Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Atlanta Six Flags, GA

There's no spectacle in Atlanta quite like this one, which features hordes of sci-fi and fantasy fans taking over the...

There's no spectacle in Atlanta quite like this one, which features hordes of sci-fi and fantasy fans taking over the streets of downtown. People come from all over the country for the convention, which focuses on everything from Star Trek and Star Wars to vampires and zombies. The most dedicated attendees come in elaborate costumes and march in the parade, which boasts everything from Klingons in a Camaro and a battalion of Storm Troopers to shiploads of pirates and more Harry Potters than you can shake a wand at. You'll be talking about the parade and showing people your snapshots for weeks afterward.

Hours: Fri, Aug 30, 2013 Sat, Aug 31, 2013 Sun, Sep 1, 2013 Mon, Sep 2, 2013

Think that drive-in theaters are a thing of the past? Think again -- and then head south on Moreland Avenue to the...

Think that drive-in theaters are a thing of the past? Think again -- and then head south on Moreland Avenue to the Starlight Six Drive-In for Labor Day Sunday. Arrive early to claim a good parking space, because you'll need to stake out prime viewing territory (that's right, at the drive-in, you watch movies while you're sitting in or around your car!). Then, hang out and enjoy the bands that play all day, prior to the movies starting once the sun sets. Don't forget to pack a cooler with all your picnic favorites (and a few cans of beer), although you'll probably still want to raid the concession stand while you're there.

Hours: Sun, Sep 1, 2013: 10am

This arts and crafts fair is an Atlanta favorite that's received accolades from across the country. In addition to...

This arts and crafts fair is an Atlanta favorite that's received accolades from across the country. In addition to seeing some of the region's best artists and crafters, you'll want to head to the festival because the grounds (known as the special events meadow) at Stone Mountain Park are among the most appealing in the city. The wooded space is ideal for wandering, and the shade from trees keeps even the sunniest days from becoming unbearable. Plus, there's plenty of parking, and a shuttle makes the festival easily accessible.

Hours: Thu, Sep 5, 2013 Fri, Sep 6, 2013 Sat, Sep 7, 2013 Sun, Sep 8, 2013

Fall is the season for inspiration in Atlanta. Get in touch with your creative side at this festival, which brings local...

Fall is the season for inspiration in Atlanta. Get in touch with your creative side at this festival, which brings local artists together to show their works. Whether you prefer oil paintings, quick charcoal sketches, or traditional pottery, you'll find something here that you'll want to take home. Plus, you'll also have a chance to speak with the artists as they man their booths. And if you're thinking ahead, you might even get a little Christmas shopping done too.

Hours: Sat, Sep 14, 2013: 10am - 7pm Sun, Sep 15, 2013: 10am - 6pm

If you're looking for something different to do during the Halloween season, ART Station has just the thing. For 13...

If you're looking for something different to do during the Halloween season, ART Station has just the thing. For 13 nights in October, they'll be hosting a storytelling festival at Georgia's Stone Mountain Park. The event will feature professional yarnists in authentic 18th century garb, candle-lit tours and plenty of Southern-spun tales, some intended to tingle your spin and others meant to tickle your funny bone. Best of all, the stories are great for the entire family -- so bring them all! Since this is an outdoor walking tour, be sure to wear comfy shoes and clothing.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details October 2013

Held in the spring and again in the fall, the Atlanta Home Show showcases the latest styles and trends in home fashion....

Held in the spring and again in the fall, the Atlanta Home Show showcases the latest styles and trends in home fashion. In addition to the more than 300 exhibitors, several top designers and other trade experts are on hand to dispense tips about everything from decorating your breakfast nook to entertaining guests on your patio.

Hours: Fri, Oct 4, 2013 Sat, Oct 5, 2013 Sun, Oct 6, 2013

In October, lads in kilts hold sway in the meadow of Stone Mountain Park, competing in fields ranging from athletics and...

In October, lads in kilts hold sway in the meadow of Stone Mountain Park, competing in fields ranging from athletics and dancing to harping and piping. Indeed, this is the day the Scots gather to celebrate their heritage, and celebrate they surely do. The weekend's slate also includes a whiskey seminar and tasting (21+, of course), genealogy activities, live music performances, and plenty of traditional grub.

