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"Democratic Vistas: Exploring the Danowski Poetry Collection." First editions and other rarities from poets including Walt Whitman, W.H. Auden, Gwendolyn Brooks, T.S. Eliot, Allen Ginsberg and Langston Hughes. In the Schatten Gallery. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Through June 14. Free. Woodruff Library-Emory University, 540 Asbury Circle, Atlanta. 404-727-6861, www.web.library.emory.edu.

"From Memphis to Atlanta: The Drum Major Returns Home." An examination of the period April 3-9, 1968, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s last days and final journey home to Atlanta. There, thousands mourned him after his April 4 assassination. Includes the funeral wagon that carried King's casket, photographs, King's death certificate and other documents. Through June 8: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. June 9-Aug. 31: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Free. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, 450 Auburn Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-331-5190, www.nps.gov/malu.

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"How Do They Spend It?" Paper money from 10 countries, with a focus on the currencies' imagery. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Through Sept. 2. Free. Robert C. Williams Paper Museum at Georgia Tech, 500 10th St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-894-7840, ipst.gatech.edu/amp.

"Jim Henson: A Man and His Frog." Photographs of Henson and his best-known Muppet, from their early days with "Sam and Friends." Also, a photo puppet of Kermit the Frog and a portrait depicting Kermit and Miss Piggy as Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara. Through Sept. 28. Also, "Jim Henson: Puppeteer." Puppets that Henson created and performed, including Ernie, Rowlf the Dog, Bugsy Them and Dr. Teeth. Archival photographs. Designs, doodles, sketches, quotes and a behind-the-scenes video. Through Aug. 5. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. $8; $7 senior citizens and students; $6 children; free with full-price show admission. Center for Puppetry Arts, 1404 Spring St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-873-3089, 404-873-3391, www.puppet.org.

"Liberty on the Border." An exploration through computer programs and interactive artifact reproductions of the physical, cultural and ideological borders that contributed to America's Civil War. A production of the Cincinnati Museum Center. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; noon-5 p.m. Sundays. Through Sept. 7. $7.50 ages 13 and older; $6.50 ages 60 and older; $5.50 ages 4 to 12; ages 3 and younger free. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117, www.southernmuseum.org.

"Courage: The Vision to End Segregation, the Guts to Fight for It." Based on an exhibition developed in 2004 by the Levine Museum of the New South to mark the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education. Includes documents, images and artifacts, among them a 1950s bus seat from the Atlanta Transit System. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; noon-5:30 p.m. Sundays. Through June 22. $15; $12 ages 65 and older and students 13 and older; $10 ages 4-12; ages 3 and younger free. Atlanta History Center, 130 W. Paces Ferry Road N.W., Atlanta. 404-814-4000, www.atlantahistorycenter.com.

"The Godfather of Soul, Mr. James Brown." An exhibition whose three parts focus, respectively, on the life, work and legacy of a 20th-century musical icon. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. Sundays. $4; $3 senior citzens; $2 ages 6-18; ages 5 and younger free. Augusta Museum of History, 560 Reynolds St., Augusta. 706-722-8454, www.augustamuseum.org.

Gwinnett County Veterans War Memorial Museum. Memorabilia related to veterans from the Revolutionary War to the current war on terror. In the courthouse. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Fridays; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. Free. Gwinnett Courthouse Square, 185 Crogan St., Lawrenceville. 770-822-5450, www.visitlawrenceville.com.

Historic Home Tour. Bulloch Hall, the 1839 childhood home of Mittie Bulloch, President Theodore Roosevelt's mother, is open for tours daily. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; 1-3 p.m. Sundays. Tours on the hour. Last tour begins at 3 p.m. Ongoing. $8; $7 senior citizens; $6 children. Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. 770-992-1731, www.bullochhall.org.

"Oh You Beautiful Doll." An exhibit of dolls on display throughout the house. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 1-3 p.m. Sundays. Through Aug. 31. $8; $7 senior citizens; $6 children. Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell. 770-992-1731, www.bullochhall.org.

