The school year is officially upon us. Beat the back to school blues with these East Cobb events! For even more ideas, click here.

Free Mulch. Cobb EMC offers free mulch from the clearance maintenance of Cobb EMC power lines. It is available throughout the year and can be delivered when crews are in your area. More info: cobbemc.com/content/request-wood-chips.

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
Guided Trail Hikes. Hikes are led by a guide and highlight key sights, sounds and facts of the Chattahoochee Nature Center. $20/ages 5 and up (admission included); Free/members. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. More info: 770-992-2055 or chattnaturecenter.org.

AUGUST 1-4
Cobb International Film Festival. An opportunity for filmmakers of all levels to share their work. Events vary throughout the weekend. Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square, Marietta. Tickets: $15-$200. More info: cobbfilmfestival.com.

AUGUST 2
Marietta Square Art Walk. A self-guided tour of historic Marietta Square’s eclectic art scene. Art galleries, museums, cultural venues, restaurants and boutiques hosting artists within their businesses will display an Art Walk banner in their window. 5-9pm, rain or shine. Free. Maps available at each participating location and at the Marietta Welcome Center, 4 Depot Street NE, Marietta. More info: www.ArtWalkMarietta.com.

AUGUST 2-11
The Cotton Club Revue Encore. The Cotton Club Revue is a foot stomping, swinging jive, good time as you sing along to the hip sounds of the Cotton Club, New York’s historically famous Night Club. Thursday-Saturday: 8pm; Sunday: 2:30pm. Tickets: $25-$30. Marietta’s New Theatre in the Square, 11 Whitlock Avenue NW, Marietta. More info: www.theatreinthesquare.net.

AUGUST 3
Lutzie 43 Road Race 5K. Honoring the memory of Lassiter and Auburn football player, Philip Lutzenkirchen. All proceeds benefit the Lutzie 43 Foundation and the East Cobb County chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). The race start/finish line will be at Lutzie Field at Lassiter High School and features a fast, smooth run through the streets of East Cobb. Registration: 6:30am; Race: 8am. Pre-registration: $30; Registration: $43. Lassiter High School, 2601 Shallowford Road, Marietta/East Cobb. More info: lutzie43.org.

Legion Comic Convention. This family friendly event will feature comic books, toy vendors, lowbrow and pop artists. Photo opportunities available with the Mystery Machine, Cosplay, Anime, Manga, games and more. 11am-5pm. $5/kids; 10 and under/free. American Legion Post 160, 160 Legion Drive, Smyrna. More info: legioncomicconvention.com.

Roswell Riverside Sounds featuring Family & Friends. Concert: 7-9pm. Food available on site 6-9pm for purchase. Riverside Park, 575 Riverside Road, Roswell. Free. More info: 770-641-3705 or www.roswellriversidesounds.com.

Smyrna Summer Concert Series featuring the Mustangs and Banks and Shane. The Mustangs are known for their musicianship and harmonies, this lively 6-piece group covers your favorite music from the past 40 years. Crowd pleasers Banks and Shane are a high energy, blow the roof off band that will have the crowd dancing the night away under the stars! 6pm. Free or tables available to reserve $40/residents $50/non-residents. Village Green, 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna. More info: 678-631-5540 or www.smyrnacity.com.

AUGUST 4
Family Fun Day: Summer Adventures Day. Come celebrate the end of summer –be sure to wear your swimsuit, you might get wet on this day filled with adventure! Canoeing on Kingfisher Pond, water crafts, face painting, fly fishing, geocaching and knot tying, wet and wild games, water conservation activities, water science stations, storytime, creature feature, guided hikes and more. 12-4pm. Admission: $10/adults. $7/seniors and students ages 13-18. $6/ ages 3-12. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. More info: 770-992-2055 or www.chattnaturecenter.org/special-events/family-fun-days.

Georgia Bridal Show. Find everything you need in one place and in one day for your big day! Meet the photographer behind the photos, taste the cake, listen to the DJ’s music, see the gowns and tuxedos in person, talk to a honeymoon specialist about the right trip for your budget, and more! 12-5pm. Bridal fashion show 4pm. $10/advanced; $15/cash at the door. Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. More info: www.georgiabridalshow.com.

AUGUST 5
Cobb County Chamber of Commerce’s First Monday Breakfast. A panel discussion on how to create a culture that empowers, embraces and retains young professionals in the workplace. 7:30-9am. $30/member. $60/general admission. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. More info/ reservations: 770-980-2000 or cobbchamber.org.

AUGUST 7
Public Input Meeting. Cobb County PARKS staff will host a second round of public input meetings to discuss planning for the future of the Ebenezer park property purchased through the 2008 PARKS Bond program. Your input will play a vital role in the planning for future development once funding is identified. 6:30-8pm. Noonday Baptist Church, 4121 Canton Road, Marietta/ East Cobb. More info: cobbcounty.org/parks.

AUGUST 8
Open Garden: “Gardening for Birds”. Ellen Honeycutt, Atlanta gardener for 18 years, as well as an active member of the Georgia Native Plant Society and the Georgia Botanical Garden, will lead a discussion about native plants that provide berries, seeds, nectar and insects for birds and their young. Free. 9:30am. Wright Environmental Education Center, 2661 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta/East Cobb. More info: www.cobbmastergardeners.com.

Chattahoochee Sunset Sips presented by Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC). Enjoy a night out with families and friends for a fabulous concert. Bring a picnic and grab a beverage or snack (beer and wine available for purchase). This is a laid back, family friendly series and CNC’s grounds are open for you to explore. 6:30-9:30pm. Free/members; $10/adults; $7/seniors and students ages 13-18; $6/ages 3-12. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. More info: 770-992-2055 or chattnaturecenter.org.