Autumn settles into Sandy Springs gently, and the stretch from Monday, September 28 through Tuesday, October 6, 2026 shows the city at its most composed. Les Miserables has closed and the big October festivals are still a couple of weekends out, which leaves room for quieter pleasures: a slow morning practice on the City Green, an evening market on the north end of Roswell Road, and two nights of polished touring productions at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. Here are four ways to spend the week well.
Tai Chi on the City Green
Why It Stands Out
On Wednesday, September 30, the City Green at 1 Galambos Way hosts two Tai Chi sessions, one at 10:00 a.m. and one at 5:00 p.m. The class is led by Florin Szondi of the USA Chen Taiji Center in partnership with the Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks Department. It is a small, unhurried way to use the civic heart of the city on an ordinary weekday, and the lawn in early fall light makes a far better studio than any room with mirrors.
What to Expect
The city describes the practice as gentle and flowing, built on slow, low-impact movements meant to support strength, balance and flexibility. It is pitched for all ages and fitness levels, so no background is needed. Plan on an hour. Comfortable clothing and flat shoes suit the setting, and a water bottle is a sensible addition on a warm afternoon.
Best For
Newcomers looking for a low-key way to meet neighbors, couples who want a shared weekday ritual, and anyone who works from home and needs a reason to step away from the desk. The 5:00 p.m. session fits neatly before an early dinner at one of the City Springs restaurants a short walk from the Green.
Timing and Planning
Registration runs through the USA Chen Taiji Center link on the City Springs event page, so sign up ahead rather than simply showing up. The listing notes that scholarships are available by application through the city recreation office. The class also recurs on other weekdays, which makes the September 30 session an easy trial run before committing to the fall.
Sandy Springs Night Market
What to Expect
On Thursday, October 1, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., the Sandy Springs Night Market sets up at River Springs Shopping Center, 8610 Roswell Road. Part of the city's farmers market program, the evening edition brings together more than 30 local farmers, food producers, artisans and specialty vendors. Expect seasonal produce, handcrafted goods and prepared foods, with the city pitching it as a chance to pick up a freshly made dinner and shop local in a relaxed setting.
Neighborhood Angle
The Night Market runs only on the first Thursday of September, October and November, which makes the October 1 date one of just two remaining this season. Its home on the north end of Roswell Road gives residents near Morgan Falls and the river corridor a market close to home, and it gives everyone else a reason to explore a part of the city that sits outside the City Springs orbit.
Insider Tip
Treat it as dinner rather than an errand. Arrive near the 5:00 p.m. start for the fullest selection of produce and baked goods, then circle back to the prepared food vendors once you know what you want. Bring a sturdy tote and a small cooler bag in the car if you plan to stock up on anything perishable. This is a casual stop that easily fills an hour, and it pairs well with a walk before the light fades.
Cinderella by the United European Ballet Company
Why It Stands Out
Classical Arts Entertainment brings the United European Ballet Company to the Byers Theatre at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, 1 Galambos Way, on Friday, October 2 at 7:00 p.m. The production sets the fairy tale to Sergei Prokofiev's score, with an international cast of European and Ukrainian dancers, hand-painted scenery and richly made costumes. The presenters describe it as classical ballet with a touch of Broadway-style theatrical energy.
Best For
Families introducing children to ballet, friend groups who enjoy an evening at the theater, and couples who appreciate a full-length story ballet without the drive downtown. The performance runs in two acts with one intermission and is billed as suitable for all ages, so the pacing works for younger audiences.
Timing and Planning
Doors open one hour before curtain, which leaves time to settle in without rushing. Sandy Springs PAC uses all-in pricing that folds facility fees and taxes into the ticket price, so what you see at checkout is what you pay. For a memorable add-on, the pink-seat VIP packages include a 20-minute backstage tour with a dancer, a photo session and a professional 8x10 print. Buy ahead for the widest choice of seats. Full details are on the Sandy Springs PAC Cinderella page.
BENISE: 25 Years of Passion
What to Expect
On Saturday, October 3 at 7:00 p.m., Spanish Guitar Entertainment presents Benise, known as the Prince of Spanish Guitar, at the Byers Theatre at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, 1 Galambos Way. The anniversary show traces a musical journey through Spanish flamenco, Cuban salsa, Brazilian samba, the Parisian waltz and exotic drumming, with the guitarist joined by a band of musicians and choreographed dancers.
Best For
Date nights, friend groups who want something livelier than a standard concert, and anyone who loves world music with a theatrical frame. It is a strong pick for hosting visiting relatives, since the mix of music and dance travels well across tastes.
Neighborhood Angle
This is where City Springs earns its reputation as a walkable evening district. The event page points to Restaurant Row and CityBar within walking distance of the theater, and underground parking sits beneath the complex, with valet also offered. Park once, have dinner, see the show, and linger on the Green afterward. Doors open an hour before showtime, so a 5:30 p.m. dinner reservation leaves a comfortable margin.
Event Q&A
Where should I park for shows at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center?
City Springs has an underground garage beneath the complex, and the Benise event page lists event parking at $10 and valet at $15. Arriving when doors open, one hour before curtain, gives you time to park, find your seats and settle in without hurry.
How do I reach the Sandy Springs PAC box office?
The box office phone is (770) 206-2022. It is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5:00 p.m. and two hours before showtimes. Tickets for both Cinderella and Benise are also sold through sandyspringspac.com.
Is City Springs Theatre Company performing during this window?
No. Les Miserables closed on September 27, and the company's next mainstage production, Anastasia, runs December 11 to 27, 2026. The ballet and Benise are the performing arts headliners at the PAC this week.
When is the next Sandy Springs Night Market after October 1?
The city lists the market on the first Thursday of September, October and November, so the next edition after October 1 falls on the first Thursday in November, again from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at River Springs Shopping Center. Confirm the details on the city's Night Market page before heading out.
