As the weather is warming up, Georgian’s are starting to come out of hibernation and many of us are looking for fun things to do with our families, particularly on the weekend days. Here are some of the more intriguing and unique events throughout the state that are worth a weekend or day trip. Only high pollen and rain could spoil the fun at these events.
State Banana Pudding Festival
What is it?: If you just can’t get enough banana pudding, head down to Irwinton, Ga., where they have a festival devoted to the popular dessert. The festival benefits nonprofits, who present their puddings on the festival’s Puddin’ Path. You sample each nonprofit’s offerings and vote for your favorite.
The festivities actually begin with a 20 or 40 mile bike ride, which should make you good and hungry for a sweet banana-flavored treat. There are also crafts, vendors and a kids corner.
When is it?: April 7, starting at 8 a.m.
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Where is it?: 128 East Main Street, Irwinton, Ga. 31042
Cost: Admission is free.
Reptile Day
What is it?: Reptile Day at Panola Mountain Park in Stockbridge is your chance to bond with your favorite cold-blooded animals. Learn everything there is to know about snakes, lizards and other reptiles that might sneak their way into your backyard.
When is it?: April 7, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where is it?: 2620 Highway 155 SW, Stockbridge, Ga. 30281
Cost: $5 general admission, kids 3 and under can attend for free. Parking is $5.
Primitive Tools and Weapons Day
What is it?: If you like history or want your kids to have an appreciation for modern conveniences, head over to the Etowah Indian Mounds for Primitive Tools and Weapons Day. This event is all about Native American tools and weaponry and will not only show the tools and the history behind them, but how Georgia’s earliest natives took care of their tools.
When is it?: April 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where is it?: 813 Indian Mounds Road SW, Cartersville, Ga. 30120
Cost: Admission is between $2 and $6 per person.
Lee Greenwood in Concert
What is it?: Lee Greenwood of “God Bless The U.S.A.” fame will be performing at the Mill Town Music Hall in Bremen. The opening act is Bonner Black.
When is it?: April 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Where is it?: 1031 Alabama Avenue, Bremen, Ga. 30110
Cost: Premium reserved tickets are $43; reserved tickets are $38. All ticket prices increase by $5 if purchased at the door.
Little River Festival
What is it?: A fairly typical spring festival at Reed Bingham State Park. This one is really good for children and is complete with building projects, music, archery and a fishing rodeo.
When is it?: April 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where is it?: 542 Reed Bingham Road, Adel, Ga. 31620
Cost: Parking is $5.
Super Hero Day
What is it?: The Rock Ranch in The Rock, Ga. is hosting Super Hero Day. Expect to see Captain America, Wonder Woman and Spiderman at this one, provided the world doesn’t need saving that day. Kids are invited to dress up as their favorite super heroes and participate in the ranch’s regular attractions as well as interact with their special super-human guests.
When is it?: April 14, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where is it?: 5020 Hwy 36, The Rock, Ga. 30285
Cost: $13 for all guests over age 2.
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
What is it?: No spring event list would be complete without the Atlanta Dogwood Festival at Piedmont Park. If you’ve never been, it is an art festival that has evolved into so much more, including the disc dogs competition, Midway Rides and the popular Kids Village.
When is it?: April 13 through April 15.
Where is it?: 1071 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, Ga. 30309
Cost: The festival itself is free, but there are ticketed attractions.
Georgia Great Steak Cook-off
What is it?: If you love steak and want to eat as much of it as possible, all you really need to know about this event is that there will be plenty of steak to go around. It’s in Hazlehurst, Ga. and it doesn’t end with steaks. It also has a chicken wing cook-off.
When is it?: April 21
Where is it?: 45 Riverwood Trail, Hazlehurst, Ga. 31539
Cost: Free to attend. If you think your steak is the best in Georgia it’ll cost you $150 to enter. $25 to enter your wings.
The Buzz on Bees Earth Day Celebration
What is it?: An Earth Day celebration at Tallulah Gorge State Park focused on bees.
When is it?: April 21, 12 to 4 p.m.
Where is it?: 338 Jane Hurt Yarn Drive, Tallulah Falls, Ga. 30573
Cost: $5 parking fee.
Spring Fling and BBQ Cook Off
What is it?: A spring festival combined with a barbecue cook-off in downtown Moultrie.
When is it?: April 20 and 21.
Where is it?: 1 North Main Street, Moultrie, Ga. 31768
Cost: Free.
Woodbine Crawfish Festival
What is it?: Woodbine hosts its 33rd annual Crawfish Festival, which promises Crawfish as well as children’s amusements, arts and crafts, cloggers and square dancers. The event also features a can’t-miss Crawfish parade.
When is it?: April 27 and 28.
Where is it?: Waterfront Park in Downtown, Woodbine, Ga.
Cost: Admission is free.
Rose Show & Festival
What is it?: Anything event that has been going on for 97 years has to be something spectacular. The Thomasville Rose Show and Festival is quite a spectacle. There are flower shows, parades and concerts as well as tours of historic sites.
When is it?: April 26 through 28
Where is it?: 144 East Jackson Street, Thomasville, Ga. 31792
Cost: Most events are free.
Ray On My Mind: The Music and Life of Ray Charles
What is it?: A hybrid of a concert and theatre production highlighting the life and music of Georgia’s own Ray Charles. Kenny Brawner portrays Charles in this must-see performance at Mars Theatre.
When is it?: April 28 at 8 p.m.
Where is it?: 106 S Laurel Street, Springfield, Ga. 31329
Cost: Tickets are $35 for floor seating and $30 for balcony seating.
Rock Swap & Dig
What is it?: Graves Mountain is holding a three-day dig and rock swap. The concept here is fairly simple, you and your family can spend the day digging for unique rocks and then trade them with other collectors afterwards.
When is it?: April 27 through 29
Where is it?: Graves Mountain, Highway 378 Lincolnton, Ga. 30817
Cost: Admission is free. You will need to sign a liability release.
The Wall That Heals
What is it?: The replica Vietnam Memorial Wall is rolling through Lincolnton, Georgia this month. This is the perfect event if you are a veteran, have a veteran in the family or want to teach your children about the Vietnam War without having to leave the state.
When is it?: April 26 through 29
Where is it?: 1972 Rowland-York Drive, Lincolnton, Ga. 30817
Cost: Free
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