by red flashlights. Participants will also enjoy a guided tour behind the scenes to discover how we care for animals every day. Learn about our new state-of-the-art veterinary complex, The Rollins Animal Health Center, and tour the Animal Nutrition Kitchen to find out what it takes to feed the Zoo!*  After an evening of exploration, participants will sleep in indoor, climate-controlled rooms with sleeping bags brought from home. And then rise and shine for more fun! Enjoy a catered continental breakfast from Proof of the Pudding followed by morning visits to animal habitats to see how our Animal Care Specialists help the animals start their day. 

If you are looking for additional opportunities to connect with wildlife up-close, you can register your group for a 9 a.m. Animal Encounter for an additional fee. This encounter includes an exclusive 30-minute talk with a Zoo Educator and a visit with two to three small animal ambassadors before the conclusion of your NightCrawlers program. Note: We cannot accommodate specific animal requests for the encounter.

Participating groups are invited to stay and enjoy the Zoo at completion of your program!

*The behind-the-scenes portion of the tour is not fully ADA accessible.  

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT DURING A NIGHTCRAWLER?

• Rain or shine. This program happens rain or shine, and much of the program is outside. Please plan for the weather and dress accordingly.
• The Zoo is made for walking! Most of this experience is spent walking around the Zoo, and there are multiple irregular surfaces and steep inclines. Plan to spend up to 5 hours on your feet touring the Zoo.
• Come with a full belly. While we will take a break for a snack in the middle of the evening, please eat dinner before you arrive. And remember to bring your water bottle with you.
• Embrace the dark. It’s called a NightCrawler for a reason. Explore the Zoo by the light of the moon and our Educators’ red-light flashlights. Guests may only use flashlights at bedtime.
• Rustic camping meets the Zoo. All sleeping locations are in climate-controlled buildings with a restroom either in the building or nearby.
• Stay awhile. At the completion of your program the following morning, you are welcome to stay and enjoy the Zoo at your leisure.
• Have FUN! This unique experience is unlike anything that you can do in Atlanta. We look forward to hosting you for an upcoming program!

CAPACITY: Minimum of 20 – Maximum of 120

Times: 6 p.m. until 9:30 a.m. the next morning

Cost: $110

Age Range: 6+
This program is designed for groups with children. A paid adult must accompany child(ren), and a paid child must accompany adult(s). 

UPCOMING DATES:

2025: 

• September 27
• October: 3, 10, 11
• November 7

2026:

• February 27
• March: 7, 13, 14, 20, 27, 28
• April: 3, 17, 24
• May: 8, 9, 15

Elephant Wild Encounter at Zoo Atlanta

No creature looms larger over the savanna than the African elephant, and you’ll agree when you come face-to-trunk with one at Zoo Atlanta! Meet Tara or Kelly while learning why they are such important ambassadors for their species.

During this Wild Encounter experience, you will learn about elephants with a Zoo Educator before heading behind the scenes to meet up with members of the Elephant Care Team and find out more about elephant care at the Zoo. Of course, no Elephant Wild Encounter would be complete without the opportunity to hand-feed one of the “girls” an afternoon snack.

• Meet at the Zambezi Elephant Center 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter. 
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.

Days Available: Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. 

Member Cost: $117

Non-Member Cost: $130 + Zoo admission

Age Range: 4 and up

Lemur Wild Encounter at Zoo Atlanta

We can’t plan a trip to Madagascar for you, but we can help you meet one of its most iconic native species. Experience our Lemur Wild Encounter!

Meet and feed some of the amazing primates that make the island of Madagascar one of Earth’s richest and most dynamic natural ecosystems, and learn what you can do to help one of the most endangered groups of mammals on the planet.  

• Meet outside the PopCone food stand 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter.
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.

Days Available: Lemur Wild Encounters will run from April 3 – October 18, 2026.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 – 11:50 a.m. 

Member Cost: $41

Non-Member Cost: $45 + Zoo admission

Age Range: 4 and up

We welcome you to the wild world of warthogs! Come explore what it takes to care for these charismatic creatures and their neighbors in the African Savanna.  

Do warthogs really have warts? Get an up-close look and see! Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Zoo Atlanta’s African Savanna and give the warthogs a favorite treat. You’ll also meet members of the Zoo’s Animal Care Team and find out what goes into the care of warthogs and other savanna animals.

• Meet outside the warthog habitat near the SweetWater Beer Garden 15 minutes (at 12:45) before the Wild Encounter to check in.
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.
• This encounter is not ADA accessible.
• All guests must wear closed-toed shoes on this encounter.

Days Available: Warthog Wild Encounters will run from April 3 – November 16, 2026.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 1 p.m.

Member Cost: $41

Non-Member Cost: $45 + Zoo admission

Age Range: 4 and up