Halloween is here, and if you still don't have plans for the holiday, below is a list of Halloween-themed events to check out this weekend.  Some are them are family-friendly, and they include live music, theatre, film screenings, and even an art exhibit featuring decorated coffins!

Just click on the names of the events below for more info:


Scary Ride! at Emory's Schwartz Center for the Arts
Mummies and Milkshakes on the Quadrangle at the Michael C. Carlos Museum
A Tour of Southern Ghosts at Stone Mountain Park
Boo at the Zoo at Zoo Atlanta
Scream on the Green at Centennial Olympic Park
The Halloweenus Wangdoodle at Dad's Garage Theatre Company
The Ghastly Dreadfuls: Handbook of Practical Hauntings and Other Phantasmagoria at Center for Puppetry Arts
Night of the Living Monkeys at Academy Theatre
Halloweekendz Movies at The Strand Theatre
The Day of the Dead Show at Eyedrum
Scarecrows in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Have a Happy Halloween!

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I don't have kids (...yet), but if I did, I'd probably be on the lookout for free things to do to entertain the family.  This weekend, there are a number of festivals and free events that offer opportunities for families to hang together, without breaking the bank.

Below is a list of some events and attractions that I suggest you check out if you're looking for some inexpensive entertainment.  Click on the name of the event to find out more info.

Target Free Family Day at the Woodruff Arts Center - All the divisions at the Woodruff offer free performances, demonstrations and tours at this annual event.

Brookhaven Arts Festival - Highlights of this festival include artwork from more than 100 artists, live music, and (for the kids) a children's market and bouncy castle.

Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade - Take your kids to visit the children's area to decorate pumpkins and take part in a costume contest. And don't miss the parade at 4 p.m. on Saturday. (Warning: Some costumes in the parade can be a little risque...)

South Fulton Tour de 29 Festival - On Saturday, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will perform a free concert at Tri-Cities High School as part of this festival.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic Site - Free tours of Dr. King's boyhood home run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Hope you have a safe, fun (and cheap) weekend!

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Halloween is still a week away, but Atlanta's spooky season is certainly in full swing.  Below is a list of just some of the Halloween-themed events that you can take advantage of around town this weekend.  Some are family-friendly, and some are more for the young at heart, but all of them should be great to help get you in the spirit.

Just click on the names of the events below for more info!

Bugs, Bats & Bones Day at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Capturing the Spirit of Oakland - 2009 Halloween Tours at Oakland Cemetery
Goblins in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Halloween Magical Musical Toybox with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Halloweekendz Movies at The Strand Theatre
Boo at the Zoo at Zoo Atlanta
"The Ghastley Dreadfuls II: Handbook of Practical Hauntings and Other Phantasmagoria" at the Center for Puppetry Arts
A Tour of Southern Ghosts at Stone Mountain Park

Get out there and have some Halloween fun!  And be sure to check out my blog next week for Halloween Happenings - Volume 2...

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With your family in town for the Thanksgiving holiday, show them how much you appreciate them and take them out for some fun this weekend.  Below is a list of just some of the family-friendly events you can check out.  Many of them have a Christmas theme (I know…I’m thinking the same thing.  Already?), but I guess it’s never too early to get in the spirit! 
 
I’ve categorized them into Out & About events, Theatre and Museums.  Just click on the name of the event for more info. 
 
Out & About: 
Go All Night and Hands on for the Holidays at the High Museum of Art 
Stone Mountain Christmas at Stone Mountain Park 
Holidays in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden 
Holiday in Lights in Centennial Olympic Park (with outdoor ice skating!) 
Stone Mountain Village Christmas Celebration in the Historic Stone Mountain Village 
Jolley Holiday Trolley Tours through Downtown Atlanta (begin at the National Museum of Patriotism) 
 
Theatre 
Dinosaurs at the Center for Puppetry Arts 
Radio City Christmas Spectacular – Starring the Rockettes at the Fabulous Fox 
A Christmas Carol at the Alliance Theatre (pictured)
Babes in Toyland and A Christmas Carol at Kudzu Playhouse 

Museums 
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! at Imagine It! The Children’s Museum of Atlanta 
Storytelling at The Wren’s Nest

Happy Holidays! 

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Now that we’ve thoroughly stuffed our stomachs, it’s time to get serious about getting into the spirit of the season, and the city’s offering no shortage of events to help.  So, I’ve decided to list some concerts, shows and the like that are happening in town this weekend that might get you off the hook from holiday shopping…  Just click on the name of the event for more info. 
 
