Marietta the Gathering + Art Walk Friday

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What's up, neighbors!

Marietta the Gathering is the big Saturday plan this weekend. It takes over Glover Park at Historic Marietta Square all day, free to get in, and it's the right call if you've got kids who are into comics, gaming, or cosplay. You can drop in for an hour or stay until the evening concerts. We're planning to hit the Marietta Square Farmers Market first thing Saturday morning, then circle back to the Square when the festival gets going.

Friday night we're thinking about the Marietta Square Art Walk. It's the 20th anniversary this year, which makes it a little more of a reason to actually go instead of just meaning to. Quick loop through the galleries, grab dinner on the Square, easy Friday.

If Sunday needs a reset, Cochran Shoals on Columns Drive is our go-to. Flat trail, river views, works for whatever age your kids are. Just know there's a $5 parking fee since it's a National Park Service site.

Also flagged in Local Lowdown this week: candidate qualifying for the May elections closes Friday at noon, and there's a Marietta SPLOST public meeting tonight if you want a say in how that money gets spent. Worth a read.

Full planner is below.

- Andrew

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_{This issue is sponsored by Peachy Insurance}

Storm season in north Georgia starts in March, and its worth a few minutes to give your insurance policy a second look before the first severe weather watch hits your phone.

A lot can change in a year.

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📅 Saturday, March 7 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Marietta Square (Glover Park)
🎟️ Free
Learn More

If you have a kid who is into comics, gaming, cosplay, or collecting all the things, this is your Saturday plan.

Marietta the Gathering takes over the Square with a big maker market called The Guild Show, plus a whole stretch of games and tournaments in Tourney Alley.

There are also stage moments throughout the day, including a cosplay contest and late afternoon and evening concerts, so you can drop in for an hour or make a day of it.

It's family-friendly and it's right nearby, so you do not need a big "drive across town" commitment.

Go early, grab a bite on the Square, and let the kids pick one thing they LOVE from the vendor booths.

This is where we end up when we want Mexican that feels a step above the usual weeknight spot but still works with kids. It's in the Sandy Plains area near Sprayberry, and the inside is way nicer than you'd expect from the shopping center it sits in. Good for a family dinner, meeting friends for margaritas, or a double date where you don't want to drive into Buckhead.

If you want to order like a regular, the Mexican street corn and the Texas dip get mentioned a lot. The chicken fajitas and enchiladas trio come up over and over in reviews, and the pulled chicken quesadilla is another one people keep going back to. The tableside guacamole is worth doing at least once. And the margaritas are solid, especially the cucumber one.

The service gets a lot of love here. Multiple reviews mention servers by name, which tells you something. It can get a little loud inside on weekends, but there's a patio if you want something quieter.

Price: $$
Hours:
Mon-Wed 11 AM-10 PM
Thu-Sat 11 AM-10:30 PM
Sun 11 AM-10 PM
Website: zamamex.com

Most people walk in here because their feet hurt and they don't know why. You walk out with shoes that actually fit, and it costs you nothing extra to find out.

They do a free video gait analysis and 3D foot scan right there in the store, and then match you to a shoe based on how you actually move. It sounds fancy, but it takes about 20 minutes and nobody pressures you to buy anything.

They carry Brooks, Hoka, Asics, On, Nike, Saucony, and more. And it's not just for runners. A lot of the reviews are from walkers, nurses, and people recovering from injuries who just needed someone to pay attention to their feet.

The staff gets mentioned by name constantly. They've been on Johnson Ferry since 2006 and they're locally owned, not a chain. They also do free group runs on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings if you're looking for people to run with.

Hours:
Mon-Thu 10 AM-8 PM
Fri 10 AM-7 PM
Sat 10 AM-6 PM
Sun 12-5 PM
Website: bigpeachrunningco.com

Candidate qualifying for the May 19, 2026 primaries opened Monday and closes Friday, March 6 at 12:00 noon. In the East Cobb area, the key local races include the District 3 seat on the Cobb Board of Commissioners and the Post 4 seat on the Cobb Board of Education.

Nonpartisan candidates qualify at the Board of Elections office on Roswell Street, while partisan candidates qualify through their county political party.

Even if you are not planning to run, this is the week the local ballot takes shape, and those races are the ones that tend to hit closest to home. East Cobb News will be tracking who qualifies throughout the week.

