Cherokee Heights Arts Festival

Cherokee Heights, built in 1924 and one of Marietta’s oldest subdivisions, is hosting an extravaganza to show off the work of their talented resident artists and craftsmen. The Cherokee Heights historic neighborhood has become a magnet for artists, and more than 30 neighborhood artists will be showing and selling original art and crafts.

Browse a selection of hand-made wood turnings, paintings, metal work, soap, wearable felted and other fabric art, pottery, handmade shoes, clothing, scarves, graphic arts, lots of jewelry, bird houses, original books, baked goods and much more. The festival also features musical performances as well as fun for the kids.

Date:
Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 9am to 4pm

Admission:
Free

Address:
Cherokee Heights is located just one mile north of Marietta Square.
Etowah Drive (between Seminole Dr and Freyer Dr)
Marietta, GA 30060

Parking:
Free on-street parking.

For more information, and for vendor information, please visit the event website at CerokeeHeightsArtsFestival.org or on Facebook at Facebook.com/CherokeeHeightsArtsFestival

Marietta’s Hidden Gems

Marietta.com

While Marietta is known for its historic charm and vibrant community, it also harbors some delightful hidden gems that are often overlooked by visitors and even some residents. Interestingly, Marietta earned the nickname “Gem City of Georgia” back in the late 1800s. If you’re in search of unique and lesser-known places to explore in Marietta, here are some off-the-beaten-path gems waiting to be discovered.

Marietta Fire Museum: Tucked away on Haynes Street, the Marietta Fire Museum showcases the city’s firefighting history. Explore vintage fire engines, equipment, and memorabilia, and learn about the brave firefighters who have served Marietta over the years.

Root House Museum: The Root House Museum is a beautifully restored antebellum home and gardens that offers a glimpse into Marietta’s past. Take a tour to learn about the Root family and the history of the area during the Civil War.

Gone with the Wind Museum: Film buffs and literature enthusiasts will appreciate the Gone with the Wind Museum. Located in the historic Brumby Hall, it showcases memorabilia from the iconic novel and movie. You can even see the original mourning bonnet worn by Scarlett O’Hara, played by Vivien Leigh.

Black Heritage Walking Tour: Take a step back in time and explore Marietta’s rich African American history through a self-guided black heritage walking tour. Learn about the contributions of Black residents to the city’s culture and heritage.

Marietta Square Farmers Market: While not entirely hidden, the Marietta Square Farmers Market is a local favorite. It offers fresh produce, artisanal goods, and a friendly atmosphere every Saturday morning all year long and located just a minute or two walk from the Marietta Square.

Marietta National Cemetery: Pay your respects to veterans at the Marietta National Cemetery. It’s a serene place with rows of white headstones and a history dating back to the Civil War.

Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre: The historic Strand Theatre has been beautifully restored and hosts a variety of performances, from classic films to live shows. Check their schedule for an evening of entertainment, or stop by the Lumiere Lounge or the rooftop terrace for a brew with a view.

Glover Park Brewery: Glover Park Brewery is a favorite for beer enthusiasts. Located just off the bustling Marietta Square, it offers a cozy atmosphere and a diverse selection of craft beers. The main level is often used as event space so walk around back to find the outdoor patio and indoor brewery and bar areas (and sometimes food trucks).

The Big Chicken: While not exactly hidden, The Big Chicken is an iconic Marietta landmark. It’s a 56-foot-tall chicken-shaped KFC restaurant that’s become a local favorite and a must-see photo op for visitors.

Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area: Just outside Marietta, you can explore the natural beauty of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. Enjoy hiking, picnicking, and water activities in this scenic national recreation area.

Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park: Just a short drive from the historic Marietta Square, Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park offers hiking trails, historic Civil War sites, and beautiful vistas including views of Downtown Atlanta from the top of the mountain. It’s an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs.

Exploring these hidden gems in Marietta can lead to unexpected discoveries and a deeper appreciation for The Gem City’s rich history and culture. For locals looking for new adventures or a visitors seeking authentic experiences, Marietta has plenty to offer beyond its more well-known attractions.

10 Interesting Facts about Marietta

Marietta.com

Marietta: A Fascinating City with a Rich History

Marietta, Georgia, is a city that’s brimming with interesting facts and stories. From its historic roots to its modern charm, here are 10 intriguing facts about Marietta:

1. Historic Square: Marietta features a charming historic town square filled with quaint shops, restaurants, and a lively farmers market. It’s a central location for events and festivals and is a must visit for locals and tourists.

