🎃 Halloween Weekend Guide & Whataburger Coming to Sandy Plains

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Hey neighbors,

Is it just me, or did October fly by? My wife and I were just saying we haven't even carved our pumpkins yet, and somehow Halloween is already here.

If you're like us and still figuring out weekend plans (or need those last-minute porch pumpkins), I've pulled together everything happening around East Cobb over the next few days.

The big news this week has everyone buzzing: Whataburger is taking over that old O'Charley's spot at Sandy Plains and Shallowford. We've all been wondering what would go in there since it closed. Texas burgers are finally coming to our neck of the woods!

Plus, Beyond Juicery is heading to Providence Square—though we'll have to wait until 2026 for that one.

Whether you're handing out candy tomorrow night, looking for a Halloween party (Live! at The Battery has a 21+ bash), or just want to hit the farmers market Saturday morning, there's plenty happening.

Mt. Zion's pumpkin patch closes Friday if you still need decorations, and The Strand is showing the original Halloween tonight plus Rocky Horror tomorrow at 10 PM.

Here's what's happening around our community this weekend...

The Battery Atlanta
Friday, Oct. 31
4:00-7:00 PM
FREE

The Battery transforms into Halloween central this Friday with their massive Truck-or-Treat celebration that's become an East Cobb tradition.

Over 30 decorated vehicles from local businesses and organizations create a safe trick-or-treating wonderland right in the plaza.

Kids can collect candy from themed truck displays ranging from spooky graveyards to friendly monster trucks, with some vehicles featuring interactive games and photo ops.

The Braves mascot Blooper makes special appearances throughout the evening in costume, and face painters will be on hand to transform little ones into their favorite Halloween characters.

The real magic happens when dozens of local businesses participate - past years have seen everything from elaborate pirate ships to haunted fire trucks.

Lines form early for the most popular displays, so arriving right at 4 p.m. gives you the best chance to hit every station before supplies run low.

After trick-or-treating wraps up at 7 p.m., families can spread out blankets for the outdoor movie screening on the big screen.

Food trucks and Battery restaurants stay open late with special Halloween treats, making it easy to grab dinner without missing any of the fun.

Free admission and parking in the Red Deck for the first two hours!

To learn more, click here.

That vacant O'Charley's at Sandy Plains and Shallowford? Whataburger is redeveloping the site at 3550 Sandy Plains Road, with construction starting May 2025.

This will be Cobb County's fifth Whataburger location. The new 7,000-square-foot building will be completely rebuilt from scratch, bringing those famous patty melts, spicy ketchup, and late-night hours to one of East Cobb's busiest intersections.

The Cobb Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 in August 2024 to approve site plan changes that override 1999 restrictions prohibiting fast-food restaurants and drive-thrus on the property.

Read the full story here.

Beyond Juicery + Eatery is coming to Providence Square at 4101 Roswell Road, Suite 901, in a 1,500-square-foot space previously occupied by GameStop.

The Michigan-based brand focuses on fresh, healthy meals with no added sugars—think middle ground between Smoothie King and ultra-clean juice bars. The menu features 38 fresh-made juices, smoothies, acai bowls, wraps, and salads, with hopes to open by early 2026.

This will be Beyond Juicery's first Georgia location. Franchisee Ricky Burch, who has over two decades in the restaurant industry including time with Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, plans five Atlanta-area locations initially.

Read the full story here.

Alloy Personal Training quietly opened at Johnson Ferry Road and Shallowford Falls this summer, bringing a fresh approach to fitness to East Cobb.

The boutique gym focuses on personalized small-group training with experienced coaches in a supportive environment, moving away from the traditional big-box gym model.

Their sleek, state-of-the-art studio offers tailored workouts designed to help East Cobbers get stronger through programs customized to individual fitness levels and goals.

The small-group format ensures personal attention while maintaining an encouraging community atmosphere.

Learn more about this location here.

Dodgen Middle School's Chamber Orchestra has been invited to perform at the prestigious Midwest Clinic music conference in Chicago this December—one of only two middle school orchestras in the nation selected to attend.

