I always know when it is actually Spring – this calendar becomes filled with all sorts of family fun events. Check out our calendar and see what we have going on in our community.
APRIL
NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS The Art House is accepting submissions for our “Georgia on My Mind” Exhibit until April 15 at Midnight. Please visit our website for a full description of this themed exhibit, and to submit the submission form. acworthartsalliance.org/guidelines. This exhibit will begin on May 4 and run through July 27. Accepted works will need to be delivered to the Art House on Tuesday/Wednesday, April 30/May 1.
NOW TAKING FOURTH OF JULY PARADE REGISTRATION Marietta Parks and Recreation Department is proud to announce the application is now available for the 2024 Let Freedom Ring July 4th Parade held on Thursday, July 4, 2024. School bands, military units, civic organizations, beauty queens, local Boys and Girl Scout clubs, area businesses and others can sign up online to be a part of this year’s parade. Parade applicants should apply online. The deadline to apply is May 31st at 5 pm. More info: Call Marietta Parks and Recreation, 770-794-5601 or visit http://www.mariettaga.gov/194/Fourth-of-July-Celebration.
APR 6-JUNE 16 THE MAGIC OF MODERN ART, presented by MCMA. To answer the question of “How does one learn to experience Modern and Contemporary Art?,” this exhibition offers everyone the opportunity to become knowledgeable and passionate about the less-traditional side of fine art.MORE INFORMATION AT www.mariettacobbartmuseum.org
APRIL 12, MAY 17, JUNE 21 SUMMER SQUARE SCREENINGS Join Marietta Parks & Recreation as they bring another fun pop-up series your way, once a month, April – June, the Summer Square Screenings. Gather around the silver screen to watch this year’s chosen films, Blue Hawaii, Hidden Figures & The Lego Movie. Events will begin at 8pm in Glover Park (50 North Park Square) on the Marietta Square, and the film will begin at dark.Each night will have a unique theme with movie and activities centered around it. 2024 themes are…April 12th – “Blue For You!”Featured Film: Blue Hawaii; May 17th – “Made in May-retta” Featured Film: Hidden Figures; June 21st – “Bricks and Blacklights” Featured Film: The Lego Movie
MON APRIL 8 ACWORTH’S PUBLIC INFORMATION OPEN HOUSE The Mayor and Board of Aldermen invite you to an upcoming Public Information Open House on Monday, April 8 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to learn about the proposed overlay district map included in the zoning ordinance map amendments. The overlay is a tool that provides certain review criteria for defined areas of the community to assist in maintaining the character of the areas included within the overlay boundary.The event will take place at Acworth City Hall.
TUES APRIL 9 KBA MONTHLY LUNCHEON – 11:00 at The KSU Professional Education Building at 3333 George Busbee Dr. Kennesaw. Join us for the most feel good luncheon of the year when the KBA awards more than 20 scholarships to deserving students of area high schools. Caterer: Adriane’s Delectables. Sponsors: NORTH COBB HIGH SCHOOL, RealtyOneGroup. RSVP at kennesawbusiness.org.
TUES APR 9 MEET THE KENNESAW COUNCIL CANDIDATES. The city of Kennesaw is holding a special election for a council seat in conjunction with out state wide election on TUES. MAY 21. Third election in little more than a year, but the City of Kennesaw is holding another Council election. Want to meet these five candidates. Mark you calendar for Tuesday, April 9 at 6 pm as Mark Allen,, owner of Lazy Guy holds a Meet and Greet event. This event is open to the public and the intent is to allow the citizens of Kennesaw to learn about the agendas of each candidate. Lazy Guy is located at 2950 Moon Station Rd., Kennesaw.
THUR. APRL 11 ABA LUNCHEON 11:30– Acworth Community Center, Guest speaker Sara Branch. Sharing some skills, techniques and resources need to get the right connections and build a profitable network. RSVP at acworthbusiness.org.