2. Civil War History: The city played a significant role in the American Civil War, with several historic sites like Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park and the Marietta Confederate Cemetery preserving this history.

3. Big Chicken: The “Big Chicken” is an iconic landmark in Marietta. This 56-foot-tall steel chicken has been a fixture in the city since 1963 and houses a KFC restaurant.

4. Glover Park: Located in the heart of Marietta Square, Glover Park is a popular spot for outdoor concerts, festivals, and family fun.

5. Rooted in Railroads: The city’s history is closely tied to railroads, and you can learn about this at the Marietta Welcome Center and the nearby Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw.

6. Artistic Community: Marietta has a thriving arts community, with numerous galleries and theaters showcasing local talent.

7. Education: Home to Southern Polytechnic State University at Kennesaw State University, Life University, Chattahoochee Technical College, Lincoln College of Technology and several top-rated public and private schools, Marietta is an educational hub in the region.

8. Vibrant Festivals: The city hosts various annual festivals, including the Marietta Greek Festival and the Marietta Art in the Park Festival, attracting visitors from all around.

9. Historic Homes: Marietta is home to many well-preserved historic homes, reflecting various architectural styles from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

10. Green Spaces: The city takes pride in its green spaces, with numerous parks and trails for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy, including the Silver Comet Trail, a popular destination for biking and hiking.

Marietta’s unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities makes it a captivating place to live or visit, offering something for everyone to enjoy.

Cobb County School Calendar 2023-2024

Marietta.com

The Cobb County School Calendar for the 2023 to 2024 school year began on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 and ends on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. The start date is the same date as last year, and the end date is 2 days earlier than last year.

School holidays:

First Day of School – August 1, 2023
Labor Day – September 4, 2023
Fall Break – September 25 – 29, 2023
Election Day, Student Holiday/Staff Workday – November 7, 2023
Thanksgiving Holidays – November 20 – 24, 2023
Winter Holidays – December 20, 2023 to January 3, 2024
Martin Luther King Jr Day – January 15, 2024
Winter Break – February 19 – 23, 2024
Spring Break – April 1 – 5, 2024
Last Day of School – May 22, 2024

School Calendar Guidelines and Notes:
State law requires that students are in school 180 days or its equivalent. Each year, school districts are given four “emergency days” they can use for a variety of purposes. Many districts have been building those days into their calendars. In Cobb County, there are 177 days scheduled for students, and 186 days scheduled for teachers. The first semester includes 87 school days (93 for teachers) and ends prior to Winter Holidays. Second semester includes 90 school days (93 for teachers), and ends prior to Memorial Day. Fall Break begins on the third Monday in September (the past few years it has been the 4th Monday). Winter Break begins on the third Monday in February (Presidents Day). Spring Break begins on the first Monday in April, providing consistency with other metro school systems. The school year ends on a Wednesday to provide enough time to schedule graduation ceremonies.

Change Log:

July 26, 2023

Added asynchronous learning days to Monday, August 21, 2023, Monday, October 16, 2023, and Monday, March 4, 2024.
Added Elementary/Middle School Conference Week Tuesday, October 17 through Friday, October 20, 2023. Early release for elementary and middle schools only.
Added early release days December 18 and 19, 2023 for all levels.
Added early release days April 8, 2024 for all levels.
Added early release days May 20-22, 2024 for all levels.

May 20, 2022

January 2, 2024 was changed from a teacher work day to a holiday, changing the teacher start date from January 2 to January 3, 2024.

Cobb County School Calendars:
Cobb County School Calendar 2023-2024
Cobb County School Calendar 2024-2025
Cobb County School Calendar 2025-2026

Marietta City School Calendars:
Marietta City School Calendar 2023-2024
Marietta City School Calendar 2024-2025
Marietta City School Calendar 2025-2026

Cobb Tasting Festival

Marietta.com

The Cobb Tasting Festival is a food tasting festival featuring global cuisines including American, Asian, Soul, Italian, Vegan, Puerto Rican, French, German, Jamaican, Carnival food, and much more. The event features food vendors, business vendors, a kid’s zone, live entertainment, music, giveaways, prizes, and much more.

Date:
Saturday, July 8, 2023 (No dates announced for 2024)
From the event organizers, “This event was formally known as the “Cobb Tasting Festival ” We are now hitting surrounding cities with our popular tasting festival. This is the ultimate food fest for all foodies. This event will be held in the heart of Cartersville GA in Founders Park” on October 5, 2024.

Time:
11 am to 4 pm

Admission:
Free. All samples will range in price from $1 to $6.

