Image via Pixabay by panaquip

Many families move to Alpharetta from the busier downtown Atlanta because of its culture along with its suburban qualities. The city is considered a safe place to raise kids, but it still has a wide variety of festivals and events each year. Many of these events are family-friendly, though some offer fun nights out for parents only. Mark your calendar for these top Alpharetta festivals and events that are still on despite the current COVID-19 pandemic. From fireworks shows to food tastings, there’s something here that anyone can enjoy!

Chattanooga Nature Center Halloween Hikes

While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused hundreds of event cancellations in the area, there are still some that can go on as planned. The Chattahoochee Nature Center is continuing its Halloween Hikes this fall on Oct. 23 and 24 from 7-10 p.m. This is the 34th annual Halloween Hike, which is a safe event for kids to explore the park and connect with nature with the help of a dedicated tour guide. The event brands itself as “the perfect non-scary alternative to traditional Halloween events.”

Not only can guests get a chance to see some live animals, but they can also meet costumed characters like the box turtle and river otter. The hike is both fun and educational. Admission is $12 per person and includes all activities throughout the evening. You will receive a card that has the time of your hike, which lasts about 45 minutes. Follow the Chattahoochee Nature Center for COVID-19 requirements to keep families safe.

Art in the Park

Do you love exciting arts and crafts made by local vendors? Then you will love Art in the Park, a monthly event that usually falls on the last Saturday of each month. Located at Brooke Street Park in downtown Alpharetta, this event features dozens of tents with local vendors who make hand-crafted jewelry, impressive woodwork, and other artistic wonders that are sure to surprise and dazzle.

You can visit this festival ahead of the holiday season to pick out gifts for your friends and family members, or just use it as a way to get out of the house. You can also pick up some handmade children’s clothing for the kids. Afterward, the whole family can stroll around downtown and enjoy some of the top restaurants in our area.

Noon Year’s Eve at Avalon

You might think that New Year’s Eve isn’t the most kid-friendly holiday — few parents want their kids to stay up past midnight, and many kids fall asleep long before the ball drops. This is why the Hotel at Avalon and Alpharetta Conference Center started celebrating Noon Year’s Eve, to let kids ring in the new year during a time when most of them are awake.

The event typically runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on December 31 and features face painting, crafts, games, activities, and a giant balloon drop to ring in the New Year. Guests can enjoy complimentary snacks (like New Year’s cotton candy) and a bubbly bar with sparkling juices.

Parents can also enjoy Noon Year’s Eve with mimosas for purchase. Last year, there was also a silent auction to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. 

This event is still scheduled for 2020, though it may be canceled or moved because of the pandemic. 

Alpharetta Food Truck Alley

While the 2020 season of Food Truck Alley was canceled, there are high hopes that this event will go on in 2021. On Thursdays from mid-May through mid-October, dozens of food trucks park in downtown Alpharetta, and the streets are closed off to cars so that families have a safe place to walk around. Pick up a few quick bites from your favorite food truck or try something new from a restaurant you have never seen before. This event was established in 2013 to promote local food establishments in the area while creating a festive environment for locals. Along with food trucks, you can often enjoy live music, local entertainment, and even some kids’ activities. This is a fun social gathering where your kids can meet up with friends and play while you relax with the adults in the family.

This event is located on Old Roswell Street, and guests can use the downtown parking lot or the City Hall parking deck at 2 Park Plaza. While you are unable to attend this year’s alley, you can follow the event Facebook page for updates on where your favorite trucks are if you want to pick up dinner and have a safe, socially distant outdoor picnic. 

Memorial Day Celebrations

The residents of Alpharetta found a way to celebrate Memorial Day together even during the pandemic. When the 2020 live events were canceled because of the coronavirus, the city put on a virtual tribute to honor the fallen soldiers who died protecting American freedom. While this holiday is a time to reflect and thank those who fought for our country, it is also a time for families to come together. 

In non-pandemic times, families pack into local parks and grill out, enjoying the start of summer as kids run around and parents lounge in the shade. In Alpharetta, Memorial Day is also the opening day of Wills Park pool, which is open to the public to cool off in the hot Georgia heat. This pool is open to families until it closes on Labor Day in September.  

When the sun sets on Memorial Day, gather the family together to enjoy fireworks in the park or travel to Stone Mountain nearby to watch the fireworks and laser show. Your kids will be dazzled by the bright lights and enjoy spending a night out with the rest of the family. 

Alpharetta, Georgia is a great place to raise a family. With countless activities and festivals, your kids can keep exploring, learning, and having fun. Also, learn about our summer camps and after school care at Crème de la Crème of Alpharetta so your kids can have fun every day!