Events and Happenings: The Week of May 6

Town Center CID hosting bike lessons on May 19

Town Center CID will have free bike lessons on May 19 at Aviation Park, 2659 Barrett Lakes Boulevard in Kennesaw.

The sessions, led by REI Kennesaw Co-op instructors, will run from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m. Sessions limited to eight participants, ages 5-12 years old.

The event, in partnership with Kaiser Permanente of Georgia, offers instruction methods that have helped hundreds of kids learn to ride bikes. Participants are required to bring their own bikes with the training wheels removed.

Registration required at https://www.towncentercid.com/surveys-events . Adults must accompany their children throughout the event.

For more information, visit https://www.towncentercid.com/event-details-registration/free-bike-lessons-for-kids-am-class .

Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival

The North Cobb Rotary Club, City of Acworth and the Georgia Barbecue Association partner each year to bring the Smoke on the Lake BBQ Festival.

The event will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. on May 10 and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 11 at Logan Farm Park. All proceeds are distributed amongst several local charities.

This two-day event features a concert under the stars on May 10 and a BBQ competition on May 11. Teams from all over the Southeast compete in professional and amateur divisions to see who will take home the title. For a small fee, participants can taste their way through some of the best BBQ in the Southeast.

Parking will not be available at the park so please park downtown.

For more information, visit www.smokeonthelake.org .

Dear Mom: A Mother’s Day Cabaret is May 10

The Alley Stage, 11 Anderson Street in Marietta, will have Dear Mom: A Mother’s Day Cabaret at 7:30 p.m. on May 10.

Kick off Mother’s Day weekend with an evening dedicated to the unsung heroes. The event will feature music, laughter and heartfelt stories that pay tribute to the journey of motherhood.

For more information, visit https://www.alleystage.org/shows/264461 .

Liquid Motion - Atlanta Ballet is May 10-12

The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway in the Cumberland area, will have Liquid Motion – Atlanta Ballet from May 10-12.

An evening of two innovative works by the next generation of choreographers. Choreographer-in-Residence Claudia Schreier, celebrated for her most recent Atlanta Ballet works Carnivale, Fauna and Pleiades Dances, will delight with her musicality and sculptural elegance, while the contemporary and distinctive movement vocabulary of Brazilian artist Juliano Nuñes, one of the world’s most sought-after young choreographers, will take center stage in an exciting new commission. Shows are 8 p.m. on May 10, 2 and 8 p.m. on May 11 and 2 p.m. on May 12. Tickets are $27 to $144, plus applicable fees.

For more information, visit https://www.cobbenergycentre.com/events/detail/liquid-motion .

Ray Howard Band: Earth, Wind & Fire Experience is May 10

The Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square in Marietta, will have the Ray Howard Band: Earth, Wind & Fire Experience at 8 p.m. on May 10.

The Earth, Wind & Fire band has spanned the musical genres of R&B, soul, funk, jazz, disco, pop, dance, Latin and Afro-pop since being established in the 1970s. The Ray Howard Band specializes in tribute performances to this band, capturing the innovation and energy of the Earth, Wind & Fire experience.

Participants can get the velvet rope treatment with a VIP pass. VIP tickets include early access seating, a pre-show, mini-concert, a meet and greet, two drink tickets and a signed poster from the band.

For more information, visit https://thestrand.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/ .

Art of the Cocktail is May 10

The Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, 30 Atlanta Street SE in Marietta, will have Art of the Cocktail from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on May 10.

Participants can enjoy the exhibitions, “The Magic of Modern Art: How to Love Modern & Contemporary Art” and “Initial Object” by Lucy Luckovich. Entertainment will be Rob Tharpe. This month’s specialty cocktail is presented by Red Hare Brewing.

Free for MCMA members, $10 for non-members. Tickets sold at the door. Appetizers will be served and there will be a full bar.

For more information, visit https://mariettacobbartmuseum.org/artofthecocktail-2 .

Sparkle & Style is May 11

Holy Family Catholic Church, 3401 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta, will have Sparkle & Style at 11:30 a.m. on May 11.

The event is a luncheon, fashion show and silent auction. The fashion show is presented by Apricot Lane Boutique in Marietta. Tickets are $35. Proceeds benefit Special Needs Cobb.

For more information, visit https://www.specialneedscobb.org/ .

KGP 5K: Fit City 5K is May 11

The Kennesaw Grand Prix Series is the premier 5K race series in North Georgia.

The course is mostly asphalt and is flat and fast. The race begins at Kennesaw First Baptist Church, heads north on Main Street, meanders through Swift-Cantrell Park and finishes in downtown Kennesaw. Runners will cross the finish line into a post-race party for the awards ceremony and celebration.

Each of the races is professionally timed and USAT&F Certified. The course is perfect for competitive runners seeking a qualifying time for the Peachtree Road Race.

Race day schedule:

6:30 a.m. race day packet pickup and day of registration begins.7:30 a.m. 1 Mile Fun Run starts.8 a.m. 5K starts.8:55 a.m. Tot Trot.9:15 a.m. awards ceremony.

