There may be no better time to visit Atlanta. The summer humidity is gone, and the winter chill has not yet arrived. Temperatures remain in the mid-60s to low-70s, making this the perfect opportunity to get out and experience the city and its surrounding areas.
Sure, there’s Centennial Park, the Coca-Cola headquarters, and all the historical landmarks and art galleries. But those can be experienced anytime. Here are a few events with limited runs that both residents and visitors might want to take in this weekend.
1. Fall Fling At The Georgia Renaissance Festival
Saturday, Noon To 8 P.M.
6905 Virlyn B. Smith Road, Atlanta
The Fall Fling takes place every Saturday in November. Tickets are $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under. The scaled-back version of this Georgia tradition features all your favorite renaissance festival activities, from juggling and feats of strength to ax throwing and more. There are fools, bards, and musicians wandering the grounds, and plenty of food and craft booths.
2. Batting Practice At Truist Park
Friday, Saturday, And Sunday
755 Battery Ave. SE, Cumberland
This is the ultimate sports fantasy for the baseball fans in your life. For a cost of $600, groups of up to eight people can take batting practice at the home of the Atlanta Braves. Batters can rotate in and out for 45 minutes, hitting off a pitching machine. Participants must be at least 18 and should bring their own bats and helmets.
3. Stone Mountain Christmas
Opening Saturday, 2 To 9 P.M.
1000 Robert E. Lee Drive, Stone Mountain
An Atlanta Christmas tradition begins its seven-week run Saturday at Stone Mountain Park. Tickets are $31.95 for a one-time visit or $59.95 for an annual pass. There are tens of thousands of holiday lights, a skyride, a scenic railroad, music, an angel parade, nightly visits from Santa, and more.
4. Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Opening Saturday, 5 To 11 P.M.
1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta
The Atlanta Botanical Garden debuts its 10th annual holiday event starting Saturday and running through January 16. Tickets range from $25 to $55 depending upon which options you choose. Visitors will observe millions of Christmas lights throughout the garden, including lighted sculptures throughout a special Alice in Wonderland Reimagined exhibition. There is also a spectacular area where flashing lights and music are choreographed together.
5. Netherworld Haunted House
Friday And Saturday, 7 To 11 P.M.
1313 Netherworld Way, Stone Mountain
Not quite ready to move on from Halloween to Christmas? How about some scares and chills on Friday the 13th? This weekend is the final opportunity to visit Atlanta’s premier haunted house on either Friday or Saturday. Tickets are $35 and admit you to two separate haunts with monsters, creatures, and screams around every corner.
6. Paca Pony Celebration
Saturday, 10 A.M. To 4 P.M.
2812 Centerville-Rosebud Road, Snellville
Creekwater Alpaca Farm regularly hosts tours of their farm, which features more than 50 alpacas, plus rabbits, goats, and sheep. But this weekend, they welcome you to experience a magical pony prince and its court, consisting of four miniature horses. Your $12 admission ticket will get you up close with the animals, and children can go on pony rides and make crafts.
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