Community Events

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

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.

Macon Little Theatre presents the original play by Macon-born writer Kevin Ray Johnson - "The Unpredictable Times"

Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays @ 8 p.m.

Sundays @ 2:30 p.m.

Five lifelong friends reunite hoping for one last unforgettable summer before facing the "real world." As they navigate unresolved tensions from the past, they must decide if their childhood bond is strong enough. Both heartfelt and thought-provoking, this powerful coming-of-age story will resonate with audiences.

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.

Seating is first come, first serve. Gates open at 7 p.m. Concert starts at 8 p.m.

Sammy Hanson is considered by most to be the most promising young jazz pianist in the Atlanta area and a dynamic musician whose artistry shines through in every improvised note. With a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance from Florida State University, he brings over 18 years of musical experience to the stage—garnering acclaim in prestigious competitions like the Savannah Swing Central Jazz Festival, Essentially Ellington at Lincoln Center, the Jack Rudin Jazz Championship, and enchanting audiences at Carnegie Hall and the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica.

Now based in Atlanta, The Sammy Hanson Quartet just released its 2025 debut album, which captures the spontaneity and emotion of live performance.

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.

Hot Air Balloons light the skies over Dublin Civitan Fairgrounds each night from 5:30 PM to 9 PM with an afternoon balloon launch, evening balloon glow, bounce houses, rides, concessions, and live musical entertainment. Admission is free.
Weather & wind permitting. Tethered rides available.

This annual two-day food and music festival is a "can't-miss" event for music lovers and foodies alike. The Wing & Rock Fest is free and features regional tribute acts and chicken wings from some of the best restaurants and food trucks in the South. Wing-slingin’ experts will be selling more than 60 flavors of wings that are grilled, fried and smoked. 

This year's entertainment line up features multiple live tribute bands, School of Rock House Band and DJ Suspence. Other activities include the vendor arts and crafts market, kids' activities and wing-eating contests.  

Voted one of the Top 10 Food Festivals in the Southeast by Festival Rooster and Parade Magazine. The festival is expecting over 20,000 in attendance this year and is the third largest chicken-wing festival in the country.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Website:  www.wingandrockfest.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/wingandrockfest/

Twitter & Instagram:  @WingandRockFest

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/wingandrockfest

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QidvntY_E7s

Photos: https://www.facebook.com/wingandrockfest/photos

Event Hash tag #WingandRock

ADDITIONAL INFO OR INSTRUCTIONS:

Event Contact:  wingnrockfest@gmail.com or (404) 456-4655 

Vendor Application:  https://forms.gle/WJAEQSRbMebynKZWA

Calling all night owls for a Family NightCrawler!

Spend the night at Zoo Atlanta for 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 families with children ages 6+.

Participating families 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. 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, an up-close Animal Encounter with some of Zoo Atlanta’s small Ambassador Animals, and morning visits to animal habitats to see how our Animal Care Specialists help the animals start their day. Participating families are invited to stay and enjoy the Zoo at their leisure at the completion of the 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. Don’t forget to pack your sleeping bag!
• 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!

Upcoming Dates:
September 13, 2025
November 8, 2025
February 28, 2026
March 21, 2026
May 16, 2026

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

Member Cost: $100 | Non-Member 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).

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

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.

Macon Little Theatre presents the original play by Macon-born writer Kevin Ray Johnson - "The Unpredictable Times"

Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays @ 8 p.m.

Sundays @ 2:30 p.m.

Five lifelong friends reunite hoping for one last unforgettable summer before facing the "real world." As they navigate unresolved tensions from the past, they must decide if their childhood bond is strong enough. Both heartfelt and thought-provoking, this powerful coming-of-age story will resonate with audiences.

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.

Seating is first come, first serve. Gates open at 7 p.m. Concert starts at 8 p.m.

Sammy Hanson is considered by most to be the most promising young jazz pianist in the Atlanta area and a dynamic musician whose artistry shines through in every improvised note. With a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance from Florida State University, he brings over 18 years of musical experience to the stage—garnering acclaim in prestigious competitions like the Savannah Swing Central Jazz Festival, Essentially Ellington at Lincoln Center, the Jack Rudin Jazz Championship, and enchanting audiences at Carnegie Hall and the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica.

Now based in Atlanta, The Sammy Hanson Quartet just released its 2025 debut album, which captures the spontaneity and emotion of live performance.

We are excited to invite you to our annual Spring Celebration, the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival held at the beautiful Georgia International Horse Park!

The 2026 event marks 45 years of the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival in Conyers. Shop among unique art and craft exhibitors, eat your way through the multiple food courts, enjoy cultural performances, listen to live music and play in the children's area.

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.

If you're a fan of delicious chicken wings, incredible music and a lively atmosphere, clear your calendar for the Wing and Rock Festival! For 19 years, this two-day extravaganza has been happening at the Etowah River Park in Canton. This expansive 80-acre park, complete with an open-air amphitheater and ample parking, provides the perfect backdrop for a weekend packed with flavor and fun.

Recognized as one of the top festivals in the Southeast by Georgia Business Journal, Festival Rooster and Parade Magazine, this free family-friendly event offers something for everyone.

A wing lover's paradise

More than 25 restaurants and food trucks will be serving up more than 75 flavors of chicken wings, all grilled, fried or smoked to perfection. Whether you prefer classic buffalo or something more adventurous, you're sure to find your new favorite. Wash down those mouthwatering wings with an ice-cold beer or a refreshing cocktail.

Entertainment

While you're savoring those wings, enjoy a lineup of live entertainment. This year's stage will feature multiple rock tribute bands, DJ Suspense and the School of Rock House Band, ensuring a high-energy soundtrack for the entire weekend.  Featured tribute bands this year include M.E.R.M.E.R. (R.E.M.), Ozzy Crue (Ozzy Osborne / Motley Crue), TORN, Six Feet From the Edge (Creed) & Can't Drive 55 (Sammy Hagar).

Other activities include:

• Arts and crafts market
• Farmers market
• A dedicated Kid Zone
• Wing-eating contests
• The Best Wing Competition & People's Choice Award for the ultimate wings!

As the third-largest chicken wing festival in the country, the Wing and Rock Festival is expected to attract more than 20,000 attendees this year. Don't miss out on this unforgettable celebration of wings, music and fun!