For more information, visit https://www.kennesaw-ga.gov/kennesawgrandprix/ .

Walk for Wishes is May 11

Truist Park, 755 Battery Avenue SE in the Cumberland area, will have Walk for Wishes on May 11.

Make-A-Wish Georgia is joining the big leagues by hosting their walk at Truist Park, home of the Braves. Attracting over 1,000 participants, this event unites people who believe a wish has the power to change lives.

This year’s 20th Annual Walk for Wishes Atlanta includes a 5K walk with the finish line on the field to kick off the festivities, followed by food, arcade games, zip lining, a climbing wall, music, the Heavy Hitters, superheroes and a wish family reunion.

For more information, visit https://wish.org/georgia/walk-wishes-presented-balfour-beatty .

The Planets with Georgia Philharmonic is May 11

The Bailey Performance Center at Kennesaw State University, 488 Prillaman Way in Kennesaw, will have The Planets with Georgia Philharmonic on May 11.

Participants can join the Georgia Philharmonic on an interplanetary musical journey with Holst’s groundbreaking work, The Planets, accompanied by video and images from NASA and other leading space agencies.

Inspired by the importance of the planets in Roman and Greek mythology, Holst composed a work of seven movements, each of which is named after a planet of the solar system and its astrological character. Experience Mars: The Bringer of War, Neptune: The Mystic, Saturn: The Bringer of Old Age and others on a journey through the solar system.

For more information, visit https://georgiaphilharmonic.org/season/2024-the-planets .

Comedy at The Strand: Karen Morgan & Barbara Dooley: Football & Foolishness!

The Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square in Marietta, will have Comedy at The Strand: Karen Morgan & Barbara Dooley: Football & Foolishness! at 3 p.m. on May 12.

Karen Morgan and Barbara Dooley will come together for a special Mother’s Day comedy show.

Morgan is a mother of three. A former trial attorney, she began her professional comedy career as a finalist on Nickelodeon Television’s Search for the Funniest Mom in America.

Dooley is a mother of four and a grandmother of 11. She was married to Coach Vince Dooley for 62 years before his passing. She is the author of two books, Put Me In, Coach: Confessions of a Football Wife and Fourth and Inches: How to Win When Cancer is the Opponent. She is a speaker, radio host, philanthropist and a humorist.

For more information, visit https://thestrand.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/ .

Smyrna Food Truck Tuesdays

Taylor Brawner Park, 3180 Atlanta Road in Smyrna, will have Food Truck Tuesdays every Tuesday from 5 to 9 p.m. through Sept. 24.

Participants can enjoy offerings from a weekly gathering of food trucks in the lower parking spaces adjacent to the playground and mini amphitheater at the park. There will not be an event the week of July 4 or Labor Day.

For more information, visit https://www.smyrnaga.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/24096/953?curm=5&cury=2024 .

Indie Film Night is May 16 and June 20

The Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square in Marietta, will have an Indie Film Night at 7 p.m. on May 16 and 7:30 p.m. on June 20.

Indie Film Night is a bite-sized film festival every month, serving up an eclectic selection of both short and feature-length independent films from around the country and the world. IFN showcases a diverse selection of films from emerging and established filmmakers hand-picked for their originality, creativity and thought-provoking themes.

Indie Film Night is presented by The Strand and the Cobb International Film Festival. Tickets are $8.

For more information, visit https://thestrand.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/ .

Marietta Greek Festival is May 17-19

Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, 3431 Trickum Road in Marietta, will have the Marietta Greek Festival from May 17-19.

Participants can immerse themselves in Greek culture with various Greek food and desserts, live music and dancing. Hours are 4 to 10:30 p.m. on May 17, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on May 18 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 19.

For more information, visit https://mariettagreekfestival.com/ .

Movies at The Strand: Wayne’s World

The Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square in Marietta, will have Movies at The Strand: Wayne’s World (1992) at 8 p.m. on May 17.

Wayne’s World is a wacky, irreverent pop-culture comedy about the adventures of two amiably aimless metal-head friends. Participants can join 30 minutes before the film for a live pre-show concert on the Mighty Allen Theatre Organ.

For more information, visit https://thestrand.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/ .

Acworth Police Community Foundation Food Drive

The Acworth Police Community Foundation will have a food drive through May 31.

Residents can drop off unexpired and non-perishable foods and/or personal hygiene products to the Acworth Police Department from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Acworth Memorial Day Ceremony is May 25

The Acworth Memorial Day Ceremony will be 10 a.m. on May 25 at Cauble Park at Patriots Point.

Veterans and current servicemen will pay tribute to the men and women who fought and died in the Armed Forces. Engraved pavers dedicated to those who served that were purchased since the previous Veterans Day will be presented at the event.

For more information, contact Jeff Chase at jchase@acworth.org or call 770-917-1234.

Food for seniors at giveaway event

Celebrate Older Americans Month with free food for Cobb seniors, ages 55 and older, from noon to 2 p.m. on May 23 at First Christian Church of Mableton, 878 Old Alabama Road SW in Mableton.

