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!!
- Bridal Extravaganza of Atlanta
AmericasMart. Sunday, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. $10 – $15.
During Atlanta’s Bridal Extravaganza, take in all the ideas you need to plan the wedding of your dreams. Get inspired by handcrafted designs, shop for perfect wedding vendors, taste delicious cakes and much more. The first 200 brides will also take home an exclusive gift bag.
More info and directions
- Vinings Downhill 5K
Mt. Wilkerson in Vinings. Saturday, 8:00 a.m. $30 until 8/15 at 5:00 p.m.; $40 on race day.
Dust off your running shoes and get them ready for one of Atlanta’s fastest 5Ks. The 3.1 mile race will take you from the top of Mt. Wilkerson in Vinings around Cumberland Mall and down Cobb Pkwy with a 280-foot net drop from start to finish. This is a Peachtree Qualifying race and a great one to set a new personal record. There will be a post-race party at the Vinings Jubilee.
More info and directions
- Grant Park Criterium
Grant Park. Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Register by August 15th for a discounted rate.
Challenge yourself or just show up to cheer on the participants in this year’s Grant Park Criterium. Celebrating its 8th year, this event includes races for kids, women, amateurs and elites! Pre-register by Thursday, August 16th.
More info and directions
- Decatur BBQ, Blues and Bluegrass Festival
Harmony Park. Saturday, 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. $9 in advance; $10 day of event; Under 21 free.
The whole family (including Fido) can enjoy a day of barbecue, beer and bluegrass music in the Oakhurst area of Decatur. There will be six hours of music from five great bands and of course, plenty of barbecue and beer available. All proceeds from the food and drink go back to the Decatur community. Be sure to bring some cash as this event doesn’t take credit cards.
More info and directions
- Piedmont Park Summer Arts & Crafts Festival
Piedmont Park. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, 11:00 a.m – 6:00 p.m. Free..
Back for a second year, the Piedmont Park Summer Arts and Crafts Festival features up to 200 artists including painters, photographers, sculptors, jewelers and more selling their wares in beautiful Piedmont Park. There will also be artist demonstrations, music, a children’s play area and festival food and beverage from the Fry Guy, Tastee Truck, King of Pops and other local favorites.
More info and directions
- Atlanta Indie Fest 2012
Terminal West. Saturday, 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. $12. 18+.
This Saturday marks the fifth year of the Atlanta Indie Fest at Terminal West and there is nothing like a little live music to brighten up your weekend. Come check out the latest in the indie music scene with artists like Kilo Kish and Ninjasonik and tons of other bands with even more complicated names. For a relatively cheap ticket price enjoy an afternoon and evening’s worth of new music and trips to the merch booth. And when the select few make it big, you can casually mention how you saw them live long before they sold out to popularity.
More info and directions