Few places in metro Atlanta feel as walkable and community-minded as the Historic Marietta Square, where restored theaters, park concerts, and global festivals sit within a few blocks of one another. This nine-day roundup, running August 15 through August 23, highlights four standout happenings that showcase Marietta's small-town warmth and big cultural calendar. Whether you have lived in Cobb County for years or are weighing a move, these gatherings capture the rhythm of life around the Square.
All Shook Up: The Elvis Presley Musical
Why It Stands Out
Marietta Theatre Company's production of All Shook Up, a jukebox musical built around the songs of Elvis Presley, plays the Square with performances on Saturday, August 15, and continuing through August 22. It is a spirited, feel-good night of live theatre in one of Marietta's beloved stages.
What to Expect
Toe-tapping familiar hits, a loose comedic plot inspired by Twelfth Night, and the intimate energy of community theatre done well. Expect an enthusiastic local crowd.
Insider Tip
Weekend performances sell best, so buy tickets in advance and pair the show with dinner on the Square beforehand. Street parking is easiest if you arrive 45 minutes early.
Made in Marietta Pop-In for Family Fun
Why It Stands Out
On Saturday, August 15, the Marietta History Center hosts its Made in Marietta Pop-In for Family Fun, a hands-on celebration of the local businesses and makers that shaped the city's identity. It is a warm, accessible way to connect with the area's story.
Best For
Families and newcomers wanting a relaxed, educational morning right off the Square. Children and curious adults alike will find something to enjoy.
Timing and Planning
This is a casual, low-commitment stop rather than a full-day outing. Combine it with a walk around the Square and lunch at a local cafe for an easy Saturday.
Doubt: A Parable at the Strand
Why It Stands Out
On Friday, August 21, the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre presents Doubt: A Parable, a gripping, award-winning drama staged in Marietta's restored 1935 movie palace. The historic room adds gravity to an already powerful play.
Best For
Couples and culture-seekers who prefer a thought-provoking evening over a light night out. The intimate house makes every scene land.
Timing and Planning
Advance tickets are recommended, and arriving early lets you take in the Strand's ornate lobby. Treat it as the anchor of a refined date night on the Square.
Cobb County International Festival
Why It Stands Out
On Saturday, August 22, the free Cobb County International Festival fills Jim R. Miller Park with global cuisine, live performances, and cultural showcases from communities across the county. It is one of Marietta's most vibrant, family-friendly gatherings of the summer.
What to Expect
Food from around the world, dance and music on multiple stages, and a genuinely diverse, celebratory crowd from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Insider Tip
Come hungry and arrive near opening to beat the midday heat and the busiest food lines. Parking fills quickly, so carpool if you can and bring cash for vendors.
Event Q&A
Which event is best for families?
The Cobb County International Festival is the top family pick, offering free admission, global food, and live performances with plenty of room for kids to explore.
Which event feels most on-brand for a date night?
Doubt: A Parable at the Strand is the ideal date night, pairing a powerful drama with the atmosphere of Marietta's historic theatre and the dining scene just outside.
Which event is best for someone new to the neighborhood?
The Made in Marietta Pop-In is perfect for newcomers, offering a friendly, low-pressure introduction to the city's history and character right off the Square.
Which event is worth planning ahead for?
All Shook Up rewards advance planning, as its popular weekend performances tend to sell through quickly.
