Hello, local readers. Once again we’re here with your weekend guide, where we share our favorite things to do in and around Atlanta and point out where you can get free stuff along the way. As always, be sure to add anything we missed in the comments.
Taste of Atlanta
Tech Square in Midtown. Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 6pm. $25 advance; $35 at the event; Kids 13 and under free.
Now in its 9th year, the Taste of Atlanta is billed as a “dynamic, flavor-filled 2-day outdoor food and wine festival that showcases the diversity of Atlanta’s food scene and attracts food lovers from Atlanta, the Southeast and beyond.” Festivities include eats from more than 70 of Atlanta’s favorite restaurants, celebrity chefs on the main cooking stage, a family food zone, a farm to festival village, music, entertainment, merchandise, and more.
More info and directions.
Candler Park Fall Fest
1500 Mclendon Ave NE. Saturday, 12pm – 9pm. Sunday, 12pm – 8pm. Free.
Head to Candler Park this weekend to enjoy one of the last festivals of the season. Run a 5K, visit the artists market, indulge in festival food and beer, and participate in the neighborhood’s annual Tour of Homes. You will also hear live music throughout the weekend, including shows from headliners Francine Reed and League of Decency. It’s true when the say they save the best for last!
More info and directions.
Project Zimzala Zombie Pub Crawl
Virginia Highlands (kickoff at Diesel Filling Station). Saturday, 7pm – 2am. $25.
You can sleep when you’re dead. Until then, spend your Saturday night raiding some of the best bars in the Virginia Highlands with a night of undead adventure! $25 admission includes cover to 5 bars, free drinks, a Zombie Crawl t-shirt, drink specials, and admission to a totally horrific undead after party at Diesel where zombies can enjoy more booze, music, and prizes for the night’s best costumes. And it’s all for a good cause, too: this event benefits Soccer in the Streets, a non-profit organization that brings soccer equipment, leagues, and training to children in communities throughout Atlanta.
More info and directions.
Walk n’ Wag Festival & Parade
Chastain Park. Saturday, 10am – 2pm. $25 pre-registration; $30 at the gate.
This event benefits Ahimsa House, an organization dedicated to helping human and animal victims of domestic violence reach safety. Activities include Halloween Costume Contests for people and pets, a silent auction, and live entertainment, and promotional t-shirts and dog bandannas are included with each entry fee. Also, stock up on delicious baked goods (some home-made and some donated by local bakeries) at the bake sale and enjoy beer from Sweetwater Brewery, as proceeds go towards the Ahimsa House. Atlanta landmark Chastain Park is a beautiful and spacious backdrop for you and your pets to socialize, support a worthwhile cause, and frolic outdoors on a breezy fall Saturday!
More info and directions.
5th Annual Parktoberfest
Whittier Mill Park, Westside Atlanta. Saturday, 2pm – 10pm. $20 pre-order; $25 at the gate; $10 children 6-12; 6 & under free.
Enjoy live regional entertainment, local craft beer, and Hottie Hawg’s BBQ with family & friends at Westside Atlanta’s premier fall festival, Parktoberfest. In addition to great food, drinks, and music, festival-goers can enjoy a bocce tournament and a silent auction, while amateur chefs can compete in the event’s dessert contest. The annual event is the largest fundraiser for Whittier Mill Park, an area of the neighborhood that has been transformed from a vacant mill and a cluster of abandoned houses into a vibrant green space.
More info and directions.
Party Atlanta 2010 Benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Midtown (kickoff at RiRa Irish Pub). Saturday, 7pm. $25 pre-order; $30 at the door.
Holiday season is just around the corner, so come make a charitable contribution that doesn’t seem like a sacrifice. Party Atlanta is hosting a pub crawl from RiRa Irish Pub, Flip Flops and Opera nightclub. All venues are offering No cover charge along with free appetizers, drink specials, live music and 2 complimentary drinks at each venue with the purchase of your Party Atlanta ticket. All proceeds benefit the patients and families of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
More info and directions.