Community Events

Rainbows of color drape the pews of the First Methodist Church from 10 AM to 2 PM at the St. Patrick's Annual Quilt Show. Find unique, handmade quilts with detailed blocking and stitching to fit every personality. Admission is free. Donations are welcome. This official St. Patrick's event is part of "Super Saturday" which is the biggest day of celebration for Dublin's month long St. Patrick's Festival!

This Super Saturday, Dublin GA is jammin' in the streets during Music and Munchies! The Tams and Emerald Empire Band rock the crowd while local vendors supply the snacks. Tickets are $25 at the gate. Gates open at 4:30 PM; show starts at 5 PM.

Everyone’s a wee bit Irish during the Dublin St. Patrick’s Parade in historic Downtown Dublin GA. Get those Irish eyes smiling as hundreds of floats take to Jackson Street at 10 AM on Super Saturday, March 14th.

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

Educator Appreciation Day at the Zoo

Saturday, March 14, 2026

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Join Zoo Atlanta for the 2026 Spring Educator Appreciation Day!  

Educators enjoy free admission and discounts for accompanying guests on March 14, 2026.  

Same-day registration will be available at the educator check-in area located across from Zoo Admissions. 

The discount applies to active teachers, local and out-of-state educators, informal educators, and administrative support staff. Educators must present a valid educator ID or relevant documentation and a photo ID to take advantage of these discounts. Up to four family members or guests accompanying educators will enjoy $5 off general admission on the day of the event. In addition, educators receive discounts around the Zoo. Educators are encouraged to visit our variety of educational booths throughout the Zoo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to meet Zoo team members and learn more about our educational programming and professional learning.   

Biomechanics Day: Animals in Motion
Held in conjunction with the Atlanta Science Festival on March 14

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

Biomechanics Day: Animals in Motion will be a day of learning and experiencing biomechanics of animals from around the world. This event will feature representatives from the Georgia Institute of Technology and other universities, sharing their work on biomechanics and Bio-inspired Design with Zoo Atlanta guests through live demonstrations and presentations sure to engage budding scientists of all ages! By the end of the day, we hope attendees leave excited about biomechanics, real-world applications of Bio-inspired Design, and pursuit of the scientific method when thinking about biology in the classroom and beyond. 

Biomechanics Day activities are free for Zoo Atlanta Members and children under 3; free with general admission. 

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.

All makes and models welcome. Bring your best muscle, grit and chrome.

9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

Food vendors | Game trailer | Macon-Bibb Sheriff and Fire Department | Face painting

Judging begins at noon.

Cash awards will be given for:

Best of Show ($200)

Best Ford ($100)

Best GM ($100)

Best Mopar ($100)

Best Truck / Jeep ($100)

Best Import ($100)

Kid's Choice ($100)

Plaques for Top 15 

$25 Entry Fee

Door prizes ($25 Bass Pro Shops Gift Cards), announced every half-hour, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Mark Your calendars! Pope's Museum is having its first 5K Fundraiser on March 14. Come join us as we build community, continue restoration efforts and shine the spotlight on Women Veterans. Registration is at 7:30 a.m. and the event begins at 8 a.m. This event is for all ages, walkers and runners alike. Help Pope's Museum continue to serve those who have served us.

NOTE: The host is Pope's Museum and the race is being held in downtown Cairo.  It begins and ends at Davis Park in Cairo.  

https://www.facebook.com/share/1JfKhEV8DF 

Parade starts at 11 a.m.

Pull out your wackiest green outfits, don your tallest top hats and let your inner leprechaun shine!

The Blue Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade is an open invitation to revel in the holiday spirit—walk, bring a float or cheer wildly from the sidelines.

No registration is needed—just bring your enthusiasm, rain or shine.

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.

Celebrating five years of Model Train Shows in Cartersville!

Saturday March 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday March 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Model Train Show features fun for the whole family. There will be 8 operating layouts, 180 vendor tables, "White Elephant," raffle layout, train set giveaway, scavenger hunt for the kids.

We have special entry for Early Birds on Saturday, 9-10 a.m. $25.00 (this also covers general admission for both days).

Early Bird Admission 9 a.m.-5 p.m., $25.00

General Admission 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $10.00

Kids 9 and under are free both days.

Purchase tickets online at: ThePiedmontDivisionModelTrainShow.com

Contact: moreinfo@themodeltrainshow.com

We kick off the beautiful spring season with one of the most exciting events of the year: The Forsythia Festival. This free, family-friendly event takes place March 14-15 in downtown Forsyth.

Activities include: a two-day arts and crafts show, food vendors, local restaurant special hours, 5K run, live entertainment and more! Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

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.

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.

Imagine running a show when all of your stars are birds!

Become a Trainer for a Day at the World of Wild Theater presented by Georgia Natural Gas, and see firsthand how training is used to care for and connect guests to the birds while participating in the Fantastic Flights presentation!

Work alongside the Ambassador Animals Team to experience how these feathered friends showcase their unique adaptations in these presentations and learn about the positive reinforcement training that ensures that all of the birds are participating voluntarily.   This behind-the-scenes look at Fantastic Flights and its amazing participants will give you a greater appreciation for the term “bird brain” and the important relationships between the birds and their care team. 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 Ambassador Animals 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:
Sunday, January 18
Sunday, February 8
Sunday, March 15
Sunday, April 26
Sunday, May 10

Time(s): 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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.