THURS APRIL 11, ABA ALIVE AFTER 5:30 AT Guston’s Grille, 3330 Cobb Parkway (at the other end of Kroger shopping center. Love their food. Members FREE, Guests $5.00. RSVP at Acworthbusiness.org.
SAT APRIL 13 HISTORIC KENNESAW WALKING TOUR The tour will take place on April 13 at 10:00 AM. This walking tour of the downtown area will start behind City Hall. The tour covers Kennesaw’s history from the Native Americans to today. Attendees will learn about Kennesaw’s railroad past, lost buildings downtown and more from the heart of the community. For tickets visit www.kennesaw-ga.gov/kennesaw-event and scroll to April 13 for link to purchase tickets.
SAT APR 13 GSO JAZZ BAND CONCERT The ever-versatile Georgia Symphony’s GSO Jazz! ensemble will present an unforgettable evening of big-band hits produced by the iconic Vanguard Jazz Orchestra at 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024. The performance will take place at the historic Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theater in Marietta, Ga. GSO Jazz! Music Director Sam Skelton will lead a big-band combo of talented local musicians as they put their unique spin on Vanguard’s hits. Ticket prices are $29-$45 for adults, $26.10-$40.50 for seniors, military or first responders and $15 for students. For more information, and to purchase tickets online, visit georgiasymphony.org/all-events.
SUN APR 14 MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE rising 6th-12th graders Come to Allatoona Creek Park, 5690 Old Stilesboro Road, Acworth, on April 14 from 2pm to 4 pm to meet the team and go on a fun ride! A parent/guardian must accompany the athlete to sign our waiver, if the athlete will be riding with us for the event. This event is Rain or Shine! The Allatoona Creek Mountain Bike Teams serves rising 6th-12th graders. Student athletes may attend any of the high schools in our area including Allatoona, Marietta, Harrison,North Cobb and Hillgrove. If your child is in middle school, the team they would be on would be the high school they plan to attend. We also welcome home-schooled students. Visit https://allatoonacreekmtb.weebly.com for more information about the teams.
SAT & SUN APR 20-21 THE BIG SHANTY FESTIVAL The Kennesaw Business Association in cooperation with the City of Kennesaw along with the Title Sponsor: Superior Plumbing and Presenting Sponsors: LGE Community Credit Union, Georgia Grown and Window World will host the 48th Annual Superior Plumbing Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival on Saturday April 20 and Sunday April 21 in downtown Kennesaw.
The Superior Plumbing Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival features over 250 Arts & Crafts booths, 25 food booths, two entertainment stage, kids activities, as well as live acoustic music in the Food Court throughout the weekend. Something for the entire family! The festival is providing a FREE SHUTTLE to and from the downtown area. One 40 passenger bus will be running from Swift-Cantrell Park to festival grounds during event hours – both Saturday & Sunday. Parking: Available at Adams Park, Kennesaw First Baptist Church & Swift-Cantrell Park. Admission is free to the festival. For more information call 770-423-1330 or email missy@jrmmanagement.com. See you there! STREET CLOSURES ON PAGE ONE OF THE BRIGHT SIDE. www.brightsidenews.com/web.nc.pdf.
SAT APR 20 WE LOVE A PARADE – JOIN US The Big Shanty Festival PARADE – will start at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 20. The Parade features fabulous floats and proud marchers – plus winners of many pageants along with Allatoona, Kell, Kennesaw Mountain and North Cobb High School Bands. So grab your sister, brother, neighbors, friends, round up your church group, scout group, bring your business vehicles and let’s all parade down Main Street. It is an exciting way to start the Festival. You know you will see everyone you know in Kennesaw that weekend! To participate in the parade – down load application form at kennesawbusiness.org/bsf fill out and email to Missy@JRMManagement.com
SAT APR 20 MARIETTA HISTORY CENTER Pop-in For Family Fun: Rockets & Robots. Will be held from 10:00 am til 4:00 pm. The Marietta History Center is located at 1 Depot St., Marietta, 30060. There is no charge for this event.