Classical Music 
Handel’s Messiah and Gospel Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra 
‘Tis the Season: An Evening with Earl Klugh at the Ferst Center for the Arts 
Christmas Gala & Holiday Pops Concert  with the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra at St. Benedict Church 
December Detours with the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus at Kennesaw State University’s Bailey Performance Center
Holiday Concert Honoring Mrs. Coretta Scott King with the Atlanta Boy Choir at Ebenezer Baptist Church 
Holiday Pops! with the Cobb Symphony Orchestra at the Murray Arts Center 
Kingsized Holiday Jubilee at Variety Playhouse 
Gala Holiday Family Concert with the Georgia State University School of Music at the Rialto Center for the Arts 
Holiday Pops! with the Callanwolde Concert Band at Oak Grove United Methodist Church 
Sing! Choirs of Angels with The Michael O’Neal Singers at the Roswell United Methodist Church 
 
Theatre & Dance 
The Full Radius Dance Holiday Spectacular at 7 Stages 
The Nutcracker by The Georgia Ballet at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre 
Radio City Christmas Spectacular – Starring the Rockettes at the Fabulous Fox 
An Atlanta Christmas at the Academy Theatre 
 
Out & About 
Christmas Jubilee Parade of Lights in Downtown Woodstock 
Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park 
The Marietta Pilgrimage in the Marietta Square 
Annual Family Holiday Celebration at Fernbank Museum of Natural History 
 
Visual Arts 
The Stacks Holiday Lofts and Artists Tour at The Fulton Cotton Mill Lofts 
Holiday Artists’ Market 2009 at Bobbe Gillis Gallery 
Holiday Craft Show at the High Museum of Art 
Dr. Seuss Holiday Show at Ann Jackson Gallery

Enjoy!

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To continue helping you get in the spirit (if all of the music on the radio hasn't already done it!), here's my second installment of weekend holiday happenings around town... Just click on the name of the event for more info.  And let me know what you think if you go to any of these events!

Classical Music
Atlanta Boy Choir and Alumni Christmas Concert at Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Christmas with the ASO and ASO Kid's Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
December Detours with the Atlanta Gay Men's Chorus at St. Philip's Cathedral
34th Annual Music of the Holidays with the Atlanta Young Callanwolde Singers at The Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
Big Band Christmas with Joe Gransden at Clayton State University's Spivey Hall
Just Voices Christmas Concert at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church

Theatre & Dance
Callanwolde Ballet Ensemble's The Nutcracker at St. Pius Catholic School
A Christmas Cactus with the Southside Theatre Guild
Once Upon a Holiday at 7 Stages
The Nutcracker with the Atlanta Festival Ballet at the Henry County Performing Arts Center

Out & About
Candlelight Tour of Roswell's Southern Trilogy
Santa Parade & A Day With Santa in Downtown Kennesaw
Grant Park Candlelight Tour of Homes
Christmas Tour of Homes & Holiday Market in Avondale Estates

Visual Arts
Design Takes at Holiday! at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
Christmas House Arts and Crafts Show at the Mable House Arts Center

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For my final installment of holiday happenings, I'm also going to include events next weekend in case you're looking for something to do while the family's in town.  And again I've categorized my list in the hopes of making your decision easier!  Just click on the name of the event for more info.

I'll be taking a break before returning in the New Year, so, until then, Happy Holidays!

Classical Music:
A Very Merry Holiday Pops! with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Christmas with the Georgia Boy Choir at Peachtree United Methodist Church
Make the Yuletide Gay with the Atlanta Freedom Bands at St. Paul United Methodist Church
Messiah Sing-Along with The Michael O'Neal Singers at Roswell United Methodist Church

Theatre & Dance:
Urban Holiday Soup with the Youth Ensemble of Atlanta at Underground Atlanta
Amahl and the Night Visitors with Theatrical Outfit at Balzer Theater at Herren's
A Christmas Carol at the Alliance Theatre
Black Nativity with True Colors Theatre Company at the Southwest Fulton Arts Center
Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker at the Fabulous Fox Theatre
Sanders Family Christmas and A Tuna Christmas at Theatre in the Square
The Shoemaker & the Elves at the Center for Puppetry Arts
The Santaland Diaries and Madeline's Christmas at Horizon Theatre

Out & About:
Stone Mountain Christmas at Stone Mountain Park
Holidays in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
Holiday in Lights at Centennial Olympic Park

Visual Arts:
MudFire Holiday Studio Sale at MudFire Pottery Center
Holiday Art Sale at VSA of Georgia's Arts for All Gallery
Holiday Artists Market at the Spruill Gallery and Gift Shop
Hands on for the Holidays at the High Museum of Art

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Happy New Year everyone!  As I woke up this morning and again saw the news report sub-freezing temperatures, I thought that I'd concentrate on indoor activities for this post.

