Community Events

How many chickens do you weigh?

How tall are you in apples or inches or pennies? Can you use your foot as a ruler?

Explore these and other questions in this new interactive exhibit in the Discovery Garden!

It may be common to measure using standard tools such as measuring tapes and cups, but Measurement Rules explores non-standard tools such as balancing scales, odometers, calipers, 3-D imaging and counting “Mississippis.” Explore this exhibit and become confident in the language of measurement through length, weight, volume and time.

The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

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.

The Arts Council is excited to announce the highly anticipated 2026 Battle of the Bands, taking place on Friday, April 24, at the Smithgall Arts Center.

This annual showcase brings together the region’s most dynamic emerging artists for an unforgettable night of live music, competition and community celebration. 

Bands of all genres are invited to apply for a chance to perform on stage, connect with new audiences and compete for top honors, including our grand prize of $1,000 and the opportunity to headline a show in the 2026/2027 season with 50% of ticket sales or our People’s Choice award which includes a cash prize and an opportunity to open at a concert. A panel of judges—featuring industry professionals, local musicians and community leaders—will evaluate performances based on originality, musicality, stage presence and audience engagement. Our people’s choice will be determined by who can raise the most funds for the Arts Council through donations. 

Applications are open now through March 4, 2026. Interested bands can apply by submitting basic group information, music samples and a brief performance proposal. An application fee of $100 will apply and selected finalists will be announced in March 2026.

On the evening of April 24, Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited #696 (BRMTU) and Blue Ridge Mountain Arts Association (BRMAA) cooperatively present "Catch It! On Film," a selection of regionally curated short films that discover the fish, the fishing, recreation, conservation and the secrets to be told where cold-water flows from the ridges and valleys of the North Georgia ranges of the southern Appalachian Mountains. 

Ticketed guests (limited) gather from 5 to 7 p.m. in the gallery of the historic Fannin County Courthouse while enjoying food, beverages, raffles, a silent auction of fine outdoor gear and the camaraderie of the outdoor-recreation community, raising funds and building greater awareness for local cold-water resources.

Proceeds locally benefit the education, conservation, recreation and community outreach programs of Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited #696.

Springtime Traditions 1790–1869 is a living-history event that brings nearly eight decades of American history to life at Callaway Plantation. This immersive experience traces daily life, agriculture, foodways and conflict from the early American frontier through the War Between the States.

Visitors will enjoy period cooking, agricultural talks and demonstrations and a powerful mounted artillery presentation interpreting the 1861–1865 conflict in a rarely seen format. Friday, April 24, is dedicated to school groups with interactive, educational programming, while Saturday, April 25, is open to the general public.

Springtime Traditions offers a rare opportunity to step into a living historical timeline where history is not just observed—but experienced.

Georgia Tech Baseball is your reigning 2025 ACC Regular Champs heading into 2026! Get your tickets today to watch the Yellow Jackets swarm Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium all season long. 

“Fiddler on the Roof,” the beloved Broadway musical, takes the stage in the hands of North Georgia Community Players in Dillard, Rabun County, for three weekends in April and May.

The story of Tevye, his wife, Golde, their five daughters, and the little Eastern European Jewish village of Anatevka at the turn of the 19th century, includes such memorable songs as “Sunrise, Sunset,” “To Life!” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.”  

Performances are April 24-26, May 1-3, and May 8-10.

Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m.; Sunday matinees at 3 p.m.

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

Run Like Wild 5k - Zoo Atlanta
Event Date: April 25, 2026
Event Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Ready, get set … run a 5k for a cause!

Run, walk or trot through the Zoo at the sixth-annual Run Like Wild 5K.

Don’t miss Atlanta’s only 5K race and Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race Qualifier where you might catch a glimpse of some of Earth’s most incredible wildlife. The in-person 5K race is an official Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Or choose to register to run with us virtually from home! Virtual registration includes the t-shirt and race medal. 

Registration

In-Person 5K: $55 
Runners will enter and loop twice inside Grant Park. After the second pass, runners will enter Zoo Atlanta to views of incredible wildlife. The race finishes inside Zoo Atlanta with an After Party!  Strollers, baby joggers, and pets are NOT permitted.

In-Person 5K registration includes:

• Bib with chip timing 
• One unisex race T-shirt
• One finisher’s medal
• Ability to pick up your packet early (see Packet Pick-Up Info below) to avoid race morning stress
• Post-race snacks and drink at the After Party
• Free downloads of your race photos from True Speed Photos
• Same-day general admission to Zoo Atlanta after 9:30 a.m.

Virtual 5K: $45
Be a part of Run Like Wild 2026 from wherever you are! Run with us virtually from home, the gym or on your own trail.

Virtual 5k registration includes:

• One unisex race T-shirt
• One finisher’s medal
• Free domestic shipping. International shipping available and subject to fees.

Other registration details:

• Advance online registration only. No mail-in or race day registration available.
• In-person and virtual race options available  
• Don’t wait to register – this race has sold out in the past.
• Registration is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• This is a rain-or-shine event; however, in the case of extreme weather, race updates will be posted here and emailed to all participants.
• The cost of your race registration goes to support Zoo Atlanta’s operations, including superior animal care, education, and conservation across the globe

Race Day Timeline:

• 7 a.m. – 8 a.m.: Packet pickup open in front of Zoo Atlanta’s Savanna Hall building
• 8 a.m.: Spectator ticketholders permitted through the Education Conservation Gate
• 8 a.m.: 5K race and After Party begins
• 8:10 a.m.: 5K starting line and chip timing closes
• 9 a.m.: Awards Ceremony begins
• 9:30 a.m.: Zoo Atlanta opens to the public
• 10 a.m.: After Party concludes

How many chickens do you weigh?

