Fun Atlanta Events for Spring and Summer 2014
RUN/WALKS
March 8
Dental Dash at Dawn 5K – www.dddfoundation.org
This 5K will take place at Historic Fourth Ward Park and benefits the Dentistry for the Developmentally Disabled Foundation, Inc. This is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier event.
March 9
Shamrock ‘N Roll Race www.jlatlanta.org
Kick up your kilt on the streets of Atlantic Station to help raise funds for the Junior League of Atlanta.
“Participants can expect not only a fun race experience but a great party as well. Throughout the 5K and 10K course, racers will be motivated by the music of bands and DJs and hydrated by the great course support at each mile. At the end of the race, finishers will leave with a Peachtree qualifier time.”
– Amy McClain, Shamrock ‘N Roll Road Race Chair, 2013-2014
The 30th Annual Hunger Walk/Run www.hwr2014.org
The 5K benefits the Atlanta Community Food Bank and five other local non-profits with hunger relief programs.
March 15
Badass Dash www.badassdash.com
Run, jog or walk through more than 25 obstacles over a 7K course. The event includes different divisions and proceeds support Autism Speaks.
March 22
Andee’s Army 5K Run/Walk www.andeesarmy.com
Honoring 17-year-old Andee Poulos, this 5K supports families and children who are receiving medical treatment for non-traumatic brain injuries.
Bacon Chase 5K www.baconchase.com
Enjoy bacon-themed activities, music and more at this fun 5K. Bacon Chase has partnered with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
March 23
Publix Georgia Marathon and Expo www.marathon2014.com
Run with more than 16,000 runners through the city’s historic neighborhoods.
March 29
Gwinnett Medical Center Obesity Awareness 5K Walk www.gwinnettbariatrics.org/walk
All proceeds will help the Gwinnett Medical Center Foundation fight obesity.
April 5
Great Urban Race www.greaturbanrace.com
Teams solve clues, tackle challenges and compete for cash prizes in this race.
The Color Run www.thecolorrun.com
The “Happiest 5K on the Planet” concludes with massive color throws.
ROC Race 5K www.rocrace.com/atlanta
This untimed race features 12 larger-than-life obstacles and is open to anyone ages 13 and up.
April 12
Atlanta Georgia Dirty Girl Mud Run www.godirtygirl.com
Dirty Girl empowers women to be proactive with their breast and ovarian health and provides free registration to cancer survivors.
April 19
Fight for Air Climb www.lung.org
Benefiting the American Lung Association, this unique challenge invites participants to tackle 51 floors at One Ninety One Peachtree Towers.
April 26
March for Babies www.marchofdimes.com/georgia
Join people passionate about reducing the number of Georgia’s premature births.
Atlanta 2014 Great Amazing Race www.greatamazingrace.com
This family-friendly obstacle course is modeled after the TV show “The Amazing Race.”
May 3
Stache Dash Atlanta www.onelovestachedash.com
Come participate in a race dedicated to mustaches, the Macarena and Mariachi music. Registration is $25, and all proceeds benefit One Love Generation.
May 10
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure www.komenatlanta.org
This race, which starts at Lenox Square Mall, includes 5K and 1-mile options.
May 31
Kidney Walk www.donate.kidney.org
Take part in the nation’s largest walk to fight kidney disease, held at Turner Field.
June 7
Strong4Life Superhero Sprint www.choa.org
Held at Piedmont Park, this event will benefit the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Strong4Life movement.
July 4
Peachtree Road Race www.peachtreeroadrace.org
Don’t miss one of the premier Fourth of July traditions in Atlanta. Sponsored by The Atlanta Track Club, this is the world’s largest 10K road race.
FESTIVALS/PARADES
March 8
Taste and Brews www.tasteandbrews.com
Come enjoy unlimited tastings of over 100 beer and wine offerings and sample food from local food trucks.
March 15
Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade www.stpatsparadeatlanta.com
The parade will feature Irish dancers, musicians, parade balloons, floats and marching bands.
March 20-23
Southern Fried Burlesque Festival www.southernfriedburlesquefest.com
This four-day event features a creative and talented group of variety performers.
March 22-29
Atlanta Science Festival www.atlantasciencefestival.org
Atlanta residents of all ages will explore the science and technology through activities, facility tours and more.