And considering that most people (myself included) probably spent more money than they'd have liked to over the holidays, I thought I'd let you know about a couple of exhibits at libraries in town that don't have any cost for admission.

In order to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the book "On the Origin of Species" by Charles Darwin and the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth, Emory University is currently presenting the exhibit "Origin" at its Robert W. Woodruff Library.  The exhibit includes works by artists who were inspired by the themes of creation and evolution and includes a rare first edition of the book signed by Darwin.  I definitely suggest checking it out if you get a chance.

And at the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library's Central Branch, you can view a retrospective of the work of Marcel Breuer, one of the most influential architects and designers of the 20th century, and the man who designed the Central Branch building itself.  Included in the exhibit are displays of 12 of Breuer's most famous buildings, as well as most of the major items of his furniture design.  I think this exhibit is especially cool because you get to see other works by this master designer, while you're actually standing in one of his designs!

I hope everyone has a chance to get out this weekend, and if you do, please stay safe and try to stay warm!

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I've always felt fortunate that I share my hometown with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and I'll always remember visiting his childhood home with my school when I was a kid. I feel very fortunate that I was able to grow up in this city that's not only the birthplace of the leader of the Civil Rights Movement but is also the place where so many sacrificed, struggled and triumphed for its ideals.

So today, on the anniversary of his birth, I wanted to spotlight a few of this weekend's celebrations of the life and achievements of Dr. King.

Of course first on the list is the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. When you visit, you can take free tours of a number of different places including his childhood home, The King Center and Ebenezer Baptist Church. Tours will be going on all weekend, and on Monday, and begin each day at 10 a.m. They are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, so get there early to make sure you get a spot.

Tonight, you can head over to Beulah Missionary Baptist Church for The 14th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration presented by Georgia Perimeter College from 7 to 9 p.m. The event is totally free and will include a keynote speech by Rita Dove, former United States poet laureate.

On Monday, Cobb County will host its 24th Annual Marter Luther King, Jr. Celebration at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre. The event will celebrate Dr. King's birthday and contributions to the Civil Rights Movement with live entertainment and the awarding of the "Living the Dream" award to a Cobb citizen who exemplifies his ideals.

Also on Monday, be sure to take your kids to Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta for their MLK Day Celebration for Children: In the Name of Love, presented with Spelman College. It's a great way to be able to teach your kids more about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement in a really fun setting, and it's not a bad way to spend your day off with them either. The "Imaginators" will bring Dr. King's "I Have a Dream Speech" to life, and volunteers from Spelman will help children make their own peace medallions to wear and take home.

I hope everyone has a chance to celebrate Dr. King this weekend, either at these events or just by taking some time to think about his accomplishments and the ways they have impacted our lives. And be sure to share your thoughts and experiences with friends, family - and Lens!

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The family musical "Free to Be...You and Me" opens at Synchronicity Theatre at 7 Stages in Little Five Points this weekend, and Synchronicity is offering two free tickets to anyone who books a group of 10 or more to see the show!

Sort of like a hostess gift at a Tupperware party, this special offer is in additional to the 20 percent off you get for buying group tickets. Regular ticket prices are $18 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under.

The musical, based on the 1972 album and illustrated book created by Marlo Thomas (of TV's "That Girl" fame), features songs and stories by celebrities including famous author Judy Blume (Blubber, anyone?), and the great poet Shel Silverstein (Where the Sidewalk Ends).

To get the free tickets, include "I'm an Ambassador" in the comments section of the ticket form when you purchase tickets online. Your two free tickets will be available for pick up at the box office on the day of the show.

Hope you'll be able to take all the kids to the show, and stay safe and warm this weekend!

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Beginning this weekend and continuing through March 22, you can check out more than 160 free events, including everything from guided tours to lectures to open houses, at dozens of Atlanta's historic sites.

The Phoenix Flies: A Citywide Celebration of Living Landmarks, presented by the Atlanta Preservation Center, is designed to show the extent to which preservation is a part of Atlanta's fabric and contributes to the city's character and quality of life.

This celebration started back in 2003, when the Atlanta Preservation Center commemorated the 25th anniversary of the year the Fabulous Fox Theatre was saved from being demolished.

