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.
Virginia-Highland Summerfest
Virginia Avenue between North Highland Avenue and Park Drive. Friday—Sunday. Free.
Celebrate the unofficial start of Summer. Street Party starts Friday night, featuring music from Francisco Vidal & Friends. Activities kick off Saturday with a 5K race in the morning and live music all day hosted by DaveFM. Bring the kids and some sunscreen and enjoy the local talent. Summerfest is wildly popular, so walk, take MARTA, or arrive early for the best parking.
Built to Rust
One Twelve Gallery. Opens Friday, 7-9pm. Free.
Larger than life iron sculptures and canvases by Patrick Toups will reach the ceilings this weekend. Come drink wine, eat hors d’oeuvres, mingle and be amazed.
National Donut Day
Participating Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donut locations throughout the Atlanta area. Friday. Free (purchase necessary at Dunkin Donuts).
Taste buds rejoice! Depending on your preference for Krispy Kreme or Dunkin, treat yourself to a free doughnut or donut, respectively, all day Friday. While the holiday feels like another marketing ploy (not that any of us are complaining), it has some history — originating in 1938 when the Chicago Salvation Army held a fundraiser to honor the women who served doughnuts to soldiers during WWI. Today, large chains across the country participate in what some call “America’s most delicious holiday.”
Download a pdf of participating Krispy Kreme locations.
Image from bochalla’s photostream on flickr.
First Thursdays ArtsWalk
Downtown Atlanta. Tonight and the first Thursday of each month, 5- 8 p.m. Free.
Take a self-guided tour of Atlanta’s finest galleries, “where singles can meet, business people can unwind, and couples can enjoy the beauty of Downtown’s landscape.” Because we all need a little culture now and then. (And the parking is free.)
More info and a PDF map of the venues.
The Amazing Cow Race
Lenox Mall Chick-fil-A. Saturday, 9am. $30 for team of two, $20 for individual.
Dress up like a Chick-fil-A cow and participate in this scavenger hunt around Buckhead, with entry fees benefiting the Atlanta Union Mission. Included in your entry fee: promotional t-shirt, bag, breakfast, and lunch. Enter the “Most Absurd Herd” (Best Costumes) or Best Team Name contest and you could win free Chick-fil-A for a year. Register soon; spots are limited (pun intended).
Register online and get directions to the starting line.
Walk to End Violence Against Women & Girls
Piedmont Park. Saturday, registration at 10am. $20 in advance or $25 day of.
Join the United Nations Development Fund for Women in a 5k walk to raise funds and awareness about violence against women. Get an awesome t-shirt for raising over $100, enjoy chair massages and prizes, and receive a complimentary gift bag — all for supporting a great cause. Sign up online by Friday to save $5.
Registration and park map.
Design After Dark
High Museum of Art. Saturday, 7-11pm. $10 members, $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
Be there for the opening of Design Since 1985. Other than the exhibit itself, you’ll enjoy cocktails, a DJ, and a grown-up game of Corbusier musical chairs. Grand prize is the chair itself. Watch a ceramics fashion show and make your own vase.