Address:
Jim R. Miller Park
2245 Callaway Road
Marietta, GA 30008

For more information, please call (404) 827-8132, email tasteoffoodtrucks@gmail.com, or visit tasteoffoodtrucks.com.

M2R TrailFest

Marietta.com

The M2R (Mountain to River) TrailFest is a public arts festival featuring a multitude of art installations and performances along the Mountain to River Trail. The Mountain to River Trail spans from Lewis Park near WellStar Kennestone Hospital to the pedestrian bridge near Brown Park.

During the festival, Atherton Square will come alive with new sculptures, complementing the existing mural program. You can also partake in free art drops and scavenger hunts, adding an element of excitement to the festivities.

Don’t miss the popular M2R Fence Art Gallery, featuring an array of photography and original artwork that stretches nearly a mile alongside the trail. This exhibition will be on display for sixty days before embarking on a yearlong countywide tour.

At noon, the Opening Ceremonies will take place in Atherton Square, situated behind Cool Beans and the Marietta Welcome Center, serving as the heart of TrailFest. Live music will continue throughout the day until 6 pm at Atherton Square, while dancers and aerialists will grace the Marietta Station Stage, located just north along the trail, offering performances throughout the afternoon.

Date:
May 10, 2025

Time:
11 am to 6 pm

Admission:
Free

Address:
A portion of the Mountain to River Trail. Festival-goers can choose to venture either north or south along the trail, encountering captivating sculpture installations and vibrant murals along the way.

Lewis Park
Northern tip of the TrailFest near WellStar Kennestone Hospital
475 Campbell Hill St NW, Marietta, GA 30060

Atherton Square
Center of M2R TrailFest
McNeel Alley NW, Marietta, GA 30060

Brown Park
Southern tip of the TrailFest adjacent to the Confederate Cemetery
358 West Atlanta St SE, Marietta, GA 30064

Root House Plant Sale

Marietta.com

Garden enthusiasts and antique hunters will find plenty to explore at the annual Root House Plant Sale & Antique Market. The event features a mix of vintage items and native Georgia plants, many of which grow right in the Root House gardens.

Visitors can stroll through a sidewalk sale featuring antique decor and garden treasures. Additionally, the Gift Shop will showcase various garden-themed items, including locally made botanical products available in small batches.

Serious gardeners will want to arrive promptly at 9 am or attend the preview event the day before the main event to secure top picks from the impressive lineup. Popular selections include Carolina Jessamine, Brown Turkey Fig Trees, Coneflowers, Moon Flower vines, Native Azaleas, Verbena Bonariensis, and more.

Exclusive Preview Sale

Early birds have the chance to get first pick at the exclusive preview sale held on the Friday before the main event, from 5 pm to 7 pm. Tickets for the preview evening cost $10 and require advance online purchase.

Many of the plants available for purchase during the Plant Sale can also be found flourishing in the Root House gardens. The gardens at the William Root House have been meticulously reconstructed to reflect gardening practices from the mid-19th century. All the vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, decorative flowers, and blooming shrubs found in the garden were carefully chosen based on their availability in Georgia during the 1860s.

Cobb Landmarks Executive Director Trevor Beemon advises, “All plants are sold first-come, first-served, so I definitely suggest that folks plan to arrive right at 9 am if they want the best selection.” Beemon also shared a tip, saying, “If you’re looking for good deals, we usually mark down whatever’s remaining the last half-hour of the sale,” Beemon said. “There just isn’t much left by then,” he added.

Date:
April 26, 2025

Time:
9 am to 1 pm

Address:
William Root House
80 N Marietta Parkway, NW
Marietta, GA 30060

For more information, please contact Trevor Beemon, Cobb Landmarks Executive Director at (678) 594-4994 or email tbeemon@cobblandmarks.com

2025 Plant List:

2025 Plant List
Arp Rosemary large
Autumn ferns
Beauty Berry
Brown Turkey Fig Tree
Cardoon
Carolina Jessamine
Celosia Cristata
Chamomile
Coneflowers mixed
Cutleaf Coneflowers
Dianthus
Feverfew
Formosa Azaleas large
Foxglove mixed
Foxglove mixed
Garden Phlox
Goldenrod
Jacob’s Ladder
Liatris
Maiden Hair Ferns
Moon Flower vines
Native Azaleas
Passion flowers
Peach Foxgloves
Pink Panther Foxgloves
Pink Yarrow
Profusion Zinnias
Red Bee Balm
Rose Campion
Spiderwort
Sweet William mixed
Tall Coreopsis
Tea Olives
Tuscan Rosemary
Verbena Bonariensis
Walkers Low Catmint
White Yarrow
Woodland Phlox

KCB Annual Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Event

Marietta.com

hazardous-waste-recycling — Photo courtesy Keep Cobb Beautiful

Keep Cobb Beautiful is hosting their Annual Household Hazardous Waste Event at Jim Miller Park. This is free for Cobb County residents, but no commercial vehicles are allowed. Residents are limited to 10 gallons of paint per vehicle.

