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.
Bark in the Park 2010
Turner Field. Sunday, 11am; Game begins at 1:35pm. $25 for one human + one dog; $12 per additional human.
Braves fans, bring your pups to take in a ball game at this annual canine-friendly tradition. Outfit your four-legged companion in promotional Braves gear, from collars to doggie t-shirts, and enjoy the view of the stadium from designated seats in the Coca-Cola Sky Field. Expect to see plenty of doggie pools, water misters and drinking water; also, on-site veterinary services will be on hand in case of overheating. Check the event website’s list of canine requirements to make sure your pooch is eligible to attend! As an added bonus, Sunday is Skin Cancer Awareness Day, and the Skin Cancer Awareness Network Foundation and Piedmont Hospital will be passing out literature about prevention techniques and promotional sunscreen samples.
More info and directions.
8th Annual Summer Shade Festival
Historic Grant Park. Saturday, 8am – 11pm; Sunday, 10am – 8pm. Free.
This two-day festival kicks off Saturday morning with a 5K run, followed by the opening of the Festival Artist Market and live music at 10am. Entertainment continues well into the night, giving festival-goers the chance to browse the selection of fine art and sample food from top local restaurants. More serious foodies can also purchase tickets to Corks & Forks, a fine food and wine event featuring Canoe, Murphy’s, Rathbun’s, Sun Dial Restaurant and sit-down wine tastings, which will run both days from 1 – 5pm.
More info and directions.
Trader Vic’s Endless Summer Soiree
Trader Vic’s. Saturday, 8pm – 1am. $10 in advance; $15 at the door.
Craving a Pacific Island escape? Come out to Trader Vic’s, located on the lower level of the Hilton, to kick back and relax with Polynesian cuisine, tropical cocktails and the sounds of Tongo Hiti, Dames Aflame A Go-Go, Monkeyzuma and much more. No ticket purchase necessary if you purchase an entree. Dinner reservation is required. Click here to purchase tickets in advance or call 404-221-6339.
More info and directions.
Atlanta German Bierfest
Woodruff Park. Saturday, 2pm – 7pm. $30 advance; $35 at the gate.
Celebrate German culture in Atlanta this Saturday at the 7th annual German Bierfest in Woodruff Park with food, music, and more than 30 different German brews on tap. Admission covers a souvenir pint glass and “all the beer you can safely consume,” but kids and designated drivers are also welcome to enjoy the festivities free of charge.
More info and directions.
Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
Piedmont Park. Saturday, 1pm – 7pm. Free.
Love ice cream? You’re not alone. Celebrate this tasty treat this weekend at the The Atlanta Ice Cream Festival where multiple vendors will be supplying their ice cream favorites. In addition to the frozen goodness, there will be music and performances by the Atlanta School Drummers, local cheering squads and the State Championship Step Teams. Want to work off some of those ice cream calories? Enjoy free health screenings and fitness activities from event sponsors.
More info and directions.
Image source: jamescronin’s flickr photostream.
Atlanta’s Urban Picnic
Sweet Auburn Curb Market. Last Friday of every month through October, 11am – 2 pm. Free.
Enjoy cheap eats as vendors of the Atlanta Street Food Coalition (King of Pops, West End Burrito and Yumbli Truck among others) pull up to the curb at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market on Edgewood Avenue the last Friday of every month. Expect to sample everything from handmade biscuit sandwiches and Korean BBQ tacos to locally made hot dogs and vegetarian samosas.
More info and directions.