"Seeking Justice: The Leo Frank Case Revisited." A delving into the 1913-1915 murders of Mary Phagan and Leo Frank and the impact on groups including the Ku Klux Klan and the Anti-Defamation League. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays; 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Through Dec. 31. Closed May 25-26, June 9-10, July 4, Aug. 31-Sept. 1, Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Oct. 9, 14-15, 21-22, Nov. 27 and Dec. 25. $10; $6 senior citizens; $4 students; $2 ages 3-6; ages 2 and younger free. William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, 1440 Spring St. N.W., Atlanta. 678-222-3700, www.thebreman.org.

Southern Accents Showhouse at Regents Park Estate Sale. Furniture, accessories and artwork for sale. A portion of proceeds benefit Hands On Atlanta. No parking at the tour home; complimentary parking at Ahavath Achim Synagogue, 600 Peachtree Battle Ave. N.W. The last shuttle is at 4 p.m. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; 1-5 p.m. Sundays. Through June 1. $20; $10 ages 10-17; children age 9 free. Regents Park at Peachtree Battle, 2440 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. 888-212-7050, www.southernaccents.com/accents/marketplace/article/0,15515,1579830,00.html.

Cocktails in the Garden. Each month has a new pairing of a plant and a specialty drink. Also, "Sculpture in Motion," which includes approximately 30 outdoor kinetic works by 15 artists. 7-10 p.m. Thursdays. Through Sept. 25. $12 plus cash bar. Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-876-5859, www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org.

"Rhythm and Blooms." Buffet, dancing and music by the ensemble Indigo Sun at an evening honoring Mayor Shirley Franklin for her campaign to end the commercial sexual exploitation of children in Atlanta. Benefits the Odyssey Family Counseling Center. 7-10 p.m. May 16. $100. King Plow Arts Center, 887 W. Marietta St., Atlanta. 404-768-1156, Ext. 103; www.odysseycounseling.org.

Sharp Creek Pro Rodeo Classic. Bull riling, riding and roping, among other cowboyish spectacles. 8 p.m. May 16-17. $20 VIP; $13 general; $8 ages 6-12; ages 5 and younger free. Sharp Creek Elementary, 115 Old Muse Road, Carrollton. 770-537-1737, www.prorodeo.com/calendar.aspx.

City Chase Atlanta. Part obstacle course and part scavenger hunt, this citywide adventure pits hundreds of teams of two against one another in a variety of physical, intellectual and humorous challenges. Winners of this regional event compete in a national championship contest. 8 a.m. May 17. $190 per team; www.citychase.com.

Kirkwood Spring Fling & Tour of Homes. Open-air artist market with bands, choirs, children's area, tot trot and food vendors. Benefits the Kirkwood Neighbors' Organization. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (noon tour; 2 p.m. tot trot) May 17. Noon-6 p.m. tour only May 18. Free festival admission. Tour of homes: $15; $12 advance. Bessie Branham Park, 2051 Delano Drive, Atlanta. 404-377-6192, www.kirkwoodfling.com.

Georgia Renaissance Festival. Jousting, juggling and jest, feasting, shopping and shooting (arrows, in past years), among other creatively anachronistic diversions. 10:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. Through June 1. $19.95; $17.95 ages 60 and older; $8.50 ages 6-12; ages 5 and younger free. Georgia Renaissance Festival, 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Road, Fairburn. 770-964-8575, www.georgiarenaissancefestival.com.

Native American Heritage Day. At a re-creation of an 18th-century Cherokee trading camp, visitors can learn about the skills used in the everyday lives of the peoples who lived in the Roswell area before European settlers arrived. Noon-4 p.m. May 17. Free. Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive, Roswell. 770-640-3855, www.barrington-hall.org.

25th Anniversary Lasershow Celebration. This Atlanta tradition has been digitally remastered with new displays of laser lights, graphics, characters and fireworks choreographed to popular music favorites. 9:30 p.m. May 17 and daily May 24-Aug. 10. Also, 9:30 p.m. Aug. 16, 23, 30, 31 and Sept. 1. 8:30 p.m. Sept. 6, 13, 20, 27. 8 p.m Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25. Free admission; $8 parking. Stone Mountain Park, U.S. 78 East, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690, www.stonemountainpark.com.