Date:
Saturday, TBD, 2025

Time:
9 am to noon, early arrival is recommended.

Accepted Items

**Auto Products**
Anti Freeze	Carburetor Cleaner	Oil Filters
Auto Body Filler	Diesel Fuel	Power Steering Fluid
Batteries (Auto/Boat – any type)	Engine Degreaser	Radiator Flushes
Brake Fluid	Gasoline	Transmission Fluid
Car Cleaners, Waxes, Chrome Polish	Oil (used or unused)

**Garden Products**
Fertilizers	Insecticides	Rodent Poison
Fungicides	Pesticides	Soil Fumigants
Herbicides	Roach/Ant Killer	Weed Killers

**Household Products**
Abrasive Cleaners	Drain Openers/Cleaners	Pool Chemicals
Aerosols	Fire Extinguishers	Propane/Compressed Gas Cylinders
Ammonia-Based Cleaners	Floor Cleaner & Wax	Rug & Upholstery Cleaner
Batteries (any type)	Fluorescent Lamp Ballasts	Rust & Spot Remover
Bleach Cleaners	Furniture Polish	Silver Cleaners
Cooking Oil/Grease	Kerosene, Lamp Oil	Smoke Detectors
Compact Florescent Lights (CFLs)	Mercury Switches	Thermometers
Cosmetics	Metal Cleaners	Thermostats
Degreasers	Moth Balls	Toilet Cleaner
Deodorizers	Nail Polish & Remover
Disinfectants	Oven Cleaner

**Paint, Hobby & Pet Products**
Adhesives	Lacquer, Stain	Propane tanks
Caulks, Glue, Cement	Mineral Spirits	Resins, Epoxy
Chemistry Sets	Model Airplane Paint	Rubber Cement Thinner
Driveway Sealer	Paint (latex & oil based) *limit 10 gallons	Rust Proofing Products
Flea Collars	Paint Remover/Stripper	Turpentine
Flea Powder, Sprays, Shampoos	Paint Thinners	Varnishes
Helium Tanks	Photographic Chemicals & Solutions	Wood Preservatives

Items Not Accepted

Agricultural Waste	Ammunition	Appliances**
Bio-hazardous or Bio-medical Waste	Controlled Substances*	Electronics**
Explosives	Medications of any type*	Radioactive Materials
Syringes/Needles	Tires	Trash

*These items can be disposed of at Medication Take Back Day.

** These items can be disposed of at the Community Recycling Event.

Admission:
Free for Cobb County residents, no commercial vehicles

Address:
Jim Miller Park
2245 Callaway Road NE
Marietta, GA 30008

For more information, please visit keepcobbbeautiful.org or call 770-528-1135.

2025 Marietta Greek Festival

Marietta.com

The 35th annual Marietta Greek Festival takes place at the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church from May 16-18, 2025. The event celebrates Greek traditions, culture and delicious Greek food and takes place the weekend after Mother’s Day each year.

A wide variety of Greek food will be available for purchase, including favorites such as Chicken Oreganato (Greek-style chicken), Souvlaki (pork tenderloin kebabs), Keftedes (Greek-style meatballs), Dolmades (seasoned ground beef & rice wrapped in grapevine leaves), Spanakopita (spinach & feta cheese pie with a flaky filo crust), gyro wrap (seasoned beef or marinated chicken, grilled & served on pita bread, topped with Tzatziki sauce), smoked lamb sandwich, gyro bowls, and numerous other Greek foods. Sampler and combo platters are also available, and beverage choices include soft drinks, bottled water, wine, beer, greek beer, ouzo (grapes distilled with aromatic seeds such as anise, coriander and fennel), and metaxa (a blend of brandy and wine).

Be sure to save room for dessert which includes almond crescents, baklava, chocolate baklava, kourabiethes, koulourakia, and baklava sundae. Can’t make up your mind, then try the dessert sampler which includes a variety of festival favorites.

The Hellenic Dance Program will be performing throughout the festival. The program is comprised of six dance groups that cover pre-k through 12th grade as well as a young adult group. The performances begin with traditional dance shows during the day, and progressing towards more modern dance club hits at the end of the evening.

