Fun & Entertainment

WOODSTOCK, GA:

Families flocked to The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta this weekend for a prehistoric adventure designed especially for the youngest dinosaur enthusiasts.

The dinosaur themed event featured life like dinosaur puppets that children could meet up close, along with interactive learning activities, dancing, and sing alongs led by energetic performers. Throughout the event, young attendees stomped, roared, and danced their way through a fun filled experience that combined entertainment with education.

The event was clearly geared toward children in the 3 to 7 year old age range, with plenty of opportunities for little ones to get involved. Fans of catchy children’s songs, including the ever-popular “Baby Shark,” found themselves right at home as performers encouraged the crowd to sing, dance, and join in the dinosaur-themed fun.

While teenagers may have found themselves less impressed, often preferring their phones to prehistoric adventures, younger children were fully engaged from start to finish.

Complete with dinosaur growls, giant stomps and plenty of smiles, the event delivered an unforgettable day for Woodstock’s smallest dino fans.

Be sure to check out our included photos and videos from the event to see all the prehistoric fun, dancing, and dinosaur encounters that made the day so memorable.

Eye on Cherokee Brings Live Coverage to NotATypical Festival 2026

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA:

Eye on Cherokee was proud to be on location providing live video coverage of the 2026 NotATypical Festival, a one of a kind community event focused on mental health awareness, inclusion, local business support, and creating positive social experiences for adults and families alike.

Held on May 30, 2026, the 3rd annual festival once again transformed into a vibrant and welcoming block party filled with live entertainment, community engagement, and activities for attendees of all ages. Thousands gathered throughout the day to enjoy multi-genre live music, local DJs, dance lessons provided by Beyond the Spotlight Dance Studio, interactive vendor experiences, and nonprofit organizations dedicated to making a difference in the community.

One of the festival’s most unique features was its commitment to inclusivity. Organizers provided a sensory escape tent for attendees who needed a quiet space to recharge, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to enjoy the event comfortably and safely.

Eye on Cherokee’s video news team spent the day capturing the excitement, interviewing attendees and vendors, and showcasing the incredible atmosphere that made this year’s festival such a success. From the packed crowds and energetic performances to the diverse lineup of local businesses and community organizations, the event highlighted the power of bringing people together in a supportive environment.

Festival organizers, vendors, and attendees alike described the day as a tremendous success, with many praising the event’s focus on acceptance, awareness, and community connection.

Stay connected with Eye on Cherokee for more local news, events, and live coverage from across Cherokee County and surrounding communi

Summer in Cherokee County: Concerts, Festivals, Farmers Markets and Small Town Traditions Fill the 2026 Calendar

From free concerts on the river to Saturday morning farmers markets and one of North Georgia’s biggest July 4th celebrations, summer in Cherokee County is packed with events that give residents plenty of reasons to stay close to home this season.

Across Canton, Woodstock, Ball Ground and Waleska, local communities are rolling out full calendars featuring outdoor concerts, arts festivals, family events, craft shows and weekly markets running through the fall.

Here is a look at some of the biggest events happening across Cherokee County this summer.

Canton Anchors the Summer Calendar

Downtown Canton once again serves as one of the busiest summer hubs in the county, with major events nearly every month.

The summer kicks off Saturday, May 16, with the Georgia Fire Truck Pull benefiting Curing Kids Cancer. Teams of firefighters and community members will compete to pull a 30,000-pound fire engine 50 feet while raising money for children battling cancer.

Music fans can also look forward to the popular River Rock Concert Series at Etowah River Park. The free concert lineup includes tribute bands, country music, and bluegrass performances throughout the summer:

* May 16: Departure, a Journey tribute band

* June 20: Pandora’s Box, an Aerosmith tribute

* July 18: Country artist Mark Wills

* August 15: Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder

Residents can also enjoy the Canton Farmers Market every Saturday at Brown Park, monthly First Friday events downtown, and Dollar Movie Thursdays at the Historic Canton Theatre throughout June and July.

Outdoor enthusiasts will have another major event on the calendar when the Georgia Outdoor Festival and Expo arrives at Cherokee Veterans Park June 20-21 with recreation vendors, demonstrations and family activities.

