October 16–18, 2026
Sometimes making time for someone begins with a small suggestion: come hear this band with me, let's look at the exhibit, or meet me for a paddle.
This weekend there's bluegrass on the lawn in Woodstock, a gallery of Georgia musicians painted in watercolor in Marietta and a beginner canoe outing on a quiet pond in Roswell. Choose what sounds good, and think of someone who might enjoy coming along.
A note about the weather: Friday looks warm, in the mid-80s, before a cold front moves through Friday night. Saturday and Sunday look sunny and much cooler, with highs in the mid-to-upper 60s and lows in the 40s. Bring a warm layer for anything after dark.
Bluegrass on a Saturday night in Woodstock
Molly Tuttle, the Grammy-winning bluegrass singer, songwriter and guitarist, plays the Woodstock Arts Event Green on Saturday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m. It's part of the Lantern Series of outdoor concerts. Lawn tickets are $30, and you bring your own chair. Reserved seats are $36, and table seats run $43 to $49 a seat (six- and eight-person tables are sold as a full table), or $42 for a single seat at a shared community table. Wine and local craft beer are sold on site, and outside alcohol isn't allowed.
The Event Green is at 113 Elm Street, just a few minutes from anywhere in central Woodstock, so leave a little time to park downtown. Once you're settled, you'll mostly be sitting. The show goes on rain or shine; small umbrellas are fine, but tents aren't. Leashed dogs are welcome in the lawn section only. Bring a jacket or a blanket for when the evening cools. If you know someone who used to play guitar, this is the one to invite. Grab a bite downtown first and make a night of it.
Details: Official event listing
Georgia musicians in watercolor in Marietta
Upstairs at the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art, Legendary Georgia Musicians brings together watercolor paintings by Athens artist Jackie Dorsey, made as a thank-you to the musicians who have called Georgia home. Downstairs, the museum is showing recent additions to its permanent collection. Both are on view through December 13.
Hours this weekend are Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 65 and up, students and military, and free for members and children under 6.
The museum is at 30 Atlanta Street SE on the Marietta Square, about 25 to 30 minutes from central Woodstock. Allow a few extra minutes to find parking around the Square. It's an easy indoor visit with an elevator to both floors, so it works for nearly anyone. See how many faces you can name before you read the labels, then walk over to the Square for lunch or coffee. If you're going to the concert Saturday night, a Friday visit makes a nice warm-up.
Details: Current exhibitions · Visitor information
A first paddle together in Roswell
Family Canoe Day at the Chattahoochee Nature Center is a gentle introduction to canoeing on Beaver Pond, made for first-timers, families and anyone getting back into it. Guides go over paddling and the equipment, then lead a few activities on the water. It's Saturday, October 17, from noon to 1:30 p.m., for ages 5 through adults.
The cost is $25 per person ($12.50 for members), and that includes nature center admission and all the equipment. Registration is required by Thursday, October 15.
The nature center is at 9135 Willeo Road, about 30 to 35 minutes from central Woodstock. You'll spend most of the time sitting in the canoe, with short walks to and from the pond. Wear clothes and shoes you don't mind getting splashed. Pack a picnic and stay for the trails afterward. This is a sweet one for a grandparent and grandchild, or for two friends who have always said they'd try it someday.
Details: Program details · Registration
Also this weekend
Marietta, Saturday: the Cherokee Heights Arts Festival (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) brings more than 40 artists and makers to a 1924 neighborhood street, and HarvestFest fills Glover Park on the Square (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) with a crafts market and kids’ Halloween fun. Both are free. Arts festival · HarvestFest
Ellijay, Saturday and Sunday: the last weekend of the Georgia Apple Festival at the Lions Club Fairgrounds ($10, under 12 free, no pets), plus the free, pet-friendly Apple Arts Festival downtown. Festival details
Roswell, Saturday at noon: the Great Annual Duck Race sends hundreds of rubber ducks down Big Creek at Oxbo Linear Park. It’s free to watch, and a duck is $5. Parking is limited, so go early. Duck Race details
Atlanta, Sunday: the High Museum turns 100 with a free Centennial Block Party on Peachtree Street, noon to 5 p.m., with music, street performers and art-making. Registration is required, and MARTA to Arts Center is the easy way in. Block party details
A date change to know: Canton’s Great Pumpkin Fest moved from October 10 to Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Cherokee Veterans Park. New details
Heading to the mountains? Color is just starting at the higher elevations. My Leaf Watch has hiking ideas and updates.
Or make a little room at home
If the weekend gets away from you, put on a pot of soup or a fresh pot of coffee and invite someone over. Set the phones in another room and play a few favorite songs while you talk. An hour at the kitchen table counts.