Above: Fair weather brings festivals and fairs to the area. The 83rd Atlanta Dogwood Festival will be presented in mid-April. Photo courtesy of Atlanta Dogwood Festival.
The Arts
From the Top
Sunday, April 7, 4-7 p.m. From the Top is a weekly NPR hit radio show that showcases some of America’s top young classical musicians, ages 8 to 18, and features performances and interviews. This one-of-a-kind concert will revolve around the theme of Jewish Music and bring a family performance series to the Breman stage. The show will be guest hosted by one of the foremost pianists and iconoclasts of our time, Lara Downes. The Breman Museum, 1440 Spring Street, Atlanta 303096. Call 678-222-3700 or visit thebreman.org for info and tickets.
Four Weddings and an Elvis
April 12-20. Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 14, and Saturday, April 20, 2:30 p.m. Set in a Las Vegas wedding chapel, four couples are about to tie the knot: Bev and Stan, who are getting married as revenge on their exes; Vanessa and Bryce, two arrogant former Hollywood stars who see marriage as a publicity ploy; and Martin and Fiona, a gentle postal-worker and a tough ex-con trying to get married before the police arrive. The fourth wedding ceremony marks the fifth — and final? — marriage for the chapel’s owner, Sandy. Of course, no visit to Vegas would be complete without an appearance by The King! Tucker Recreation Center, 4898 LaVista Road, Tucker 30084. Get tickets and details by visiting tuckertheatre.com.
Sacred Cantatas by J.S. Bach
Sunday, April 28, 4:00 p.m. Choral Guild of Atlanta performs two complete Sacred Cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach — “A Mighty Fortress” and “Now Thank We All Our God.” Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and are available online and at the door.Northside Drive Baptist Church, 3100 Northside Dr., Atlanta 30305. Details and tickets at cgatl.org.
Billy Elliot the Musical
May 3-12. The City Springs Theatre Company present Billy Elliot the Musical, winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The musical is based on the international hit film and features a score by music legend Elton John. Tickets are $30 to $62. Byers Theatre at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs 30328. Call the box office at 770-206-2022 or visit citysprings.com for info on this and other shows.
Fairs & Festivals
Roswell Azalea Festival
Runs April 1-30. This is the 5thRoswell Azalea Festival — a full month of events that pay tribute to the beauty of Roswell during the springtime. There’s a farmers’ and artisans’ market, tours, art shows, live music, theatre events, food trucks, classes, lectures and so much more. Events will take place throughout Roswell. Azalea Festival Booklets are available at the Roswell Visitors Center, 617 Atlanta Street, Roswell 30075. For a complete list of festivities, go to roswellazaleafestival.com.
83rd Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Friday-Sunday, April 12-14. Friday, 12-11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The city’s longest-running festival, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing the annual springtime celebration of arts and entertainment. Attractions include an artists’ market, international village with cultural exchange pavilions, midway rides and a kids’ village. Admission is free. Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive, Atlanta 30306. Go to dogwood.org for details.
Georgia Renaissance Festival
Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day, April 13 to June 2, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Visit 16thcentury England and enjoy non-stop entertainment, music, rides, demonstrations, food and shops. Tickets are $23.95 at the gate and $19.95 online for adults, $11.95 at the gate and $9.95 online for kids 6-12 years old. Georgia Renaissance Festival, 905 Virlyn B. Smith Rd., Fairburn 30213. Go to garenfest.com for tickets as well as info on special offers, group discounts and themed weekends.
The Garden Faire
Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The North Fulton Master Gardeners, in partnership with Historic Bulloch Hall and Roswell Azalea Festival, present the 20thannual Garden Faire. The fair features a Pass-A-Long plant sale, more shopping, food vendors and a bake sale. New this year are a children’s corner, with event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and an eco-corner. Proceeds support North Fulton Master Gardener programs in Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs and Farm Chastain. Historic Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell 30075. Visit nfmg.net/garden-faire.html for details.
Community
Swan House Ball
Saturday, April 27. The Swan House Ball brings together Atlanta’s business, community and social leaders for an evening of elegance and fun at the Atlanta History Center’s newly renovated museum. This year’s ball honors the Rollins family and is chaired by Jenny Pruitt. The Swan House Ball raises benefits the Atlanta History Center and its student education programs. The 2019 Swan House Ball begins with cocktails at the Swan House followed by dinner and dancing in the museum. Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta 30305. For more information or tickets, call 404-814-4102 or visit AtlantaHistoryCenter.com.
Black and White Ball
Saturday, April 27, 6:30 p.m. The 4thannual Black and White Ball offers an enjoyable evening of dining and dancing that benefits The Arts Council, Inc. The formal, black-tie event will be catered by Affairs to Remember, and music is supplied by The American Flyers. Smithgall Arts Center, 331 Spring Street, Gainesville 30501. For more information, call 770-534-2787.
