Metro Atlanta’s mounted police units are hitting the trails and the pavement, logs and sirens included, as they prepare for a massive influx of international soccer fans this summer.

Hoofing it to the World Cup

What they’re saying:

With the FIFA World Cup just months away, the Atlanta Police Department and the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office have launched joint training sessions to ensure their four-legged officers are ready for the global stage.

The units will be a constant fixture during the tournament, patrolling Mercedes-Benz Stadium, various fan events, and team practice facilities throughout the region.

“We train our horses with the Atlanta horses so they’re all comfortable together as they patrol the different events in the city of Atlanta for the FIFA games,” said Cobb County Sheriff’s Lt. Col. Tim Brown.

A primary goal of the training is desensitization. To prevent horses from spooking in high-energy environments, officers expose them to a variety of intense stimuli they might encounter during matches.

“Whether it be loud noises, marching bands, fireworks, etc.,” said Atlanta Police Lt. Greg Lyon. “So, if you think about a World Cup and passionate fans that will come to the city, we want the horses to be sensitized to those type of stimuli.”

Getting on a high horse

Dig deeper:

Beyond managing the energy of the crowds, the mounted units provide a strategic advantage for law enforcement. The height of the horses allows officers to monitor areas that would be invisible from the ground.

“You’re 10 to 12 feet off the ground, and you can see what others on the ground cannot,” Lyon said.

While the horses are a critical tool for crowd control, officials emphasized that they also serve as approachable ambassadors for the city. Officers say the animals can help bridge the gap between police and visitors, providing a friendlier face for those seeking assistance.

“Let the fans enjoy the horses, maybe we can offer them directions, guide them as they’re trying to navigate traffic,” Lyon said.

Unbridled enthusiasm 

What’s next:

The collaboration between the two agencies aims to create a seamless security presence as the eyes of the sporting world turn toward Georgia.

“The horses make a good impact and a good showing for us and the city of Atlanta,” Brown said.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium will host a total of eight matches, including five group-stage games, a Round of 32 match, a Round of 16 match, and one of the high-stakes semifinals. The first match begins June 15.

ATLANTA – From live music and theater to family-friendly festivals and immersive exhibitions, metro Atlanta and North Georgia are packed with ways to get out and explore this weekend. Here’s a look at some of the best things to do around the region.

RELATED LISTS

Fulton County (Atlanta)

Arnez J
Feb. 5–7
City Winery Atlanta, Atlanta
Comedian Arnez J brings his high-energy stand-up to City Winery, following his run as host of BET’s Comic View and the release of his comedy special Not Gonna Stop.

Romeo and Juliet
Feb. 7–March 1
Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, Atlanta
The Atlanta Shakespeare Company presents its 23rd anniversary production of Shakespeare’s tragic love story of feuding families and young love.

Virginia Highland Mardi Gras
Feb. 7
Virginia Highland, Atlanta
Virginia Highland launches its first Mardi Gras celebration with a festive parade followed by a party featuring live music from Wasted Potential, vendors, face painting, beads, and food and drinks.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2 in Concert”
Feb. 6–8
Atlanta Symphony Hall, Atlanta
Justin Freer conducts the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performing Alexandre Desplat’s score live as the full film is shown in high-definition on a 40-foot screen.

DSC Convention & Sporting Expo
Feb. 6–8
Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta
Discover innovative outdoor and sporting gear while connecting with a passionate community working to protect wildlife and support conservation, education and advocacy efforts.

Atlanta Oyster Festival
Feb. 7
Park Tavern, Atlanta
Atlanta’s popular oyster festival returns with fresh oysters, craft cocktails and live music at the Midtown beer garden.

“Riverdance”
Feb. 6–8
Fox Theatre, Atlanta
The iconic show marks its 30th year with refreshed choreography, costumes and cutting-edge lighting and projection.

SCAD TVfest
Feb. 4–6
Midtown Atlanta, Atlanta
Go behind the scenes of television with panels and conversations featuring actors, writers, directors and producers at multiple Midtown locations.

“BLKS”
Through Feb. 14
Out Front Theatre Company, Atlanta
This play explores the lives of three 20-somethings navigating identity, friendship and love as queer Black women in New York City.

Serial Killer: The Exhibition
Opens Feb. 7
Pullman Yards, Atlanta
A research-driven exhibition featuring certified artifacts connected to serial killers worldwide, offering insight into criminal psychology and history.

Blazing Light: Photographs by Mimi Plumb
Feb. 6–May 10
High Museum of Art, Atlanta
More than 100 photographs explore environmental, social and political change across the American West.

