Events and Happenings: The Week of Jan. 20

The event will be noon to 2 p.m. on Jan. 25 at The Art Station – Big Shanty, 2050 Kennesaw Due West Road NW in Kennesaw.

The Lunar New Year begins on Jan. 29, marking the start of the Year of the Wood Snake. This elemental animal follows a 60-year cycle, with the last Year of the Wood Snake occurring in 1965.

The exhibit features nearly 40 artists, offering participants the chance to meet some of them and admire artwork.

For more information, call 770-514-5930.

Save lives by donating blood

Celebrate National Blood Donor Month by making a difference.

The Avenue West Cobb, 3625 Dallas Highway in Marietta, in partnership with LifeSouth, is hosting a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 27 near the green area. The LifeSouth Bloodmobile will be onsite, offering special perks for donors. All blood donors will receive a LifeSouth sweatshirt and platelet and double red cell donors will receive a $40 e-gift card.

To schedule an appointment, visit https://www.avenuewestcobb.com/events/join-us-for-a-life-saving-event-at-the-avenue-west-cobb/.

Special Olympics Winter Games

The Special Olympics Georgia Indoor Winter Games will take place at various venues throughout Cobb County from Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

The festivities will kick off with a 70s-themed Opening Ceremony, “Peace, Love, and Special Olympics,” at 7 p.m. on Jan. 31 at the Cobb Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway SE in Marietta.

Admission is free. For more information, contact Debbie Parrish, Recreation Coordinator III for Therapeutics, at debra.parrish@cobbcounty.org.

Prom dress collection drive

The Cool Kids Committee and Cobb County Police Officer Banks from the Community Affairs Unit are joining forces to help local high school students in need by collecting gently used prom dresses and high-heeled shoes.

Donations will allow young women to find the perfect outfit, making their prom night truly unforgettable.

Drop-off locations through March 3 are Austell Market Suites, 5000 Austell Powder Springs Road, Suite 313 in Austell and the Cobb County Police Headquarters, 545 Fairground Street SE in Marietta.

For more information, contact Mrs. Powell at d.powell@ckcinc.org or Officer Banks at riana.banks@cobbcounty.org.

A Victorian Wedding

The William Root House, 80 N. Marietta Parkway NW in Marietta, will have A Victorian Wedding from Feb. 1 to March 1.

Visitors to the Root House will be able to view the house as it would have appeared during a Victorian-era wedding and reception. Nineteenth century wedding illustrations, invitations and an authentic 1860s gown will be displayed during this special exhibit.

For more information, visit https://www.roothousemuseum.com/wedding.html.

Beast of the Southeast

The Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway SE in the Cumberland area, will have Beast of the Southeast from Feb. 1-2.

As volleyball’s premier national caliber tournament, Beast of the Southeast will have various teams competing for the championship. This USAV-sanctioned event will consist of both pool play and bracket play.

For more information, visit https://www.a5tournaments.com/copy-of-ice-breaker.

Upcoming Marietta Town Hall Meetings

There will be two Marietta town hall meetings.

Ward 6 Marietta Councilman Andre L. Sims will have a meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 30 at Lockheed Elementary School, 1205 Merritt Road in Marietta.

Ward 5 Marietta Councilman M. Carlyle Kent will have a meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 6 at Marietta Fire Station 51, 112 Haynes Street in Marietta.

Online Applications Open for the 2025 Let Freedom Ring July 4th Parade

The Marietta Parks and Recreation Department announced that applications are now open for the 2025 Let Freedom Ring July 4th Parade, scheduled for July 4, 2025.

Local school bands, military units, civic organizations, beauty queens, Boys and Girls Scouts clubs, area businesses and other community groups are invited to participate in this year’s event. Interested participants can apply at https://cityofmarietta.formstack.com/forms/fourth_of_july_parade.

The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. on May 31.

For more information, contact Marietta Parks and Recreation at 770-794-5601 or visit www.mariettaparks.com.

Check out Cobb's Lawyer in the Library program

Did you know you can receive a free legal consultation at the Cobb County Law Library?

Through the Lawyer in the Library program, Cobb Legal Aid offers free 30-minute consultations, providing brief advice on civil matters and guidance on various legal issues.

Visit the Lawyer in the Library at the Cobb County Law Library, located on the 4th floor of the Superior Courthouse, 70 Haynes Street in Marietta. The service is available Monday-Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. Stop by the library help desk to complete intake paperwork.

Cobb Legal Aid cannot assist with workers’ compensation, personal injury or criminal cases. Eligibility is based on factors such as income and legal aid is not guaranteed.

For more information, call the library at 770-528-1884.

Georgia Symphony Pays Tribute to Jazz Legend Miles Davis

GSO Jazz!, the Georgia Symphony Orchestra’s jazz ensemble, opens its season with a celebration of the legendary Miles Davis.

This one-night-only event will take place Feb. 15 at The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square.

GSO Jazz!, led by Sam Skelton, will bring the magic of Davis to life with renditions of timeless classics like “So What” and “All Blues.” It will be a journey through the groundbreaking compositions that redefined jazz.