CAF’s WWII Heritage Days
Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Experience the sights and sounds of World War II when the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dixie Wing hosts the 16th Annual WWII Heritage Days. There will be re-enactors, WWII vehicles, vintage aircraft, authors, WWII Veterans and exhibits. It’s a community celebration and living history experience for the entire family. CAF Dixie Wing, 1200 Echo Court, Peachtree City 30269. Visit wwiidays.org to find out more.
Cars and ‘Q for the Cause
Saturday, May 4, 4-7 p.m. Delight in tasty BBQ from Jim & Nicks, your favorite craft brews and live music while checking out 120+ stellar cars. The annual Cars and ‘Q event raises money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation while providing fun for the family. Advance tickets range $20 for event entry and dinner; $40 for entry, dinner and drinks (legal age permitting). Ticket prices rise to $30 and $50 on April 26. Choate Construction, 8200 Roberts Dr., Atlanta 30350. Visit carsnq.com for tickets and more information.
Dancing Stars of Atlanta
Saturday, May 4, 5:30-11 p.m. Mirroring the popular TV show, this event pairs local Atlanta residents (the “stars”) with professional dancers to raise money by gaining votes in a one-night dance competition. Area residents can vote online for $1 per vote prior to the event. Dancing Stars of Atlanta raises funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and researchon behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter. Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta 30339. For more info, contact Dan Britt at 404-728-6057 or dgbritt@alz.org.
Learn Something
Inescapable: The Life and Legacy of Harry Houdini
April 14-August 11. An original exhibition on the life and legacy of Harry Houdini, the world’s most famous magician includes artifacts, photos and archival records, many on loan from private and public collections. During the run, supplementary programming includes speakers and family events. The William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum, 1440 Spring Street, Atlanta 30309. For more information, call 678-222-3700 or visit TheBreman.org.
The Loving Approach Family Education Series on Dementia
Wednesdays, April 17 and May 15, 7-8:30 p.m. This dementia skills education series, begun in December, is still open to family members and caregivers of people with brain change. It offers invaluable knowledge while providing guidance and a forum for questions and discussion. Free; registration is required. Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 1722 Oak Grove Road, Decatur 30033. Register by emailing wecare@orchardseniorliving or calling 404-775-0488. Find out more at orchardseniorliving.com/brookhaven.
The Spring Ecology of Sandy Springs
Thursday, April 18, 7-8:30 p.m. Join Alan Toney, Master Naturalist, as he shares an exciting glimpse of what’s happening in our parks and backyards each spring. Learn to listen for and identify what might be owls, baby box turtles, emerging insects, busy pollinators and fawns crossing our yards and streets. There’s even a crash course in how to identify the snakes in our area. There’s a suggested $5 donation to the Friends of the Lost Corner. Lost Corner Preserve Cottage, 7300 Brandon Mill Road, Sandy Springs 30328. To register, visit friendsoflostcorner.org.
Bird Walk
Saturday, April 20, 8-10:30 a.m. Wildlife sanctuaries and bird watching opportunities are found throughout Sandy Springs. Join the Atlanta Audubon Society for family friendly guided bird walk from Overlook Park to historic Morgan Falls Dam. Resident and migratory birds will be seen during the height of spring migration. Binoculars will be available to borrow. Free; pre-registration requested. Morgan Falls Overlook Park, 200 Morgan Falls Rd, Sandy Springs 30350. To pre-register, go to registration.sandyspringsga.gov.
American Hydrangea Society Speaker Series
Monday, April 22, 7-9 p.m. Michael A. Dirr presents “Evaluating the Newest Hydrangea Cultivars and Reconnecting to Heirlooms.” Dirr is Professor Emeritus at The University of Georgia, where he also served as Director of the University’s Botanical Garden. He was the Founder and Partner of Plant Introductions Inc. (2006 to 2014), a private plant breeding company that released the ground-breaking Endless Summer Collection Hydrangeas. Lecture is free, and reservations are not required. Sign in, mingling, light refreshments and plant raffle available before lecture, which begins at 7:30 p.m. Atlanta History Center, 130 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta 30305. For more information, call 770-956-7734.
Road Races
Mimosa 5K Run
Saturday, April 13, 8 a.m. The Atlanta Dogwood Festival welcomes runners and walkers to the Mimosa 5K, an AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifier. The run kicks off at Piedmont Park, follows a path through the streets of Midtown and ends with a mimosa toast back in the park. Registration is $25 per person until March 8; price increases start March 9. Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive, Atlanta 30309. Runners gather at the corner of Charles Allen Drive and 10thStreet. Register at dogwood.org/events/mimosa-5k/.
Chastain Chase 5K
Sunday, April 14, 7 a.m. A Peachtree Road Race qualifier, the Chastain Chase is a 5K run that winds through Chastain Park, beginning and ending at The Galloway School. The race is also a fundraiser for Cancer Support Community Atlanta, a facility that provides free programs of hope and support to cancer patients. A 1-mile run/walk immediately follows the 5K. The Galloway School, 215 Wieuca Road, Atlanta 303042. To register, visit cscatlanta.org/chastainchase.