🎨 Chalk, Art & Fall Fun: Your East Cobb Weekend Guide

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Happy Thursday, East Cobb!

Can you believe we're already in the second week of October? The weather is finally starting to feel like fall (at least in the mornings), and the calendar is packed with festivals, outdoor dining, and all the cozy autumn vibes we've been waiting for.

This weekend is shaping up to be a good one. Chalktoberfest returns to Marietta Square with 80+ artists turning the streets into a massive sidewalk canvas, there's a sensory-friendly video game concert the kids will love, and if you're looking for a great date night, we've got comedy, live music, and even Shakespeare with beer (yes, really).

And if you haven't tried Seed Kitchen & Bar yet, now's the time. Chef Doug Turbush has been serving up incredible farm-to-table cuisine in our neighborhood since 2011, and that seasonal menu is chef's kiss.

Let's make it a great week, East Cobb! 🍂

Best,

Andrew Filar

Watch 80+ artists transform the streets into a massive sidewalk canvas at this beloved fall festival. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and craft beer tastings while strolling the vibrant chalk murals. Free admission makes it perfect for families—craft beer sampling requires a separate $55 ticket. Open Sat 10am–5pm & Sun 11am–5pm.

More Info: chalktoberfest.com

🌱 Farm-to-table excellence at Seed Kitchen & Bar (#1 Most Recommended by Readers)
1311 Johnson Ferry Rd #504, Marietta

Tucked into Merchants Walk alongside Whole Foods, Seed Kitchen & Bar has been an East Cobb dining destination since 2011—and for good reason. Chef & Owner Doug Turbush brings modern American cuisine with playful Asian and Latin accents to the neighborhood, all crafted from seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.

The menu changes with the seasons, but standouts include the Bay of Fundy salmon served over truffle-kissed mashed potatoes, pan-roasted blue cod with seasonal vegetables, and Korean-inspired ribs that showcase Doug's years cooking in Asia. The roasted beet salad with "seed brittle" (a sesame toffee crunch) is both beautiful and bold.

The sleek, contemporary space seats 125 inside, plus a recently remodeled 74-seat outdoor patio that's weatherproofed for year-round dining. On summer Saturdays, don't miss the "Lobster Camp" menu featuring Connecticut and Maine-style lobster rolls with white sangria.

With free parking, Sunday brunch, and a full bar featuring seasonal cocktails and curated wines, Seed delivers fine dining without the uptown hassle. Open for lunch Mon-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm and dinner nightly.

More details: eatatseed.com | 678-214-6888

🥑 Toastique Café
Pinestraw Place, Roswell Rd

Brunch just got trendier! Toastique, a gourmet toast and juice bar, is set to open at Pinestraw Place on Roswell Rd. Look forward to artisan toasts (think avocado & smoked salmon), cold-pressed juices, and smoothie bowls in a chic café atmosphere.

Need an oil change or tune-up? Christian Brothers Automotive has opened a new repair center at 2739 Delk Rd. Owner Ryan Jackson celebrated a grand opening and ribbon-cutting on Sept. 23, promising honest car care with a community feel in East Cobb.

Smile! Providence Dental Spa just held its East Cobb grand opening on Sept. 25. This new practice at 3101 Roswell Rd offers state-of-the-art dental care in a soothing, spa-inspired setting—think massage chairs, warm towels, and a focus on patient comfort.

The Gist: A fire at Village East shopping center on Sunday morning, October 6, forced the indefinite closure of Bookmiser, the 27-year-old independent bookstore. The blaze originated at Owl Repairs computer shop (possibly from a lithium battery) and while contained to that business, extensive smoke and soot damage affected the entire strip center. All 35,000+ books at Bookmiser are covered in soot, making the inventory unsalvageable.

Why It Matters: East Cobb just lost one of its last independent bookstores—a community gathering place for book clubs, author events, and literary culture for nearly three decades. Owner Annell Gerson is directing customers to online alternatives while the future remains uncertain. The incident also impacted several other local businesses including 348 Studio fitness and Chopstix restaurant.

