Throughout the year, the City of Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department presents a variety of exciting events for the entire family to enjoy. Several 2011/2012 events are listed below. View our calendar for complete, up-to-date information, or click here to view images from recent events in our photo gallery.

---

Become an event sponsor!
In addition to other forms of traditional advertising, sponsorships allow businesses, large and small, to be associated with the positive benefits of a community event with a wide target demographic. We'll work with you to develop a sponsorship package -- financial and/or in-kind -- that meets your marketing goals and assists the City of Kennesaw in continuing to improve the quality of life for its citizens. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please call (770) 422-9714 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

---

Veterans Day Luncheon
Fri., Nov 11, 2011 from 12 to 2 p.m.
Ben Robertson Community Center
The City of Kennesaw will honor the service of military members past and present with a free lunch. American Legion North Cobb Post 304 is partnering with city officials and staff to host the lunch. All veterans and military service members are invited to attend and no identification will be required.

A Day with Santa
Sat., Dec 3, 2011 from 1 to 6 p.m.
Parade begins at 1 p.m.; Tree Lighting Ceremony begins 5:30 p.m.
Near the Depot (Parade on Main Street)
Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a festive parade in downtown Kennesaw featuring local marching bands and musical ensembles, costumed characters, designer floats and Santa Claus. Event also features a Christmas tree lighting program, children's activities, crafts, live entertainment, food/beverage vending, and sponsor exhibits. Admission is free.

Book, CD & DVD Swap
Open swap: Sat., Jan 28, 2012 from 8 to 11 a.m.
Drop off items: Thu. & Fri., Jan 26-27, 2012 from 12 to 8 p.m.
Ben Robertson Community Center
Drop off your gently used hardcover or paperback books, music CDs and DVD movies on Thursday and Friday, and receive a ticket redeemable for the same number of books, CDs and/or DVDs during the "open swap" on Saturday. Books must have the front and back covers intact and be in good condition. CDs and DVDs must be in their original cases and fully operable. Please do not bring any magazines, software, record albums, VHS or cassette tapes, adult content, unauthorized or illegal material. All items remaining after the swap will be donated to a local charity. This is not a book sale. It is a FREE media swap. Items will not be available for purchase.

Valentine's Dance (Theme: Top Hat & Tails)
Sat., Feb. 11, 2012 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Ben Robertson Community Center
Black tie is optional, but dress to impress for an evening of sweets and other surprises during this anniversary event focusing on the bond between family members. Move and groove to upbeat music, along with a mix of slow songs provided by professional DJ. The evening will also feature crafts, food/beverages, and souvenir photo opportunities. Advance tickets are $10 per person. Children ages 3 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.kennesaw-ga.gov/pkrec or at the Ben Robertson Community Center. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $15 per person (based on availability, space is limited).

Touch-A-Truck
Sat., Mar 17, 2012 from 10 to 2 p.m.
Near the Depot
Kids of all ages will have the opportunity to touch, climb on and learn about their favorite vehicles all in one location, and in a safe, supervised environment. Transportation on display includes police and emergency vehicles, construction trucks and tractors, cool cars, specialty vehicles, and tricycles for tots. The event will also feature children's activities, food/beverage vending, and sponsor exhibits. Admission is free.

Bunny Breakfast
Sat., Mar 31, 2012
Seatings at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.
Ben Robertson Community Center
Hop on over for a delicious family breakfast with the Easter Bunny. Enjoy crafts, games, and souvenir photo opportunities. Advance tickets are $5 per person. Children ages 3 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.kennesaw-ga.gov/pkrec or at the Ben Robertson Community Center. Tickets can also be purchased at the door for $8 per person (based on availability, space is limited).

Easter Egg Scramble
Sat., Mar 31, 2012 from 11 to 1 p.m.
Adams Park
Join in the fun of this eggs-traordinary Kennesaw tradition! The scramble will feature more than 75,000 goody-filled eggs and colorful candy treats, and a few "rare" eggs that can be redeemed for larger prizes. Children will be divided into ages on 3 softball fields: 0-3yrs, 4-5yrs and 6 & up. A 4th field will be designated for children with special needs, or those who require assistance. Bring a basket and your camera (we're expecting a visit from the Easter Bunny). The event will also feature children's activities, food/beverage vending, and sponsor exhibits. Admission is free. In the event of inclement weather, the Easter Egg Scramble will be rescheduled for Saturday, April 7.

Outdoor Movie Series
Sat., May 5, 2012 from 6 to 10 p.m. - Puss in Boots (Rated PG)
Sat., Jun 2, 2012 from 6 to 10 p.m. - Disney's The Muppets (Rated PG)
Sat., Sep 15, 2012 from 6 to 10 p.m. - Title to be Announced
Swift-Cantrell Park
Families in search of a fun and inexpensive night out together can head to Swift-Cantrell Park for free films shown on a giant inflatable screen. Moviegoers are encouraged to bring a blanket or comfortable low-back chair. A selection of food, beverages and snacks will be available for purchase. Arrive at 6 p.m. for children's activities, inflatables, and giveaways. Parking is available at Swift-Cantrell Park, which is located at 3140 Old 41 Highway, and at Kennesaw Elementary School. All films will begin at dark. Titles are subject to change.