Source: Cobb County | East Cobb News

The City of Marietta is taking public input on its proposed 2028 SPLOST project list, and the first meeting is tonight, Thursday, March 5, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Cobb Civic Center (548 S. Marietta Pkwy SE).

The recommended project list was approved by the Mayor and City Council on February 11, and the city's estimated share is $78,227,427 based on projected county collections.

Two more meetings follow on March 31 and April 16. If you live in the city limits, this is when projects get shaped before they show up on a ballot. You can also email feedback to [email protected].

Source: Cobb County Courier

The Cobb County Public Library's Spring Book Sale runs March 13–15 at the Cobb Civic Center, 548 S. Marietta Pkwy SE.

Items include books for all ages in hardcover and paperback, DVDs, audiobooks, magazines, and puzzles, with prices ranging from 10 cents to $4. Hours are Friday and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday 1:00 to 5:00 PM.

Sunday is the big bargain day: bring your own box and fill it for a flat rate ($10 upper level, $20 lower level, $20 mixed). A simple way to stock up before spring break without blowing the budget. Cash, check, and Visa/MasterCard accepted.

Source: Cobb County

Need to clean out the file box without tossing sensitive stuff in the trash? The City of Marietta and Keep Marietta Beautiful are hosting a free shredding event on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Elizabeth Porter Park, 370 Montgomery Street NE.

You can watch your documents shredded on site. Paper items only, and there is a limit of 5 boxes per person.

Bring your old tax returns, bank statements, and anything with personal info. Donations are welcome but not required.

Source: City of Marietta

Vinny is the kind of dog who looks at you like he already knows the routine: walk, snack, couch, repeat. He’s a 2-year-old, neutered, 35-pound Lab mix with a rich chocolate coat and big, expressive eyes. The listing even says he resembles Santa’s Little Helper from The Simpsons, and honestly, I see it.

Personality-wise, he’s the best combo. He likes to get out and explore, but he also knows how to settle once you’re home. He’s crate trained and sleeps quietly through the night, which is a rare and beautiful thing. He’s also house-trained, vaccinated, and listed as good with kids and dogs, so he’s not a “figure it out later” project.

Vinny also has strong toy opinions. Tough chews, plushies, squeaky toys, he’s into all of it. If you have a backyard and a basket of dog toys, he’s going to stay busy and happy.

Important note from the rescue: complete the adoption application first. They do not respond to online inquiries, and they only contact approved applicants to set up a call and then a meet-and-greet.

Ozzie Albies Foundation
Marietta, GA
[email protected]
More about Vinny: PetFinder Profile | Adopt A Pet Profile

🧸 Playtime for Littles - East Cobb Library (4880 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta) | 10:30 AM | Free | More: Event info
Easy, low-pressure playtime and social time. Ages 1–5 with an adult caregiver.

🧱 Lego Free Play - Switzer Library (266 Roswell St, Marietta) | 4:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Open build time for kids ages 5–12. No registration.

🖼️ Marietta Square Art Walk - Historic Marietta Square (Marietta) | 5:00 PM–9:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
First Friday tradition — and 2026 marks the Art Walk's 20th anniversary. Wander galleries, pop-ups, and art stops, then grab dinner on the Square.

🏃 East Cobb Classic 5K + Fun Run - Eastside Christian School (2450 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta) | 7:45 AM | Paid | More: Event info
USATF-certified, Peachtree Road Race qualifier. 5K starts at 7:45 AM, kids fun run (50-yard dash and ½K) follows at 9:00 AM. Great for families who want a "we did something" morning.

🥕 Marietta Square Farmers Market - North Park Square / Mill Street Parking Lot (41 Mill St, Marietta) | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Coffee in hand, browse produce and local vendors, and still be home for lunch.

🕹️ Marietta the Gathering - Glover Park at Historic Marietta Square (50 N Park Sq, Marietta) | 10:00 AM–8:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Fourth annual pop culture festival with the Guild Show (makers and merch), Tourney Alley (board games, card tournaments, video gaming), a cosplay contest, live performances, speed cubing tournament, and food vendors. Easy drop-in, or make it an all-day thing.

🚛 Touch-A-Truck — Adams Park, Kennesaw (2600 Park Dr) | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Get up close with real fire trucks, construction equipment, police vehicles, and more. Kids can climb in, meet the operators, and ask all the questions. Food and drinks available on site. About 15 minutes from East Cobb.

