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.

ONE Musicfest: Unity Through Music

King Plow Arts Center. Saturday, 2pm – 2am. $40.

Rapper Common headlines the 12-hour music festival that also features 20 other live performances on two music stages, eight DJ stations, mini golf, henna artists and an art expo. Self-described as “a combination of a Mega Concert, Music Midtown, Dave Chapelle’s ‘Block Party,’ a New York City Art Stroll, a College Bonfire, a Car Show, Sol Fusion’s Block Party and a Gaming Expo,” it’s hard to see why anyone would choose to spend their Saturday elsewhere. A portion of proceeds go to the James Brown Family Children Foundation.

More info and directions.

Third Annual Chattahoochee River Summer Splash

Morgan Falls Dam to Powers Island. Saturday, 9am – 4pm. Free.

Float or paddle down six scenic miles of the Chattahoochee River to reach a destination of family-friendly music, food, and fun this Saturday during the third annual Chattahoochee River Summer Splash. Follow signs to the MEAG Power parking lot (1470 Riveredge Parkway NW near Powers Ferry Island) and hop aboard the free shuttle to Morgan Falls Dam to begin your trip down the river. Bring your own boat, kayak, or raft, or rent one from one of the park’s authorized outfitters. Enjoy the summer celebration when you reach Powers Ferry Island a few hours later, then catch the shuttle back to your vehicle. Shuttles will run frequently between 9am and 4pm.

More info and directions.

Backpack in the Park

Piedmont Park. Sunday, 4pm – 8pm. Free with donation of a new unwrapped backpack filled with school supplies or gift card valued at $30 or more.

The 5th annual Backpack in the Park event, held by Georgia non-profit For the Kid in All of Us, aims to exceed last year’s record of over 1,600 backpacks filled with school supplies and gift cards donated. Complimentary food, drinks and activities are sure to provide fun for attendees of all ages. To gain entry, you must either fill a backpack with the school supplies listed on the event’s website, purchase a filled backpack from Charitee Heart (the company will also donate 10% of all sales back to For the Kid in All of Us), or donate a gift card valued at $30 or more.

More info and map of Backpack in the Park Drop Box locations.

Ri Ra’s Anniversary Irish Hoedown

Ri Ra Irish Pub. Friday, 9pm – 2am. Free.

Come out and celebrate the one year anniversary for Ri Ra as they throw an Irish Hoedown.  Irish car bombs, Guinness and other Irish spirits will be on drink specials, as well as live music from performers Scott Moody and the Attitude Adjusters. Many of the staff are Irish natives and will be donning their best. Feel free to be creative and dress to suit too for your chance to win a $100 Ri Ra Gift Card.

More info and directions.

The Atlanta Comedy Festival

Apache Cafe. Friday and Saturday, 8pm and 10pm. $10 in advance, $15 at the door,  $25 for VIP.

Hosted by the Atlanta House of Comedy and held at what was voted the “best live entertainment venue in Atlanta” by Creative Loafing Magazine, the Atlanta Comedy Festival is billed as the “ultimate stand up comedy showcase” and is said to feature “the comedic talent of some of the nations brightest progressive & urban comedians unleashed & uncensored.”

More info and directions.

Studio Movie Grill

Holcomb Bridge. Multiple showtimes. $9.75.

It’s hot outside. Take it inside where the cool AC blows for a movie, dinner and drinks. And the best part? You can have all of that without moving from your comfortable movie seat at the Studio Movie Grill. Don’t know what to see? Charlie St. Cloud has my vote for Friday night, but their movie list is extensive. Reserve your tickets early, though, they will sell out.

More info and directions.

(Special thanks to Bryan Kilpatrick for the tip!)