Hours: Fri, Oct 18, 2013 Sat, Oct 19, 2013 Sun, Oct 20, 2013

No holiday season is complete without a few laughs, and Santaland Diaries delivers them in spades. Written by humorist...

No holiday season is complete without a few laughs, and Santaland Diaries delivers them in spades. Written by humorist David Sedaris, the show is based on the This American Life contributor's days working as an elf for Macy's. The play depicts Crumpet the elf, an angry Santa's helper if ever there were one, who shares one funny anecdote after another. Santaland Diaries is the gift that keeps on giving, and after taking in this performance, you'll never see a visit to Santa in the same way again.
Note: Seating at Horizon Theatre is first-come, first-serve, and the show almost always sells out.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details November 2013 December 2013

Nothing says "winter wonderland" more than ice skating atop a frozen pond. Of course, in Atlanta, frozen ponds...

Nothing says "winter wonderland" more than ice skating atop a frozen pond. Of course, in Atlanta, frozen ponds are in rather short supply, thanks to the city's mild winters. That's where the outdoor rink at Centennial Park comes in. It provides an ideal place for visitors to play safely (there's no danger of falling through the ice here) in picturesque downtown Atlanta. Folks coming to skate should also explore nearby restaurants and attractions for a mini-getaway that won't soon be forgotten.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details Sat, Nov 23, 2013 Sun, Nov 24, 2013 Mon, Nov 25, 2013 Tue, Nov 26, 2013 Wed, Nov 27, 2013 Thu, Nov 28, 2013 Fri, Nov 29, 2013 Sat, Nov 30, 2013 Sun, Dec 1, 2013 Mon, Dec 2, 2013 Tue, Dec 3, 2013 Wed, Dec 4, 2013 Thu, Dec 5, 2013 Fri, Dec 6, 2013 Sat, Dec 7, 2013 Sun, Dec 8, 2013 Mon, Dec 9, 2013 Tue, Dec 10, 2013 Wed, Dec 11, 2013 Thu, Dec 12, 2013 Fri, Dec 13, 2013 Sat, Dec 14, 2013 Sun, Dec 15, 2013 Mon, Dec 16, 2013 Tue, Dec 17, 2013 Wed, Dec 18, 2013 Thu, Dec 19, 2013 Fri, Dec 20, 2013 Sat, Dec 21, 2013 Sun, Dec 22, 2013 Mon, Dec 23, 2013 Tue, Dec 24, 2013 Wed, Dec 25, 2013 Thu, Dec 26, 2013 Fri, Dec 27, 2013 Sat, Dec 28, 2013 Sun, Dec 29, 2013 Mon, Dec 30, 2013 Tue, Dec 31, 2013 Wed, Jan 1, 2014 Thu, Jan 2, 2014 Fri, Jan 3, 2014 Sat, Jan 4, 2014 Sun, Jan 5, 2014 Mon, Jan 6, 2014 Tue, Jan 7, 2014 Wed, Jan 8, 2014 Thu, Jan 9, 2014 Fri, Jan 10, 2014 Sat, Jan 11, 2014 Sun, Jan 12, 2014 Mon, Jan 13, 2014 Tue, Jan 14, 2014 Wed, Jan 15, 2014 Thu, Jan 16, 2014 Fri, Jan 17, 2014 Sat, Jan 18, 2014 Sun, Jan 19, 2014 Mon, Jan 20, 2014

For local families, one of downtown's most beloved annual traditions is the Children's Christmas Parade, and this year's...

For local families, one of downtown's most beloved annual traditions is the Children's Christmas Parade, and this year's promises to be a blast! Look for marching bands, floats dressed in their holiday finest, giant-size inflatables and, of course, a guest appearance by everybody's favorite jolly old soul. The parade will start at Peachtree Street (near Baker Street) and conclude along Centennial Olympic Park Drive.

Hours: Sat, Nov 30, 2013: 10:30am