SAT APR 20 LIVE AT LOGAN FARM CONCERT The Acworth Arts Alliance will be partnering with the City of Acworth to bring you Live at Logan Farm Park featuring a free concert. Live at Logan Farm Park is the annual Acworth Arts Alliance and the Acworth Art House fundraiser. Event proceeds from sponsor tables support the Acworth Arts Alliance, specifically to fund a scholarship for students pursuing a degree in art as well as to fund arts initiatives in underfunded programs and among the under-served in our community. The concert is free and open to the public! For more information on this event or to purchase a table, please visit www.acworthartsalliance.org.
WED APR 24 Senior Services’ 2024 Expo & Marketplace The 2024 Expo & Marketplace will be held on Wednesday, April 24. 10:00am-2:30 pm at the Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Pkwy.This event is open to the public with Free admission and parking. Come visit and meet vendors representing Senior Living, Medicare, Safety, Hearing, Wellness, Food, Skin Care, Travel and more. Free screenings will be provided by Northside Hospital.
THUR APR 25 BROOKWOOD CHRISTIAN SPRING TEA Brookwood Christian School invites the community to mark their calendars for their Annual Spring Tea & Silent Auction, on April 25, 2024. Hosted at the picturesque Cedars Weddings & Events from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, this event not only promises an elegant affair but also aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of students facing language processing challenges. This event is a fund-raiser for their school’s reading programs, specifically tailored for students grappling with dyslexia and other language processing disorders. Invite for neighbors, your family and friends to an elegant event at Cedars Weddings and Events. Tickets are available at $40 each, and interested attendees can secure their spots by texting TEA to 404-491-7724.
FRI APR 26 GLOVER PARK CONCERT SERIES. These free concerts take place monthly in Glover Park on the Marietta Square from April through September. All concerts begin at 8:00 on the last Friday of each month, April – September. *Exception, August date is the 4th Friday. Glover Park on the Historic Marietta Square Free street parking, City Hall parking deck, 205 Lawrence St and the Care Here of Marietta parking lot, 268 Lawrence St. Admission Free. Table reservations can be made online at www.mariettaga.gov/concerts. The concert FOR: April 26-Guardians of the Jukebox – Tribute to the 80’s
SAT APRIL 27 LIFE ROLLS ON The City of Kennesaw is partnering with the Life Rolls On Foundation (LRO), Atlanta Chapter, to host an Inclusive Wheelchair Motocross (WCMX) Clinic, “They Will Skate Again,” for athletes of all abilities and ages. The event will return to Swift-Cantrell Park, 3140 Old 41 Hwy NW, on Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Adaptive skaters are encouraged to bring a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and, of course, their fastest wheels. Breakfast snacks and lunch will be served for registered athletes and volunteers, and water will be available. While this is a free event, athletes and volunteers are required to register at www.LifeRollsOn.org/Atlanta. For more information, visit kennesaw-ga.gov/parks-and-recreation or call Kennesaw Parks & Recreation at 770-422-9714.
SUN APR 28 TASTE OF MARIETTA 11-7 PM. The annual Taste of Marietta food festival takes place on Sunday, April 28th, 2024 on the Marietta Square. 50+ different restaurants, caterers, and food trucks showcase their best dishes at Taste of Marietta each year. The family-friendly festival has a Kids Alley for the little ones to play in. The event also features live musical entertainment from the Main Bandstand and the Cobb Life Stage and a cooking stage with celebrity chefs’ demonstrations. Admission to the festival is FREE. The only costs are the cost of food – ‘tastes’ ranging from $2.00 to $9.00, drinks and some activities in the Kids Alley.The Taste of Marietta happens rain or shine. Learn more at https://www.tasteofmarietta.com.
MAY
WED MAY 1 Kennesaw Senior Luncheon Kennesaw Parks & Recreation will be hosting a spring Senior Luncheon Series at the Ben Robertson Community Center from March to May on the first Wednesday of each month for adults 50+. The programming will include a social hour, plated lunch, a brief discussion topic and conclude with Bingo and prizes. The cost is $5 per lunch or $12 for the series. Pre-registration is required. Registration is available online at www.kennesawparksandrec.org.
