Festivals and fun runs: 16 things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend

Ice cream is the perfect treat on a hot, summer day. But when you want ice cream, who do scream for? In Atlanta, one place is Berens Frozen Custard in Gwinnett, which came in third in our poll. In second place was Jeni's Splendid Ice Crea, in multiple locations. The overwhelming choice of ice cream lovers who voted, however, was Butter & Cream, with locations on the Beltline and in Decatur.

Looking for a fun event to chase away the back-to-school blues? Take the family out and about this weekend in metro Atlanta to enjoy activities including fun runs, festivals, and more.

» RELATED: 11 can't miss Atlanta festivals in August 2019 

Check out the following 16 things to do in metro Atlanta this weekend:

Cobb

Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23 and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Adams Park, 2753 Watts Drive, Kennesaw. 770-422-9714. http://www.pigsandpeaches.com/.

Sample plenty of barbecue and peach dishes while you enjoy music and other entertainment. A fireworks show will wrap up the festival starting at 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

SagerStrong Foundation Stadium Fun Run. 6:30 a.m. opening and 8 a.m. run. Sunday, Aug. 25. $39 and up. SunTrust Park, 755 Battery Ave. SE, Atlanta. sagerstrongfoundation.org.

This family-friendly event is a 3K run/walk inside SunTrust Park, and participants will receive tickets for the Sept. 21 Braves vs. Giants game.

The Cobb County Rodeo features bull riding and many other events.

Credit: From Cobb County Rodeo's Facebook page/For the AJC

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Credit: From Cobb County Rodeo's Facebook page/For the AJC

Cobb County Rodeo. 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23 and Saturday, Aug. 24. Jim Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road SW, Marietta. Adults $12 in advance, $15 at gate, kids $10 in advance, $12 at gate, family packs available. 770-866-5874. http://www.cobbcountyrodeo.com/.

The rodeo includes bareback riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing, trick riders, rodeo clowns, and more.

NOWAMOM Fall Consignment Sale. 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. (for first-time moms and grandmas who register) Friday, Aug. 23 and 9 a.m. (8 a.m. for early birds who pre-register)-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Free admission. Sandy Plains Baptist Church, 2825 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. http://www.nowamom.org/consignment-sale.

Shop for everything your kids need for cool weather as well as some clothes to help you finish out the summer. You'll also find baby gear, toys, sports equipment, bedding, and more.

DeKalb

Hot Pursuit Glow Run 5K and Tot Trot. 7:45 p.m. Tot Trot start, 8:15 p.m. 5K start, 8:25 p.m. 1-mile start. Saturday, Aug. 24. $25 and up. Murphey Candler Park, 1551 W. Nancy Creek Drive NE, Brookhaven. https://www.active.com.

Proceeds from this evening race will support the Brookhaven Police Department's "Shop with a Badge" Christmas program.

Movies on the Lawn. 7:30 p.m. gates open. Saturday, Aug. 24. Free admission with donations accepted. New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Road, Lithonia. 770-696-9600. https://www.newbirth.org.

Come watch an outdoor showing of "Black Panther" and enjoy fellowship as well as treats from food trucks.

Sensory Mornings. 9 a.m. early museum access and 10 a.m. movie. Regular museum rates apply. Fernbank Museum, 767 Clifton Road, Atlanta. 404-929-6400. fernbankmuseum.org.

Check out less-crowded indoor and outdoor offerings at your own pace an hour before the usual museum opening and watch a sensory-friendly version of "Superpower Dogs" in 2D.

Decatur Ghost Tour. 8 p.m. Friday, Aug 23 and Saturday, Aug. 24. Adults $15, $12 children under 10. The Bandstand behind The Old Courthouse, 101 East Court Square, Decatur. 404-296-7771. http://www.decaturghosttour.com/.

Hear stories of Decatur's spirits as you stop at one of Decatur's oldest two-story homes and Old Decatur Cemetery.

» RELATED: Love food? Here's what to do, eat and drink this weekend in metro Atlanta

North Fulton

Brad Paisley. 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23. $44.50 and up. Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta. livenation.com.

Country artist Brad Paisley brings his world tour to Alpharetta and is accompanied by special guests Chris Lane and Riley Green.

Fabio Napoleoni Art Show. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. and 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25. Vinings Gallery on Canton, 938 Canton St., Roswell. enduringhearts.org.

Fabio Napoleoni's contemporary "heart art" pieces will be featured at a show, and kids are welcomed with juice boxes, snacks, and coloring sheets with Fabio's characters on them.

Choose from over 100 flavors of homemade ice cream to sample this weekend at Miss Mary's Ice Cream Crankin' in Roswell.

Credit: From missmarysicecream.org/For the AJC

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Credit: From missmarysicecream.org/For the AJC

Miss Mary's Ice Cream Crankin'. 2 p.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25. $7. Roswell Square Park, 610 Atlanta St., Roswell. 770-587-4712, ext. 307. https://missmarysicecream.org/.

Sample over 100 flavors of homemade ice cream and let the kids enjoy activities like a bouncy house and face painting. Proceeds directly benefit families and programs of The Drake House, which helps homeless mothers and children.

Movies by Moonlight. 6 p.m. pre-movie activities, 7 p.m. entertainment onstage and movie at dusk. Friday, Aug. 23. Free admission. Green at City Springs, corner of Mt. Vernon and 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs. leadershipsandysprings.org.

Arrive early for food and fun before watching "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" on a giant inflatable outdoor screen.

Gwinnett

Pierogi Festival. 1 p.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Parish Hall, St. Marguerite d'Youville Church, 85 Gloster Road, Lawrenceville. pcaaa.org.

This 11th annual festival features Polish beer and food as well as live music and other attractions.

Take a hula hoop class at the Suwanee Health and Fitness Festival this weekend.

Credit: From suwaneehealthandfitnessfestival.com/For the AJC

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Credit: From suwaneehealthandfitnessfestival.com/For the AJC

Suwanee Health and Fitness Festival. 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. Free admission. Suwanee Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Ave., Suwanee. https://suwaneehealthandfitnessfestival.com/.

Learn about health and fitness as your browse through vendors' tables, take a Zumba or hula hoop class (just bring your hula hoop along). Music and entertainment will also be offered, along with kids' activities.

Dino-Mite 3K Glow Run and Prehistoric Extinction Party. 5 p.m. party and 8 p.m. run. Saturday, Aug. 24. $10 glow run registration. Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, 2020 Clean Water Drive NE, Buford. https://www.facebook.com.

Join a Prehistoric Extinction Party with real dinosaur bones, hands-on exploration stations, and more, and stay for the glow run.

57th Atlanta Model Train and Railroadiana Show and Sale. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. $9 admission, children under 12 free. Infinite Energy Forum, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. http://www.gserr.com/.

Modelers and rail buffs will enjoy over 325 dealer tables and six working layouts as they relieve the glory days of railroading in Georgia. Click here to print out a discount admission coupon.

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