Community Events

Developed in collaboration with the Georgia Writers Museum, the upcoming will feature the art of painter Raven Waters, potter Senora Lynch (Haliwa-Saponi Tribe) and Steffen Thomas.

This environmentally-focused exhibition will explore, with artists and writers and audience, our place in the natural world: do we exist as a part of nature? Or outside of nature, experiencing the environment as a tourist or a consumer?

The title is a play on the internet phrase “touch grass” or “go touch some grass” that is said as a criticism to someone that they have been online too much and are disconnected from reality/the real world.

The museum is open Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
 

When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. "Freaky Friday,' a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a heartfelt, comedic and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. By spending a day in each other’s shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another’s struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.

May 9, 10, 16, 17

Fridays at 7 p.m. ET; Saturdays at 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. ET

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

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 that call the zoo home.

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 breakfast from Proof of the Pudding followed by morning activities and more visits to see how animals start their day.

If you are looking for additional opportunities to connect with wildlife up-close, you can register your group for an Animal Encounter for an additional fee. This encounter includes an exclusive talk with a Zoo Educator and a visit with two to three small animal ambassadors. 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!

CAPACITY: Minimum of 20 – Maximum of 120

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

AGE RANGE: 6+

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 many of the areas that we visit are not wheelchair accessible. 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.

• Have fun! This unique experience is unlike anything that you can do in Atlanta. We look forward to hosting you for an upcoming program!

Join the Animal Care Team and one of our talented animal artists, meeting either the Zoo’s “VanGoat” or “Baaahlo,” and take home a unique work of art in this unforgettable experience.

Learn about the positive reinforcement training process of becoming an animal artist. See firsthand the ways this enrichment activity fits into high standards of care for animals at the Zoo when you meet a goat or sheep and see their art creation in action. Please note that we cannot guarantee a specific animal for your program.

- Meet at the Petting Zoo area of Outback Station 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter start time. 
- Please note that availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. 
- Includes one (1) take-home canvas per registered group.

Days Available: Saturdays at 3:15 p.m.

Member Cost: $67.50 | Includes one painting per group of four people.
Non-Member Cost: $75 per group of up to four people, + individual Zoo Admission | Includes one painting per group of four people.

Age Range: All ages

Bring your mama out to downtown Douglas for brunch at any of our fabulous downtown restaurants. Show your brunch receipt to any participating shop for an additional discount!

Be on the look out for some great photo ops your mom will love.

10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Family-friendly and all-inclusive:

-Live tattooing/ piercing and select demos

- Workshops, seminars and awards

- Fire-eating and other captivating performances

- Family-friendly activities and entertainment

- Tattoo merch vendors/marketplace

- Food and beverage concessions

- Interactive art installations

- Activity stations for free face paint, temporary tattoos & more!

$25 Day pass per person

$40 Weekend pass (all 3 days)

$15 Kids 12 and under

3 and under free

Ample free parking at the West Gate Entrance.

Passes include access to all seminars and expo activities.

Family-friendly and all-inclusive:

Tattooing/ piercing

Fire-eating & other captivating performances

Family-friendly activities & entertainment, unique vendors/marketplace

$25 day pass per person

$40 Weekend Pass (all 3 days)

$15 Kids 12 & under

3 and under free

Ample free parking at the West Gate Entrance.

Based on the book "The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John" by Clarence Jordan in which the Gospel is presented in a setting of rural Georgia with a classic American roots music score.

As this Gospel begins, the cast sings “Something’s Brewin’ in Gainesville.” Herod is governor of Georgia when Jesus is born of the Virgin Mary from Gainesville. Jesus grows, and so do his followers, preaching a radical message of love. He is ultimately lynched by the Ku Klux Klan in collusion with then Gov. Pilate and the Believe in the Bible Society, only to rise from the dead. From a mountaintop in Alabama, Jesus empowers his followers on to, “Go out and welcome all people into my Father’s family.”

Join us for the ultimate family fun day on Super Spring Saturday! Held at Washington Farms in Bogart, this event promises a day filled with over 30 exciting farm activities, suitable for all ages. From April 12 to May 24, every Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., immerse yourself in the joy of the season.

Admission is only $14.95 for everyone age 2 and older, covering a plethora of attractions. 

Indulge your taste buds with delightful treats like homemade strawberry ice cream, refreshing slushies, freshly popped kettle corn and mouthwatering homemade glazed strawberry donuts. It's the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and delicious flavors.

Don't miss out on Super Spring Saturday. Come on out and make some memories that will last a lifetime! 

Step right into a hilarious, and interactive murder mystery where you might just be the killer! It’s the thrilling event everyone’s dying to attend—don’t let this unforgettable night pass you by!

Get ready for a night of twists, turns and tantalizing mystery! The Murder Mystery Co. by Scott Cramton welcomes you to a thrilling mystery experience where every clue brings you closer to the truth—or deeper into suspicion. Mingle with intriguing suspects, uncover shocking secrets and savor a mouthwatering three-course meal. But watch out—you could end up as the cold-blooded killer! Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of suspense and laughter. Grab your tickets now!