March 22-23
The 33rd Annual Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival www.conyerscherryblossomfest.com
Enjoy a free weekend of music, dance, games, food and crafts.
March 28 – April 6
The Atlanta Film Festival www.atlantafilmfestival.com
Take in a diverse range of independent, animated, documentary and short films selected from more than 3,000 submissions.
March 28-30
Laughing Skull Comedy Festival www.laughingdevil.com
This five-day event welcomes comedy industry professionals from all over the U.S. and Canada.
March 29
Baconfest www.dadsgarage.com
Founded in 2000, the festival combines cold beer and sizzlin’ bacon with live music, carnival games and unforgettable entertainment. This year it has moved to a new location at The Masquerade.
“This year’s event is basically the same kind of experience as last year only turned up to an 11. Like beer? Well, we’re going have more of it! We’re also inviting more community partners, so that we can offer more interactive booth experiences with the help of cool, local businesses. If you are all about the bacon, we will be serving up by far the most bacon in the history of Baconfest, so people will be guaranteed all the savory pork strips they can handle.”
– Kevin Gillese, Artistic Director, Dad’s Garage Theatre
April 5
The Beer Carnival www.thebeercarnival.com
At Atlantic Station, enjoy games, carnival rides and more than 100 beers.
April 5-6
Spring Festival on Ponce www.festivalonponce.com
Enjoy the landscape of Olmsted Linear Park along with over 125 displays of both fine arts and crafts.
April 11-13
Atlanta Dogwood Festival www.dogwood.org
The festival features a juried Fine Artist Market and a Backyard Barbecue & Brews VIP experience.
April 12-13
Sandy Springs Artsapalooza www.sandyspringsartsapalooza.com
Experience art in the streets of Sandy Springs along with a children’s play area, musicians and interactive art stations.
April 18-20
Sweetwater 420 Fest www.sweetwater420fest.com
In addition to fantastic music and beer, this three-day festival is an Earth Day celebration.
“We are celebrating our 10-year anniversary, and we’ve moved the festival to Centennial Olympic Park. The weekend will be jam-packed with a diverse lineup of great live music, a comedy tent, The SweetWater Experience craft beer event, tasty beers, a KidsZone, local artist market, Planet 420 – a non-profit and environmental village – and even a dedicated 5K road race.”
– Jennifer Bensch, Sweetwater 420 Festival Promoter and Principal at Happy Ending Productions
April 25-27
Inman Park Festival www.inmanparkfestival.org
Atlanta’s largest street market offers music, kids’ activities, a tour of homes, a street parade and an artists’ market.
April 26-27
Alpharetta Arts Streetfest www.alpharetta.ga.us
This is a yearly celebration of the arts in the Alpharetta Historic District.
April 26
Heritage Sandy Springs BeerFest www.hssbeerfest.com
Sip a selection of over 70 specialty beers at this fun fest.
April 26-27
Spring Jonquil Festival www.smyrnacity.com
Held on the Village Green in Smyrna, the festival will feature over 175 arts and crafts booths, puppet shows and live music.
April 27
Taste of East Point www.downtowneastpoint.com
Taste an eclectic mix of food from local restaurants and food trucks from the South Metro area.
April 27
Taste of Marietta www.tasteofmarietta.com
Held at the Historic Marietta Square, this annual food festival showcases Cobb County restaurants and caterers.
May 4
Fiesta Atlanta www.fiestaatlanta.com
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Centennial Olympic Park with Mexican folk dancing, a 5K run/walk and international food.
May 10-11
Buckhead Spring Arts & Crafts Festival www.buckheadartsfestival.com
Join 175 artists and artisans for two days of live acoustic music and delicious local food.
May 17-25
Buckhead Restaurant Week www.atlrestaurantweek.com
Atlanta Restaurant Weeks is comprised of three nine-day events where you can take advantage of fixed-price menus at popular restaurants.
May 20-June 8
Decatur Arts Festival www.decaturartsfestival.com
This annual event includes a juried arts exhibition, an art walk and an artist market.