🌱 Little Sprouts: Spring Plants & Animals — Smith-Gilbert Gardens (2382 Pine Mountain Rd, Kennesaw) | 9:15–9:45 AM | Included with garden admission | More: Register
Music, movement, and storytime for ages 0–4 on this month's theme: spring plants and animals. Pre-registration required. Stay and explore the gardens after.

🎨 Art in the Garden for Kids — Smith-Gilbert Gardens (2382 Pine Mountain Rd, Kennesaw) | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | $10/child | More: Event info
Kids ages 4–8 create their own "Tree of Life" sculpture using natural materials. All supplies included — just dress for mess. Pre-registration required.

🎲 Second Sunday Game Day - Switzer Library (266 Roswell St, Marietta) | 1:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Open play board games and card games. Bring friends or join a table.

🩰 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Georgia Ballet) - Jennie T. Anderson Theatre (548 S Marietta Pkwy SE, Marietta) | Tickets | More: Event info
A world premiere ballet reimagining of the classic story — part of the Georgia Ballet's 65th anniversary season. Tickets start at $26. Check the Georgia Ballet website for the Sunday showtime.

🖼️ Georgia Wood Artists: A Juried Exhibition - Marietta Cobb Museum of Art (30 Atlanta St SE, Marietta) | During museum hours | Admission varies | More: Event info
Fifty wood works from 39 Georgia artists, on display through March 22. Good "wander and talk about what you're seeing" outing. Works well before or after lunch on the Square.

🎬 First Friday Films - Freeman Poole Senior Center (4025 S Hurt Rd, Smyrna) | 12:30 PM | Free (registration) | More: Event info
A simple midday outing with popcorn. Call the center for the movie title.

😂 Comedy on the Square - The Alley Stage (11 Anderson St, Marietta) | Evening | Tickets | More: Event info
Recurring weekend comedy show on the Square. Check the Alley Stage site for the exact lineup and showtime.

💃 Line Dancing Night — Atlanta Hard Cider Co. & Distillery (1010 Roswell St NE, Marietta) | 7:00–10:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
First hour is free beginner instruction, then the floor opens for all levels. Easy add-on after Art Walk since both are near the Square — grab a cider and stay awhile.

🎥 Movies at The Strand: The Breakfast Club (1985) — Earl & Rachel Smith Strand Theatre (117 N Park Sq, Marietta) | 8:00 PM | $15 | More: Tickets
Classic film on a real theatre screen — the way it was meant to be seen. Grab dinner on the Square beforehand and make a proper night of it.

😂 Comedy UnCorked — Broken Anchor Winery (3335 Cobb Pkwy NW Ste 930, Acworth) | 7:00–10:00 PM | $17.59 | More: Tickets
Doors at 6, show starts at 7:30. Stand-up comedy with rotating headliners, 21+, wine in hand. A good "we actually did something on a Friday" plan if you're willing to drive to Acworth.

🥌 Curling 101: Sweep Into the Sport — East Cobb Library (4880 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta) | 11:00 AM | Free | More: Event info
The Peachtree Curling Association presents a history and rules breakdown, then takes attendees next door to their ice house for a live demo. Ages 16+, all abilities welcome — sensory-friendly. Wear warm clothes and closed-toed shoes.

🧶 Crochet Meetup - Switzer Library (266 Roswell St, Marietta) | 2:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Bring your own project or learn the basics. All skill levels welcome.

🧼 Soap Making - Gritters Library (880 Shaw Park Rd, Marietta) | 2:00 PM | $12 cash fee (registration) | More: Event info
Learn the process and take home your own soap. Space is limited, call to register.

🤣 Comedy at The Strand: Scriptless In Seattle - Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre (117 N Park Sq, Marietta) | 8:00 PM | Tickets | More: Event info
Improv-style comedy compared to "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" — a touring act with a cast in tuxes doing sketches, improvised musicals, and game shows. No two shows are the same. Good date night option.

🎬 Studio Ghibli Trivia Night — Atlanta Hard Cider Co. & Distillery (1010 Roswell St NE, Marietta) | 7:00–9:00 PM | Free | More: Event info
Test your knowledge of Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and everything in between. Good landing spot after Marietta the Gathering winds down — low-key, prizes for top teams, outside food welcome.

🎤 80s Karaoke Party — Rena Henton Theatre at Acworth Roberts School (4681 School St, Acworth) | 8:00–10:00 PM | $12–$21 | More: Tickets
Neon, big hair, costume contest, and full 80s chaos. A fun change-of-pace Saturday night if you're up for the Acworth drive.

