Community Events
The following Calendar of Events listings have been provided by event venues, individual organizers and readers of Georgia Magazine.
Event details and costs are subject to change; please check the individual event websites for any cancellations and postponements.
Looking for the events printed in this
month’s issue of Georgia Magazine? Click here.
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Regions are determined by the Georgia Department of Economic Development. See its online calendar at exploregeorgia.org for additional events.
Event List
- Northeast Georgia MountainsCraft Fair
The Hartwell Pre-4th Extravaganza Downtown Festival, hosted by the Hart County Service League (HSL), will take place around the Courthouse Square in Hartwell.
This festival is the highlight of Hartwell’s summer, with the money raised funding HSL's community-service projects for the year.
It's a whole weekend of fun for the community, and HSL takes pride in providing a family reunion-type feel for our vendors, community and friends who return each year.
- Northeast Georgia MountainsOutdoors
Experience the magic of the Pre-4th Fireworks Celebration at Long Point Recreation Area, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Hartwell. Join us for an unforgettable evening, starting with food trucks and live entertainment, before the sky lights up with a spectacular fireworks display. This event is the perfect way to conclude Hartwell's biggest weekend.
- Atlanta MetroEducation, Kids & Family, Leisure & Recreation, Other, Outdoors
PARENTS, ENJOY A WELL-DESERVED NIGHT OFF!
Send your kids to the Zoo for a wildly fun and educational evening with our trained educators.
Activities are purposefully designed for children ages 5-11 and include a guided after-hours tour of the Zoo, games and activities, crafts, story time and a pizza dinner.
UPCOMING SUMMER 2024 DATES:
June 15
June 29
July 13
July 27TIME:
5-9 p.m.AGE RANGE:
5-11 years oldCOST:
$42 per childMEMBER COST:
$35 per childTHEMES:
- June 15: Night Flyers – Owls and Bats
- June 29: Radical Reptiles – Turtles, Lizards and Snakes
- July 13: Bird Brains – Songbirds, Raptors and Waterfowl
- July 27: Savanna Giants – Elephants, Giraffes and Rhinos
- Atlanta MetroKids & Family, Other, Outdoors
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.COST: $75 per group of up to four people, + individual Zoo Admission | Includes one painting per group of four people.
MEMBER COST: $67.50 | Includes one painting per group of four people.
AGE RANGE: All ages
AGE SPECIFICATIONS:
- Youths 15 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- There must be one adult in attendance with each registration.
- Youth 3 and under must remain with their adult group members at all times.
- Atlanta MetroCommunity, Concert
Roll down the windows, gas up the truck, and take a road trip down Route 66 with the Strand Ole Opry for June’s down-home country music jamboree!
The Strand Ole Opry features a band of talented musicians on the banjo, upright bass, fiddle, guitar (and maybe a washboard or two), a host of guest vocalists and good ole southern storytelling for an afternoon of folksy entertainment on The Strand stage.
The Strand Ole Opry series is sponsored by the law firm of O'Dell, O'Neal, Hungerford & Blanchard.
- Atlanta MetroKids & Family, Other, Outdoors
Meet the ancient giants of Aldabra Atoll. See and feed one of the world’s largest living tortoise species in the only Wild Encounter experience that allows guests to share the same space with the animals.
The Aldabra Tortoise Wild Encounter is unique in that participants can experience meeting a tortoise up close, inside their habitat.
- Meet at the Aldabra giant tortoise habitat at Scaly Slimy Spectacular 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter.
- Please note that this encounter brings you up-close to an animal in a staff-only area with an Animal Care Team member but does take place in public view.
DAYS AVAILABLE:
Every Monday, Friday and Saturday at 3:15 p.m.COST: $45 + Zoo admission | MEMBER COST: $41
AGE RANGE: 4 and up
AGE SPECIFICATIONS:
- Children must be 4 years old and up to participate.
- Children 15 years old and under must be accompanied by a ticketed Wild Encounter adult.
- There must be one ticketed Wild Encounter adult for every two ticketed children, 15 years old and under.
- Atlanta MetroCommunity
Get ready for an incredible evening of fun, music and fireworks as we celebrate Lawrenceville's Prelude to the Fourth! Join us at the Lawrenceville Lawn on July 3 for a festive, family-friendly event that is free and perfect for all ages.
Gather around the Lawn with blankets and chairs and enjoy delicious snacks and treats from a variety of food trucks. Live music will provide the soundtrack to an unforgettable night of fun.
As the night wears on, we'll be gearing up for a spectacular fireworks show that will light up the sky with bursts of color and excitement. It's the perfect way to get in the mood for the Fourth of July and celebrate our community's spirit and strength.
Be sure to catch us at all our concerts. With LIVE in the DTL, you won't want to miss a beat!
**Due to large crowds and loud fireworks, pets are discouraged at this event**
- Northwest GeorgiaCraft Fair
The annual 1945 Fair in Dade County Georgia is the 4th of July event that you will really enjoy. It is packed with activities for the whole family all day long. There will be great singers, children’s activities, arts and craft displays, food vendors and more to enjoy. No admission charged! No pets of any type are allowed.