Progressive Dinner on the Square. A meal in three stops. Benefits Theater in the Square and Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre. 5:30-6:30 p.m. appetizers at Theater in the Square, 11 Whitlock Ave.; 6:45-8:45 p.m. dinner at the Marlow House, 192 Church St.; 9-9:45 p.m. dessert at the Ruth Mitchell Dance Theatre, 49 W. Park Square. May 18. $65. Marietta Square, 4 N. Park Square, Marietta. 770-422-8369, www.theatreinthesquare.com.

Civil War Exhibit. A unique historic program and guided tour of the "Battle of Atlanta." The museum includes Civil War photographs, weapons, uniforms, artifacts and the locomotive named Texas. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. $7; $6 ages 60 and older; $5 ages 6-12; ages 5 and younger free. Atlanta Cyclorama, 800 Cherokee Ave. S.E., Atlanta. 404-624-1071, 404-658-7625, www.ocaatlanta.com.

Jim Sherraden Lecture. The force behind the Nashville-based poster maker Hatch Show Print talks about its place in country music history and the history, art and culture of the American South. At the World of Coca-Cola Pavilion. 7-9 p.m. May 23. $35; $25 advance. Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-626-2560, www.aiga-atl.org.

Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Parade. Procession of floats and marchers in tropical colors and costumes. Also, music of the Caribbean isles. Noon May 24. Free. Downtown-Sweet Auburn Parade Route, West Peachtree Street at Ralph McGill Boulevard, Atlanta. 404-587-5195, www.atlantacarnival.org/carnival-parade.html#.

BirdBlast: 40th Anniversary of The Great Speckled Bird. Speakers Amy Goodman, Nan Orrock and Neill Herring; musical performers Sparky and Rhonda Rucker and Expand Band; jugglers, fire sculpture and displays of articles and graphics at this commemorative event for Atlanta's 1960s-era underground newspaper. 2-10 p.m. May 24. $7 admission; refreshments "at proletarian prices." The B Complex, 1272 Murphy Ave., Atlanta. 404-378-5424, www.greatspeckledbird.org.

"Brew at the Zoo." Guests can sample microbrews from SweetWater brewery at locations throughout the zoo. Live music starts on the Ford Pavilion main stage and venues throughout the grounds. Must be 21 or older to sample beverages. 3-8 p.m. May 24. Animal attractions close at 5:30 p.m. $45; $40 advance. Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-624-9453, www.zooatlanta.org.

SkyHike. Quarter-mile ropes course featuring suspended elements ranging from 12-40 feet in the air. In Crossroads area. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. May 24-Aug. 10. Check Web site for additional dates/times. Included with all-attractions pass: $25; $22 senior citizens and military personnel; $20 ages 3-11. $8 parking. Stone Mountain Park, U.S. 78 East, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690, www.stonemountainpark.com.

Salute to the Troops. A Memorial Weekend tribute to U.S. soldiers. Entertainment by military bands, followed by the 25th Anniversary Lasershow Spectacular and fireworks. Country music star Lee Greenwood, best known for his hit "God Bless the U.S.A.," performs a free concert May 25. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; 9:30 p.m. laser show May 24-26. Also, Lee Greenwood 7:15 p.m. May 25. Free admission; $10 parking fee. Stone Mountain Park, U.S. 78 East, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690, www.stonemountainpark.com/salute.

15th Annual Dacula Memorial Day Festival. Features a parade, 5K run, arts and crafts, music and food. Parade route begins at Hebron Baptist Church, follows Dacula Road, turns right on Second Avenue, crosses Broad Street and ends at Dacula High School. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. May 26. Parade steps off at 10 a.m. Free admission. Downtown Dacula, Second Ave., Dacula. 770-367-7371, www.daculamemorialday.com.

