Hello, local readers! Hot off the press is this week’s edition of our weekend guide, filled with the best things to do in and around Atlanta this Thursday through Sunday. As always, be sure to add anything we missed in the comments section. Enjoy your weekend!!

“Cupcake Wars” filming on location

Oz Pizza – Fairburn location. Saturday, 2:00 p.m. Free.

Do you love cupcakes and competition? Get ready for your close-up, because Food Network’s “Cupcake Wars” is filming an episode at Oz Pizza! Lorre Jacobs, winner of the 2012-cupcake challenge will be in attendance. Enjoy $2 cupcakes from the show!

More info and directions

GA 400 Hospitality Hwy Bike Ride

1425 Market Blvd in Roswell. Sunday, 6:15 a.m. $50. Ages 12+.

Hop on your bike and ride somewhere you never thought you would – on GA Highway 400.  Choose from either the 9, 23, 60 or, if you’re brave, the 100 mile distance.  They all start in Roswell and depending on the distance you choose, you will travel through Sandy Springs, Milton, Roswell, Johns Creek and Alpharetta.  Registration begins at 5:15 a.m. and riders must arrive before 6 a.m. to participate. The event promises beautiful scenery and good crowd support.

More info and directions

Sandy Springs Artsapalooza

Sandy Springs. Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Free.

The first annual Sandy Springs Artsapalooza promises to be a fun, family-friendly event where local Georgia artists can sell and showcase their artwork. There will be painters, photographers, sculptors, jewelers and more. In addition, live music, food trucks and a children’s carnival area pretty much guarantee that this will be a great festival.

More info and directions

photo credit: Widerbergs

Splash and Bash

West Gwinnett Park Aquatic Center. Saturday,  1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Gwinnett residents: $3 – $5; Non-Gwinnett residents: $6 – $10.

What better way to cool off this summer than with some pool fun. Families and children of all ages can enjoy fun games and prizes, all while making a splash!

More info and directions

East Point Carnival

Commons area in East Point. Thursday, 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 3:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.; Sunday, 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Unlimited Ride Wrist Bands $20; Individual ride tickets $1 a piece, some rides take up to 5 tickets.

The whole family will enjoy this old-fashioned carnival. There will be rides, including a carousel and ferris wheel, music and games. In addition, lots of carnival food will be available for purchase. Get ready for cotton candy and funnel cakes!

More info and directions

photo credit: Pete Boyd

I Love Thrifting

Goodwill Perimeter West. Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Tickets $35 or $60 for two.

Are you a thrift store aficionado? Then this is the perfect tour for you. A chartered bus will take you to four different thrift stores around Atlanta. There will be light refreshments on the bus and the stores will feature discounts and door prizes. Get ready to find some hidden treasures.

More info and directions