Atlanta, GA
Things to do this weekend in metro Atlanta, North Georgia | Feb. 6-8, 2026
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.
Omari James. Photos provided by Atlanta police
ATLANTA – Atlanta police are asking for the public’s help locating 11-year-old Omari James, who has been classified as critically missing.
What we know:
Investigators said Omari ran away from his home around 9:30 p.m. Thursday after getting into an argument with his parents over his cell phone.
Police said Omari was last seen wearing a black shirt, red, white and blue shorts, black Nike slides and a Nike ski hat.
What you can do:
Anyone who has seen Omari or knows where he may be is asked to call 911 or contact the Atlanta Police Department’s Special Victims Unit. The investigation remains ongoing.
Atlanta, GA
Georgia Secretary of State opens investigation into voter registration mailers sent to deceased residents
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger announced Thursday that his office has opened an investigation into Ready to Register and other third-party organizations after reports that voter registration mailers were sent to deceased Georgians and other ineligible recipients.
According to the Secretary of State’s Office, election officials have received numerous complaints about voter registration solicitations being mailed to people who have died. In one unusual case cited by the office, a deceased family dog reportedly received one of the mailers.
State officials said they are reviewing whether the mailings violate Georgia law or otherwise undermine confidence in the state’s election system.
The Secretary of State’s Office said third-party voter registration groups frequently conduct mass mail campaigns ahead of major elections but often rely on commercial databases that can contain outdated or inaccurate information, unlike Georgia’s official voter registration system.
“Groups like this highlight the unreliability of commercial data,” Raffensperger said in a statement. “Georgia maintains one of the cleanest voter rolls in the nation through continuous list maintenance and citizenship verification. These outside organizations don’t use those standards. Instead, they flood mailboxes with inaccurate solicitations that confuse voters and waste election officials’ time.”
Raffensperger also thanked voters who alerted his office to the mailings.
“I want to thank the voters who have flagged the inaccurate mailings and sent them to our office,” he said. “Whether checking their ballots for accuracy or keeping their own registration information up to date, voters are a crucial line of defense in election security.”
Georgia officials said the issue mirrors problems recently identified in North Carolina, where election officials warned residents about similar mailings from Ready to Register. According to the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office, North Carolina officials said the organization mailed registration forms to deceased individuals, used outdated forms, listed incorrect election office addresses and included QR codes that raised privacy concerns.
Raffensperger criticized the mass mailing campaigns, saying they create confusion while increasing the workload for local election offices.
“Whether intentional or simply reckless, these mail campaigns operate like a grift — raising money and generating activity while shifting the costs onto taxpayers, election officials, and voters,” Raffensperger said. “Georgia taxpayers should not have to clean up the mess created by organizations that prioritize volume over accuracy.”
The Secretary of State’s Office is encouraging Georgians to verify their voter registration through the state’s My Voter Page and says voters who are already registered at their current address should disregard unsolicited voter registration mailers.
Project aims to curb dengue by releasing millions of mosquitoes
Google-backed researchers are taking an unusual approach to fighting mosquito-borne diseases: releasing more mosquitoes. The effort, known as Debug, is designed to reduce populations of mosquitoes that spread illnesses such as dengue fever by using specially bred male mosquitoes that cannot produce viable offspring.
Fox – 35 Orlando
Mosquitoes in the Grant Park neighborhood of Atlanta have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to Fulton County health officials.
Fulton County Board of Health Environmental Health mosquito control staff say the mosquitoes were tested following trapping in Fulton County.
“Mosquitoes can be dangerous if infected and may pose a serious health risk to people in our area,” Environmental Health Director at the Fulton County Board of Health, Brandon Leftwich, said in a statement from the agency. “We want to make sure communities are aware and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.”
Grant Park is in southeast Atlanta, south of Old Fourth Ward and west of East Atlanta.
Here’s what to know.
What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile Virus is the illness caused by infections from a pathogen in the Flaviviridae family. Mosquitoes are hosts for the pathogen, meaning they can spread it to people and other animals without dying.
It is the leading cause of mosquito-borne illness in the contiguous United States, infecting more than 2,000 people each year. About 1,300 people develop a severe illness, and more than 130 people die annually in the U.S. from the infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It spreads during mosquito season, or the period between June and October each year. Infections typically peak in late August and early September.
Many people infected may never show symptoms, and others will only experience mild, flu-like symptoms. It can take between 2 and 6 days after a mosquito bite to feel poorly, and then people may experience headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. Those with mild illness can recover completely, but some fatigue and weakness can last much longer, even weeks or months.
In cases of severe illness, West Nile Virus attacks their central nervous system and can result in hospitalization or death. Patients may experience a very high fever, headaches, neck pain, stupor, disorientation, muscle weakness and other serious symptoms. Recovery can take weeks or months, and some effects could become permanent.
How is West Nile Virus treated?
There is no medicine that can treat West Nile Virus, so those with mild symptoms can take over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen to manage pain, fever or headaches. Those with West Nile Virus should not take ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, according to the CDC. Patients should stay hydrated and take lots of rest to let your body fight the virus and recover.
Those with severe illness may need intravenous fluids, pain medication and nursing care at the hospital level, though there is still no medication that can be taken to cure the infection.
It is believed that those who have been infected by West Nile Virus develop a lifelong immunity or protection, meaning they can’t get the virus again, according to the CDC.
How to prevent mosquito bites
Fulton County health officials recommend following the “5Ds of mosquito bite prevention” to keep yourself safe from mosquito-borne illnesses.
- Dusk/Dawn: Avoid being outside during periods when mosquitoes are most active, including in the early morning and as the sun is setting.
- Dress: Loose-fitting clothes and items with long sleeves or pants will reduce the amount of exposed skin for a mosquito bite and make it difficult for a mosquito to bite through clothes.
- DEET: Insect repellant should contain DEET. It is the most effective ingredient in mosquito repellant.
- Drain: Standing water is a great place for mosquitoes to breed, so make sure to dump out water from buckets, barrels, flowerpots and tarps outside that could harbor mosquito larvae. You should also cut overgrown grass or weeds.
- Doors: While it might be nice for a breeze to pass through your house in the evenings, make sure doors and windows are closed and sealed to keep mosquitoes out of the house.
Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.
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