Braselton: A Town Redefined
A stroll through downtown Braselton is like taking a trip into the past. Historic two-story homes marked by spectacular architecture and stately white columns dot the landscape, an... read more
When you live in metro Atlanta, you can be assured that there will be something fun to do year-round. From art walks and tasting events to fairs and festivals, the many cities and towns across the area host a wide array of can’t-miss happenings for people of all ages. Here, we take a look at just a few of the locales you have to visit in 2024 so you can partake of their fun functions and enjoyable experiences.
Braselton
Home to nearly 13,000 residents, the town of Braselton is where Southern hospitality thrives. As locals say, “It’s better in Braselton.” The locale beams with charm thanks to its historic downtown, and there’s plenty to do throughout the year, as the town welcomes visitors from all across the Southeast.
Local farmers, bakers and makers share their creations with visitors once a month and throughout the summer on the Braselton Town Green in Historic Downtown Braselton. Visitors can pick up everything from farm fresh eggs and meat to locally grown produce and fresh baked goods. Vendors only sell edible items they have either grown or made, so you can be sure that the food you bring home is going directly from the farm to your table. Complimentary parking is available.
4th of July Festival & Fireworks
Each July 4th, Braselton celebrates the nation’s independence by lighting up the sky with fireworks that are visible throughout the town and neighboring Hoschton. The accompanying festival includes a patriotic parade, a concert on the Town Green, an outdoor market, food trucks, kid-friendly activities and much more. The fireworks show begins at dark, and guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
ArtRageous, held in September, is a juried art festival and live paint project hosted by the Braselton Downtown Development Authority as part of an effort to bring art and beautification to the area. This indoor-outdoor festival features artists showcasing their best works, which are available for purchase. During the festival, 12 commissioned artists will paint eight-foot cubes on the Town Green, which will be displayed for at least one year at various locations downtown. Visitors can shop the artist marketplace for pottery, paintings, photography, mixed media pieces and more.
Peachtree Corners
Gwinnett County’s largest city, Peachtree Corners, is conveniently located with easy access to Interstate 85, Interstate 285 and GA 400 and sits just 30 minutes northeast of Atlanta. It is an innovative and progressive community known for its economic development, excellent quality of life and fantastic events.
An awesome concert series hosted by the City of Peachtree Corners, Night Music is a free event held the second Saturday of every month from May through September. Guests enjoy live music featuring local artists, up-and-coming bands, national acts, tribute bands and more. You can pick up dinner at one of the many restaurants located around the Town Center and have a great way to spend an evening with family, friends or neighbors in Peachtree Corners.
Bark in the Park is a free event held each September in Peachtree Corners. The highly anticipated gathering gives local four-legged friends a chance to shine as they chase after gigantic bubbles, plunge into a doggy ball pit, show off their agility prowess on a mini course built just for them and more. Local vendors share goodies for both man’s best friend and their owners, ensuring that every visitor has an unforgettable time.
More than a race, Light Up the Corners is a nighttime running party and fundraiser all in one. The event features a four-mile run and a 1K Twilight Trot, both on courses that are lined with blinking lights to illuminate the way. Participants brighten the event along the way with their own glowing, flashing, blinking and shining bling. All proceeds from the event benefit at-risk children and families in the community by providing access to programs at the local YMCA.
Smyrna
Known as the Jonquil City for the thousands of jonquils that bloom in gardens and along the streets each spring, Smyrna boasts a long and colorful history. It is located just 10 miles northwest of Atlanta, and it is home to more than 56,000 residents who enjoy a bounty of events all year long.
Held at Taylor-Brawner Park in Smyrna, Food Truck Tuesdays have been a must-eat event since the concept first began in 2012. Every Tuesday from May 7 to September 24 of 2024, guests will enjoy food and live music from 5 pm to 9 pm. The park also includes a playground and dedicated restrooms, so it’s a great spot to enjoy an afternoon with family, friends, neighbors or colleagues after work.
Crafts and Drafts Fall Festival
A fall festival with a “crafty/drafty twist,” the Crafts and Drafts event offers a sure-fire way to warm up a cool day. The event welcomes visitors to shop the crafts festival, featuring goods and products from across the state, while enjoying a local draft beer. To boot, the weekend’s biggest football games are shown on large screens for everyone to enjoy. Food booths and fun family-friendly activities round out the weekend festival, which takes place on Smyrna’s Village Green.
Home for the Holidays & Tree Lighting
Smyrna kicks off the holiday season with the Home for the Holidays & Tree Lighting event, held around City Hall in the downtown area. The yuletide event includes seasonal music, visits with Santa in the Market Village, the beloved tree lighting ceremony and more. Typically held towards the end of each November, Home for the Holidays is one of the area’s most revered holiday traditions.
Marietta
The City of Marietta is located northwest of Atlanta and is known for its lively community and vibrant history. Marietta Square, which is the heart of the downtown area, features quaint shops, awesome eats, a beautiful park and theaters and is the perfect setting for an array of celebrated annual events.
The Taste of Marietta is one of the largest and longest-running food festivals in metro Atlanta. The annual food event is held on the last Sunday in April and has become a favorite annual tradition among local residents and visitors. It’s an opportunity to showcase and highlight some of Cobb County’s most-loved restaurants and caterers.
Enjoy a beautiful October weekend sampling craft beers, listening to live music, eating great food and watching professional chalk artists chalk the streets on the beautiful Marietta Square during Chalktoberfest. Always a big hit with locals and visitors, this event offers a fun outing for the family, and it’s free to attend. All proceeds benefit the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art.
Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour
The annual Marietta Pilgrimage Christmas Home Tour, which is organized by Visit Marietta and the Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society and supports each of these nonprofits, takes visitors inside several lovingly restored private homes located in Marietta that have been beautifully decorated for the holiday season. The tour, which has been named a top 100 event in North America by Southern Living, also includes access to a number of Marietta’s beautiful churches, museums and other public buildings.