Canton’s annual July 4th parade and fireworks celebration is expected to once again draw large crowds downtown for one of the region’s biggest Independence Day events.

The summer schedule wraps up with two major late season events:

* The Chick-fil-A Cherokee County 5K on August 22

* Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival on September 26-27 featuring more than 130 exhibitors and live entertainment

Woodstock Continues to Draw Regional Crowds

Just south of Canton, downtown Woodstock continues to build on its reputation as one of metro Atlanta’s most active entertainment districts.

The Woodstock Summer Concert Series at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Amphitheater returns with free shows that regularly attract thousands of attendees. This year’s lineup includes:

* June 13: Carly Pearce

* July 11: Midnight Star

* August 8: Pop 2000 Tour featuring Chris Kirkpatrick of NSYNC, O-Town and LFO

* September 12: Face 2 Face, an Elton John and Billy Joel tribute show

Woodstock’s Farm Fresh Market also continues its 13th season every Saturday morning on Market Street, featuring locally grown produce, baked goods and artisan vendors.

The city’s Brown Bag Concerts return every Thursday in September with free lunchtime music at The Park at City Center, while Family Fun Nights continue monthly through August.

Woodstock’s 29th Annual July 4th Spectacular will once again include a Freedom Run 5K, downtown parade, festival activities and a large fireworks display near Interstate 575 and Highway 92.

Art lovers can also stop by the Reeves House Visual Arts Center this summer for the annual juried exhibition featuring Southern artists working in painting, photography, sculpture and mixed media.

Small Town Markets Continue Across Cherokee County

While Canton and Woodstock host the largest events, smaller communities throughout Cherokee County continue to offer their own local traditions and weekly markets.

In downtown Ball Ground, the Lovin’ Local Market takes place Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October at City Park. The market features fresh produce, baked goods, handmade items and live acoustic music.

Meanwhile in Waleska, the Waleska Farmers Market opens Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. beginning in June beside City Hall. The quieter market near Reinhardt University offers an alternative to the larger weekend crowds found elsewhere in the county.

A Summer Calendar That Keeps Growing

With four farmers markets, multiple free concert series, community festivals and family friendly events stretching from May through September, Cherokee County’s summer calendar continues to grow alongside the county itself.

For many residents, these events are more than entertainment. They have become part of what defines life in Cherokee County, communities investing in public spaces, local traditions and events that continue bringing people together year after year.

Eye on Cherokee Scavenger Hunt Kicks Off March 20, 2026

Get ready, Cherokee County the adventure begins Friday, March 20!

Eye on Cherokee is launching a community wide scavenger hunt designed for good, clean family fun. The hunt is open to everyone and will continue until one player or one team successfully completes all challenges and is officially verified by our panel of judges.

Participants can expect creative challenges, local check-ins, and non purchase based tasks that support area businesses, while adding to the excitement. Once all challenges are completed and verified, several winners will be announced, and prizes will be awarded.

But we need your help to make this event unforgettable!

We are currently seeking:

 • Local business sponsors willing to donate products or gift cards as prizes

 • Volunteers and game staff to help manage and verify challenges

 •  Local businesses interested in serving as official checkpoints or in game locations

This is a fantastic opportunity to bring the community together while showcasing the amazing businesses that make Cherokee County special.

If you would like to volunteer, sponsor a prize or gift card, or have your location participate as a checkpoint, please email:

 eyeoncherokee@gmail.com

Let the games begin, Cherokee and may the best team win! 

Chalktoberfest Brings Color, Crowds, and Community Spirit to Historic Marietta Square

By Salvatore Insinga, Staff Writer

MARIETTA, GA — Under clear blue skies and perfect autumn weather, the historic Marietta Square came alive this weekend for Chalktoberfest, an annual celebration of art, music, and community spirit that drew thousands of visitors to the heart of the city.

Professional chalk artists from across the country and around the world transformed the brick walkways into a dazzling open-air gallery. Their intricate, large-scale chalk and paint masterpieces covered the streets in a spectrum of color and creativity — from vivid portraits to surreal landscapes and playful pop culture tributes.

A special section of the festival showcased young local artists from nearby schools, who eagerly joined the fun with their own imaginative chalk creations. Their section became one of the festival’s most popular attractions, drawing proud families and plenty of encouragement from festival-goers.

