Hello, local readers. Once again we’re here with your weekend guide, where we share our favorite things to do in and around Atlanta and point out where you can get free stuff along the way. As always, be sure to add anything we missed in the comments.

Fake Fest

Park Tavern. Saturday, 2pm – midnight. $10.
Relive the best of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s this weekend as you rock out to music from REM, the Eagles, Rolling Stones, and Van Halen, performed by “best tribute bands in the Southeast.” One thing that won’t be fake? The 100% natural beer, which is brewed fresh at Park Tavern. Use promo code ‘beat’ to save $3 on your ticket!

More info and directions.

Photo credit: parktavern.com

4th Annual Front Page News Mardi Gras

Little Five Points. Saturday, 12pm – 3am. $10 advance; $15 at the door.

Can’t make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras? Well, you can party like you were there right here in Atlanta. The all “All Day Outdoor & Indoor Music, Food & Drink Celebration” features great New Orleans food (including jambalaya, crawfish and muffaletta), an oyster eating contest, a costume contest, live music all day with a Mardi Gras marching band, kids activities and of course plenty of beads.

More info and directions.

Kicks for Causes

Atlanta Silverbacks Stadium. Saturday, 9am – 7pm. $250 per team, $20 per individual (registration now closed). Free to watch.

This charity kickball tournament will benefit Caring for Causes, a nonprofit organization supporting local charities, in addition to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. 64 teams will participate, and prizes will be presented to winning teams and the charities of their choice. Other awards will be presented in categories like best 80’s costumes, most team spirit, and most money raised per team. Players must be 21 years of age or older.

More info and directions.

ParentsPalooza

Cobb Galleria Centre. Saturday, 10am – 6pm; Sunday, 11am – 5pm. Adults $10+, Children $5+, 5 & under free.

Get the whole family together for the Southeast’s only parenting expo of its kind! Experience exciting exhibits, discover new parenting-related products & services, and enjoy fun games, contests, prizes, and food for both adults and children. Parking is free and there are a number of advance purchase discount codes available, so buy your tickets today!

More info and directions.

Buckhead Restaurant Week

Various Buckhead restaurants. Saturday through Sunday, March 6. $25/$35 prix-fixe menus.

Take advantage of 3-course prix-fixe menus at some of Buckhead’s favorite restaurants this week to try some of the best dinners Atlanta has to offer. Prime, Atlanta Fish Market, Buckhead Diner, and Aria are just a sampling of the 27 participating restaurants, which specialize in everything from Mediterranean cuisine to steak and seafood. View all the restaurants and menu options at brwatlanta.com.

More info and directions.

2011 Southeastern Flower Show

Cobb Galleria Centre. Friday & Saturday, 10am – 8pm; Sunday, 10am – 6pm. $15 advance & senior citizens; $7 students; children 6 & under free.

It’s here…the 24th annual Southeastern Flower Show! Enjoy professionally- landscaped garden designs, decor, photography, horticulture, live performances, and workshops all day long. By the time you leave this event you can call yourself a floral expert – just in time for spring, too!

More info and directions.