Hello, local readers. It’s springtime and therefore festival season, which means that your weekend guide is full of fun things to do in and around Atlanta that the whole family can enjoy. As always, be sure to add anything we missed in the comments section.
Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival
Georgia International Horse Park. Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm. Free.
With multiple stages of live entertainment, more than 300 booths of arts and crafts vendors, and of course, beautiful cherry blossom trees, it’s no surprise that the Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival was named one of the “Top 20” events by the Southeast Tourism Society. Check it out for yourself and bring the whole family along to celebrate the event’s 30th year.
More info and directions.
Photo credit: strandell on flickr
Mrs. Butterworth’s Family Breakfast Ball
Piedmont Park. Sunday, 9:30am – 12pm. Free.
Your whole family is invited to celebrate the arrival of spring (along with Mrs. Butterworth’s limited-edition springtime bottles) this Sunday morning with Mrs. Butterworth’s family on Piedmont Park’s Magnolia Hall Lawn, where they’ll be serving up free pancakes and waffles along with a sizable helping of fun and games for breakfast fans of all ages.
More info and directions.
Francophonie Festival 2011
Midtown and Buckhead. Thursday – Sunday. Free and Ticketed Events.
This weekend concludes Atlanta’s 12th annual Francophonie Festival, a series of cultural events in celebration of the French language featuring French-themed exhibitions, films, wine receptions and a gourmet brunch with live entertainment at the St. Regis Hotel.
More info and schedule of events.
Midtown Pop-Up
Spire, 805 Peachtree Lofts and 999 Peachtree. Friday & Saturday, 11am – 7pm; Sunday, 12pm – 4pm. Free.
Enjoy looking through one-of-a-kind work from local retailers, designers and artists at this weekend’s temporary pop-up, located throughout Midtown Atlanta. The theme is “weddings and special events,” but you don’t have to be walking down the aisle soon to find something unique. Keep checking the event’s Facebook page for updates and a confirmed list of participating vendors.
More info and directions.
8th Annual Oyster Crawfish Festival
Park Tavern. Saturday, 1pm – midnight. $20.
Enjoy the spring weather at Park Tavern with live music and delicious crawfish, oysters, and drinks at Park Tavern’s 8th annual Oyster Crawfish Festival. Get there early to enjoy the Tavern’s Bloody Mary Bar and stick around all day for performances by Life & Limb, Heavy Mojo, Cowboy Mouth, and others. The event is 21+ (but children may accompany parents).
More info and directions.
BaconFest 2011
Dad’s Garage. Saturday, 1pm – 6pm. $25+.
Beer, bands, and bacon: what more could you ask for out of a Saturday afternoon? Dad’s Garage’s annual fundraiser promises plenty of bacon, games, prizes, and a silent auction. Don’t miss activities like the crowning of the 2011 bacon king and queen! Ticket prices vary, with “Portioned Porking” tickets starting at $25. Limited availability VIP tickets, or “Whole Hog” tickets, cost $100 online ($110 by phone or at the door) and include admission, unlimited games, all-you-can-eat bacon, all-you-can-drink beer, your share of a whole roasted pig from P’cheen, and even a promotional bacon-eating bib. Buy your ticket early, as this event is likely to sell out.
More info and directions.