The Atlanta Preservation Center chose the name in honor of the mythical bird that rises from the ashes, as Atlanta did after The Civil War. The bird has also been featured on the city seal since 1887.

Partners include the Fabulous Fox Theatre (of course!), The Wren's Nest, Historic Oakland Cemetery, Rhodes Hall, the Atlanta History Center, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, the Herndon Home and more.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to share in Atlanta's history! And since I'm a sucker for trivia, please let me know if you find out any interesting fun facts about the city at any of the events...

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The American Craft Council Show is back in Atlanta this weekend at the Cobb Galleria, featuring works by more than 200 artists.

If you're an arts and crafts lover, this show is a must-attend. You can browse through everything from jewelry and clothes to home accessories and one-of-a-kind sculptural works and meet the artists too.

This year the show includes Green Craft artists who made all of their work using recycled and eco-friendly materials, and Callanwolde Fine Arts Center will also be there with live craft demonstrations and workshops for kids if you're taking the whole family.

The show is this weekend only, so be sure not to miss it!

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Though the city incorporated in 2005, Sandy Springs has a long history as a vibrant Atlanta community and is now the eighth largest city in the state of Georgia.

This Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Heritage Sandy Springs Museum will host a grand opening celebration, and you can join them to view three of the museum's new exhibits, each focusing on a different aspect of the city's historical and cultural identity.

"Sandy Springs: Land and People" tells the story of the community as the home of Native Americans, rural farmers and modern suburbanites. Interpretive panels will depict key transitions in the city's history, including the Land Rush, Civil War and Reconstruction, the impact of World War II, the area's growth in the late 20th century, and its struggle to become a city.

A traveling photography exhibit from the Georgia Southern University Museum titled "Captured But Not Caught" will focus on Georgia's native plants and animals, and "The Art of Nature in Sandy Springs" will display utilitarian and decorative objects from the community that have been embellished to express individual visions of the natural world.

This event is your chance to get a sneak peek at the museum before it officially opens on Wednesday, March 24 - plus it's free! - so don't miss it!

 

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I'm guessing you're as happy as I am that spring has FINALLY arrived, and this weekend's forecast definitely calls for out-of-the-house activities. There are a bunch of family-friendly events this weekend, both indoor and outdoor, that you can enjoy that range from an Earth Day-themed festival to a museum pajama party.

Just click the links below to find out more info:

Earth Hour Family Fun Festival at Atlantic Station
First Annual Bluegrass, Old-time Music and Country Dance Festival and Stone Mountain Village Gospel Fest in Historic Stone Mountain Village
Opera Family Day with the Atlanta Opera
Pajama Party '10 at Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta
The Egg Hunt 2010 in Marietta's Jim R. Miller Park
Salsa Fest Atlanta at Turner Field

Have fun!

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So, apparently all of the festival organizers in Atlanta decided to schedule their events this weekend...I'm not complaining, but it's just plain crazy how much is going on. It's going to make deciding what to do that much harder, but it's definitely a nice problem to have.

Two of the "big gun" festivals are back this weekend - the Atlanta Dogwood Festival (returning to Piedmont Park for its 74th year) and the Georgia Renaissance Festival (opening day is Saturday).

But there are a whole bunch of others to choose from too. Just click the names below for more info.

2010 Atlanta Film Festival at Landmark Midtown Cinema
Earth Day Kids Fest at the Chattahoochee Nature Center
Sheep to Shawl at Atlanta History Center
Taste of West Cobb at The Avenue West Cobb
Big Shanty Festival at The Depot in Kennesaw
SweetWater 420 Fest in Candler Park

Absolutely no excuses! Get out there this weekend...Just take an umbrella in case of April showers.

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The month of May has always been a big one for me. My birthday is the 18th, my sister's is the 9th, and my mom's is the 23rd. Not to mention Mother's Day... I know, my poor Dad right?

May is also always when I really feel like spring has arrived, and judging from a lot of the events going on this weekend, seems like I'm not the only one.

Here are just a few of the special springtime events that you can check out this weekend to usher in the season:

Atlanta Jazz Festival - 31 Days of Jazz
pARTy for ART with Dance Canvas
Art in the Afternoon: An Artful Spring in DeKalb's Rail Arts District
May-retta Daze Arts & Crafts Festival in Marietta Square
Concerts on the Square in Decatur Square
Georgia Boy Choir Spring Concert

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For those who may not know, I'm the Operations Manager of AtlantaPlanIt.com, a service of Public Broadcasting Atlanta.