🐾 HPF Pack Walk & Puppy Playtime — Homeless Pets Foundation (1343 Gresham Rd, Marietta) | Sunday mornings | Free | More: Volunteer info
Approved volunteers walk rescue dogs and run puppy play sessions every Sunday morning at the shelter — not a drop-in, but if you've been thinking about volunteering with animals, this is an easy, low-commitment way to start. Apply first, then you're in.

💍 Georgia Bridal Show — Cobb Galleria Centre (2 Galleria Pkwy SE, Atlanta) | 12:00–3:30 PM | Tickets vary | More: Tickets
Photographers, caterers, dresses, DJs, honeymoon specialists — all in one afternoon. If wedding planning is on the 2026 calendar, this is the most efficient way to start.

152 Columns Dr, Marietta 30067

What it is: A wide, flat gravel trail along the Chattahoochee River that's one of the most popular walks in the area. It's unpaved but smooth enough for most strollers, and the path is wide enough that you're not dodging people the whole time. The main loop is about 3 miles, but you don't have to commit to the whole thing. You can turn around whenever you want and make it as short or as long as your crew can handle. It works well for families with mixed ages since there's no elevation to fight and no tricky footing.

Why "almost" free: This is a National Park Service site, so there's a $5 daily entrance fee per vehicle (or $40 for an annual pass). Not a huge spend, but worth knowing before you pull in. You can buy the pass at the trailhead or online ahead of time.

Timing: The trail is open sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. Weekend mornings draw crowds of runners, cyclists, and dog walkers, so going early helps. If you can swing a weekday morning, even better.

Plan around it: The Columns Drive end has restrooms and drinking fountains right at the parking lot, which is one less thing to worry about with kids. There's no playground or separate kid area here. It's really just the trail and the river. But the scenery is nice enough that most kids stay interested, especially if they're into spotting birds or ducks along the water.

Parking: There's a large lot at the Columns Drive trailhead, but it fills up fast on weekends. Arriving early is the move.

More info:
nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/fees.htm
nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/parking.htm

Quick reminder before spring storms ramp up: wind and water are the two things that turn a normal afternoon into a call you didn't want to make. Ten minutes now can keep you out of the whole mess.

Start outside and look up. If you've got branches hanging over your roof, driveway, or power lines, trim them now. A lot of storm damage isn't the storm itself. It's what the storm throws. Then check your gutters and downspouts. Gutters should be clear, and downspouts should push water away from your foundation, not dump it right next to the house. If water pools near the foundation after a heavy rain, a simple downspout extender fixes that.

Last one: walk your yard and patio and grab anything loose. Cushions, umbrellas, lightweight chairs, kids' toys, even a grill cover. If wind picks it up and it hits your car or your neighbor's window, that's a claim you'd rather avoid.

Learn more: peachyinsurance.com

If you want something stable with good benefits, this is one of the better places to start. Cobb County posts openings across a wide range of departments including admin, parks and rec, public works, public safety, and skilled trades. Pay is competitive for the area and most full-time roles come with health coverage and retirement. Worth bookmarking even if you're not actively looking.

Browse openings: Learn more

CCSD is one of the largest employers in the entire metro Atlanta area, and they hire for a lot more than classroom teaching. Front office staff, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, maintenance and facilities, cafeteria workers, and substitute teachers are all regularly needed. If you have a teaching certificate, there are usually openings too, but you don't need one to get your foot in the door. Hours are often school-day friendly, which works well if you have kids of your own.

Browse openings: Learn more

Wellstar is one of the biggest healthcare employers in Georgia and their East Cobb Health Park on Roswell Road is right in the neighborhood. Their career site lets you filter by location and job type, so you're not wading through openings in Paulding County when you want something close to home. They hire across clinical and non-clinical roles, so healthcare experience helps but isn't always required depending on the position.

Browse openings: Learn more

For anyone considering a career in law enforcement or corrections, the Sheriff's Office posts current openings along with pay ranges directly on their site. Roles include deputies, detention officers, communications, and civilian support positions. If you've ever been curious about public safety work, this is the place to start your research.

Browse openings: Learn more

If you need something fast and local, this Indeed search is a solid starting point for what's hiring right now in Marietta and East Cobb. Results change frequently, so it's worth checking back if nothing jumps out on the first look. Good for anyone needing flexible hours, a second income stream, or a first job.

Browse listings: Learn more