🚀 PBS Aerospace brings 150 high-paying jobs to Roswell

The Gist: PBS Aerospace officially opened its North American headquarters in Roswell on September 5, bringing advanced manufacturing for U.S. defense contracts. The Czech aerospace company invested $20 million in the facility at 1350 Northmeadow Parkway, which will produce small turbojet engines for Department of Defense high-speed drones and missile systems. The company has hired 45 employees so far and projects 150 positions within five years at an average salary of $150,000.

Why It Matters: This is a major economic win for East Cobb, bringing high-tech manufacturing jobs that pay nearly double the area's median household income. The facility strengthens the region's aerospace sector and signals confidence in our skilled workforce. Full production begins early 2026, with thousands of engines to be manufactured annually.

Age: 6 years
Breed: Labrador Retriever/Terrier mix
Shelter: Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue

Meet Ansley—a gentle, silky-coated Lab mix with soulful brown eyes and a heart of pure gold. This sweet girl might be past her puppy years, but she still perks up for leisurely walks and playful romps in the yard (and she'll never say no to a belly rub). Ansley is house-trained, walks nicely on a leash, and after playtime she’s content to curl up for a cozy nap at your feet or on the couch. She adores people of all ages—rolling over to charm kids for belly rubs—and brings a calm, affectionate presence to everyone she meets.

After being rescued from a crowded shelter, Ansley has been flourishing in her foster home under Mostly Mutts’ care. Now she’s ready to begin her “happily ever after” as someone’s devoted companion. Why not make her part of your family? Her adoption fee is $299 (which even includes free training sessions to help her settle in). Ansley is spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped—all she needs now is a forever home.

To meet Ansley, visit Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue in Kennesaw during their 10am-3pm adoption hours (Monday through Saturday), or call to schedule a meet-and-greet. She’ll be waiting with a tail wag and plenty of snuggles!

🏃 Hammer Down 5K/10K Race
JE Dunn Offices (Cumberland Pkwy), Atlanta/East Cobb | Sat, Oct 11 • 8:00 AM
A charity run supporting local nonprofits. 1K, 5K & 10K options (Peachtree qualifier) start 8:00am Sat. Family-friendly with post-race festivities; all ages get a t-shirt & medal.

🎶 "Level Up!" Video Game Concert
Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, Marietta | Sat, Oct 11 • 2:00 PM
A sensory-friendly symphony concert Sat 2:00–3:00pm featuring music from Super Mario, Halo, Minecraft and more. Designed for all ages (and sensitivities) with a pre-show instrument "petting zoo."

🌾 Mable House Harvest Festival
Mable House Arts Center, Mableton | Sat, Oct 11 • 10:00 AM
A free fall festival from 10am–4pm Saturday featuring an arts market, petting zoo, hayrides, and live music. Perfect for a family autumn outing (costumes encouraged!).

🎉 Hispanic Heritage Fiesta
Thurman Springs Park, Powder Springs | Sat, Oct 11 • 4:00 PM
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with an outdoor fiesta Saturday 4–6pm! Enjoy cultural performances, music, dance, and delicious Latin food in the park.

🎡 Taste of Acworth
Downtown Acworth, Acworth | Sat, Oct 11 • 11:00 AM
Sample bites from 30+ restaurants and food vendors on Saturday 11am–6pm. Kids zone, live entertainment, and community fun. Free entry; food samples $1–$4.

🍻 Spooky Movies at The Strand
Earl Smith Strand Theatre, Marietta | Thu, Oct 9 • 7:00 PM
Throwback horror and satire on the big screen: Get Out (Thurs 7pm) and Young Frankenstein (Fri 7pm) at the historic Strand. Tickets ~$10; R-rated (under 17 needs parent). Get into the Halloween spirit!

🍺 ShakesBEER: Macbeth (18+)
The Alley Stage, Marietta | Thu, Oct 9 • 8:00 PM
Shakespeare with a tipsy twist! Drunken actors perform Macbeth in a boozy interactive show. Shows Thurs 8pm, Sat 4pm, Sun 4pm. 18+ only. $27. Laughter and libations guaranteed.

🎤 Comedy on the Square
The Alley Stage, Marietta | Fri, Oct 10 • 8:30 PM
Cobb's premier stand-up showcase, every weekend. Top Atlanta comedians hit the stage Friday & Saturday nights at 8:30pm. Cabaret table seating and a two-drink minimum—perfect date night laughter. My wife and I personally attend all the time and always have a blast.