Atlanta PlanIt joined PBA this past July, and since then we have been working on a total re-design of the site. And it's finally here! Check it out!!

It has a totally new look and enhanced features including a re-vamped homepage (with scrolling spotlight events), a new advanced search, a list of organizations with PBA Advantage Card offers, and an exhaustive list of arts organizations and venues in town.

Next week on Wednesday, May 12, we'll be hosting an official re-launch party at Ormsby's from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. where we'll unveil even more new features. And Lens members are welcome! Just let me know if you'd like to attend (mtate@pba.org), and I'll send you the details.

And of course let me know if you have any feedback about the new site!

Tags: arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities music theatre theater visual events cultural attractions exhibit performance shows symphony orchestra center puppetry zoo arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums artists events arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums film music theater theatre events symphony orchestra center puppetry fernbank museum zoo arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums theater theatre visual events cultural attractions exhibit galleries performance shows center puppetry fox high museum art woodruff arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists artist market events cultural attractions exhibit out about performance shows organizations symphony orchestra callanwolde fine center fernbank museum fox high arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about performance shows organizations symphony orchestra callanwolde fine center woodruff arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists cultural attractions events exhibit exhibition galleries out about performance shows organizations ballet symphony orchestra center puppetry fox high museum art arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual artists events cultural attractions exhibition heritages organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums events cultural attractions heritages out about organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities music theater theatre events tickets cultural attractions performance shows ticket discounts organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about organizations callanwolde fine center fox theater artist market arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition organizations callanwolde fine center arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about photography organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums music theater theatre artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition opera out about performance organizations artist market arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities film museums music visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition heritages out about photography organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition out about performance photography shows organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit events tickets planet family activities cultural attractions ticket discounts organizations pba 

If you're like me and are staying in town to avoid the travel craziness this weekend, you might be interested in things to do to help you make the most of the holiday.

I figured I'd separate my recommendations into Memorial Day-related and non-Memorial Day-related events in case you'd like to do a little of both.

To help celebrate Memorial Day with the family, I'd suggest checking out Veterans Remembrance Day at the Atlanta History Center on Sunday or visiting Underground Atlanta to take their "From Civil War to Civil Rights Guided History Tour" through downtown. Or you can learn about Atlanta's Civil War history at the Atlanta Cyclorama in Grant Park or at the Civil War battleground at the Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield.

And on Monday, the Atlanta Wind Symphony will perform patriotic music at Roswell City Hall for their Roswell Remembers - Memorial Day concert.

There are also a bunch of cool festivals and other special events going on this weekend that you can check out - including the Georgia Renaissance Festival, which is open on Monday.

There's also the Decatur Arts Festival all weekend around the Decatur Square, the Atlanta Jazz Festival in Piedmont Park, and the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival in the Historic Sweet Auburn District. And for some adult fun, Brew at the Zoo is back at Zoo Atlanta on Saturday.

So, there's absolutely no excuse not to a have an awesome time this weekend - even if you stay in town!

Tags: arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities music theatre theater visual events cultural attractions exhibit performance shows symphony orchestra center puppetry zoo arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums artists events arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums film music theater theatre events symphony orchestra center puppetry fernbank museum zoo arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums theater theatre visual events cultural attractions exhibit galleries performance shows center puppetry fox high museum art woodruff arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists artist market events cultural attractions exhibit out about performance shows organizations symphony orchestra callanwolde fine center fernbank museum fox high arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about performance shows organizations symphony orchestra callanwolde fine center woodruff arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists cultural attractions events exhibit exhibition galleries out about performance shows organizations ballet symphony orchestra center puppetry fox high museum art arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual artists events cultural attractions exhibition heritages organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums events cultural attractions heritages out about organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities music theater theatre events tickets cultural attractions performance shows ticket discounts organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about organizations callanwolde fine center fox theater artist market arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition organizations callanwolde fine center arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about photography organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums music theater theatre artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition opera out about performance organizations artist market arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities film museums music visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition heritages out about photography organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition out about performance photography shows organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit events tickets planet family activities cultural attractions ticket discounts organizations pba artist market arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums music visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit heritages out about organizations underground zoo office affairs 

Even though it's the beginning of June, it's also your last chance to check out some local festivals, theatre shows and visual art exhibits that are closing this weekend.