Performing at the Midwest Clinic is considered the highest honor for school bands and orchestras, the equivalent of a championship in music education.

This achievement spotlights our local students' talent and hard work, giving East Cobb families a proud reason to cheer as the orchestra prepares for its big trip.

Read the full story.

An East Cobb family has transformed their yard into an elaborate Halloween display that delights neighbors of all ages.

The Witmeyer family spends weeks setting up dozens of inflatables and spooky props, turning Halloween into a month-long neighborhood tradition.

It's a free, kid-friendly spectacle that brings joy and a sense of community to local families.

The display is all about seeing their children's excitement and the smiles on visitors' faces as they stop by each day.

Read the full story.

Kadie is about 7-8 months old, a Hound mix puppy weighing around 50 lbs (and still growing). She's described as a "happy, friendly, wiggly and fun pup" who adores everyone she meets—seriously, she's all kisses and snuggles. She even sat calmly through bath time and nail trims like a champ.

This girl loves her walks and is curious about everything. She's currently in a foster training program learning her manners (she already knows sit, stay, and more). With her affectionate, people-loving personality, Kadie is "ready to bring joy, cuddles, and plenty of puppy love" to her forever family.

She's available now through Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue in Kennesaw. You'll need to call ahead for an appointment since she's in foster training, but trust me—meeting this sweet snuggle buddy will be worth it.

See Kadie’s full adoption profile here.

🔪 Halloween (1978) — Spooky Movie Series | The Strand Theatre | Thu, Oct 30 | 8:00 PM | More
Carpenter's original slasher on the big screen to kick off the spooky weekend.

👟 FIT4MOM Stroller-Friendly Workout | The Avenue East Cobb (The Plaza) | Fri, Oct 31 | 9:30-10:30 AM | More
Bring the stroller for a mom-friendly Friday workout; first class is free with registration.

🎃 Mt. Zion "Pumpkin Church" Patch (Last Day!) | Mt. Zion UMC (1770 Johnson Ferry Rd) | Fri, Oct 31 | 12:00-7:30 PM | More
Beloved East Cobb patch closes on Halloween—great for last-minute porch pumpkins and photos.

🎃 Truck-or-Treat at The Battery | The Battery Atlanta Plaza | Fri, Oct 31 | 4:00-7:00 PM | More
Free family trick-or-treat with themed activities before the evening movie kicks off.

🎬 Xfinity Movie Series (Halloween Night) | The Battery Atlanta | Fri, Oct 31 | 7:00 PM | More
Outdoor, family-friendly film (Megamind) under the stars to cap off Halloween at the Battery.

👻 Ghosts of Marietta Walking Tour | Departs Marietta Square | Fri, Oct 31 | 7:30-9:00 PM | More
Story-rich haunted history walk through the Square's most storied spots.

🛍️ Marietta Square Farmers Market | Mill St. Lot (Marietta Square) | Sat, Nov 1 | 9:00 AM-Noon | More
Weekly market with 60+ vendors—get there early for the best selection.

🧺 Marietta Square Farmers Market (Sunday) | North Park Square | Sun, Nov 2 | Noon-3:00 PM | More
A smaller Sunday edition for fresh produce and prepared foods on the Square.

🎷 Jazz at The Strand: Vince Guaraldi Tribute | The Strand Theatre | Sun, Nov 2 | 4:00-5:30 PM | More
Family-friendly live tribute to Guaraldi's Charlie Brown Christmas classics.

🧛 The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) | The Strand Theatre (Marietta Square) | Fri, Oct 31 | 10:00 PM | More
Cult-classic screening on Halloween night with all the fishnets and callbacks you expect.

🎶 Avenue LIVE (Season Finale Friday) | The Avenue East Cobb (The Plaza) | Fri, Oct 31 | 6:00-8:00 PM | More  
Free outdoor live music on Fridays runs April–October; Oct 31 lines up as the final October Friday—it’s 90’s theme night!

🪩 Slasher Camp Halloween Party (21+) | Live! at The Battery | Fri, Oct 31 | 8:00 PM-2:00 AM | More
A costume party for adults with DJs, photo ops, and late-night vibes at Live!