Community Events

Celebrate Freedom at Douglas’ Biggest July 4th Event!

The City of Douglas and its partners invite you to the 2026 Freedom Fest on Saturday, July 4, at JC Adams Municipal Park – Jardine Stadium. Gates open at 5 p.m., and stadium seating will be available. Admission and parking are free!

Enjoy free rides at the Kids’ Carnival, delicious food, a variety of vendors and a spectacular fireworks show at dark.

For more details, call (912) 384-3302 or (912) 383-0277.

Travel back in time at Cruzin the Depot in Ringgold, Georgia! Take it back to the good ‘ole days with the Ringgold Cruisers and Pharoah’s Choo Choo on the first Saturday of each month. Shop, eat, explore Ringgold’s downtown area and enjoy dozens of vintage cars and trucks! 

Cruise-ins happen on the first Saturday of each month, beginning in April and running through November. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., but the streets start filling up quickly around 5 p.m., so arrive early to get a good spot! Visit the website below for more information.

Atlanta Food Festival vibes every week with food, crafts, music and kids' activities.

Free admission fun for all ages!

This is the perfect place to eat, shop, dance, and make memories at one of the most family-friendly food markets in Atlanta.

Food & Drinks

• Over 15 delicious food vendors featuring a diverse selection of foods every week
• A diverse mix of crave-worthy eats from local culinary favorites
• Food, drinks & most activities available for purchase

Shop Local

• Craft vendors showcasing local artisans
• Handmade goods, unique gifts & one-of-a-kind finds
• Support small businesses in a vibrant marketplace atmosphere.

Entertainment & Experiences

• Live music from talented local bands all day
• High-energy DJ sets spinning your favorite hits at night
• Monthly Silent Disco experience with glowing headphones
• Monthly Outdoor Movie Nights under the stars. Bring blankets and chairs!
• Seasonal themes and interactive activities
• Exciting sponsor activations and giveaways

Family Fun

• Kids activities including inflatables
• Face painting and family-friendly games
• Safe, welcoming environment for all ages

When
Every Saturday, April 4-Nov. 14, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Eat. Shop. Dance. Celebrate. Repeat.

RSVP BY GRABBING A TICKET FOR EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND DISCOUNTS FROM OUR VENDORS!

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/uptown-market-atlanta-4820292

Georgia Mountains to Shore features the work of the Upcountry Fiber Artists, which consists of six Carolina artists, including Evelyn Beck, Lynne Harrill, Sara Quattlebaum, Cynthia Steward, Denny Webster and Kathryn Weston. They work with textiles to create artworks that range from pictorial to abstract, small to large, and colorful to subdued. Their adventurous use of fabric, surface design and quilting create exciting and innovative works that share their unique and individual southern experience.

Matriotism: Celebrating 250 Years of Inspiring American Women Through Quilts, a travelling exhibition produced by the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild.

Georgia Mountains to Shore features the work of the Upcountry Fiber Artists, which consists of six Carolina artists, including Evelyn Beck, Lynne Harrill, Sara Quattlebaum, Cynthia Steward, Denny Webster and Kathryn Weston. They work with textiles to create artworks that range from pictorial to abstract, small to large, and colorful to subdued. Their adventurous use of fabric, surface design and quilting create exciting and innovative works that share their unique and individual southern experience.

Matriotism: Celebrating 250 Years of Inspiring American Women Through Quilts, a travelling exhibition produced by the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild.

Join the team at the Zambezi Elephant Center and immerse yourself in what it takes to care for the largest land animals on the planet! Spend the morning working alongside the Elephant Care Team to prepare the habitat for the day and ensure the elephants’ needs are met.

Spend the morning working alongside the Elephant Care Team to prepare the habitat for the day and ensure the elephants’ needs are met.

This unique experience is sure to educate and inspire you about these special individuals, help you learn more about the rigorous requirements of professional elephant care, and gain an understanding of the ways Zoo Atlanta is working to protect wild populations. 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.

Before registering, please understand that during this program: 

• Participants will perform similar tasks as members of the Elephant 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:Saturday, April 18
Thursday, April 30
Saturday, May 16
Thursday, May 28
Thursday, June 11
Saturday, June 20
Thursday, July 9
Saturday, July 18
Thursday, August 6
Saturday, August 22
Thursday, September 3

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

Member cost: $325
Non-member cost: $360

Age range: 16 and up

Georgia Mountains to Shore features the work of the Upcountry Fiber Artists, which consists of six Carolina artists, including Evelyn Beck, Lynne Harrill, Sara Quattlebaum, Cynthia Steward, Denny Webster and Kathryn Weston. They work with textiles to create artworks that range from pictorial to abstract, small to large, and colorful to subdued. Their adventurous use of fabric, surface design and quilting create exciting and innovative works that share their unique and individual southern experience.

Matriotism: Celebrating 250 Years of Inspiring American Women Through Quilts, a travelling exhibition produced by the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild.

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.

IF YOU’VE YEARNED TO GET CLOSER TO THE ANIMALS, NOW YOU CAN WITH A WILD ENCOUNTER!

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.
Select Thursdays at 2 p.m. between May 26 and September 7

Member Cost: $117 | Non-Member Cost: $130 + Zoo admission

Age Range: 4 and up

IF YOU’VE YEARNED TO GET CLOSER TO THE ANIMALS, NOW YOU CAN WITH A WILD ENCOUNTER! 

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 Ben & Jerry’s 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.

Lemur Wild Encounters will run through October 18, 2026.

Days available:
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 – 11:50 a.m.

Member Cost: $41 | Non-Member Cost: $45 + Zoo admission

Age Range: 4 and up

Warthog Wild Encounter

IF YOU’VE YEARNED TO GET CLOSER TO THE ANIMALS, NOW YOU CAN WITH A WILD ENCOUNTER! 

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.

Warthog Wild Encounters will run through November 16, 2026.

Days available:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday at 1 p.m.

Member Cost: $41 | Non-Member Cost: $45 + Zoo admission

Age Range: 4 and up

Georgia Mountains to Shore features the work of the Upcountry Fiber Artists, which consists of six Carolina artists, including Evelyn Beck, Lynne Harrill, Sara Quattlebaum, Cynthia Steward, Denny Webster and Kathryn Weston. They work with textiles to create artworks that range from pictorial to abstract, small to large, and colorful to subdued. Their adventurous use of fabric, surface design and quilting create exciting and innovative works that share their unique and individual southern experience.

Matriotism: Celebrating 250 Years of Inspiring American Women Through Quilts, a travelling exhibition produced by the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild.

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

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.

2026 Dates:
May 2 & 21
June 6 & 18
July 11 & 16
August 1 & 20

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.

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, April 22
Saturday, May 9
Wednesday, May 20
Wednesday, June 3
Saturday, June 13
Wednesday, July 1
Saturday, July 11
Saturday, August 15
Wednesday, August 26
Saturday, September 5

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

Age range: 16 and up

Georgia Mountains to Shore features the work of the Upcountry Fiber Artists, which consists of six Carolina artists, including Evelyn Beck, Lynne Harrill, Sara Quattlebaum, Cynthia Steward, Denny Webster and Kathryn Weston. They work with textiles to create artworks that range from pictorial to abstract, small to large, and colorful to subdued. Their adventurous use of fabric, surface design and quilting create exciting and innovative works that share their unique and individual southern experience.