The evening is concluded with a spectacular fireworks show that will dazzle and amaze everyone who sees it!
The fun begins at 12 noon on the Main Stage and ends at 11 p.m. with fireworks!
- Georgia's CoastKids & Family
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!
- -Northeast Georgia Mountains, Northwest GeorgiaKids & Family, Leisure & Recreation
Enjoy a 40-minute, 5-mile round trip ride in open-air railroad motor cars. The train departs the Historic Depot, traveling through the Iron Bridge over the beautiful Toccoa River, climbing the grade out of the river valley and then returning to the depot. There, participants can view the extensive museum-quality model railroad representing the L&N railroad in the Tri-State area, circa 1948-52.
The first trip departs at noon and the last at 3 p.m. Model Railroad is accessible. Ride may be accessible depending on rider's ability to transfer!
Suggested Donation: MOTOR CAR Ride- $15.00, age 13 and older. $5.00 Children 3-12. Under 3, free.
HAND CAR - $ 2 per person/per trip.
Mini Hand Car Ride and entry to Model Railroad, free to all ages. Free Parking.
- -Atlanta MetroKids & Family, Other, Outdoors
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.
- Please note that availability is limited for all Wild Encounters.
DAYS AVAILABLE:
Every Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m.COST: $130 + Zoo admission | MEMBER COST: $117
AGE RANGE: 4 and up
AGE SPECIFICATIONS:
- Children must be 4 years old and up to participate.
- Children 15 years old and under must be accompanied by a ticketed Wild Encounter adult.
- There must be one ticketed Wild Encounter adult for every two ticketed children, 15 years old and under.
- -Atlanta MetroEducation, Kids & Family, Other, Outdoors
We can’t plan a trip to Madagascar for you, but we can help you meet one of its most iconic native species. Experience our Lemur Wild Encounter!
Meet and feed some of the amazing primates that make the island of Madagascar one of Earth’s richest and most dynamic natural ecosystems, and learn what you can do to help one of the most endangered groups of mammals on the planet.
- Meet outside the entrance to The Living Treehouse 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter.
- Please note that availability is limited for all Wild Encounters.
DAYS AVAILABLE:
Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11 a.m.COST: $45 + Zoo admission | MEMBER COST: $41
AGE RANGE: 4 and up
AGE SPECIFICATIONS:
- Children must be 4 years old and up to participate.
- Children 15 years old and under must be accompanied by a ticketed Wild Encounter adult.
- There must be one ticketed Wild Encounter adult for every two ticketed children, 15 years old and under.
- -Atlanta MetroKids & Family, Other, Outdoors
Meet the ancient giants of Aldabra Atoll. See and feed one of the world’s largest living tortoise species in the only Wild Encounter experience that allows guests to share the same space with the animals.
The Aldabra Tortoise Wild Encounter is unique in that participants can experience meeting a tortoise up close, inside their habitat.
- Meet at the Aldabra giant tortoise habitat at Scaly Slimy Spectacular 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter.
- Please note that this encounter brings you up-close to an animal in a staff-only area with an Animal Care Team member but does take place in public view.
DAYS AVAILABLE:
Every Monday, Friday and Saturday at 3:15 p.m.COST: $45 + Zoo admission | MEMBER COST: $41
AGE RANGE: 4 and up
AGE SPECIFICATIONS:
- Children must be 4 years old and up to participate.
- Children 15 years old and under must be accompanied by a ticketed Wild Encounter adult.
- There must be one ticketed Wild Encounter adult for every two ticketed children, 15 years old and under.
- -Atlanta MetroKids & Family, Other, Outdoors
We welcome you to the wild world of warthogs! Come explore what it takes to care for these charismatic creatures and their neighbors in the African Savanna.
Do warthogs really have warts? Get an up-close look and see! Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Zoo Atlanta’s African Savanna and give the warthogs a favorite treat. You’ll also meet members of the Zoo’s Animal Care Team and find out what goes into the care of warthogs and other savanna animals.
- Meet outside the warthog habitat near the SweetWater Beer Garden 15 minutes (at 12:45) before the Wild Encounter to check in.
- Please note that availability is limited for all Wild Encounters.
- This encounter is not ADA accessible.
- All guests must wear closed-toed shoes on this encounter.
DAYS AVAILABLE:
Every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 1 p.m.COST: $45 + Zoo admission | MEMBER COST: $41
AGE RANGE: 4 and up
AGE SPECIFICATIONS:
- Children must be 4 years old and up to participate.
- Children 15 years old and under must be accompanied by a ticketed Wild Encounter adult.
- There must be one ticketed Wild Encounter adult for every two ticketed children 15 years old and under.
