Community Events

1945–1979 Quilts explores changing trends in American quilting from the end of World War II through the resurgence of the craft in the late 1970s. The exhibit highlights the evolution of styles, colors, and fabrics over three transformative decades.

Early quilts reflect patriotic themes and palettes inspired by the postwar period, while quilts from the 1950s introduce new patterns and fresh color combinations. By the 1960s and 1970s, quilters pushed creative boundaries, experimenting with bold colors, unconventional fabrics and expressive designs.

Land and Sea Georgia, an exhibition by renowned metal and jewelry artist Barbara Mann, will be on view Jan. 30 through March 7 at the Madison Artists Guild Gallery. 

Mann’s work references flora and fauna ranging from pokeweed and pine trees to sea algae, oysters, sea turtles and microscopic marine life. The exhibition celebrates the interconnectedness of these environments and reflects a deep respect for the natural world.

The Madison Artists Guild Gallery is open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum—an acclaimed museum dedicated to celebrating and preserving America’s maritime legacy—is delighted to present “Beyond the Plate: Sea and Sky,” an exciting new solo exhibition featuring nautical-inspired, mixed-media art by Rob Strati, from September 25, 2025, through April 12, 2026. 

“Beyond the Plate” will showcase new work by one of America’s hottest contemporary artists. Strati has recently enjoyed sold-out exhibits at Duane Reed Gallery in St. Louis and FREMIN Gallery in New York and has sold work to top international art collectors in New York, London, Hong Kong, Dubai and beyond.

Strati’s art incorporates broken porcelain plates that have been embellished and adorned with creative details. The exhibition features the artist’s latest bold, kinetic mixed-media works and limited-edition prints as well as an ambitious site-specific installation that will be suspended from the ceiling of the Ships of the Sea atrium.

All of the art in “Beyond the Plate” will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.

Join the team at the Zambezi Elephant Center and immerse yourself in what it takes to care for the largest land animals on the planet! Spend the morning working alongside the Elephant Care Team to prepare the habitat for the day and ensure the elephants’ needs are met.

Spend the morning working alongside the Elephant Care Team to prepare the habitat for the day and ensure the elephants’ needs are met.

This unique experience is sure to educate and inspire you about these special individuals, help you learn more about the rigorous requirements of professional elephant care, and gain an understanding of the ways Zoo Atlanta is working to protect wild populations. Participants can expect to meet members of the Animal Care Team, meet an animal, learn about our positive reinforcement training and enrichment programs, and walk away with knowledge of how to save species. All participation in Keeper for a Day programs is voluntary for the animals.

Before registering, please understand that during this program: 

• Participants will perform similar tasks as members of the Elephant Care Team, which may include raking, sweeping, hosing, scrubbing, and shoveling, and should expect to do some hard work and be comfortable getting dirty. 
• Participants will be expected to participate in all weather conditions, lift up to 30 pounds, and be on their feet for up to four hours. 
• Participants must have the physical ability to bend, lift, stoop, kneel, and stand for extended periods of time. 
• Participants may be exposed to potential allergens such as insects, hay, animal waste, and other potential allergens. Please reach out in advance if you have any questions or concerns. 

Upcoming 2026 Dates:
Saturday, January 10
Thursday, January 22
Saturday, February 7
Thursday, February 19
Thursday, March 5
Saturday, March 28
Saturday, April 18
Thursday, April 30
Saturday, May 16
Thursday, May 28

Times: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Member cost: $325
Non-member cost: $360

Age range: 16 and up

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.

We’ve all imagined what it’s like to live and work in space, but only a select few have done it. Opening on Oct. 10, those who have lived in space will share their experiences with visitors in our newest traveling exhibition, Journey to Space.

Using hands-on and large-scale interactive exhibits and multimedia components, Journey to Space gives visitors a glimpse at the extraordinary conditions of human space travel, as well as the unique challenges and rewards of life on board the International Space Station.

1945–1979 Quilts explores changing trends in American quilting from the end of World War II through the resurgence of the craft in the late 1970s. The exhibit highlights the evolution of styles, colors, and fabrics over three transformative decades.

Early quilts reflect patriotic themes and palettes inspired by the postwar period, while quilts from the 1950s introduce new patterns and fresh color combinations. By the 1960s and 1970s, quilters pushed creative boundaries, experimenting with bold colors, unconventional fabrics and expressive designs.