Tickets are $15–$45 and are available through georgiasymphony.org/all-events.

Evening With History: Amy Albers

The Marietta History Center, 1 Depot Street in Marietta, will host the next installment of the Evening With History lecture series at 6 p.m. on Jan. 27.

The event will feature Marietta resident Amy Albers, a library assistant in the Georgia Room at the Cobb County Library, who will present “The Last Slave Ships to The South.” Albers will present a lecture examining the history behind the last two ships to bring enslaved Africans to the United States – The Wanderer and The Clotilda. These ships arrived on U.S. shores 50 years after the Transatlantic slave trade was outlawed. The lecture will explore the individual responsible for orchestrating these illegal voyages, the secrecy that surrounded them and their lasting impact, specifically on Georgia’s Jekyll Island and Mobile, Alabama.

Cost is $10 for non-members, $5 for members. Museum members can email Christa McCay at Cmccay@MariettaGA.gov to receive a link to discounted tickets.

For more information, visit www.MariettaHistory.org.

Cobb County Senior Services Annual Expo is April 23

The Cobb County Senior Services Annual Expo is April 23 at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta.

Participants can connect with valuable resources, attend informative seminars and enjoy free health screenings. Vendor opportunities are available. Contact cobbseniors@cobbcounty.org for an application.

Kennesaw hosts Valentine’s Dance Party

Families can enjoy an evening of music, food and fun at Kennesaw Parks & Recreation’s Valentine’s Dance Party from 6 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 1.

Guests are encouraged to dress their best for this special night out. The event will take place at the Ben Robertson Community Center’s Banquet Hall, which will be decorated for the occasion.

Participants can feast, play and dance the night away to music spun by a professional DJ. The event will include an all-you-can-eat dinner and dessert bar, as well as opportunities to capture memorable photos.

All adults must be accompanied by a child, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Seating will be reserved. Participants should list all members of their party during registration.

Tickets are $18 per person and can be purchased at www.kennesawparksandrec.org or at the Ben Robertson Community Center. Advance purchase is required.

For more information, visit www.kennesawparksandrec.org or call Kennesaw Parks & Recreation at 770-422-9714.

Cobb Libraries closing due to weather

Due to inclement weather, all Cobb County Public Library locations will close at 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 21.

Trains, Trains, Trains!

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, 2829 Cherokee Street NW in Kennesaw, will have Trains, Trains, Trains! from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Jan. 25-26.

The two-day event will feature the museum’s biggest model train display to date along with train-themed activities and historic trains. The model train layouts will come in all sizes and feature a variety of themes, many of which have interactive buttons to delight young visitors. Railroad artifacts will be on display for visitors to hold, touch and discover how they were used.

The General Emporium, the museum’s gift shop, will more than double in size for the event with a variety of train-themed items, from clothing and collectibles to toys and model trains.

For more information, visit https://www.kennesaw-ga.gov/kennesaw-event/trains-trains-trains-6/.

The Rite of Spring

The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway in the Cumberland area, will have The Rite of Spring by the Atlanta Ballet at 8 p.m. on Feb. 7, 2 and 8 p.m. on Feb. 8, 2 p.m. on Feb. 9 and 8 p.m. on Feb. 14.

Choreographer-in-Residence Claudia Schreier returns to Atlanta with a unique adaptation of The Rite of Spring, a world premiere set to Igor Stravinsky's iconic score, performed live by the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra. Tickets are $28-$150.

For more information, visit https://www.cobbenergycentre.com/events/detail/the-rite-of-spring.

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra: From Beatles to Bourbon Street

The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square in Marietta, will have The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra: From Beatles to Bourbon Street at 3 p.m. on Feb. 9.

Inspired both by Rat Pack sophistication and Highwaymen swagger, Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson are making their own revisions to America’s songbook, including favorite melodies from more recent history. Hits from Motown, Country, Folk and Gospel, and the stories behind them, all find their place in this stage show.

This concert is presented in partnership with the Georgia Presenters and Fox Gives.

VIP Ticket packages include a private pre-show mini-concert, early access to seating, two drink tickets and a poster signed by the band. For more information, visit https://thestrand.my.salesforce-sites.com/ticket/#/.

Daddy Daughter Date Night

Cobb Vineyard Church, 3206 Old 41 Highway NW in Kennesaw, will have a Daddy Daughter Date Night from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 9.

Participants can enjoy a night of ice cream sundaes, dancing, games and crafts. The free event is open for grandfathers, fathers, uncles and guardians to bring their granddaughters, daughters and nieces out for a fun night.

Register at https://www.cobbvineyard.com/datenight.

Booklist to Honor Martin Luther King Jr.

Jan. 20 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Explore a booklist for all ages from the Cobb County Public Library to learn more about his life and contributions at https://www.cobbcounty.org/library/news/martin-luther-king-jr-booklist-3.

Winter Backyard Birding

The Kemp Memorial Library, 4029 Due West Road in Marietta, will have Winter Backyard Birding from 1 to 2 p.m. on Jan. 23.

