Hello, local readers! Hot off the press is this week’s edition of our weekend guide, filled with the best things to do in and around Atlanta this Thursday through Sunday. As always, be sure to add anything we missed in the comments section. Enjoy your weekend!!
photo credit: moonlightbulbSpring Festival on Ponce
Olmsted Linear Park. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Free.
Let loose at the Spring Festival on Ponce! The festivities run all weekend throughout the chain of three parks that line Ponce de Leon. Over 150 arts and crafts vendors will be on display. Stop and sample yummy goodness from the various food trucks including Williams Bros. Barbeque, Tex Tacos and King of Pops! All ages are welcome and feel free bring Fido (on a leash).
More info and directions
Walk MS: Atlanta 2012
Piedmont Park. Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Free.
Join others in the community to walk a 5K to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Georgia Chapter. There is no registration fee but participants are encouraged to raise money, which goes toward client programs and research to help eradicate the disease. Participants who raise more than $100 will receive a t-shirt.
More info and directions
Run Before You Crawl: East Atlanta Village 5K & Pub Crawl
Brownwood Park. Saturday, race begins at 9:00 a.m.; pub crawl begins at 10:30 a.m. $25 for the 5K; $32 for both 5K and pub crawl until 4/12; race day registration $30 for 5K; $40 for both 5K and pub crawl. 21+ for pub crawl.
Running and drinking are not mutually exclusive. At least not anymore! Run a 5K through the neighborhoods of East Atlanta before visiting five to seven of the bars in East Atlanta Village for an old-fashioned pub crawl. Village Theater will provide post race entertainment.
More info and directions
Earth Day Kids’ Fest
Chattahoochee Nature Center. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Adults $8; Children $5; Under 2 Free.
Explore the nature center, play games from around the globe and enjoy live entertainment and celebrity meet and greets at this event in support of the Captain Planet Foundation. The icing on the cake? Captain Planet himself will be there. Need I say more?
More info and directions
Atlanta Steeplechase
Kingston Downs. Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Starting at $30; children 12 and under free.
Well, I do declare… the Atlanta Steeplechase is one of the premier social events in the state, and for good reason! With horse races, Jack Russell Terrier races, pony rides, hay rides, camel rides, rock climbing, hat contests, and even the inaugural Atlanta Peoplechase 5K Canter, this event offers something for everyone. Dress to impress in your Southern best and join in the festivities, which benefit Camp Southern Ground, Inc. and the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.
More info and directions
40th Annual Dean Griffin Pi Mile 5K Road Race
Georgia Tech Campus. Saturday, 7:00 a.m. registration; 8:00 a.m. race. Entry fees range from $20 for SAA students to $40. Register in advance for lowest prices!
Run along part of the Tyler Brown Pi-Mile Trail, which spans (you guessed it!) 3.14 miles at this popular annual race. Participants will receive a promotional t-shirt and be included in a post-race awards party with entertainment, food, drinks, and more. The top overall male and female runner will receive a pair of shoes from Mizuno.
More info and directions