May 24
Atlanta Caribbean Carnival www.atlantacarnival.org
The Parade of Bands begins on Ralph McGill and ends with the Festival Village on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
May 29-June 1
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival www.atlfoodandwinefestival.com
Take part in the first culinary weekend in the nation dedicated to showcasing the food and beverage traditions of the Southern region.
“This year’s event will take guests even deeper into the South and our rich food and beverage traditions. We’ll explore colonial cuisine, highlight immigrant farmers and showcase our region’s Asian influence. We are particularly excited to explore the notion of culinary diplomacy and to feature a select group of award-winning international chefs who, like our wonderful Southern chefs, share an interest in breaking bread, giving back and improving communities one meal at a time.”
– Elizabeth Feichter, co-founder of the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
May 31-June 1
Peachtree Hills Festival of the Arts www.peachtreehillsfestival.com
This free, two-day arts and crafts event is held along a tree-lined area near Peachtree Hills Park.
June 6-8
Through the Veil: Metaphysical & Spiritual Festival www.throughtheveil.org
Explore your beliefs in spirituality, metaphysics and the supernatural with the most notable presenters in the field at the Marriott Marquis.
June 7
Rock the Cure Brews and Blues www.jdrfrockthecure.org
This annual brews and blues event at Sweetwater Brewery features live music, local beer, food and raffle prizes.
June 7-8
Virginia Highland Summerfest www.vahi.org/summerfest
Join in the excitement of this non-profit event which includes the artists’ market, live music, a food market and the 5K road race and Tot Trot.
June 11-14
AtlantaFest2014 www.atlantafest.com
Take in four days of music and ministry from today’s top Christian artists at Stone Mountain Park.
June 15
Real Men Cook www.realmencook.com/atlanta.html
Celebrate Father’s Day at the Georgia World Congress Center by sampling 150 dishes and mixing with celebrities.
June 28-29
Old Fourth Ward Park Arts Festival www.oldfourthwardparkartsfestival.com
This two-day celebration is presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces and honors the rich history of the community.
July 3-5
Fantastic Fourth Celebration www.stonemountainpark.com
Enjoy fun-filled summer entertainment and the must-see fireworks show.
July 19-20
Black Culinary Expo Tour www.blackculinaryexpo.com
This expo features everything from Creole and Cajun to American and African cuisines.
August 23-24
Grant Park Summer Shade Festival www.summershadefestival.org
Enjoy live music, activities for kids and a 5K Run for the Park which raises money for the Grant Park Conservancy.
August 29-31
Labor Day Weekend at Stone Mountain Park www.stonemountainpark.com
Take in the Lasershow Spectacular and a special fireworks display on all three nights.
August 29-31
Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival www.callawaygardens.com
Float above Callaway Gardens at their annual hot air balloon festival, which kicks off with a Friday Night Balloon Glow.
August 30-September 1
Art in the Park in Marietta Square www.artparkmarietta.com
This annual event has been a Labor Day Weekend tradition in Marietta since 1986 and celebrates local and national artists.
CULTURAL EXHIBITS/CONCERTS
March 1-2
Meditation Retreat www.meditationcircle.org
Hosted by the Georgia Meditation Center, this two-day retreat introduces the basics of meditation skills and their application to improve your life.
March 4-9
Once www.foxtheatre.org
Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Once makes its Atlanta debut at the Fox Theatre.
March 14-16
Atlanta Craft Council Show www.craftcouncil.org/shows/2014
Celebrate all things handmade and explore the ACC’s annual juried marketplace.
March 21-23
The 36th Annual Spring Atlanta Home Show www.atlantahomeshow.com
This is Georgia’s largest home show and will feature 350 exhibitors, speakers, live radio broadcasts, giveaways and demonstrations.
“While the show is certainly educational, it’s also a lot of fun. The SeeThru House is larger than ever and staffed with experts who can walk you through what’s behind the walls, under the floor and over the ceiling in a typical home. The Beer Garden is a lively gathering place for attendees to get ideas on how to create a landscaped leisure area in their own landscape, and enjoy a beer tasting and silent auction with proceeds benefiting Hope Atlanta.”
– Michael Schoppenhorst, director of the Atlanta Home Show and president of SEMCO Productions
March 21
The Moody Blues www.foxtheatre.org
Don’t miss the Timeless Flight Tour at the Fox Theatre.
