Community Events

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS ONCE YOU GET LOST! 

Wind your way through this twisting, climbing, head-scratching interactive exhibit that’ll challenge the whole family from the very first step. 

Can your eyes actually lie to you? Find out in the Maze of Illusions where nothing is what it seems. Think you’re coordinated? Climb, duck, and try not to get completely tangled in the Web Maze. Feeling ambitious? Build your own maze from scratch, then dare others to solve it.  

From giant finger mazes to brain-busting puzzle tables, art you can touch, and a labyrinth library, there are surprises to be found round every single corner.

Celebrate the magic of the season at the Art Center’s Mistletoe Market, a festive shopping experience featuring talented local artisans, makers and creators from our community. Browse a unique collection of handcrafted gifts, holiday décor, jewelry, artwork, textiles and one-of-a-kind treasures perfect for everyone on your holiday list. Enjoy the charm of supporting local businesses while discovering beautifully made items you won’t find anywhere else.

Join us for a joyful holiday tradition filled with creativity, community and Christmas spirit! 

Five nights. Five worlds. One village under the stars.

On select nights this fall, the Georgia Renaissance Festival village opens for an entirely different experience. GARF After Dark is a five-night, 21+ nighttime event near Atlanta featuring themed worlds, premium cocktails, a headline DJ, live music, fire and aerial performance and hookah lounges. Trick props, mounted stunt work, theatrical combat, and a Fire Sword finale bring The Legend of the Headless Horseman to life under the night sky. A rider loses his head before your eyes — and then rides again. An original theatrical joust, performed every night of the series.

Guests can expect:

• Fantasy music built for a torch-lit crowd
• Folk-rock and tavern sing-along energy
• Live band with belly dancing and fire-veiled spectacle
• Roaming fire-juggling comedy from the Official Jester of Muncaster Castle
• Aerialists, contortionists, stilt performers, and specialty acts appearing throughout the village

From Masquerade to the Grand Revel, every night has its own theme, atmosphere, and surprises. This year's themes include:

• Masquerade: Friday, Oct. 30
  • "When the Veil Grows Thin"
• Fae Revel: Friday, Nov. 6
  • "The Fae Have Gathered"
• Feast of Fools: Friday, Nov. 13 
  • "Tonight, the Fools Rule"
• Guildhall: Friday, Nov. 20 
  • "Raise a Glass, Adventurer"
• Grand Revel: Wednesday, Nov. 25 
  • "Before Winter Comes"

Every guest must be 21 or older and present a valid government-issued photo ID at entry. GARF After Dark runs from 7 p.m. to midnight. 

NETHERWORLD Haunted House is celebrating its milestone 30th Season of Screams with two all-new haunted experiences: Curse of the Collector and Beyond Oblivion: Legacy of Evil. The 2026 season brings together three decades of legendary monsters, iconic characters, and cinematic storytelling, alongside massive new environments and original scares. 

After completing each haunt, guests will arrive at the Halloween-themed Midway, packed with festive spirit, games galore, roaming monsters, food trucks, and more. Guests can also visit the House of Creeps Monster Museum, featuring rare movie props, NETHERWORLD memorabilia, and monstrous creations, or experience five year-round escape games at Escape the Netherworld. 

All tickets are date- and time-specific, with guests selecting a half-hour entry window when purchasing. SpeedPasses are also available to expedite entry.

* Please check the website below for specific times, pricing and more details. 
Opening Weekend – Sept. 18-19 
Open Sept. 25-26; Oct. 2-4, 6-12, 14-31; Nov. 1, 6-7 
Closing Weekend – Nov. 6-7

Come support Georgia Tech Men’s Basketball all season long as the Jackets are back in action on Cremins Court at McCamish Pavilion!

A bicycle is a big-ticket item that lands on holiday gift lists every year, but not every family can afford to fulfill that wish. For 45 years, Rick Case Bikes for Kids has been collecting gently used bicycles from the community that will be passed along to local children and teens who are yearning for a set of wheels. From October 1 until December 20, the community is encouraged to bring bikes they’re no longer riding to any Rick Case Automotive Group dealership.

The dealerships will ensure the bolts are tightened and the tires are inflated before distributing the bikes to children and teens at the Boys & Girls Clubs, Habitat for Humanity, Women in Distress and other local charitable organizations, churches, synagogues and schools. Since 1982, Rick Case Bikes for Kids has had an incredible impact on local communities by collecting more than 124,000 bikes in Georgia, Florida and Ohio from generous members of the community.

Bikes can be dropped off at the following Rick Case Automotive Group dealerships:

• Rick Case Hyundai/Genesis / 3180 Satellite Blvd. NW, Duluth
• Rick Case Kia / 3190 Satellite Blvd. NW, Duluth
• Audi Gwinnett / 3184 Satellite Blvd. NW, Duluth
• Rick Case Mazda / 2493 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth
• Rick Case Hyundai/Genesis / 11446 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell

The dealerships are open seven days a week. Visit RickCase.com for specific hours.

