Hello, local readers! Hot off the press is this week’s edition of our weekend guide, filled with the best things to do in and around Atlanta this Thursday through Sunday. As always, be sure to add anything we missed in the comments section. Enjoy your weekend!!
2012 Red Stripe Light Midsummer Music & Food Festival
Candler Park. Friday, 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Saturday, 12:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Free, but if you want to purchase alcohol, you’ll need to buy a wristband. Wristbands are $5 on Friday (valid both days), $5 on Saturday before 5pm and $10 on Saturday after 5pm.
Candler Park is the place to be this weekend for the 2012 Midsummer Music & Food Festival. This free event features bands such as G. Love and Special Sauce, The Wood Brothers, Dirty Dozen Brass Band and more. And what’s a festival without food? There will be over 20 food trucks at the festival serving everything from bbq plates to wood fired pizzas to lobster mac and cheese. Bring the whole family, including the dog (on a leash, please).
More info and directions
Atlanta Rollergirls Roller Derby Doubleheader
Yaarab Shrine Center. Saturday, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. $15 for single bout; $25 for both. Children 3 and under free.
Here’s a Father’s Day event that you might not have thought of: take dad to see the Atlanta Rollergirls Roller Derby Doubleheader. The event features two bouts (hence the doubleheader!) The first, between the Sake Tuyas and the Denim Demons, is at 5pm and the second, between the Apocolypstix and the Toxic Shocks is at 7:30. The entire evening will have a Star Wars theme and spectators are encouraged to dress up. This is definitely a Father’s Day that dad won’t forget! BYOB.
More info and directions
photo credit: Glen EdelsonFather’s Day After Dark
Zoo Atlanta. Saturday, 6:00 p.m. – 10:30 a.m. $52 for members; $65 for non-members. 6+.
Don’t get your Dad another boring tie or golf balls this year…treat him to a camp out at the Zoo! Enjoy a nocturnal adventure with Zoo guides exploring the many regions of Georgia. Enjoy VIP access to the Zoo, which includes animal encounters, exclusive tours, themed games and more! Gain tips on how to keep our state clean and safe for our local wildlife.
More info and directions
Skate It or Hang It Opening
Museum of Design Atlanta. Saturday, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Exhibit runs from June 16 – September 16. Adults $10; Students $5.
Are you an avid skateboarder? Can you appreciate the artistic style of boarders and their subculture? If so, check out this exhibit featuring a survey of skateboard art from the 1970’s to now. View original installations by local Atlanta artists Charlie Owens and Alex Brewer, aka HENSE. View a 9-foot interactive skateboard sticker exhibition and learn how decks are fabricated.
More info and directions
Decatur Beach Party
Downtown Decatur. Friday, 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. $7 in advance; $10 gate; $5 for Ages 3-12; free for children 2 and under.
Who says you need an ocean for a beach vacation? Downtown Decatur has all the fun in the sun you can handle this Friday night. With 60 tons of sand, games, live music from the Yacht Rock Schooner and more, this beach party is the perfect in-city getaway for the whole family.
More info and directions
Mutts & More Festival
Fowler Park. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Free.
Calling all pet owners and pet seekers in Forsyth. The Mutts & More Festival features a “Mutt Strutt,” live music, food, games, vendor demonstrations and of course, pet adoptions. Come out and meet your new best friend.
More info and directions