March 22
Crosby, Stills & Nash www.foxtheatre.org
Visit the Fox Theatre to see folk rock super group Crosby, Stills and Nash.
March 26-30
Atlanta International Auto Show www.goautoshow.com
Come see this annual showcase of over 400 new 2014 imported and domestic cars, light trucks, vans and sports utility vehicles.
March 29-30
Legacy Wine & Culinary Experience www.lakelanierislands.com
Tour Wolf Mountain Vineyard and Winery and taste unique wine and food pairings during this weekend retreat at the Lake Lanier Islands Resort.
April 10
Jazz on the Green at Emory www.arts.emory.edu
The Emory Jazz Combos present an evening of free, outdoor jazz on Patterson Green.
April 10-27
The Lion King www.foxtheatre.org
Experience the Tony Award-winning adaptation of the Disney classic.
April 19
Atlanta Steeplechase www.atlantasteeplechase.org
The most exciting horse racing in Georgia takes place at Kingston Downs and benefits the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.
April 22
Earth Day at The Garden www.atlantabotanicalgarden.com
Attend ladybug releases and learn about the Garden’s conservation programs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
April 25
Symphony on the Sand www.callawaygardens.com
Join the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra on Callaway Gardens’ Robin Lake Beach for their Symphony on the Sand.
April 26-27
Alive! Expo www.aliveexpo.com
Get your green on at this wholesome expo featuring natural, organic food, fashion and products for your family, pets and home.
April 27
Be the Model Fashion Show www.mannafund.org
Manna Fund’s fashion show event promotes positive relationships with food and a healthy body image for youth.
May 1-11
Hidden Heroes: The Genius of Everyday Things www.museumofdesign.org
Learn about the design of 36 ordinary objects that have revolutionized the way we live.
May 3
Dancing Stars of Atlanta www.dancingstarsofatlanta2014.com
Reinventing the TV show “Dancing with the Stars,” this event raises funds for the Georgia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
“This year, you can expect to see some of Atlanta’s favorite news anchors on the judges’ panel. Former ‘Dancing With the Stars’ choreographer Jonathan Doone will serve as our professional dance judge.”
– Lisa Fuller, 2014 Dancing Stars of Atlanta Chair
May 17
Garrison Keillor’s “A Prairie Home Companion” www.foxtheatre.org
See a live broadcast performance of the famed radio variety show.
May 17-18
Gluten & Allergen Free Expo www.gfafexpo.com
Explore new products and attend educational sessions at this expo.
May 31
Bubble Palooza Breast Cancer Survivor Event www.komenatlanta.org
This celebration of survivorship takes place at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds.
June 3-8
Evita www.foxtheatre.org
Don’t miss Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical.
June 7-8
Atlanta Southeastern Women’s Expo www.womensexpoatlanta.com
Plan to attend this expo that includes shopping, delicious food, fashion shows, free health screenings, cooking demonstrations and even relaxing facials.
June 14
Lost Oasis 2014 – South Pacific Soirée www.fernbankmuseum.org
Join the Artemis Guild for their annual Lost Oasis benefit at the Fernbank Museum. Come wearing your island attire.
August 25
22nd Annual Jeffrey Fashion Cares Atlanta www.jeffreyfashioncares.com
The annual event benefits the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Atlanta Affiliate and the Atlanta AIDS Fund.
SPORTS/SPORTING EVENTS
April 8
Braves vs. Mets, Season Opener www.atlanta.braves.mlb.com
The Braves take on the Mets at their first home game of the season, beginning at 7:10 p.m.
April 19
Lee Haney’s Sports & Fitness Challenge www.leehaney.com/fitnesschallenge
This challenge has age divisions for everyone. A portion of proceeds from this event benefits Haney’s Harvest House Mentoring Program.
April 19
Atlanta Silverbacks Season Opener www.atlantasilverbacks.com
Watch Atlanta’s own soccer team take on the San Antonio Scorpions for one of only four home games in their spring season.
July 19-27
BB&T Atlanta Open www.bbtatlantaopen.com
This Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) World Tour 250 Event takes place at Atlantic Station, with Atlanta being the first men’s event in the nine-tournament series leading up the U.S. Open.