Participate in a new mystery every month! From the glitz of 1930s Hollywood in “Best Laid Plans” to the roaring 1920s with “Death of a Gangster,” each event offers unforgettable thrills. Boogie at a 1950s sock hop, solve a '90s crime in “Good Riddance” or celebrate the season with “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year.”

Whether it's a billionaire’s masquerade, a 1980s bash, or a chilling wedding-themed whodunit, there’s a unique mystery waiting for you. Mark your calendar and join the fun—each month brings a fresh adventure!

Calling all art and garden enthusiasts! Mark your calendars for Madison Artists Guild's gARTen Market, a flourishing showcase of art for the outdoors happening from March 27-May 10.

Find everything you need to transform your outdoor space, from whimsical birdhouses and bird baths to enchanting chimes and sculptures.

MAGallery is open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Visit the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art from Jan. 25-June 28 for their Special Exhibition From Tears to the Sea and Other Works, featuring Alexandra Huynh.

More details to follow.  Please call or visit their website for the most up-to-date information on this and other events hosted by the Steffen Thomas Museum of Art.

The Steffen Thomas Museum of Art is open Tuesday-Saturday, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

The festival is May. 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Ball Ground Botanical Garden.

There will be a huge selection of plants for sale, free gardening advice, Guided Garden tours, Great raffle prizes and 40 vendors (food, beverage and shopping,) Free children’s activities.

When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. "Freaky Friday,' a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, is a heartfelt, comedic and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic. By spending a day in each other’s shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another’s struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter.

May 9, 10, 16, 17

Fridays at 7 p.m. ET; Saturdays at 2 p.m. & 6 p.m. ET

Join us for a meaningful and fun-filled Mother's Day Weekend 5K, hosted by Virtue by Design, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women in crisis by helping restore family, livelihood, and community connections through education and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Bring your family and friends for a run, walk or stroll as we celebrate the power of community and togetherness! Whether you're racing to the finish line or enjoying a leisurely walk, this event is for everyone! 

Early Bird Registration: $35 (Now - March 15)

Standard Registration: $50 (March 16 - May 10)

Sign up today  on our website under the events page, and join us in making a difference, one step at a time!

Dolly Parton was married in Ringgold in 1966! Since then, the beloved Country singer has become an icon in Ringgold and has inspired an astounding event in her honor.

With live music, food trucks, shopping, look-alike contests, line dancing and more, Dolly Day has something for everyone to enjoy!

The day starts with the delightful Dolly Dash, which includes 1 mile, 5K, and 10K options for participants. Times for this event are subject to change. Visit nothinlikeringgold.com for updates on the exact schedule.

Register for the Dolly Dash here: http://www.phoenixraceocr.com/dolly-dash.html/

Rolling Thunder Enterprises and INDIO Trail brings the 34th Annual Cherokee County Indian Festival & Mother’s Day Powwow to Boling Park in Canton on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11.

This north Georgia tradition features many favorite activities for the family including a Native American dance exhibition with CreeAtive: Native American Dancers & Educators. Displays include a Hoop dancer and Aztec dancers; tipis; primitive skills; wildlife displays; Native American artisans; Save the Horses rescue group; train rides and other activities for children; Mother’s Day Honor Dance and much more. The grand entry will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Food will be served throughout the day and will include Native American cuisine such as buffalo burgers, roasted corn, Indian frybread, Indian tacos and other dishes.

The Indian Festival and powwow will take place rain or shine.

Tickets will be on sale at the gate throughout the event: 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday.

Children under age 5: free; children ages 6 to 12: $5; adults (13 and up): $15.

Weekend passes will be available at the gate for $20.

For more information about parking, seating, picture taking and other questions, go to rthunder.com.

Evans Market is a weekly Saturday market made up of local artisans, farmers, producers, and vendors. The Market will be held in the Market (1005 Market St.) in Evans on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the spring and fall.   

The Spring Evans Market kicks off on Saturday, March 15, and will continue through June 28. (There will be no Evans Market on Saturday, April 12 or Saturday, April 19.) 

Family-friendly and all-inclusive:

-Live tattooing/ piercing and select demos

- Workshops, seminars and awards

- Fire-eating and other captivating performances

- Family-friendly activities and entertainment

- Tattoo merch vendors/marketplace

- Food and beverage concessions

- Interactive art installations

- Activity stations for free face paint, temporary tattoos & more!

$25 Day pass per person

$40 Weekend pass (all 3 days)

$15 Kids 12 and under

3 and under free

Ample free parking at the West Gate Entrance.

Passes include access to all seminars and expo activities.

Family-friendly and all-inclusive:

Tattooing/ piercing

Fire-eating & other captivating performances

Family-friendly activities & entertainment, unique vendors/marketplace

$25 day pass per person

$40 Weekend Pass (all 3 days)

$15 Kids 12 & under

3 and under free

Ample free parking at the West Gate Entrance.