- Magnolia MidlandsOutdoors
Located on Madison Street in Downtown Dublin GA, the Market on Madison is a premier open-air venue buzzing with activity. A community-driven experience, vendors and visitors come together to celebrate the richness of local flavors each Saturday morning 7:30 AM until 12:30 PM from April through mid October. Patrons can also find a variety of handmade crafts and original art, and find fun activities for the Little Sprouts throughout the season! Over the last several years, Dublin’s Farmers Market has experienced much growth, noting more than 30 vendors each week and 350 patrons during peak produce season.
- Magnolia MidlandsKids & Family
Let freedom ring with an Independence Day Celebration in Dublin from 6 PM to 10 PM. The party really takes off in the afternoon with the annual Wing Eating Contest, rides for the kiddos, and lots of festive fun. Be sure to bring your chairs and blankets and find the perfect spot for the explosion of color in the night sky.
- Northeast Georgia MountainsSporting Event
Join us for the Historic Hartwell 5K, starting at Hart County High School (Herndon Stadium) and showcasing some of the City of Hartwell throughout the course. Runners will make their way back to Herndon Stadium to finish the race.
- Atlanta MetroKids & Family, Other, Outdoors
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.COST: $75 per group of up to four people, + individual Zoo Admission | Includes one painting per group of four people.
MEMBER COST: $67.50 | Includes one painting per group of four people.
AGE RANGE: All ages
AGE SPECIFICATIONS:
- Youths 15 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult.
- There must be one adult in attendance with each registration.
- Youth 3 and under must remain with their adult group members at all times.
- Atlanta MetroEducation, Kids & Family, Outdoors
ARE YOU CRAVING SOME ANIMAL TIME BEFORE THE ZOO OPENS TO THE PUBLIC?
Join us to Rise and Dine with the Animals, where you can enjoy a continental breakfast* by Proof of the Pudding while also enjoying an early morning view of the animals as they get ready to start their day.
Each program will include an educational component to learn more about the species, time with an animal care professional to hear about the individuals in their care, a memorable takeaway connected to the featured animal and Zoo admission to stay and enjoy the Zoo at the end of the program.
*Breakfast will include fruit, yogurt, pastries, coffee, hot tea, and juice. Option to add a mimosa for 21+ guests when you register.
UPCOMING 2024 DATES:
May 18: Gorillas
June 15 and 22: Pandas
July 6 and 20: Complex Carnivores
August 3 and 31: African Savanna
September 14 and 28: Pandas
October 5 and 12: GorillasTIME:
8:30-9:30 a.m.COST: $65 (includes Zoo admission)
MEMBER COST: $52
THEMES:
May 18 and October 5 and 12: Gorillas
Bring your troop to join us for an interactive breakfast and learn more about how we care for this iconic species, including 4-year-old Floyd and his silverback dad, Taz. During breakfast, you’ll watch the gorillas start their morning by searching their habitat for surprises left for them by the Animal Care Team. You’ll have the opportunity to hear firsthand what it is like to care for gorillas at the Zoo from one of our animal care professionals and Zoo educators will have activities and biofacts for you to explore as you learn more about gorillas at the Zoo and in the wild.June 15 and 22 and September 14 and 28: Giant Pandas
Start your day alongside the pandas at Zoo Atlanta, joining them in breakfast (don’t worry, yours won’t be bamboo!) and exploring the world around you. See the hard work that goes into caring for the pandas, and chat with the Animal Care Team to hear some of their favorite stories from working with pandas. Explore the world of pandas and our relationship with them over the years through programming from our educators.July 6 & 20: Complex Carnivores
While their breakfasts might be different, join some carnivorous friends as they investigate and patrol their habitats. Come face-to-face with some of the incredible adaptations that help carnivores survive, and hear from our Animal Care and Education Teams about how we take these adaptations into account while caring for animals including tigers, clouded leopards and more!August 3 & 31: African Savanna
Graze alongside the animals of the African savanna where you might catch glimpses of zebras, ostriches, giraffes and elephants as they start their day. Learn from our Education and Animal Care teams about the dynamic relationships between the different species on the savanna and investigate how our teams care for multiple species living together.AGE RANGE:
Program is open to all ages, but content is geared to audiences ages 12+. Children 3 and under are free, but must be registered. All children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
- Atlanta MetroKids & Family, Other, Outdoors
Meet the ancient giants of Aldabra Atoll. See and feed one of the world’s largest living tortoise species in the only Wild Encounter experience that allows guests to share the same space with the animals.
The Aldabra Tortoise Wild Encounter is unique in that participants can experience meeting a tortoise up close, inside their habitat.
- Meet at the Aldabra giant tortoise habitat at Scaly Slimy Spectacular 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter.
- Please note that this encounter brings you up-close to an animal in a staff-only area with an Animal Care Team member but does take place in public view.
DAYS AVAILABLE:
Every Monday, Friday and Saturday at 3:15 p.m.COST: $45 + Zoo admission | MEMBER COST: $41
AGE RANGE: 4 and up
AGE SPECIFICATIONS:
- Children must be 4 years old and up to participate.
- Children 15 years old and under must be accompanied by a ticketed Wild Encounter adult.
- There must be one ticketed Wild Encounter adult for every two ticketed children, 15 years old and under.