October 23–25, 2026
Sometimes making time for someone begins with a small suggestion: come browse the art booths with me, let's slow down in the garden, or bring the grandkids for a walk in the woods.
This weekend there's a free art and jazz festival in a Canton park, a quiet forest bathing morning at a Kennesaw garden, and a trick-or-treat trail through the woods in Roswell. Choose what sounds good, and think of someone who might enjoy coming along.
A note about the weather: It's shaping up to be a beautiful fall weekend. Friday looks sunny with a high near 72, and Saturday and Sunday stay sunny and a little cooler, with highs in the upper 60s. Nights are clear and chilly, in the low-to-mid 40s, so bring a warm layer for anything after dark. The forecast below comes straight from the National Weather Service and refreshes on its own each time they update it, usually every morning and evening.
Woodstock weather, live from the National Weather Service
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Art and jazz in a Canton park
The Cherokee County Art & Jazz Festival fills Cherokee Veterans Park on Saturday, October 24, from 11 a.m. into the early evening. Artists bring original work to browse and buy, and live jazz plays through the day, from smooth and contemporary to traditional and improvisational. Admission is free. Food trucks will be on site, and beer and wine are sold.
The park is at 7345 Cumming Highway in Canton, about 25 minutes from central Woodstock. You'll be on your feet strolling the booths, mostly on grass, so wear comfortable shoes, and bring a lawn chair or a blanket if you'd like to settle in for a set. A music schedule hasn't been posted, so come whenever suits you. Bring the friend who can never pass up a good booth, and tuck a little cash in your pocket in case a piece follows you home.
Details: Festival listing
A slow morning in a Kennesaw garden
Forest Bathing at Smith-Gilbert Gardens is a guided invitation to slow down and take in the garden with all your senses. It's less a hike than a long, unhurried look around. It's Saturday, October 24, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., for adults 18 and up. The cost is $15, with a discount for members, and pre-registration is required.
The gardens are at 2382 Pine Mountain Road in Kennesaw, about 25 to 30 minutes from central Woodstock. The pace is gentle, with easy walking on garden paths. That same morning, the Fall Tree and Shrub Sale runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with native and ornamental trees, fruit trees, perennials, grasses, vines, and beginner bonsai. Invite the friend who's been running on empty, then pick out something to plant together.
Details: Forest Bathing · Registration · Fall Tree and Shrub Sale
Halloween Hikes in the Roswell woods
The Chattahoochee Nature Center's 41st annual Halloween Hikes turn the grounds into a self-guided trick-or-treat walk, with themed houses, costumed characters, treats, and photo spots along the way. Kids collect a sticker at each stop in a Halloween passport, and a finished passport is an entry for a prize. There are also glow-in-the-dark games, nature crafts, face painting, s'mores and food trucks. For older kids, ages 12 and up with an adult, The Haunted Quest adds a little more mystery with a scavenger hunt along the river boardwalk.
It runs Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24, from 6 to 10 p.m., and Sunday, October 25, from 5 to 9 p.m. Advance tickets are $25 ($20 for members), and day-of tickets are $30. Tickets are non-refundable.
The nature center is at 9135 Willeo Road, about 30 to 35 minutes from central Woodstock. You'll be walking the trails after dark, so wear good shoes and bring a jacket for the cool evening. This is a sweet one for a grandparent and a little one in costume, and Sunday's earlier hours are easier on small children.
Details: Event details and tickets
Also this weekend
Woodstock, Friday at 6 p.m.: Jazz Night on the porch at the Reeves House Visual Arts Center, free and open to everyone. Seating is limited, so bring a chair if you can, and outside drinks aren't allowed. It makes an easy date night. Jazz Night details
Woodstock, through Sunday: the final weekend of Come From Away at the Woodstock Arts Theatre, $21 to $25. Show details
Kennesaw, Friday through Sunday evenings: Life in the Cemetery, a one-hour guided walk through the Kennesaw City Cemetery sharing the stories behind familiar local names. The last tour each evening is after dark; the ground is uneven, and pets aren't allowed. Tour details
Acworth, Saturday, 4 to 8 p.m.: watch molten iron poured at Red Top Mountain State Park. It's free, with $10 parking. Iron Pour details
Cumming, Saturday, 4 to 8 p.m.: Howl-oween at City Center, and the dog is invited too. Howl-oween details
Heading to the mountains? My Leaf Watch has hiking ideas and fall color updates.
Or make a little room at home
If the weekend gets away from you, pull a couple of chairs onto the porch, warm some apple cider, and invite a neighbor over while the evenings are this pleasant. Or bring out the old photo albums and let someone tell you the stories behind them. An hour together counts.