Memorial Day Celebration. Golf cart procession to City Hall starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Gathering Place, 203 McIntosh Trail. Simultaneously, singing groups begin performing introductory music at City Hall. Once the golf cart procession arrives, honors to the flag commence, followed by a memorial wreath presentation by the local VFW Post 9949 and American Legion Post 50. Also, youngsters are to read their patriotic essays. 8:30 a.m. May 26. City Hall, Peachtree City, City Hall Plaza, 151 Willowbend Road, Peachtree City. 770-487-7657, www.peachtree-city.org.

City of Smyrna Memorial Day Celebration. Limited seating, arrive early. 9 a.m. seating begins; 10 a.m. program May 26. Free. 20th Century Veterans Memorial, 2800 King St., Smyrna. 770-434-6600, www.smyrnacity.com.

Memorial Day Ceremony. Patriotic speeches and bands playing among the graves of military veterans. Blankets and lawn chairs encouraged. 11 a.m.-noon May 26. Free. Historic City Cemetery, 280 Stonewall Ave., Fayetteville. 770-631-0771.

AVP Crocs Tour Pro Beach Volleyball. Men's and women's teams compete on sand. Scheduled to appear are athletes including Kerri Walsh, Misty May-Treanor, Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers. 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. May 30-31; times TBA June 1. $35 reserved courtside; $20 general. Atlantic Station, 171 17th St. N.W., Atlanta. 404-685-1841, www.avp.com.

Accio Bodyguard Tour. The women in this ensemble have been involved in the "wizard rock" movement within Harry Potter fandom for years by writing and performing music based on events and characters in the series. Attendees are encouraged to come as their own favorite characters from the series and take part in a costume contest. 8 p.m. May 30. Wordsmiths Books, 545 N. McDonough St. (new location), Decatur. 404-378-7166, wordsmithsbooks.com.

Chuck Palahniuk. The author of "Fight Club" discusses his new novel, "Snuff" (all copies of which are presigned). The first 150 purchasers of "Snuff" are allowed limited personalized autographs. No memorabilia signed. 7 p.m. June 4. Georgia Perimeter College-Clarkston Campus, 555 N. Indian Creek Drive, Clarkston. 404-370-8450, Ext. 2225; www.georgiacenterforthebook.org.

Sci Fi Summer Con. All-hours gaming, costuming, panels, video rooms and guests including artist Stan Bruns. Times TBA. June 6-8. $15-$35. Crowne Plaza Hotel —- Marietta, 1775 Parkway Place, Marietta. 770-428-4400, 770-313-9237, www.sfscon.net.

"Get Wild Weekend." Zoo staff provides special treats, toys and various activities to show the different dimensions of animal behavior and interaction. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 7-8. Free with admission: $17.99; $13.99 military, senior citizens, students; $12.99 ages 3-12, ages 2 and younger free. Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave., Atlanta. 404-624-9453, www.zooatlanta.org.

Good Neighbor Day Air Show and Open House. Team RV in a 10-plane formation flight, Gary Ward in his MX2, Greg Koontz in the Super Decathlon, Pat Epps in his aerobatic Bonanza, Larry King in his supercharged biplane, Kent Gorton in the Extra 300 and Greg Connell in his Eagle. Also, restored antique planes, World War II warriors, Commemorative Air Force airplanes including the P-51 Mustang, fire trucks, police vehicles, ambulances and helicopters. Noon-5 p.m. June 7. Free admission; $3 parking. DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, 2000 Airport Road, Atlanta. 770-936-5440, www.pdkairport.org.

Magnolia Ball. Benefits Bulloch Hall, President Theodore Roosevelt's mother's 1839 childhood home. Cocktail reception and silent auction precede dinner and dancing with musical guests "The Grapevine." Reservations required. Times TBA. June 14. $125. Atlanta Country Club, 500 Country Club Drive, Marietta. 770-992-1731 x 223, www.bullochhall.org/fundraisingevents.asp.

Taste of Brookhaven. Area restaurants including Bones, Nava and Park 75 offer samples. Also, live and silent auctions, and jazz by Marea Alta. Benefits the Brookhaven Center for the Arts. 6-10 p.m. June 14. $50; $40 advance. Oglethorpe University, 4484 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-266-3426, 404-264-0020, www.brookhavenartsalliance.org.

