Community Events

Escape the ordinary and step into a world of knights, noble ladies, lively music, artisan treasures, and unforgettable fun at the Georgia Renaissance Festival.

From thrilling jousts and hilarious stage acts to delicious food, themed drinks, shopping, games, and immersive village streets, every visit feels like a full-day adventure. Bring your family, gather your friends, and spend the day feasting, shopping, laughing, and making memories in a place where fantasy feels real.

Come see why generations of guests return year after year for a royal springtime tradition. Open Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day, Monday April 11-May 31. 

MLT After Dark presents the modern cult musical Heathers.

*MLT After Dark productions include adult content that may not be appropriate for all audiences.  Viewer discretion is advised.*

Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays @ 8 p.m.

Sundays @ 2:30 p.m.

Escape the ordinary and step into a world of knights, noble ladies, lively music, artisan treasures, and unforgettable fun at the Georgia Renaissance Festival.

From thrilling jousts and hilarious stage acts to delicious food, themed drinks, shopping, games, and immersive village streets, every visit feels like a full-day adventure. Bring your family, gather your friends, and spend the day feasting, shopping, laughing, and making memories in a place where fantasy feels real.

Come see why generations of guests return year after year for a royal springtime tradition. Open Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day, Monday April 11-May 31. 

Join Jazz Matters is celebrating a decade of promoting jazz. As part of our celebration, our ICON Jazz Series will showcase the incredible music of the legendary guitarist George Benson, featuring vocalist, Terry Dukes and guitarist, Rick Williamson.  

George Benson is a celebrated American jazz guitarist, singer, and songwriter, known for his distinctive fusion of jazz, pop, and R&B.

• Sunday, May 17, 4 p.m.

• Parking: Parking Deck (next to Westside Dental)

• Accessibility: ADA Accessible

• Indulge in delicious food, available for purchase, and enjoy a cocktail lounge that features locally owned spirits and beverages for your enjoyment.

Major funding for this organization is provided by the Atlanta’s Mayors of Culture Affairs and Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

#jazzmatters10 #jazzmattersATL10

Quilts Japan: The 17th Quilt Nihon features stunning traditional and modern quilts from the biennial competition.

SQTM is honored to be one of only four venues in the United States where the works will be on view.

Zoo Atlanta is home to a diversity of species of reptiles and amphibians from around the globe. From some of the smallest frogs to the most endangered lizards, join the Herpetology Care Team and immerse yourself in the science behind caring for reptiles and amphibians behind-the-scenes at Scaly Slimy Spectacular!

From some of the smallest frogs to the most endangered lizards, join the Herpetology Care Team and immerse yourself in the science behind caring for reptiles and amphibians behind-the-scenes at Scaly Slimy Spectacular!

Learn firsthand the level of care that is required to care for these unique and important species. Participants can expect to meet members of the Animal Care Team, meet an animal, learn about our positive reinforcement training and enrichment programs, and walk away with knowledge of how to save species. All participation in Keeper for a Day programs is voluntary for the animals. If you love these scaly and slimy creatures, this program is just for you! 

Before registering, please understand that during this program: 

• Participants will perform similar tasks as members of the Herpetology Care Team, which may include raking, sweeping, hosing, scrubbing, and shoveling, and should expect to do some hard work and be comfortable getting dirty. 
• Participants will be expected to participate in all weather conditions, lift up to 30 pounds, and be on their feet for up to four hours. 
• Participants must have the physical ability to bend, lift, stoop, kneel, and stand for extended periods of time. 
• Participants may be exposed to potential allergens such as insects, hay, animal waste, and other potential allergens. Please reach out in advance if you have any questions or concerns. 

Upcoming 2026 Dates:
Wednesday, January 14
Saturday, January 24
Saturday, February 14
Wednesday, February 25
Saturday, March 7
Wednesday, March 18
Wednesday, April 22
Saturday, May 9
Wednesday, May 20

Times: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Age range: 16 and up

Quilts Japan: The 17th Quilt Nihon features stunning traditional and modern quilts from the biennial competition.

SQTM is honored to be one of only four venues in the United States where the works will be on view.

Adventure Cubs presented by Carter’s Charitable Foundation is for toddlers and their favorite grownups for a morning of exploration, learning and fun!

Embark on a new journey each month with a Zoo Educator as families get to learn and play together.

Engaging activities will get you and your little one moving and creating. Each month, young explorers will learn about a new animal through a game, craft, story, and singalong. At the end of the program, participants will visit the animal of the month’s habitat to make observations and draw connections to the lesson. You and your family will then receive a themed scavenger hunt to do in the Zoo on your own. This is a great opportunity to make friends and spend time with your little explorers as they discover new skills and learn about wildlife.

All topics and activities are designed for children ages 2-5, with opportunities for exploration for ages 0-2. During the winter months, this program will be held indoors.

2025 Dates:
November 1 & 20
December 6 & 18

2026 Dates:
January 3 & 15
February 7 & 12
March 7 & 19
April 4 & 16
May 2 & 21

Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. 