FRI MAY 3 GALAXY OF STARS LUNCHEON. Tommy Nobis Center (TNC), a Marietta-based nonprofit that helps individuals with disabilities enter or return to employment, will host its 26th Annual Galaxy of Stars Luncheon on Friday, May 3 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at the Georgia Aquarium. There will be an online auction accompanying this event starting April 5. For more information, go to https://tommynobiscenter.org/galaxy. Funds raised through the event and auction directly support programs and services for youth and adults with disabilities.
SAT MAY 4 Kennesaw Police Main Street Cruise in Car Show All vehicle types welcome. Monies raised will be used to support the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. This event will be held on Saturday, May 4 from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church on Main Street in Kennesaw. Check out the Kennesaw Police Department FB page for more information.
SAT & SUN MAY 4 & 5 MAY-RETTA DAZE Two days of craft vendors, acoustic musicians, kid zone and more. along with the Georgia Grown Member Village featuring a wide variety of items from throughout the state of Georgia. This FREE event will be held Saturday May 4, 2024 10:00am – 6:00pm and Sunday May 5, 202411:00am – 5:00pm in Glover Park at Historic Marietta Square.Laura McLaughlin 770-423-1330 or email laura@jrmmanagement.com
SAT MAY 4 DECORATION DAY On May 4, 2024, the Cemetery Preservation Commission will host the 18th annual Decoration Day at the Kennesaw City Cemetery. To honor those who reside in the cemetery, we will work together as a community to clean headstones, gravesites and grounds. This is also a great opportunity for families to refresh any wilted or faded flowers on gravesites.
SAT & SUN MAY 4 & 5 ACWORTH’S MOTHER-SON CAMPOUT The Acworth Parks, Recreation, and Community Resource Department is excited to now host our annual Mother-Son Camp Out at Proctor in May just one week before Mother’s Day Weekend. Its the perfect opportunity for moms and sons to spend quality time together before the special holiday. Mother-Son Camp Out takes place at Proctor Landing Park, located at 5260 Proctor Landing Rd Acworth, GA 30101. Check in begins at 12:00 p.m. On Saturday, May 4. All participants must depart Proctor Landing Park by 10:00 am on Sunday, May 5. In the event of rain, activities will still be held throughout the day and camping will be optional that evening. This event may be cancelled if lightning/thunderstorms are forecasted for the whole weekend. Please visit www.acworthparksandrec.org to register online.
MONDAY MAY 6 KENNESAW FARMERS MARKET This year’s market will take place on Mondays, with hours of operation from 3:30-7:00 p.m., and will be located at the corner of Main Street and Moon Station Road. The market season is set to open on Monday, May 6, and run through Monday, August 26. The market will close on May 27 (Memorial Day). Interested vendors may contact kennesawfarmersmarket@gmail.com for more information on vendor applications and scheduling
SAT MAY 11, KENNESAW GRAND PRIX NO. 1: FIT CITY 5K The race program includes a one-mile fun run at 7:30 a.m.; the 5K at 8 a.m.; and a Tot Trot at 8:55 a.m. Awards are presented at 9:15 a.m. T-shirts and Packet pickup is the Thursday before each race day at Big Peach Running Company, Kennesaw, GA. The 2024 Kennesaw Grand Prix 5K series is presented by CROY Engineering and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with support from Cobb Sports Alliance, Williams Elleby Law Firm, Viva Chicken, Kennesaw First Baptist Church and Dream Vacations. Visit www.kennesawgrandprix.com for complete details and to register.
SAT MAY 17 KENNESAW’S FREE OUTDOOR MOVIES will kick off on Friday, May 17, at Swift-Cantrell Park with a showing of DreamWorks Animation: “Shrek” (PG) projected onto a giant inflatable screen after sundown. Swift-Cantrell Park is located at 3140 Old 41 Highway. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets, chairs, etc. for their own comfort. No high-backed chairs, umbrellas, tents, pop-up canopies, etc. that could block the view of the movie for others. Food vendors and family-friendly activities will be available beginning at 6 p.m.