F1 Arcade Grand Opening
Friday–Sunday
F1 Arcade Atlanta, Atlanta
Race family and friends on state-of-the-art F1 simulators (ages 7 and up), with food and drinks available. Guests under 21 are welcome until 7 p.m. daily.

Gwinnett County

Atlanta Brick Con
Saturday–Sunday
Gas South Convention Center, Duluth
Celebrate everything Lego with fan-built creations, hands-on building zones, games, speakers, character meet-and-greets and a 125-foot Lego RC off-road course to race on.

Lunar New Year Celebration
Feb. 7
Lawrenceville Arts Center, Lawrenceville
Aurora Children’s Playhouse hosts a Lunar New Year celebration featuring traditional Chinese music and dance by the Atlanta Chinese Dance Co., with opportunities for kids and families to participate.

Cobb County

The Ultimate RV Show
Feb. 5–8
Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta
Explore more than 150 fully staged RVs, a kids zone, on-site pet adoptions and the latest camping gear and show-only deals.

Love Is King Tour with Gregory Porter
Feb. 6
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta
Grammy-winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter brings his soulful sound and acclaimed catalog to the stage as part of his Love Is King tour.

DeKalb County

Pajama Concert – Musical Bedtime Stories
Feb. 6
Michael C. Carlos Museum, Atlanta
The Emory Chamber Music Society invites families to a cozy evening of music featuring bedtime stories set to works by Vivaldi, Debussy and Dvořák, performed by the Vega Quartet and pianist William Ransom. Hot chocolate and marshmallows are served before the concert, and pajamas are encouraged.

Emory Jazz Fest
Feb. 5–7
Schwartz Center for Performing Arts, Atlanta
Emory’s annual three-day jazz festival features artist demonstrations, a jazz clinic and concerts, with acclaimed vocalist Denise Thimes headlining.

Planet Ice at Fernbank
Feb. 7–May 3
Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta
Travel through Earth’s chilling past in this immersive exhibition exploring how ice has shaped landscapes and driven remarkable adaptations that allowed life to survive in an unforgiving world.

“Peter and the Wolf”
Feb. 8
Decatur Presbyterian Church, Decatur
The DeKalb Symphony Orchestra presents Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf,” featuring dancers from the Decatur School of Ballet and narration by Robert Shaw-Smith, along with selections from Grieg, Mozart and Beethoven.

Fulton County (Sandy Springs)

Toast & Jam Jazz Brunch
Feb. 8
Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, Sandy Springs
Pianist Joe Alterman’s jazz brunch series continues with guest singer-songwriter Jesse Ruben.

Fulton County (Alpharetta)

Alpharetta Symphony
Feb. 6
Innovation Academy Auditorium, Alpharetta
The orchestra celebrates America’s 250th birthday with Revolution, featuring works by Elgar, Holst, Copland, Gershwin and Bernstein.

8th Annual Alpharetta Polar Bear Plunge
Feb. 7
Wills Park Pool, Alpharetta
The Rotary Club of Alpharetta’s Polar Bear Plunge brings together local groups to raise money for charitable causes.

Cobb County / Marietta

Movies at the Strand: “To Kill a Mockingbird”
Feb. 8
Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, Marietta
Watch the classic film starring Gregory Peck, with a free Mighty Allen Theatre Organ preshow beginning 30 minutes before the screening.

DeKalb County / Avondale Estates

Nigel Wearne
Feb. 6
Commune Wine Bar, Avondale Estates
Australian country blues and Americana-noir singer-songwriter Nigel Wearne performs an intimate set at the wine bar and listening room inside Olive & Pine.

Fulton County / Roswell

Dad’s Garage BlackGround
Feb. 7
Roswell Cultural Arts Center
Atlanta’s Dad’s Garage brings its all–African American comedy troupe to Roswell for a hilarious, culture-forward show imagining what Black characters were doing behind the scenes of classic movies.

COMING UP

Giselle
Feb. 13–15
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta
This classic ballet, last performed by Atlanta Ballet in 2022, tells the enduring story of love, betrayal, and forgiveness.

Hearts and Harmony Gala
Feb. 13
Atlanta Athletic Club
The annual Hearts and Harmony Gala kicks off the symphony’s 19th anniversary season with live music, dining, dancing, raffles, and an auction.

The Princess Bride
Feb. 13
SCAD Atlanta, Midtown
Join SCADshow for sweet treats and a free screening of the beloved classic The Princess Bride.

Lunar New Year Festival
Feb. 14-March 1
Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with a drone show, parades, cultural crafts and dance exhibitions.

Broadway Sideways
Feb. 15
The Breman, Atlanta
Voices of Note presents a lively concert that joyfully upends traditional casting, gender roles, and expectations on Broadway.

If you would like to submit an item for a future list, send an email to joyce.lupiani@fox.com.