10 things to do in Atlanta this weekend

This weekend is Atlanta’s luckiest weekend ever – St. Patrick’s Day is taking the city by storm, from parades to parties to races and more. Additionally, Atlanta Science Festival kicked off a few days ago and will have educational activities throughout the month, while Dino Fest, Atlanta Mushroom Festival, and Etowah Wildlife Expo offer additional opportunities to further education while enjoying the beginning of the springtime weather.

ShamRock Festival

It’s that time of year to ShamRock’nRoll at Park Tavern in Piedmont Park. The event, which appropriately takes place in one of the greenest parks in the city, promises to be the most rockin’ St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Atlanta, with live music, DJs, food and drink specials and more.

Location: Park Tavern – 500 10th Street; Date: Saturday, March 16; Time: 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Admission: $20; Website: bigtickets.com

Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade

This weekend, Peachtree Street becomes the luckiest street ever, full of Irish joy and cheer. Don your greenest attire and come celebrate the biggest St. Patrick’s Party in Atlanta. The parade starts at 12 p.m., but they recommend arriving an hour early to find the best spot.

Location: Midtown Atlanta - see route map; Date: Saturday, March 16; Time: 12 p.m.; Admission: Free; Website: atlantastpats.com

ShamRock and Hops

Wild Heaven Brewing in the West End will be hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party, complete with a special St. Patrick’s Day beer. The event is kid-friendly and will include face painting and a bouncy house, as well. One ticket includes admission, a beer ticket and unlimited games and activities. An additional $10 goes towards a cornhole tournament. Proceeds go to the Atlanta Professional Firefighters Health and Wellness Fund.

Location: Wild Heaven West End Brewery and Gardens – 1010 White Street SW; Date: Saturday, March 16; Time: 2 - 4 p.m..; Admission: Multiple options; see website; Website: freshtix.com

8th Annual Marietta Shamrock Shuffle

This Saturday, lace up your luckiest sneakers and come to Marietta Square to run the town for this Peachtree Road Race-qualifying 5-kilometer (5K) race. All paces of runners and walkers are encouraged! Proceeds go to Marietta PAL (Police Athletic League).

Location: Downtown Marietta Square - see website for specific details; Date: Saturday, March 16; Time: 8 to 10 a.m.; Admission: $45; Website: mariettashamrockshuffle.com

Suwanee Beer Fest

Come paint Suwanee green this Saturday! The Suwanee Beer Fest serves as Gwinnett County’s largest St. Patrick’s Day party. The general admission includes samples of over 400 craft beers – with a volume like that, it will definitely be your lucky day. Combine that with games, live music, food truck, vendors and more for a St. Patrick’s Day to remember (or forget, depending on how drunk you get). Proceeds from the event go to Cooper’s Crew, supporting funding for research for childhood cancer.

Location: Suwanee – 330 Town Center Avenue; Date: Saturday, March 16; Time: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Admission: $60 - $135; Website: suwaneebeerfest.com

Etowah Wildlife Expo

The Etowah Wildlife Expo (EWE) focuses on the great outdoors of North Georgia and takes place this weekend at the historic Mill on Etowah in Canton, located north of Atlanta. Come check out the special exhibits, local vendors and live music at this dog-friendly event.

Location: The Mill on Etowah – 225 Reformation Parkway; Date: March 16 and 17; Time: 12 - 8 p.m. Admission: Free; Website: etowahwildlifeexpo.com

21st Annual Smyrna St. Patrick’s Day Festival

“Paddy like nobody’s watching” in Smyrna this weekend! The 21st Annual Smyrna St. Patrick’s Day Festival, presented by Atkins Park Smyrna, will have everything you need for the luckiest St. Patrick’s Day ever, from Guinness to Irish Slammers alongside cornhole, live music and other fun activities. And it’s all for a good cause – a proceed of ticket sales will go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Location: Atkins Park Smyrna – 2840 Atlanta Road; Date: March 16 and 17; Time: 12 p.m.; Admission: $12-20 (free for 13 and younger); Website: atkinspark.com

Atlanta Mushroom Festival

You’ll have a fun(gi)-filled time at the Atlanta Mushroom Festival, taking place this Sunday at Park Tavern. The event uses music, education and entrepreneurship to teach about and celebrate the magical wonders of this fascinating plant.

Location: Park Tavern – 500 10th Street; Date: Sunday, March 17; Time: 12 to 7 p.m.; Admission: Free ($10 for VIP; see website); Website: atlantamushroomfestival.com

Atlanta Science Festival

While the signature Atlanta Science Festival Exploration Expo takes place later this month, the month-long event officially kicked off on March 9 and includes daily science-filled activities throughout the city. From adventure labs to scavenger hunts and more, the event offers lots of opportunities for kids to learn about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) while having fun. Check the website for the full list of daily events.

Location: Various locations; see website for individual event details; Date: Through March 23; Website: atlantasciencefestival.org

Dino Fest

Calling all paleontologists and dinosaur lovers – come to Stone Mountain Park for a dino-filled extravaganza complete with a dinosaur parade, dinosaur meet and greets, a dinosaur rodeo competition, a dinosaur concert and much more! We’re not exaggerating that the event will be dino-mite.

Location: Stone Mountain Park – 1000 Robert E. Lee Boulevard; Date: Until April 28 (select dates); Time: See website; Admission: See website; Website: stonemountainpark.com