SAT MAY 17 BACKYARD CAMPOUT In conjunction with the Outdoor Movie Series kicking off on May 17, the Backyard Campout presented by REI is returning to Swift-Cantrell Park on Friday, May 17! Attendees will enjoy camping under the night sky, along with backyard games, field activities, campfire demonstrations by REI and entertainment featuring stargazing and s’mores.
The registration fee for participants to bring their own tent is $30 or participants can purchase a preset up campsite sponsored by REI for $50. The campsites are 10’x10’. Registration fees include dinner and breakfast. A limited number of campsites are available. Advance registration is required at https://secure.rec1.com/GA/kennesaw-ga/catalog.
TUES MAY 21 REGIONAL JOB FAIR The City of Kennesaw, in partnership with the City of Marietta, will host a Regional Job Fair on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Kennesaw Recreation Center from 1:00 to 5:00 PM.
Businesses within the Greater Kennesaw and Marietta, as well as job seekers, are invited to attend this event at no cost. Businesses are required to register for free using the form at www.kennesaw-ga.gov/kennesaw-event/2024-kennesaw-marietta-regional-job-fair/.
ONGOING
THE THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH ACWORTH’S Senior Luncheon Join us every third Wednesday of the month for lunch and bingo at the City of Acworth’s Senior Luncheon This program is FREE to all City of Acworth seniors and $10.00 to all outside the city limits. You must RSVP to attend. Reservations will be accepted the week prior to the event. The event is the 3rd Wednesday of the Month at the Acworth Community Center (4361 Cherokee Street Acworth, Ga 30101) RSVP: (770) 917-1234
FIRST MONDAYS KENNESAW FARMERS MARKET This year’s market will take place on Mondays, with hours of operation from 3:30-7:00 p.m., and will be located at the corner of Main Street and Moon Station Road. The market season is set to open on Monday, May 6, and run through Monday, August 26. The market will close on May 27 (Memorial Day). Interested vendors may contact kennesawfarmersmarket@gmail.com for more information on vendor applications and scheduling
FRIDAYS Acworth Farmers Market will take place on Friday mornings between April 5 and October 25 from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The market is located in the Logan Farm Park Expansion, located at 4405 Cherokee Street in Acworth. Market customers will have a wide variety of garden ripe Georgia grown vegetables, eggs, cheese, bedding plants, fresh-baked bread, pies, cakes, honey, and jams to choose from each week. This year’s market will be bigger and better than previous years and shoppers won’t believe the selection of homegrown goodies! The Acworth Farmer’s Market is proudly sponsored by the Acworth Downtown Development Authority.
SAT The Marietta Square Artisan Market is an open-air showcase of locally-created fine art and premium hand-crafted goods. It is held every Saturday from 9 am until 2 pm from March to December. Enjoy the paintings, drawings, and photography of fine artists settled alongside skilled craftspeople who feature an eclectic roster of distinctive goods including fire pits, cutting boards, terraria, pens, and fine jewelry. Located in the parking lot beside the Marietta Square Market, this art ecosystem connects local fine artists and artisans with the community adding culture and charm to the Historic Marietta Square experience.
SAT MARIETTA FARMER’S MARKET. Year round on Saturdays from 9am-12pm. Takes up residence on 41 MILL STREET between Powder Springs and the Square.. Market customers have a variety of produce to choose from including heirloom tomatoes, fruits and vegetables that are rarely, available from the grocery store. Plus staples such as potatoes, onions, tomatoes, squash, beans, amazing cut flower arrangements, local honey, herbal soaps, whole grain breads, fudge pies, jelly, jam and preserves. Contact Market Director Johnny Fulmer at 770-499-9393 or Jfulmer@churchstreetmarket.com or visit mariettasquarefarmersmarket.com.
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