The 1823 Artisan Guild will be holding a first quarter art show in 2026 titled Reimagining the Masters, and they are currently taking entries!

The goal is recreating or reimagining masterpieces, capturing the mood but not duplicating the exact composition. This keeps it legal, original and creative! The show will open on Feb. 28, 2026, with the entry window closing on February 27, 2026.

The 1823 Artisan Guild is open Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

For More Information call: (478) 993-1823 or visit their website.

Land and Sea Georgia, an exhibition by renowned metal and jewelry artist Barbara Mann, will be on view Jan. 30 through March 7 at the Madison Artists Guild Gallery. 

Mann’s work references flora and fauna ranging from pokeweed and pine trees to sea algae, oysters, sea turtles and microscopic marine life. The exhibition celebrates the interconnectedness of these environments and reflects a deep respect for the natural world.

The Madison Artists Guild Gallery is open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

First Friday in Historic Downtown Brunswick is a fun family event that happens the first Friday of each month. We close the streets from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. so you can come down and enjoy live music, special discounts from downtown merchants, a car show and so much more! Come shop, dine and explore our downtown!

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

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum—an acclaimed museum dedicated to celebrating and preserving America’s maritime legacy—is delighted to present “Beyond the Plate: Sea and Sky,” an exciting new solo exhibition featuring nautical-inspired, mixed-media art by Rob Strati, from September 25, 2025, through April 12, 2026. 

“Beyond the Plate” will showcase new work by one of America’s hottest contemporary artists. Strati has recently enjoyed sold-out exhibits at Duane Reed Gallery in St. Louis and FREMIN Gallery in New York and has sold work to top international art collectors in New York, London, Hong Kong, Dubai and beyond.

Strati’s art incorporates broken porcelain plates that have been embellished and adorned with creative details. The exhibition features the artist’s latest bold, kinetic mixed-media works and limited-edition prints as well as an ambitious site-specific installation that will be suspended from the ceiling of the Ships of the Sea atrium.

All of the art in “Beyond the Plate” will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.

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.

We’ve all imagined what it’s like to live and work in space, but only a select few have done it. Opening on Oct. 10, those who have lived in space will share their experiences with visitors in our newest traveling exhibition, Journey to Space.

Using hands-on and large-scale interactive exhibits and multimedia components, Journey to Space gives visitors a glimpse at the extraordinary conditions of human space travel, as well as the unique challenges and rewards of life on board the International Space Station.

1945–1979 Quilts explores changing trends in American quilting from the end of World War II through the resurgence of the craft in the late 1970s. The exhibit highlights the evolution of styles, colors, and fabrics over three transformative decades.

Early quilts reflect patriotic themes and palettes inspired by the postwar period, while quilts from the 1950s introduce new patterns and fresh color combinations. By the 1960s and 1970s, quilters pushed creative boundaries, experimenting with bold colors, unconventional fabrics and expressive designs.

The 1823 Artisan Guild will be holding a first quarter art show in 2026 titled Reimagining the Masters, and they are currently taking entries!

The goal is recreating or reimagining masterpieces, capturing the mood but not duplicating the exact composition. This keeps it legal, original and creative! The show will open on Feb. 28, 2026, with the entry window closing on February 27, 2026.

The 1823 Artisan Guild is open Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

For More Information call: (478) 993-1823 or visit their website.

Land and Sea Georgia, an exhibition by renowned metal and jewelry artist Barbara Mann, will be on view Jan. 30 through March 7 at the Madison Artists Guild Gallery. 

Mann’s work references flora and fauna ranging from pokeweed and pine trees to sea algae, oysters, sea turtles and microscopic marine life. The exhibition celebrates the interconnectedness of these environments and reflects a deep respect for the natural world.

The Madison Artists Guild Gallery is open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Roll over to the St. Pawtrick’s Dog Costume Contest at 10 AM at Pitts Toyota to see who is crowned the ulti-mutt St. Patrick’s pup! Contest categories include: Best Costume, Best Trick, Biggest Dog, Smallest Dog, Dog/Owner Look Alike, and more! Interested in competing? Registration is on-site and is $10 per dog. Spectating is free. Proceeds benefit the Dublin-Laurens County Humane Society. Don't miss out on the action of the other St. Patrick's festivities taking place as part of Dublin's monthlong St. Patrick's Festival!

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

Petting Zoo Painters

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. 
• 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.
• 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