The event also features a Greek marketplace with more than a dozen vendors with items including Greek jewelry, handmade linens, scarves, Greek cuisine, Greek cookbooks, art, oil paintings, candle holders, wood crafted items and more.

Church tours are available throughout the weekend and last approximately 10 minutes. The Byzantine style sanctuary and church tour showcases the rich color, distinctive iconography and beauty of the interior of the Orthodox church.

Address:
Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church
3431 Trickum Road
Marietta, Georgia 30066

Admission:
Adults $5
Children 12 and under free

Dates and Times:
May 16, 2025 from 4 pm to 10:30 pm (free admission from 4 pm to 5:30 pm)
May 17, 2025 from 11 am to 10:30 pm
May 18, 2025 from 11 am to 4 pm

Please note: the festival is rain or shine and no animals or pets are allowed, except service dogs.

Parking:
No parking is available at the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church as the grounds and parking lot are filled by the festival and related activities. Free parking and shuttle service is available at the following locations:

Simpson Middle School 3340 Trickum Road, Marietta, GA 30066 (Friday after 5, Saturday, and Sunday)
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 3155 Trickum Road, Marietta, GA 30066-4666 (Friday after 5, and Saturday only)
Mountain View Elementary School 3151 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, GA 30066 (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday)

For more information, please call (770) 924-8080.

Hotels near The Battery Atlanta and MLB Atlanta Braves Stadium

Marietta.com

The Battery Atlanta is a bustling mixed-use development that includes restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues such as the Truist Park stadium, home of the Atlanta Braves. By staying at a nearby hotel, you can easily walk to all of these attractions without having to worry about transportation or parking.

The Battery Atlanta is a lively and energetic destination, especially during baseball season when the Braves are playing. By walking to The Battery Atlanta, you can get to your destination quickly and easily and avoid the hassles of traffic and finding parking. Walking can also be much safer than driving, especially if you plan on enjoying drinks at one of the many bars and restaurants in the area and want to enjoy a worry-free night out.

See our list below for hotels within walking distance of The Battery Atlanta. These hotels, sorted closest to farthest, provide a convenient, enjoyable, and safe option for those that would like to stay nearby and walk to The Battery Atlanta.

Omni Hotel at The Battery Atlanta
2 minute walk (0.1 miles)
2625 Cir 75 Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
(678) 567-7327
OmniHotels.com

Aloft Atlanta at The Battery Atlanta
3 minute walk (0.2 miles)
950 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
(678) 272-4288
Marriott.com

Doubletree Suites by Hilton at The Battery Atlanta
4 minute walk (0.2 miles)
2780 Windy Ridge Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
(770) 980-1900
Hilton.com

Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta-Galleria
6 minute walk (0.3 miles)
2733 Circle 75 Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339
(770) 955-1110
Hilton.com

Wingate by Wyndham Atlanta Galleria/Ballpark
10 minute walk (0.5 miles)
2762 Cobb Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
(678) 813-1915
WyndhamHotels.com

Sheraton Suites Galleria-Atlanta
13 minute walk (0.6 miles)
2844 Cobb Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
(770) 955-3900
Marriott.com

Residence Inn by Marriott Atlanta Cumberland/Galleria
14 minute walk (0.6 miles)
2771 Cumberland Blvd SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
(770) 433-8877
Marriott.com

Holiday Inn Express Atlanta Galleria-Ballpark Area, an IHG Hotel
15 minute walk (0.7 miles)
2855 Spring Hill Pkwy SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
(770) 435-4990
IHG.com

Hyatt Place Atlanta/Cobb Galleria
17 minute walk (0.8 miles)
2876 Spring Hill Pkwy SE, Smyrna, GA 30080
(770) 3840060
Hyatt.com

Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center
18 minute walk (0.9 miles)
2450 Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339
(770) 953-4500
Marriott.com

Coming Soon

The Henry

Named after the Hall of Fame Atlanta Braves baseball player Henry “Hank” Aaron, The Henry is a 250 room hotel and mixed use development expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027. Located near Atlanta’s Truist Park stadium and The Battery multi-use development, The Henry will also feature a pedestrian bridge to access the stadium.

Experience The Battery Atlanta

The Battery Atlanta The Battery Atlanta and the area around the stadium is a true year-round destination with food, fun, and games for all. There are over 20 restaurants, many of which are managed by some of Atlanta’s top chefs, plus shops and entertainment destinations such as The Coca-Cola Roxy and Punch Bowl Social. Read More…

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