Things to do in Cobb County this weekend, Oct. 16-18

Welcome to Cobb County brick sign at Henderson Road on Veterans Memorial

Here is a list of a few things to do in Cobb County this weekend: Friday, October 16 to Sunday, October 18. Be sure to check the information in the provided links to verify time and date, and to check for any changes, cancellations or sell-outs (also for any mistakes that we at the Courier might have made in transcribing the event information … we are not infallible :-).

Friday, October 16

Cobb County Public Library Fall Book Sale

Venue: Cobb County Civic Center

Date: Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18

Address: 548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta, GA 30060

The Cobb County Public Library’s Fall Book Sale features books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, puzzles and other items. Proceeds support library collections and services. Special purchasing limits apply Friday morning from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Sunday, shoppers can fill a box with books and other materials for $10 to $20.

Cost: Free admission and parking. Items range from 10 cents to $4, with special Sunday box pricing.

More information: Cobb County Public Library Fall Book Sale

Dance Storytime

Venue: Sewell Mill Library

Date: Friday, October 16

Time: 10:30 to 11 a.m.

Address: 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30068

Children can enjoy a half-hour of stories and dance instruction with Ms. Chryssy from Studio Ife Dance and Yoga. Registration is requested to ensure adequate space.

Age range: Children ages 2–5.

More information: Dance Storytime

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Venue: North Cobb Regional Library

Date: Friday, October 16

Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Address: 3535 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw, GA 30144

The American Red Cross will hold a community blood drive to help maintain the blood supply for medical treatments and emergencies. Donors should bring photo identification. Appointments can be scheduled online, and walk-ins are welcome.

Age range: Donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with written parental consent.

Cost: Free.

More information: American Red Cross Blood Drive

City of Kennesaw’s Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival

Venue: Downtown Kennesaw and United Bankshares Amphitheater at Depot Park

Date: Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17

Address: 2829 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw, GA 30144

The two-day Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival features barbecue, live music, food vendors and more than 100 vendors and exhibitors. Visitors can enjoy food, shopping and entertainment along Main Street and at Depot Park.

More information: Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival

Marty Manous in Concert

Venue: Strand Theatre

Date: Friday, October 16

Time: 8 p.m. (VIP experience begins at 6:30 p.m.)

Address: 117 North Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060

Kennesaw musician Marty Manous brings his blend of blues rock and Southern rock to the Strand Theatre. The concert features two sets with an intermission. VIP tickets include early seating, a pre-show performance, a meet-and-greet and other benefits.

Cost: Cost varies.

More information: Marty Manous in Concert

Saturday, October 17

Cobb County Public Library Fall Book Sale

Venue: Cobb County Civic Center

Date: Saturday, October 17

Address: 548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta, GA 30060

The three-day library book sale continues with books, music, movies, puzzles and other materials available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Cobb County Public Library system.

Cost: Free admission and parking. Most items range from 10 cents to $4.

More information: Cobb County Public Library Fall Book Sale

Household Hazardous Waste Event 2026

Venue: Jim R. Miller Park & Event Center

Date: Saturday, October 17

Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Address: 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta, GA 30008

Keep Cobb Beautiful and the Cobb County Water System will hold their annual household hazardous waste collection event. Residents can bring eligible materials, including paint, cleaning products, insecticides, gasoline and fire extinguishers. Consult the event page for accepted materials and registration information.

More information: Household Hazardous Waste Event 2026

Free Microchip Clinic

Venue: East Cobb Park

Date: Saturday, October 17

Time: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Address: 3322 Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30068

Cobb County Animal Services will provide free microchipping for dogs and cats belonging to Cobb County residents. No appointment or registration is required. Pet owners must bring proof of pet ownership and Cobb County residency.

Cost: Free.

More information: Free Microchip Clinic

It Takes a Village: Parent Support Group

Venue: Switzer Library

Date: Saturday, October 17

Time: 11 a.m. to noon

Address: 266 Roswell Street, Marietta, GA 30060

Parents and caregivers can connect with others, discuss parenting challenges and successes, and learn about available resources. The group welcomes expectant parents and caregivers of school-aged or younger children. Children may attend with adult supervision, and simple activities will be provided.

Age range: Adults 18 and older; children welcome with supervision.

More information: It Takes a Village: Parent Support Group

Cherokee Heights Arts Festival

Venue: Cherokee Heights neighborhood

Date: Saturday, October 17

Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Address: Freyer Drive NE, between Etowah Drive NE and Chicasaw Drive NE, Marietta, GA

The Cherokee Heights Arts Festival features more than 40 neighborhood and local artists displaying their work. The one-day event also includes live music, local food and drinks, and activities for children.

More information: Cherokee Heights Arts Festival

Taste of Acworth

Venue: Downtown Acworth

Date: Saturday, October 17

Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Address: Main Street, Downtown Acworth, GA 30101

Taste of Acworth features more than 150 booths from local restaurants and businesses, along with two stages of live entertainment. Children can enjoy inflatables, games and other activities in the kids’ zone. The annual event benefits local schools and charities.

Cost: Free admission. Food samples range from $1 to $10.

More information: Taste of Acworth

Strand Ole Opry: We Will Always Love Dolly

Venue: Strand Theatre

Date: Saturday, October 17

Time: 8 p.m.

Address: 117 North Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060

The Strand Ole Opry celebrates the music and legacy of Dolly Parton with performances by community singers and a live house band. The show features songs and stories honoring the country music star’s career and contributions.

Cost: Cost varies.

More information: Strand Ole Opry: We Will Always Love Dolly

Sunday, October 18

Cobb County Public Library Fall Book Sale — Bring Your Own Box Day

Venue: Cobb County Civic Center

Date: Sunday, October 18

Time: 1 to 5 p.m. for Bring Your Own Box Day

Address: 548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta, GA 30060

The final day of the Cobb County Public Library Fall Book Sale features a special Bring Your Own Box promotion. Shoppers can fill a box they can carry to their vehicle with books and other available materials for a set price. Proceeds support the county’s public libraries.

Cost: Free admission and parking. Fill-a-box pricing ranges from $10 to $20.

More information: Cobb County Public Library Fall Book Sale

Strand Ole Opry: We Will Always Love Dolly

Venue: Strand Theatre

Date: Sunday, October 18

Time: 3 p.m.

Address: 117 North Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060

The Strand Theatre presents a Sunday afternoon performance celebrating Dolly Parton’s music and legacy. Community vocalists and a live house band perform songs honoring her career and influence on country music.

Cost: Cost varies.

More information: Strand Ole Opry: We Will Always Love Dolly

This is just a sampling of things to do this weekend

To plan your weekend calendar based on your and your family’s interested, browse the following websites:

Cobb Travel & Tourism

Visit Marietta Georgia

Cobb County’s events page

Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre

Marietta Cobb Museum of Arts events page

Georgia Symphony Orchestra events page

Marietta History Center

Editor’s note: AI was used in the production of this article. To read about how, when and why we make use of AI, read our article “How, When and Why the Cobb County Courier uses AI.”