Cobb County Senior Services and First Christian Church of Mableton have teamed up to provide a free box of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and more to Cobb County residents. The giveaway is first come, first served. Please bring a valid ID.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/49evffh5 .

Review Holly Springs Corridor improvement plan

Residents can learn about the plan to move forward to improve safety and traffic operations in the Holly Springs Corridor at an open house from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on May 14.

Participants will have an opportunity to review community input received on the 2022 SPLOST project. The Department of Transportation will be on hand to answer questions in the Mountain View Regional Library's community room, 3330 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta.

Water system online services update

The Cobb County Water System has a new online customer account service system.

The system asks residents to be patient as staff and customers learn the new system and works through any issues. They expect a high call volume and responses may be delayed. There may be intermittent interruptions of access to bill payments, online services and account access.

The first bills in the new system will be slightly delayed. The new account number will appear on the first bill. All delinquency processes are currently paused.

To make online requests, visit https://tinyurl.com/bdfxnabt .

State of the County address

Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid will highlight Cobb's 2023 accomplishments as she delivers the 2024 Cobb State of the County Address from 6 to 8 p.m. on May 16 the Cobb Galleria, 2 Galleria Parkway SE in the Cumberland area.

The community is invited to attend the free event where she will provide her vision, purpose and plans. During the evening, she will recognize community members who have been instrumental in creating opportunities for Cobb residents and businesses in 2023.

From 6 to 7 p.m., doors open and there will be a reception with light dinner and networking. From 7 to 8 p.m. will be the program.

To RSVP, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/state-of-cobb-county-2024-tickets-890981247897?aff=oddtdtcreator .

Community Health Improvement Plan Partnership grants

Cobb and Douglas Public Health is now accepting applications for the 2024-25 Community Health Improvement Plan Partnership grants.

The grants assist community partners in implementing initiatives that significantly contribute to the 2023-2027 CHIP for Cobb and Douglas counties.

Developed with Cobb2020 and Live Healthy Douglas, the CHIP identifies strategic issues: Access to health services and basic needs and healthy lifestyles for improving health in Cobb and Douglas counties. The CHIP Partnership grants offer up to $25,000 per agency through matching funds. Requests less than or equal to $5,000 do not require a match. The deadline to apply is May 23.

For more information, visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/communications/news/public-health-chip-grant-applications-now-available .

For questions, contact Jazmyn McCloud, Health Equity and Community Engagement director for Cobb and Douglas Public Health, at jazmyn.mccloud@dph.ga.gov or 770-514-2407.

Big wheels at Cobb DOT Touch A Truck

The Cobb County Department of Transportation invites residents to climb on board at its Touch A Truck event and celebrate American Public Works Week from 1 to 4 p.m. on May 24 at the Cobb Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway SE in Marietta.

Braves to host free Casting Crowns postgame concert

Following their game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sept. 8, the Atlanta Braves will host a free Casting Crowns postgame concert presented by Chick-fil-A.

Access to the postgame concert is free with a game ticket. A special field pass ticket package is now available at www.Braves.com/CastingCrowns and includes a game ticket and access to watch the postgame show from the Truist Park field.

For more information about Casting Crowns, visit CastingCrowns.com or braves.com .

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Booklist

May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which celebrates the contributions of AAPI individuals to U.S. history and culture.

Check out the Cobb Library’s curated booklist for all ages at https://www.cobbcounty.org/library/news/asian-american-pacific-islander-heritage-month-booklist-2 .

Summer Reading Challenge is Around the Corner

Embark on a literary adventure with Cobb Library’s Summer Reading Program.

Running from May 13 to July 30, this inclusive program is designed for all ages and offers opportunities for family bonding, community engagement and a shared learning experiences. For more information, visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/library/learning-programs/summer .

Mini Golf fundraiser

Cobb Library will have a Mini Golf Fundraiser hosted by the Cobb Library Foundation.

Tee off from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside the Switzer Library on June 3 and at the North Cobb Regional Library on June 4. This family-friendly event turns the library into a mini golf course with 19 unique holes navigating through stacks and bookshelves.

Admission is $5 per person or $15 per family. All proceeds support library programs and collections. Kona Ice will be available for purchase from noon to 2 p.m. at both locations.

Improv-4-Anxiety is May 8

Want to learn a fun way to combat social anxiety?

Participants, ages 16 and up, can join the Cobb Library for their Improv-4-Anxiety program from 6 to 7 p.m. on May 8 at the Switzer Library, 266 Roswell Street NE in Marietta.

Upcoming Adult library programs

The Cobb Library will have the following Adult programs:

Creative Studios: Songwriting Workshop will be 6 to 7:30 p.m. on May 7 at the Sewell Mill Library, 2051 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta.Yoga with PeakZen Yoga Studio will be 6 to 8 p.m. on May 8 at the Mountain View Regional Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta.VR for Older Adults will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 9 at the South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road in Mableton.Book Chat – Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks will be 1 to 2 p.m. on May 9 at Kemp Memorial Library, 4029 Due West Road NW in Marietta.

For more information, visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/library .