In addition to the art, Chalktoberfest featured a bustling lineup of vendors offering everything from artisan crafts and handmade jewelry to delicious food, local brews, and seasonal treats. Inside the square, live bands played crowd-pleasing cover songs throughout the day, adding a festive soundtrack as families, couples, and friends strolled through the streets admiring the art, scarecrow displays, and Halloween decorations set up by the City of Marietta and local businesses.

Among the lively crowd was Sam Foster, a young mayoral candidate who spent the day mingling with attendees and sharing his vision for Marietta’s future. Foster, who has lived in the city for six years, said he hopes to make Marietta “more accessible and affordable for younger residents” by expanding affordable housing options and making the square more bicycle-friendly.

Foster even gave a nod to his favorite local eatery on the square, The Australian Bakery Café, calling it his favorite Marietta restaurant.

As the sun set over the square and the final chalk strokes faded into the glow of string lights and laughter, Chalktoberfest once again proved why it’s one of Marietta’s most beloved traditions — a perfect day for art, community, and connection.

Lewis Park: Cherokee County’s Whimsical “Faerie Park” Seeks to Grow Again

Woodstock, GA – September 11, 2025

Nestled on 57 acres of wooded land just south of Allatoona Lake, Lewis Park at 200 East Bells Ferry Road offers a peaceful escape for residents of the Towne Lake and Sixes communities. Known for its shaded walking trails that wind along a tributary of the Little River, the park has earned a unique reputation over the years as Cherokee County’s very own “Faerie Park.”

For more than a decade, visitors have adorned the forest with toys, marbles, hand-crafted art, and tiny faerie houses, creating a magical trail that has attracted families, hikers, and dreamers alike. Recently, however, much of the artwork and faerie homes were removed, leaving behind only traces of what many called the most whimsical trail in the county.

But the magic is returning. In recent months, community members have begun decorating the trail again—this time with several thousand pieces of art and decorations. While not yet at the scale of its former glory, supporters say Lewis Park could once again grow into one of the greatest faerie gardens in Georgia.

To help make that vision a reality, Eye on Cherokee has launched a special Faerie House Contest. Participants are invited to design and place their own faerie houses along the Lewis Park trail, then submit a photo of their creation to eyeoncherokee@gmail.com.

Entries will be judged on originality and effort, with prizes awarded to multiple winners. The contest runs now through December 1st, when the winning submissions will be announced.

Organizers hope the competition will inspire more residents to contribute to the park’s whimsical charm.

“We want Lewis Park to be the greatest faerie park in Georgia,” organizers said. “Because we are Cherokee County—and we are the best county.”

For now, the forest trail awaits its next chapter, where community creativity may once again transform Lewis Park into a place where imagination takes root among the trees.

On March 1st, 2025, Marietta the Gathering—a free public event hosted by the city—brought fans together in historic Marietta Square. The event united various fandoms, from anime enthusiasts and tabletop gamers to live-action role-players (LARPers). Well-organized and lively, it featured activities like LARP foam fighting, Dungeons & Dragons sessions, and miniature painting.

Attendees embraced the spirit of the event, with many showing off elaborate costumes. The furry community made a strong showing, with colorful, costumed critters gathering in the square.

The event highlighted Atlanta’s thriving nerd culture while showcasing Marietta as one of its most exciting, up-and-coming suburbs. With food, fun, games, and costumes, it was the perfect way to spend a sunny spring day in Georgia.

by S.Insinga

Punk Rock and Comic books have made their way to Main Street Acworth, Chris Hamer owner of URBNPOP Comics has brought something new to Cherokee County.  

 Chris Hamer Atlanta artist and creator of the Scout Comics Adventure of Byron title has opened up a comic book, art and toy store that embodies the indy feel of little 5 points. The shop has featured art for sale by known local artists and serves as a gallery that the public may view. Visiting the shop was fun, thousands of comics lined in rows ready to view, displays full of retro toys and Chris is an encyclopedia of pop art and culture. We discussed old school punk, local arts and upcoming shows. I feel like Chris definitely planted a flag on main street that cool and interesting things are finally coming to Acworth.