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!!

Atlanta Dogwood Festival

Piedmont Park. Friday, 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Free
With an artist’s market, a kids village, a disc dog exhibition, a wine tasting and music by such artists as Roberta Flack, it’s no wonder that the Dogwood Festival is one of Atlanta’s most popular outdoor events. Organizers suggest taking MARTA to avoiding traffic and parking problems.

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Kids Day in Atlanta

Washington Park. Saturday, 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Free.
The Constructive Kids Organization (CKO) is hosting an all ages day in the park. Activities include face painting, games and trivia sessions. Goodie bags will be handed out to all kids in attendance. CKO promotes and fosters the development of children; you can support the cause by purchasing a $3 meal at the event.

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Sweetwater 420 Fest

Candler Park. Friday, 4:20 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Saturday, 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Sunday 12:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Free. $5 wristbands required to buy alcohol.
Celebrate Earth Day with a 3-day festival sponsored by Atlanta’s favorite beer: Sweetwater! This year’s festival will feature an artist market featuring over 40 artists, improv workshops and comedy shows from Dad’s Garage and Relapse Theater, music from artists such as Perpetual Groove and Donna the Buffalo, brew and cask tastings and a kids tent.

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Atlanta Pet Parade

Atlantic Station. Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. $30.
Bring your 4-legged friends to Atlantic Station on Saturday for the Atlanta Humane Society Annual Pet Parade to support fundraising for animal shelters. In addition to the one mile walk, there will also be vendors, games, contests, training demonstrations and dog adoptions. Registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the walk will start at 11:00 a.m. All proceeds benefit the Atlanta Humane Society.

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Roller Derby Doubleheader

Yaarab Shrine Center Auditorium. Saturday, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. One bout, $15; both bouts, $25. Free for kids 3 and under.
Watch as the Atlanta Rollergirls take on the Hustlin’ Rollers (Memphis, TN) at 5:00 p.m. and then stay to see the Apocalypstix battle with the Sake Tuyas at 7:30 p.m. Along with fast-paced matches and extreme athleticism, this event is BYOB (can or plastic only). Promotional Atlanta Rollergirls plastic cups will be on sale in the courtyard!

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Georgia Tech Spring Game

Bobby Dodd Stadium at Historic Grant Field. Friday, 5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Free.
The annual Georgia Tech Spring Football Game is an opportunity for avid GT fans to preview the 2012 Georgia Tech Football Team and enjoy music, fireworks, and live entertainment. Wreck Fest offers tons of exciting attractions for kids, including inflatables, appearances by Buzz and Ramblin’ Wreck, and cheer, dance, and band performances. Great promotional prizes will also be up for grabs, such as football tickets, gift cards, and a signed Paul Johnson football.

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