I figured I'd give you a quick rundown of a couple things that are closing so that you won't miss them. Some of these events have been going on for months, and others just a couple of weeks, but either way they're worth a visit.

ArtSSpring 2010 - A city-wide celebration of the arts in Sandy Springs
Art in the Afternoon: An Artful Spring - A monthly evening art walk through the Rail Arts District in Avondale Estates
Georgia Renaissance Festival - If you don't know what this is, you must be new in town.
Cyberchase: The Chase Is On! - An exhibit at Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta based on the PBS Kids math-mystery cartoon
Buddy: the Buddy Holly Story - A musical about the legendary rock icon presented by Georgia Ensemble Theatre at the 14th Street Playhouse
Decatur Arts Festival 2010: Fine Arts Exhibition - Even through the festival had its big event last weekend, this juried multimedia exhibit at Agnes Scott College's Dalton Gallery runs through Sunday.
Stellaluna - A Center for Puppetry Arts show based on the popular children's book
Contract Killings - This visual art exhibit at Beep Beep Gallery closes on Sunday, but you should definitely also check out Beep Beep's Artlantis festival on Saturday at Druid Hills Baptist Church.

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When I saw the forecast calling for temps in the 90s this weekend, I started to think about things to do indoors. Then I thought theatre. Limited movement required, AC guaranteed.

There are a couple of shows opening this weekend (some of which are limited engagement and closing this weekend too), so I thought I'd put together a quick list to help you beat the heat.

A World of Silents (June 11-13) at 7 Stages - This multimedia show by Fly-By Theatre is inspired by the films of the early 20th century.

Nickelodeon Presents Storytime Live! (June 11-13) at the Fox Theatre - This live theatrical tour for families features characters from four of the top-rated preschool shows on TV.

The Wonders of the World: Recite (June 11 -13) at Eyedrum - A darkly funny play presented by Twinhead Theatre, it's a Southeastern premiere about a boy and his grandmother who live in a lighthouse at the end of the world.

Don't Stop Believing (June 13) at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre - This one-night only concert features performances by Broadway stars and students from Broadway Dreams Foundation Atlanta.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (opens June 11) at The Strand Theatre - Stephen Sondheim's musical presented by the Atlanta Lyric Theatre combines situations from the ancient comedies of Roman playwright Plautus with classic vaudeville.

Chaim's Love Song (opens June 11) at Kudzu Playhouse - This dramatic comedy tells the story of a homesick teacher from Iowa who meets a retired Jewish mailman from New York on a Brooklyn park bench, and they develop a friendship as he shares his stories of life and love.

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"Those days of soda and pretzels and beer...
Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer...
You'll wish that summer could always be there..."

Nat King Cole describes it best in his song. Summer just has that certain quality that makes people wish it would stick around forever. At least for me it does...

Since the official first day of summer is this coming Monday, I thought I'd use this week's post to let you know about a few summer-themed outdoor music events in town.

Decatur Beach Party in Decatur Square - Decatur bring in 60 tons of sand to turn the square into a beach, and you can dance on the Plaza to beach music.

MidSummer Music Fest in Candler Park - Ok, so it's not exactly mid-season, but this festival has a definite Jamacian vibe with beer from Red Stripe and a performance by The Wailers.

Hot Fun in the Summertime Concert Series at Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre - Saturday's concert in this series features Gerald Albright, Peter White and Daniel Moore.

And check out this YouTube video of that Nat King Cole song in case you're interested...

Tags: arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities music theatre theater visual events cultural attractions exhibit performance shows symphony orchestra center puppetry zoo arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums artists events arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums film music theater theatre events symphony orchestra center puppetry fernbank museum zoo arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums theater theatre visual events cultural attractions exhibit galleries performance shows center puppetry fox high museum art woodruff arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists artist market events cultural attractions exhibit out about performance shows organizations symphony orchestra callanwolde fine center fernbank museum fox high arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about performance shows organizations symphony orchestra callanwolde fine center woodruff arts entertainment atlanta planit dance family activities music theater theatre visual artists cultural attractions events exhibit exhibition galleries out about performance shows organizations ballet symphony orchestra center puppetry fox high museum art arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual artists events cultural attractions exhibition heritages organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums events cultural attractions heritages out about organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities music theater theatre events tickets cultural attractions performance shows ticket discounts organizations arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities museums visual events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition galleries heritages out about organizations callanwolde fine center fox theater artist market arts entertainment atlanta planit family activities visual artists events cultural attractions exhibit exhibition organizations callanwolde fine