10 things to do in Atlanta this weekend

A woman walks past a couple sitting inside Piedmont Park. Tuesday, December 19th, 2023 (Ben Hendren for the Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Did someone say festival season?! Sure enough, this weekend sees the return of some of Atlanta’s most popular spring festivals, including the Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival and Grant Park’s Porchfest — two great opportunities to get outside and enjoy the start of spring. But wait, there’s more! The Atlanta Science Festival Exploration Expo and Georgia Food and Wine Festival will also be taking place this weekend. And did we mention the Butterfly Lantern Parade and Holi? Read more for details!

UrbanTree After Dark: Y2K Dance Party

Dial back to the days of the Motorola Razr (the OG, not the reboot), feed your starving Tamagotchi, and spruce up with your butterfly clips because UrbanTree Cidery is throwing the ultimate Y2K Dance Party this Friday! Dance the night away to all the jams that defined the early 2000′s.

Location: UrbanTree Cidery – 1465 Howell Mill Drive NW; Date: Friday, March 22; Time: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Admission: Free; Website: urbantreecidery.com

Georgia Food and Wine Festival

Presented by Georgia Grown, the Georgia Food and Wine Festival will take place in Marietta and celebrates the finest culinary delights within Georgia and across the South. Pair gastronomical delights with live musicians, artisan crafts, great company and more.

Location: Jim Miller Park – 2245 Callaway Road SW; Date: Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 24; Time: Various times; see website for details; Admission: Various prices; see website for details; Website: georgiafoodandwinefestival.com

Atlanta Science Festival Exploration Expo

Get in touch with your inner scientist this Saturday at Piedmont Park! The Atlanta Science Festival’s Exploration Expo is the flagship event of a month-long celebration of all things science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). With more than 100 interactive booths from local organizations, universities and companies, this expo promises a fusion of fun and discovery.

Location: Piedmont Park - 400 Park Drive NE; Date: Saturday, March 23; Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Admission: Free; Website: atlantasciencefestival.org

3rd Annual Grant Park Porchfest

The neighborhood of Grant Park will be opening its porches to the community for the third annual Grant Park Porchfest. Mix and mingle with the community while enjoying live music. Check the website for the performance schedule.

Location: Grant Park Neighborhood – Between Grant Street and Cherokee Place; Date: Saturday, March 23; Time: Noon to 6:45 p.m.; Admission: Free; donations welcome (see website); Website: grantparkporchfest.com

Scofflaw Community Yard Sale

If you’re in the process of spring cleaning, hop on over to Scofflaw Brewing’s inaugural Community Yard Sale! Here, you can sell your old stuff and find new treasures while soaking in the sunshine and fresh air.

Location: Scofflaw Brewing – 1738 MacArthur Blvd NW; Date: Saturday, March 23; Time: 12 p.m.; Admission: Free to attend; Website: scofflawbeer.com

Holi Bash at NaanStop Buckhead

Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Holi at NaanStop Buckhead this Saturday at this family-friendly event. Holi is a joyous festival cherished by cultures across the Indian subcontinent, heralding the arrival of spring and the victory of light over darkness. Join in the tradition of throwing colorful powders to commemorate new beginnings!

Location: NaanStop – 3420 Piedmont Road; Date: Saturday, March 23; Time: 2 to 5 p.m.; Admission: Free (food not included); Website: naanstop.com

Butterfly Lantern Parade

This Saturday, spread your wings and flutter into Lucas Park in Hapeville for the Butterfly Lantern Parade. Whether you already have a premade beauty or you’re eager to design a new one, you’ll have the option to showcase your magnificent creation during the parade. There will be multiple opportunities throughout the week to design your butterfly lantern (check the website for more details). The event will also feature a pop-up market, food vendors, music and more.

Location: Jess Lucas Park – 680 S Central Ave; Date: Saturday, March 23; Time: 5 to 10 p.m. (parade starts at 8:10 p.m.); Admission: Free for parade; see details for lantern-making workshops; Website: weirdgonepro.com

Atlanta Freedom Bands Presents ConcertCON

Come rock out at ConcertCON, the ultimate musical mashup of Atlanta’s top fan conventions, from DragonCon to MomoCon. Brought to you by Atlanta Freedom Bands, ConcertCON will feature music from your favorite sci-fi, anime, fantasy and more. Cosplay is highly encouraged!

Location: The Church at Ponce and Highland – 1085 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE; Date: Saturday; March 23; Time: 7 p.m.; Admission: $10-20; Website: atlantafreedombands.com

Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival

As spring unveils its vibrant colors, Brookhaven bursts into bloom with its iconic Cherry Blossom Festival. Groove to live performances from +LIVE+, Barenaked Ladies, Lisa Loeb, Moon Taxi, Sister Hazel and more. Check the website for more details on timing. MARTA riding is encouraged due to limited parking; there will be shuttle buses transporting people from Brookhaven/Oglethorpe Station to Blackburn Park.

Location: Blackburn Park – 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Road; Date: Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24; Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Admission: Free; Website: brookhavenga.gov

Indie Craft Experience Spring Market

Support local this Saturday at the Indie Craft Experience Market, which has been going strong for 17 years. Show some love to more than 60 local craft, vintage and food vendors, and find a unique gift — or something for yourself! Get there early, because there will be free tote bags for the first 100 people in line.

Location: Monday Night Garage West End – 933 Lee Street SW; Date: Sunday, March 24; Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Admission: $5; Website: indiecraftexperience.com

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