Zoo Member Cost:
$21 for a parent/guardian and child (each additional child participant will be $5/each)

Non-Member Cost:
$26 for a parent/guardian and child (each additional child participant will be $5/each)*  
*Program registration includes Zoo admission.*

THEMES:

Each month, a new adventure awaits with new animals to observe. Adventure Cubs will explore a new region of the world to investigate the animals and environments there! The purpose of each program is to expose young children to the diversity of animals around the world and to draw connections to the ways we are similar and different. For each adventure they go on, Adventure Cubs will engage in an activity, read a story, and create a take-away memory.  

Quilts Japan: The 17th Quilt Nihon features stunning traditional and modern quilts from the biennial competition.

SQTM is honored to be one of only four venues in the United States where the works will be on view.

Beats on the Streets brings the rhythm to 12 Thursdays of live DJ sets, inviting the community to shop and dine throughout downtown Lawrenceville. For more information, please see the website below.

Elephant Wild Encounter at Zoo Atlanta

No creature looms larger over the savanna than the African elephant, and you’ll agree when you come face-to-trunk with one at Zoo Atlanta! Meet Tara or Kelly while learning why they are such important ambassadors for their species.

During this Wild Encounter experience, you will learn about elephants with a Zoo Educator before heading behind the scenes to meet up with members of the Elephant Care Team and find out more about elephant care at the Zoo. Of course, no Elephant Wild Encounter would be complete without the opportunity to hand-feed one of the “girls” an afternoon snack.

• Meet at the Zambezi Elephant Center 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter. 
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.

Days Available: Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday at 2 p.m. 

Member Cost: $117

Non-Member Cost: $130 + Zoo admission

Age Range: 4 and up

Lemur Wild Encounter at Zoo Atlanta

We can’t plan a trip to Madagascar for you, but we can help you meet one of its most iconic native species. Experience our Lemur Wild Encounter!

Meet and feed some of the amazing primates that make the island of Madagascar one of Earth’s richest and most dynamic natural ecosystems, and learn what you can do to help one of the most endangered groups of mammals on the planet.  

• Meet outside the PopCone food stand 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter.
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.

Days Available: Lemur Wild Encounters will run from April 3 – October 18, 2026.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 – 11:50 a.m. 

Member Cost: $41

Non-Member Cost: $45 + Zoo admission

Age Range: 4 and up

We welcome you to the wild world of warthogs! Come explore what it takes to care for these charismatic creatures and their neighbors in the African Savanna.  

Do warthogs really have warts? Get an up-close look and see! Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at Zoo Atlanta’s African Savanna and give the warthogs a favorite treat. You’ll also meet members of the Zoo’s Animal Care Team and find out what goes into the care of warthogs and other savanna animals.

• Meet outside the warthog habitat near the SweetWater Beer Garden 15 minutes (at 12:45) before the Wild Encounter to check in.
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.
• This encounter is not ADA accessible.
• All guests must wear closed-toed shoes on this encounter.

Days Available: Warthog Wild Encounters will run from April 3 – November 16, 2026.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 1 p.m.

Member Cost: $41

Non-Member Cost: $45 + Zoo admission

Age Range: 4 and up

Quilts Japan: The 17th Quilt Nihon features stunning traditional and modern quilts from the biennial competition.

SQTM is honored to be one of only four venues in the United States where the works will be on view.

Savannah Stopover Music Festival and Eastern Wharf will present a free riverfront concert on Friday, May 22, from 7-10 p.m., featuring acclaimed rock group Futurebirds. 

Praised by Rolling Stone as “the most captivating rock act touring today,” Futurebirds was once the best-kept secret of Athens, Ga.’s music scene. Today, this beloved band performs its progressive mix of psychedelic Southern rock, electrified folk and cosmic American roots music for its passionate “Birdfam” fan base at some of the nation’s most revered venues, including The Ryman and The Fillmore. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see Futurebirds perform live along Savannah’s scenic riverfront!

While the show is free and open to the public, VIP tickets are available for $76.19 on Eventbrite. 

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Local food trucks will be on-site.

Join the murder mystery experience that puts YOU in the spotlight. This comedic dinner theater show is the killer game everyone’s dying to play. Don’t let this unforgettable event pass you by!

At this event like no other, you’ll play along as a detective or play a part as a suspect in the crime. Work with other guests to crack the case over a mouthwatering three-course meal, and discover whodunnit before the killer gets away! Mingle and connect with other teams and intriguing suspects, discover clues, uncover shocking secrets, and unleash your inner child’s imagination during this interactive comedic experience. But watch out! The killer could be anyone… even YOU! 

Participate in a new mystery every month! From the glitz of 1930s Hollywood in “Best Laid Plans” to the roaring 1920s with “Death of a Gangster,” each event offers unforgettable thrills. Boogie at a 1950s sock hop, solve a 90s crime in “Good Riddance,” or celebrate the season with “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year.” Whether it's a billionaire’s masquerade, a 1980s bash or a chilling wedding-themed whodunit, there’s a unique mystery waiting for you. Mark your calendar and join the fun. Each month brings a fresh adventure.