Go Skateboarding Day
Thu., Jun 21, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Swift-Cantrell Park
Celebrate the official holiday of the action sport known as skateboarding. Enjoy an evening of skateboarding activities, contests, demonstrations and fun. Event will also feature music, giveaways, and food/beverage vending. Admission is free.

Salute to America
Tue., Jul 3, 2012 from 6 to 11 p.m.
Near the Depot and in downtown Kennesaw
Salute to America, a pre-Independence Day celebration, will feature high-energy, live music performances and family entertainment; plus one of the biggest and brightest, star-spangled firework displays in North Georgia. Main stage performers include teen singing sensation Kaylin McClure, an electrifying Neil Diamond tribute show featuring the vocal talents of Conner Lorre, and The Stranger, who are undeniably the world's most authentic tribute to the legendary Billy Joel. Family stage performers include the band Revolution, and singer-songwriters Hannah DeLane and Savannah Jade. Fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. Visit www.KennesawJuly3.com for more information.

Kennesaw Sports Spectacular
Fri., Jul 27, 2012 from 6 to 9 p.m.
Adams Park
Find out all about sports leagues and sport opportunities in Kennesaw. Take part in live-action drills, challenges and on-field demonstrations. Representatives from the Kennesaw Baseball Association, Kennesaw Girls Softball Association, Kennesaw Futbol Club (soccer), and Kennesaw Youth Football/Cheerleading Association will be conducting registration for fall leagues. Event also features children's activities, music, giveaways, food/beverage vending, and sponsor exhibits. Admission is free.

Program Palooza
Sat., Aug 11, 2012 from 10 to 1 p.m.
Ben Robertson Community Center
Meet instructors, participate in demonstrations, and receive valuable information on Kennesaw Parks & Recreation programs. Attendees will be eligible to receive a registration discount on fall programs. Event also features children's activites, music, live entertainment, refreshments, and sponsor exhibits. Admission is free.
 
Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival
Fri., Aug 24, 2012 from 6 to 11 p.m. & Sat., Aug 25, 2012 from 10 to 10 p.m.
Adams Park
Experience the mouth-watering aroma and delicious taste of smoke-cooked barbeque, savor every heavenly bite of sweet peach desserts, and take delight in every moment of fun at the City of Kennesaw's 2012 Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival. The festival features a Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned BBQ competition, which is recognized as a Georgia Barbecue Championship contest; as well as a Backyard BBQ, Anything Butt and Peach Dessert Contest. Over $15,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to contest winners. Enjoy live musical performances, a family entertainment stage, a Kid Zone featuring amazing slides, inflatable bounces, interactive games and other child-friendly activities, delicious food and beverage vendors, and a street festival atmosphere of arts, crafts and general merchandise -- including a selection of sponsor booths with unique products and services. Admission is free. Visit www.pigsandpeaches.com for more information.

Worldwide Day of Play
Sat., Sep 29, 2012 from 9 to 12 p.m.
Swift-Cantrell Park
Kids and parents are invited to learn all about nutrition and physical fitness through fun, informative activity stations and demonstrations. Event also features music and sponsor exhibits. Admission is free.

Community Blood Drives
Various Dates
Ben Robertson Community Center
The Kennesaw Parks & Recreation Department hosts American Red Cross Blood Drives several times per year. Most healthy people who are at least 17 years old and weight 110 pounds or more are eligible to donate blood every 56 days. Schedule an appointment online at www.kennesaw-ga.gov/pkrec (click on the calendar entry), or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Below is a schedule of upcoming blood drives.

Tue., Feb 28, 2012 from 2 to 7 p.m. (Theme: Give from the Heart)
Tue., Jun 12, 2012 from 2 to 7 p.m. (Theme: Summer Heroes)
Tue., Oct 23, 2012 from 2 to 7 p.m. (Theme: Drain Your Vein)

Kennesaw Grand Prix
Various Dates
The Kennesaw Grand Prix is a series of six 5K races held in Kennesaw. Races are electronically timed for fast and accurate results. Each course takes runners from downtown Kennesaw towards Swift-Cantrell Park, making a loop inside the park, and then going back up Old 41 Highway/Main Street for an unforgettable finish in downtown Kennesaw. Visit www.kennesawgrandprix.com for more information.

Additionally, the City of Kennesaw and Kennesaw Business Association co-sponsor the following events: Big Shanty Festival The Big Shanty Festival features hundreds of crafters, artisans and vendors, in addition to a parade, live entertainment, children's activities and loads of festival food. Admission is free. A Taste of Kennesaw Sample fare from dozens of Kennesaw area restaurants, as well as enjoy continuous stage entertainment and a variety of children's activities. Admission is free. Tastes range from $1 to $4. For more information, or if you are an artist, vendor, entertainer or prospective sponsor, please visit the Kennesaw Business Association web site at www.kennesawbusiness.org or call (770) 423-1330.