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.

The Cooking Channel Ice Cream Event

East Lake Farmers Market. Saturday, 11am – 1 pm. Free.

To celebrate the launch of their new station, Cooking Channel is touring the country in their personalized Ice Cream Truck. They are pairing up with Jake’s, a local ice cream shop known for their all-natural ice cream in dreamy flavors like Nutter Nanner Elvis and Yo Daddy’s Vanilla, and handing out sweet treats free of charge at the East Lake Farmers Market.

More info and directions.

Seven Handle Circus

Red Light Cafe. Thursday, 9pm – 11pm. $5.

Bluegrass and folk music fans, this one’s for you: Seven Handle Circus takes the stage tonight at 9pm, following a 2 hour bluegrass jam session at the intimate and funky Red Light Café. The local bluegrass band states musical influences ranging from Paul Simon to Earl Scruggs, and even non-bluegrass fans may find themselves tapping their feet along with the catchy melodies of “Mystery in You” and “Georgia Man”- preview the band’s cd on iTunes if you don’t believe us.

Check out the band’s facebook page and directions to the venue.

Friday Night Drags

Atlanta Motor Speedway. Friday, 6:20pm – midnight or later. $7.

Straight-line speed hits Atlanta Motor Speedway’s pit lane drag strip on Friday nights through Sept. 10 at Friday Night Drags. Everything from high-speed dragsters to Grandma’s grocery getter will compete side-by-side in 15 divisions of racing, plus the event includes a weekly Show-N-Shine car show. Promotional coolers allowed.

More info and directions.

(Thanks to Matthew Simmons, Marketing & Promotion Coordinator at Atlanta Motor Speedway, for the tip.)

Rock for Animals

Paris on Ponce. Saturday, 7pm – 11pm. $35.

Come out this weekend and enjoy a benefit concert featuring local legend, Shawn Mullins and up-and-coming singer Juliana Finch. In addition to the live concert, live and silent auctions will be held to benefit the Briarcliff Animal Foundation and the PIGS Animal Sanctuary. A great event for great causes.

More info and directions.

Flying Colors Butterfly Festival

Chattahoochee Nature Center. Saturday, 9am – 2pm,  Sunday, 12pm – 5pm. $8 – $10.

Kick start your day with a live butterfly release at 10am. Build a fairy or gnome home to shelter small animals in your very own backyard. Enjoy face painting, butterfly crafts, snacks and exhibits from a wealth of local vendors and organizations – all while learning about our local butterfly population.

More info and directions.

Fernbank Museum Bug Out Festival

Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Sunday,  12:30pm – 3:30pm. $13 – $15, free for children under 3 and museum members.

Radio Disney will be holding a promotional event at the Fernbank Museum during this weekend’s Bug Out Festival, which will feature a spider web toss game, bug counting contest, insect encounters, and free Bruster’s ice cream.

More info and directions.