If you’re looking for a way to spend time with your family before the kids head back to school, you’ll find plenty to do in Atlanta. The first weekend of the new year brings a variety of events, including an Ugly Pajama 5K and a reptile show.
Check out the following 16 things to do this weekend in metro Atlanta:
» RELATED: Step into 2020 with these upcoming walking tours in metro Atlanta
Cobb
Riverside EpiCenter EPIC Anniversary Bash. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Free. Riverside EpiCenter, 135 Riverside Parkway, Austell. eventbrite.com.
Celebrate the EpiCenter’s 6th anniversary with activities including indoor snowball fights, horse and sleigh rides, movies, fitness challenges and more.
Georgia Bridal Show. noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5. $10 in advance, $15 cash only at the door. Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway SE, Atlanta. 770-955-8000. www.georgiabridalshow.com/.
Meet with every type of wedding professional and enjoy a bridal fashion show.
Shen Yun Performing Arts. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5. $84 and up. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 770-916-2800. cobbenergycentre.com.
Dances, orchestral compositions, costumes and animated backdrops are used to entertain and educate the audience about the culture of ancient China.
Sundays at the Southern. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5. Free with museum admission: $10 adults, $8 seniors 65 and older, $5 active duty military/student and kids 3-17, free for kids 2 and under. The Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History, 2829 Cherokee St. NW, Kennesaw. 770-427-2117. southernmuseum.org.
Museum educators will present programs on historical and train topics hourly from noon until 3 p.m.
» RELATED: Tour of Breweries: Run toward your resolution with brewery 5K in Atlanta
DeKalb
Caffeine and Octane. 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 5. Perimeter Mall, 4400 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta. www.caffeineandoctane.com/.
You’ll see all makes and models of cars at Caffeine and Octane, including those that defy known automotive niches.
Decorating with Houseplants. 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Free. Pike Nurseries, Toco Hills, 2101 LaVista Road, Atlanta. 404-634-8604. pikenursery.com.
Learn how to refresh your home after the holidays with the right houseplants. The class is available at Pike Nurseries on LaVista Road as well as other locations (except Johns Creek, which is being renovated).
Free First Saturdays. 1 p.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody. 770-394-3322. dunwoodynature.org.
All ages can learn how to make fire in a few different ways, including using bow drills to create sparks like the Native Americans. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
"Madagascar." 1 p.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Gresham Library, 2418 Gresham Road SE, Atlanta. 404-244-4374. events.dekalblibrary.org.
Bring your own snacks and watch “Madagascar,” a story of a lion, zebra and two other zoo friends who accidentally find themselves on a ship headed for Africa.
North Fulton
Schoolhouse Rock Live. 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4 and additional dates. $10 and up Roswell Cultural Arts Center, 950 Forrest St., Roswell.770-641-1260. https://get.org/schoolhouse-rock-live/.
The ‘70s pop culture phenomenon returns via the Georgia Ensemble Theatre. It includes all the classics, including “Conjunction Junction,” and the kids will love “Interplanet Janet.”
Alpharetta Library Book Sale. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 4. Free admission. Alpharetta Library,10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta. 770-740-2425. http://fotal.org/booksales.htm.
Pick up reading material on the cheap, including fiction and non-fiction titles and children’s books, while supporting your local library.
Public Skating at Center Ice. Varying times Saturday, Jan. 4 and Sunday, Jan. 5. $9 admission for adults, $7 for kids 5 and under, free for kids 3 and under. $4 skate rentals. Center Ice Arena, 5750 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs. https://www.centericearena.org/.
Take advantage of the last holiday public skating days at Center Ice.
Ugly Pajama 5K. 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. race start, Saturday, Jan.4. $25-$30. Newtown Park, 3150 Old Alabama Road, Alpharetta. active.com.
Wear your tacky, ugly or just plain silly pajamas and run a fast 5K course. You can also bring your dog if you’d like to.
» RELATED: From wings to wine: 10 Atlanta festivals happening in January
Gwinnett
Norcross First Friday Concert. 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3. Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center, 10 College St, Norcross. 678-421-2049. norcrossga.net.
Gray Sartin and the band will perform classic hits from Johnny Cash as well as his more modern hits. Bring your own food and beverages if you’d like.
Snellville Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Jan. 4. Snellville City Hall parking lot, Oak Road and Hwy. 78, Snellville. https://snellvillefarmersmarket.com/.
Snellville’s Farmers Market is still going strong with seasonal local produce, meats, eggs, honey, cheeses, locally roasted coffee, made to order pizza, bath products and more.
Repticon Atlanta. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (9 a.m. VIP entry) Saturday, Jan. 4 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 5. $5-$15. Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville. repticon.com.
See and buy pets and pet products and learn more about reptiles and exotic animals through seminars and demonstrations.
Tribute to Elvis. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 4. $18 adults, $12 kids 12 and under. New Dawn Theater, 3650 Satellite Blvd., Duluth. 678-887-5015. http://newdawntheatercompany.com/.
Mark Pitt celebrates Elvis’ 85th birthday with a Vegas-style tribute concert.
About the Author