About The Rick Case Automotive Group

Founded in 1962, the Rick Case Automotive Group has been honored by Automotive News as the National All-Star Dealer, and President and CEO Rita Case was named the 2024 TIME Dealer of the Year. Rick Case Automotive Group is the nation’s largest female-owned and operated automotive dealer group in America, offering Honda, Hyundai, Genesis, Ioniq, Volkswagen, Kia, Acura, Audi, Mazda, Maserati, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Honda Motorcycles and E-Z-Go golf carts.

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.
• When space is available, encounter tickets can be purchased online for up to five minutes before the encounter begins.
• 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

IllumiNight at the Zoo
A Lantern Festival presented by Georgia Power, with additional support from Beacon Sponsor Huntington Bank.

Dates/times:
November 21, 2026 – January 17, 2027 (select nights)
5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 

Experience the magic of Atlanta holiday lights! 
Discover Atlanta’s Ultimate Holiday Tradition: IllumiNights at the Zoo! This holiday season, Atlanta’s beloved festive event returns bigger and brighter than ever, transforming the Zoo into a dazzling nighttime wonderland. Experience hundreds of brilliantly illuminated wildlife lanterns and captivating displays that celebrate the beauty and magic of nature after dark.

Looking for great holiday lights in Atlanta? IllumiNights is your must-see event! Perfect for families, couples on a romantic date night, or friends looking for unforgettable fun, this one-of-a-kind holiday lights experience fills your evening with sparkling joy and wonder.

Pro Tip: While the illuminated lantern wildlife steals the show after dark, don’t miss the real animals during daytime visits for a unique, all-day adventure.

What to expect:

• Wander through a mile-long trail glowing with spectacular lanterns of exotic animals and vibrant scenes from around the globe.
• Cozy up with delicious hot cocoa or indulge in signature holiday cocktails for guests 21 and older.
• Gather around roaring fire pits for a classic marshmallow roast and make magical memories.
• Capture stunning photos at every turn; your social media followers will love it!

Make this holiday season unforgettable. Join us at IllumiNights and see why it’s one of the top things to do in Atlanta for the holidays!

Food & Beverage Information:
Explore a variety of dining options throughout the Zoo, whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal, light snack, or sweet treat.

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:

Saturday, August 15
Wednesday, August 26
Saturday, September 5
Wednesday, September 23
Saturday, October 3
Wednesday, October 21
Wednesday, November 4
Saturday, November 21
Wednesday, December 9
Saturday, December 19

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

Age range: 16 and up

Sensory Friendly Mornings is an exclusive event for individuals with different sensory processing skills and their families to have fun, enjoyable and interactive learning experiences in a comfortable and accepting environment. This sensory-friendly event offers a conscious effort to eliminate extra stimuli.

Space is limited. Registration is recommended. Museum opens to the general public at 10 AM.

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS ONCE YOU GET LOST! 

Wind your way through this twisting, climbing, head-scratching interactive exhibit that’ll challenge the whole family from the very first step. 

Can your eyes actually lie to you? Find out in the Maze of Illusions where nothing is what it seems. Think you’re coordinated? Climb, duck, and try not to get completely tangled in the Web Maze. Feeling ambitious? Build your own maze from scratch, then dare others to solve it.  

From giant finger mazes to brain-busting puzzle tables, art you can touch, and a labyrinth library, there are surprises to be found round every single corner.

Celebrate the magic of the season at the Art Center’s Mistletoe Market, a festive shopping experience featuring talented local artisans, makers and creators from our community. Browse a unique collection of handcrafted gifts, holiday décor, jewelry, artwork, textiles and one-of-a-kind treasures perfect for everyone on your holiday list. Enjoy the charm of supporting local businesses while discovering beautifully made items you won’t find anywhere else.

Join us for a joyful holiday tradition filled with creativity, community and Christmas spirit! 

The Piedmont Division of the National Model Railroad Association proudly presents the Piedmont Pilgrimage, the annual tour of the Atlanta area's great model railroads. We are proud to showcase the craftsmanship and dedication of our members during this event. The 2026 tour will feature more than 60 remarkable model railroads to visit. As always, the Pilgrimage is open to everyone and is entirely free of charge.

The Pilgrimage kicks off on Saturday, Oct. 24, and will run for five weekends. Tours will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on both Saturdays and Sundays.

Detailed information can be found on the website: https://piedmontpilgrimage.com/.

Join Georgia Tech football for Senior Day and First Responders Appreciation Day at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field as they take on Wake Forest.  

Purchase your tickets today at www.ramblinwreck.com/tickets 

Fun-filled day of family entertainment, living history demonstrations, and Southern Cooking. Old time mountain music and barn dancing. Also, an antique truck and tractor show. Free admission! 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

The market is alive, the taverns are singing, and Nottingham has gathered to make merry.

The Sheriff wants control, credit, and coin. Robin Hood would rather see you enjoy yourself.

Their rivalry plays out through questionable taxes, ridiculous rules, public challenges, and plenty of mischief — but guests never need to follow a plot to take part.