"Lost Oasis: Tango on the Tundra." Music by Limelight, cuisine from Proof of the Pudding and an open bar. Benefits the museum's BONES for Kids (Building on Experiences in Science) fund. 8 p.m. until midnight June 14. $100. Fernbank Museum, 767 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-929-6404, www.fernbankmuseum.org.

"Taste of Flowery Branch." Approximately 30 area restaurants and food providers serve their trademark dishes. Also, performances by local bands and dance academies, plus a silent auction. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 21. $10; $5 ages 10 and younger. Main Street, Flowery Branch. 770-530-5342, www.fbhsband.net.

Eddie Izzard. Stand-up by the co-star of FX's "The Riches" and the cross-dressing star of the comedy concert film "Dress to Kill." 8 p.m. June 24-25. $35-$55. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 770-916-2800, 404-249-6400, www.cobbenergycentre.com.

"Monarchs and Margaritas." A peek inside the butterfly tent before the start of the Butterfly Festival. Also, a silent auction and Mexican-style food and drink. 6-9 p.m. June 27. $30. Dunwoody Nature Center, 5343 Roberts Drive, Dunwoody. 770-394-3322, www.dunwoodynature.org.

DukesFest and Hazzard County Fair. Autograph sessions with "Dukes of Hazzard" cast members; car show featuring hundreds of 1969 "General Lee" Dodge Chargers, trucks and tractors; a demolition derby; stunt shows; craft vendors; Daisy Duke shorts contests; fireworks; music, carnival rides; and children's activities. 9 a.m.-10 p.m. June 28; 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. June 29. $20; $35 both days. Advance: $15; $25 both days. Ages 12 and younger free. Atlanta Motor Speedway, 1500 U.S. 19/41 South, Hampton. 770-946-4211, www.dukesfest.com.

Fantastic Fourth Celebration. 9:30 p.m. laser show followed by fireworks. July 3-5. Second laser show follows July 4 fireworks. (Daytime park hours 10 a.m.-8 p.m.). Free show; parking $10 per vehicle (14 or fewer passengers). Stone Mountain Park, U.S. 78 East, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690, www.stonemountainpark.com.

Fireworks Extravaganza. Concert by the '80s band Frontiers and a pre-Independence Day "celebration in the sky." Fireworks at nightfall July 3. Free. Kennesaw Depot, 2828 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-422-9714, www.kennesaw-ga.gov/summerconcertseries.

Major League of Monster Trucks. Sixteen monster trucks compete in high-speed races (nearing 70 mph). Pre-event pit party, driver autographs and more for fans purchasing tickets. 2 p.m. qualifying; 4 p.m. autograph sesson; 6 p.m. racing and freestyle July 6. $15-$55; $5-$20 for children. Atlanta Motor Speedway, 1500 U.S. 19/41 South, Hampton. 770-946-4211, www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

Salman Rushdie. Author of "The Satanic Verses" reads from and signs his new novel, "The Enchantress of Florence." 7 p.m. July 7. $28 (includes an autographed copy of the new book). Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, 441 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta. 404-865-7100, 404-681-5123, www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov.

Mountain Herb Day. Participants learn about plants used in traditional folk medicine. Registration required. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 12. $20 plus $3 parking. Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and Lodge, 61 Tsalaki Trail, Helen. 706-878-3087, www.gastateparks.org/info/smithgall.

DragonCon. Multimedia gathering of creators and consumers of science fiction, fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music and film. Also, performances, costuming, dances, screenings, autographings and a dealers room. At the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, the Atlanta Marriott Marquis and the Atlanta Hilton. Aug. 29-Sept. 1. $65-$90. 770-909-0115, www.dragoncon.org.

DragonCon Parade. Something wacky this way comes: Imperial stormtroopers, Klingons, superheroes, monsters, hobbits and so forth march, shamble and otherwise make their way up Atlanta's main street. Steps off at Woodruff Park, heads north on Peachtree Street to Baker Street, ends at Courtland Street. 10 a.m. Aug. 30. Free. Woodruff Park, Peachtree Street at Auburn Avenue, Atlanta. 770-909-0115, www.dragoncon.org.