Winter is stressful for backyard birds during the winter. Participants can learn how to make life a little easier for birds during winter by creating an inviting habitat for them. Participants will create Suet Seed Balls at the program.

For more information, visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/events/winter-backyard-birding.

Homeschool Eco Explorers: Garden Planning

The West Cobb Regional Library, 1750 Dennis Kemp Lane in Kennesaw, will have Homeschool Eco Explorers: Garden Planning from 11 a.m. to noon on Jan. 23.

Homeschool children, ages 5-11, can learn about a different topic related to nature, ecology, sustainability or horticulture every Thursday. There will be a different STEAM activity to go with each topic and some programs will feature guest speakers.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own notebooks to facilitate outdoor exploration. Programs will be held either indoors or outdoors, depending on the weather and the nature of the activity. No registration is required.

The Jan. 23 event will talk about planning a garden, do a little math to figure out when seeds should be planted and make a garden plan collage using pages from seed catalogs.

After the program, participants are welcome to bring a lunch and hangout with friends new and old.

Catch a Vibe Cookie Decorating

The South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road in Mableton, will have Catch a Vibe Cookie Decorating from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Jan. 24.

Participants of all ages can express creativity with cookie decorating and catch a vibe with good music and some company. This is not a class. Registration is required. Register at https://www.cobbcounty.org/events/catch-vibe-cookie-decorating.

Celebrate Your Child's 1,000 Books Journey

The 1,000 Books B4 Kindergarten Completion Ceremony will be 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 25 at the South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road in Mableton.

This program encourages families to read 1,000 books with their children before kindergarten, fostering language and literacy development. For more information, visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/events/23584.

Teen Knit and Stitch

The Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center, 2051 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta, will have Teen Knit and Stitch from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 24.

The program is intended for ages 12-17. Participants can bring their own yarn projects or learn something new.

Sweetwater Valley Ukulele Program

The Sweetwater Valley Library, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Suite 100, inside the Austell Threadmill Complex in Austell, will have free ukulele lessons for ages 7 and older from 12:30 to 1 p.m. on Jan. 25.

Lessons are taught by members of the West Georgia Ukulele Ensemble. Ukuleles are available for one-week checkouts by library patrons at the circulation desk. Registration is required. Register at https://www.cobbcounty.org/events/sweetwater-valley-ukulele-program-3.

Saturday Craft Club with Hawk Run Hollow Stitchers

The Mountain View Regional Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta, will have the Saturday Craft Club with Hawk Run Hollow Stitchers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Jan. 25.

Participants can get together with like-minded crafters to get inspired and make new friends. All skill levels, including beginners are welcome - the only requirement is enthusiasm.

Privet Pull

Cobb County Water System will have a Privet Pull from 10 a.m. to noon on Jan. 25 at Sweat Mountain Park, 4346 Steinhauer Road in Marietta.

Privet is a non-native, nuisance plant that out-competes native species. Volunteers be removing privet from the landscape to help restore habitat and native plant species. Gardening gloves and tools will be provided.

Participants should dress accordingly for the weather and bring their own water bottle. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/privet-pull-tickets-203837632847?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Getting Started with Sourdough

The West Cobb Regional Library, 1750 Dennis Kemp Lane in Kennesaw, will have Getting Started with Sourdough from 11 a.m. to noon on Jan. 25.

Teens to adults can learn all about the art of sourdough bread and other recipes using sourdough starters. Participants can get their own sourdough starter while at the event. Please bring a clear glass or plastic jar that is at least 12 ounces for the starter. Flour and water will be provided. Registration is not required.

Recycled Jewelry Making

The West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway in Powder Springs, will have Recycled Jewelry Making will be 10 to 11 a.m. on Jan. 27.

Seniors can bring an old magazine and learn how to make one-of-a-kind beads from magazines and advertisement paper. The event is presented by Keep Cobb Beautiful. To register, visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/events/36375.

Armchair Travel: Kauai, Hawaii

The North Cobb Senior Center, 3900 South Main Street, inside Kennworth Park in Acworth, will have Armchair Travel: Kauai, Hawaii from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 27.

Seniors can take an imaginary trip to Kauai, Hawaii also called the “Garden Isle” to learn about the history, culture, food and geography. To register, visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/events/36345.

Bingo Bash

The Freeman Poole Senior Center, 4025 South Hurt Road in Smyrna, will have a Bingo Bash from noon to 2 p.m. on Jan. 27.

This is a fundraiser to benefit the center. Cost $3. Register at https://www.cobbcounty.org/events/36331.

3D Printing for Beginners

The Switzer Library, 266 Roswell Street in Marietta, will have 3D Printing for Beginners from 6 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 27.

Participants, ages 18 and up, can design and customize a unique cup in this hands-on 3D printing class. Participants must be able to pick up the printed cup at a later date. Register at https://www.cobbcounty.org/events/3d-printing-beginners-make-your-own-3d-printed-cup.