This fall, the full Georgia Renaissance Festival village comes alive with seven festival days across six themed weekends, live jousting, entertainment, 160+ artisan shoppes, 300+ sips and bites, games, and a season-long rivalry between Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham.

From remembrance and forest magic to tournaments, holiday shopping, and Yuletide warmth, every weekend gives Nottingham a different reason to revel. 

This year's themed weekends include:

• Hallowtide
• Harvest of the Old Gods
• Feast of Fools
• Tournament of Champions
• Royal Market Days
• Yuletide

The tournament field comes alive three times throughout the day as knights compete for honor inside the world of Nottingham. Robin Hood and the Sheriff bring their rivalry to the tournament field while the joust delivers horses, lances, combat, and spectacle throughout the Fall Fling day. Fall Fling is its own season — cooler days, autumn light, Nottingham story, themed weekends, harvest flavors, and a village that changes as daylight gives way to evening.

NETHERWORLD Haunted House is celebrating its milestone 30th Season of Screams with two all-new haunted experiences: Curse of the Collector and Beyond Oblivion: Legacy of Evil. The 2026 season brings together three decades of legendary monsters, iconic characters, and cinematic storytelling, alongside massive new environments and original scares. 

After completing each haunt, guests will arrive at the Halloween-themed Midway, packed with festive spirit, games galore, roaming monsters, food trucks, and more. Guests can also visit the House of Creeps Monster Museum, featuring rare movie props, NETHERWORLD memorabilia, and monstrous creations, or experience five year-round escape games at Escape the Netherworld. 

All tickets are date- and time-specific, with guests selecting a half-hour entry window when purchasing. SpeedPasses are also available to expedite entry.

* Please check the website below for specific times, pricing and more details. 
Opening Weekend – Sept. 18-19 
Open Sept. 25-26; Oct. 2-4, 6-12, 14-31; Nov. 1, 6-7 
Closing Weekend – Nov. 6-7

5th Annual Cumming City Center Winter/Holiday Market​

Kick off the holiday season with a full day of winter cheer, local shopping and festive fun! Browse unique gifts, snap photos with Santa and stick around for the Christmas Tree Lighting and Concert to cap off the night.

Absolutely free and open to everyone!

Highlights and holiday fun:

• 100+ local vendors: Discover one-of-a-kind gifts, handcrafted goods, and seasonal treats.
• Santa visit: Meet Santa, drop off wish lists and snap festive photos!
• Live music and entertainment: Holiday tunes playing all day to keep the spirits bright.
• Kids Zone: Fun crafts, games and winter surprises for the little ones.
• Tree Lighting & Concert: Stay as the market wraps up to watch the Christmas tree light up!

​​​Whether you're shopping for stocking stuffers, sipping hot cocoa with friends or soaking in the festive atmosphere, there’s something for the whole family. Come support small businesses and celebrate with our community!

Call for vendors and sponsors:​​

Interested in joining us as a retail vendor or sponsor? We’d love to have you!
Apply here: https://tr.ee/K2aLm_G5eL

A bicycle is a big-ticket item that lands on holiday gift lists every year, but not every family can afford to fulfill that wish. For 45 years, Rick Case Bikes for Kids has been collecting gently used bicycles from the community that will be passed along to local children and teens who are yearning for a set of wheels. From October 1 until December 20, the community is encouraged to bring bikes they’re no longer riding to any Rick Case Automotive Group dealership.

The dealerships will ensure the bolts are tightened and the tires are inflated before distributing the bikes to children and teens at the Boys & Girls Clubs, Habitat for Humanity, Women in Distress and other local charitable organizations, churches, synagogues and schools. Since 1982, Rick Case Bikes for Kids has had an incredible impact on local communities by collecting more than 124,000 bikes in Georgia, Florida and Ohio from generous members of the community.

Bikes can be dropped off at the following Rick Case Automotive Group dealerships:

• Rick Case Hyundai/Genesis / 3180 Satellite Blvd. NW, Duluth
• Rick Case Kia / 3190 Satellite Blvd. NW, Duluth
• Audi Gwinnett / 3184 Satellite Blvd. NW, Duluth
• Rick Case Mazda / 2493 Pleasant Hill Road, Duluth
• Rick Case Hyundai/Genesis / 11446 Alpharetta Highway, Roswell

The dealerships are open seven days a week. Visit RickCase.com for specific hours.

About The Rick Case Automotive Group

Founded in 1962, the Rick Case Automotive Group has been honored by Automotive News as the National All-Star Dealer, and President and CEO Rita Case was named the 2024 TIME Dealer of the Year. Rick Case Automotive Group is the nation’s largest female-owned and operated automotive dealer group in America, offering Honda, Hyundai, Genesis, Ioniq, Volkswagen, Kia, Acura, Audi, Mazda, Maserati, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Honda Motorcycles and E-Z-Go golf carts.

Sensory Friendly Mornings is an exclusive event for individuals with different sensory processing skills and their families to have fun, enjoyable and interactive learning experiences in a comfortable and accepting environment. This sensory-friendly event offers a conscious effort to eliminate extra stimuli.

Space is limited. Registration is recommended. Museum opens to the general public at 10 AM.