How tall are you in apples or inches or pennies? Can you use your foot as a ruler?

Explore these and other questions in this new interactive exhibit in the Discovery Garden!

It may be common to measure using standard tools such as measuring tapes and cups, but Measurement Rules explores non-standard tools such as balancing scales, odometers, calipers, 3-D imaging and counting “Mississippis.” Explore this exhibit and become confident in the language of measurement through length, weight, volume and time.

The museum is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

From 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Dive into the ultimate fishing celebration that is the Annual Blue Ridge Trout and Outdoor Adventure Festival! Hosted in the picturesque downtown Blue Ridge City Park by the Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited Chapter, this event promises a splashing good time.

Rain or shine, this event will reel you in with family-friendly fun and outdoor adventure, showcasing why Blue Ridge is hailed as the Trout Capital of Georgia.

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.

Paulding Pregnancy Services is hosting its 5th Annual Miles for Moms 5K! This event proudly benefits Paulding Pregnancy Services, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has served the community since 1999. All services we offer are at no cost to the community, and we have provided assistance and resources for thousands of women and families. All proceeds for this race will go directly to fund our services that help our community, like our Earn While You Learn and Car Seat Safety programs. We have provided, at no cost to our clients, over 1123 client care sessions. This includes 340 prenatal and parenting classes, 262 ultrasounds, and 33 car seats. We also gave away over 3,900 maternity and baby items such as clothes, diapers, cribs, highchairs, and more! 

Miles For Moms 5K will begin at 8 a.m. Runners will begin and end in the parking lot of Fortified Hills Baptist Church. They will enjoy making a scenic rolling loop on Old Dallas Road, Holland Road, Cook Road, and Brinkley Road. Our Miles for Moms 5K is perfect for both avid runners and those that want to just stroll and chat with friends. Runners, joggers, and walkers will enjoy a fun filled event while supporting a worthy cause.

Strollers are permitted, and children in strollers do not need to register. Pets are not permitted.

Exciting news! Miles For Moms 5K is an official Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race qualifying event! Our route is certified!

*Certification GA22034WC*
 

April 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the 9th Annual Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival returns to Blue Ridge, Georgia, and Fannin County – the Official Trout Capital of Georgia.

Fishermen, river sports enthusiasts and outdoor recreation fans and their families gather at Blue Ridge’s downtown city park for recreational services, fun, food, activities, entertainment and shopping, while increasing the public's knowledge of trout and cold-water conservation associated with Trout Unlimited. Net proceeds of Trout Fest ‘26 support cold-water conservation, education, recreation and community awareness and outreach programs funded (in part) by the all-volunteer Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited #696.

More than 130 Exhibitors present fishing gear/accessories, wildlife art/jewelry, outfitter apparel/gear, outdoor cooking, guided fishing services, and much more!

Trout Fest Activity Zone opens up a world of outdoor fun … fly-casting, mountain biking, golf games, trout pond, crosscutting, gem mining and more!

Trout Fest Program Tents … Professionals reveal local trout fishing, mountain biking, hiking, paddling and more in Fannin County -- the Trout Capital of Georgia.

Trout Fest Food Court features new and returning vendors, and our Beer/Wine Garden will feature brews from Grumpy Old Men Brewing Company.

A community event to remember, bless and celebrate law enforcement officers and their families through music, prayer, food trucks, games, and fireworks.

Celebrates the brave men and women who make up our law enforcement community and their families who stand by them. This event is all about giving back, raising awareness, and showing our appreciation for those who protect and serve.

Event takes place from 6-9 p.m.

The Springtime Garden & Crafts Celebration!

Madison’s blooming azaleas and dogwoods herald the coming of a new season, but the celebration of spring hits full throttle on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Town Park with the 29th Annual Madison Fest—a free family-friendly event featuring spring flowers, garden plants, handmade arts and crafts, regional food, creative crafting activities, and great live music all day long.

Look forward to activities including:

• 75 Local and Regional Crafters
• Ice Cold Beer on the Gazebo Terrace
• Tasty Festival Food
• Live Music All Day
• Crafting Tent
• Face Painting - free for kids
• Plein Air Paint Out
• Charlie Elliott Astronomy
• David Burke of Tailshakers

10 a.m.-3 p.m., Downtown Douglas

Join us for Adventure Awaits, a fun, family-friendly shopping event where you can travel the world with your favorite local shops—no tickets, no passports, and no purchase required!

How It Works:
Participating downtown shops will each represent a different destination, complete with themed food, fun and surprises for travelers of all ages. Just stroll downtown, pop into shops and enjoy the experience—everything is free!

What to Expect:
• International-themed snacks & treats
• Fun activities and in-store experiences
• Giveaways and surprises
• A walkable, relaxed way to kick off summer

No planning required—just bring your sense of adventure and enjoy a day of shopping local while exploring the world, one storefront at a time.

Springtime Traditions 1790–1869 is a living-history event that brings nearly eight decades of American history to life at Callaway Plantation. This immersive experience traces daily life, agriculture, foodways and conflict from the early American frontier through the War Between the States.

Visitors will enjoy period cooking, agricultural talks and demonstrations and a powerful mounted artillery presentation interpreting the 1861–1865 conflict in a rarely seen format. Friday, April 24, is dedicated to school groups with interactive, educational programming, while Saturday, April 25, is open to the general public.

Springtime Traditions offers a rare opportunity to step into a living historical timeline where history is not just observed—but experienced.

Join us for a community-wide event to remember, bless, and celebrate Law Enforcement Officers and their families through music, prayer, food trucks, games and fireworks.

Event begins at 5:30 and concludes with fireworks.

Georgia Tech Baseball is your reigning 2025 ACC Regular Champs heading into 2026! Get your tickets today to watch the Yellow Jackets swarm Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium all season long.