Call the Box Office to avoid fees and get $9 off! (888) 659-2952

Petting Zoo Painters

Join the Animal Care Team and one of our talented animal artists, meeting either the Zoo’s “VanGoat” or “Baaahlo,” and take home a unique work of art in this unforgettable experience.

Learn about the positive reinforcement training process of becoming an animal artist. See firsthand the ways this enrichment activity fits into high standards of care for animals at the Zoo when you meet a goat or sheep and see their art creation in action. Please note that we cannot guarantee a specific animal for your program.

• Meet at the Petting Zoo area of Outback Station 15 minutes before the Wild Encounter start time. 
• Availability is limited for all Wild Encounters. Advance registration is recommended.
• Encounter spots may be available on the day of the program. Please meet the Wild Encounter Guide at the check-in location 15 minutes before the program begins to inquire about availability and to purchase tickets.
• Includes one (1) take-home canvas per registered group.

Days Available: Saturdays at 3:15 p.m.

Member Cost: $67.50  |  Includes one painting per group of four people.

Non-Member Cost: $75 per group of up to four people, + individual Zoo Admission  |   Includes one painting per group of four people.

Age Range: All ages

Brew at the Zoo
May 23, 2026

VIP early entry: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Main Event: 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. (Last event entry 7:30 p.m.) 

Kick-off your summer at the most unique beer festival inside the perimeter, Brew at the Zoo! 

Enjoy sampling of brews from top breweries – including can’t-miss favorites from right here in Georgia – plus live music throughout the Zoo, wildlife viewing, and more.

Join us after-hours to hang with your herd, sip and savor the Zoo experience, and find out why Brew at the Zoo has been back by popular demand for 19 years!

Tickets

Early Bird Sale (March 27 – April 26)

• Member General Admission: $50 
• Non-Member General Admission: $60 
• VIP: $120 

Advance Sale (April 27 – May 23) 

• Member General Admission: $60 
• Non-Member General Admission: $70 
• VIP: $130  

General Admission tickets include:

• The Main Event: Go on a tasting safari with 90+ different pours from over 30 breweries. Come find your new favorite!   
• Your Gear: A collectible 5 oz. tasting mug to guide your journey. 
• Pours and Paws: Evening animal viewing and exclusive scheduled Keeper Talks at various habitats. 
• The Vibe: Live music to keep the party going all night long. 
• NEW FOR 2026! Picture This: Find our two photo booths inside the Zoo for free, unlimited sessions. Grab your crew, strike a pose, and take home a custom photo strip to commemorate your night at Brew.  
• NEW FOR 2026! The Brew Challenge: Turn your phone into a digital scavenger hunt! Complete fun challenges across the Zoo, rack up points, and enter to win exclusive prizes.  
• Take a Spin: Complimentary rides on the Endangered Species Carousel until 8:30 p.m. 
• Fuel Up: Delicious food and snacks available for purchase (card only). 

VIP Tickets include - all General Admission perks, plus:

• Head Start: Early entry beginning at 4:30 p.m. 
• The Lounge: Exclusive access to the VIP Lounge in the Michael & Thalia Carlos Ballroom of Savanna Hall. 
• Private Beats: Set the mood with the sounds of DJ Kate. 
• The Menu: A curated charcuterie box from Graze Craze (limited vegetarian options available). 
• Comfort: Access to private restrooms and air conditioning in Savanna Hall. 
• VIP Pours: Select beer and wine tastings exclusive to the VIP Lounge. 
• NEW FOR 2026! Double the Access: The Pavilion VIP Outpost. Enjoy a dedicated VIP beer station under the Grand Pavilion tent—stay close to The Geeks without losing the premium pours. 
• The Swag: A premium haul featuring a Brew at the Zoo bag, T-shirt, bottled water, and snacks. 
• The Closer: A limited-edition Brew at the Zoo pint glass to take home. 

Tunes - Who's playing?

• The Geeks  will be returning for their THIRD Brew at the Zoo on the main stage in our Grand Pavilion from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. 
• DJ Dmark, an ever-popular presence at many Zoo Atlanta events, will be lighting up Flamingo Plaza with beats throughout the event. 
• The Cherry Bomb will be rocking out with covers of Joan Jett and many other 80s hits at Zambezi Elephant Plaza. 
• Ben Wade Band will bring the perfect acoustic sound to Flamingo Plaza as you enter the event! 
• DJ Kate will give our VIP guests in the Michael & Thalia Carlos Ballroom the royal treatment with vibes that bring the night alive! 

Join us Memorial Day weekend for the Annual Spring Arts in the Park festival.

This long-running event features over 200 juried fine arts exhibitors, crafts, food booths and engaging artist demonstrations throughout the weekend.

Quilts Japan: The 17th Quilt Nihon features stunning traditional and modern quilts from the biennial competition.

SQTM is honored to be one of only four venues in the United States where the works will be on view.