Cobb County will host the return of the International Festival 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center in Marietta. This event will showcase and highlight the vibrant cultural diversity that shapes and enriches the community. The free festival is a celebration of global cuisine, music, and visual and performing arts. There will be performances, vendors, and activities for all ages. Go here for more information.
Board set for vote on proposed budget, millage
The final in-person public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and millage will be held 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, in the Board of Commissioners meeting room at 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta. The board is expected to vote on the proposal after the hearing. You can view this and all commission meetings at cobbcounty.gov/CobbTV.
The general fund is expected to increase by $18 million, reaching $643 million, while the total operating budget will rise by $49 million, totaling $1.325 billion. The county’s millage rate would remain unchanged at 8.46 mills.
A special event during All-Star week unveiled new upgrades at Rhyne Park in Smyrna that will make playing softball even more fun for local youth leagues. Thanks to funding from the Atlanta Braves, Major League Baseball, and Cobb County, the park now features new turf fields, improved batting cages, updated fencing, and more. Softball player Ellery Thomas had the honor of throwing the first pitch and cutting the ribbon to celebrate the park’s reopening.
Cast your lot into youth fishing contest
Hook it up with us at the next Fishing Rodeo, 9 - 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26, at Lost Mountain Park, 4845 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs. Kids 3 - 16 can cast off and try to catch the biggest swimmer in the pond. Sign up $5, on the registration page here.
Monitor your water use the easy way
Stay cool this summer while tracking your water use with a limited time offer through July 27 – exclusively for Cobb Water customers.
Get the Flume Smart Home Water Monitor and Leak Detector for $179 with free shipping from the customer page here. Customers can apply for a bill credit rebate of $100 after proof of installation, making your out-of-pocket cost only $79.
Cobb County Juvenile Court Administrator Adolphus Graves recently received the prestigious Exemplary Leadership in Youth Justice Award from the National Resource Center for the Transformation of Youth Justice. This national recognition celebrates his unwavering commitment to collaborative reform, innovation, and compassionate leadership within the youth justice system.
Graves' career includes serving as Director of Probation Services, Chief of Staff, and Court Administrator across several Georgia jurisdictions. In his current role in Cobb, Graves oversees all non-judicial operations, including fiscal management, strategic planning, and staff performance, guiding the court toward excellence through integrity and innovation.
Application time extended for firefighter positions
Make a difference in Cobb County by joining the Fire and Emergency Services Department. Whether you're experienced or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities available. You'll work 10 shifts a month on a 24/48 schedule. Applications are open throughJuly 28. Paid training is provided. Find more info and apply here.
Bring hard-to-recycle items to Saturday event
Recycle your broken pickleballs, wrappers, foam to-go boxes, snack bags and more. If you're serious about recycling, get some Hefty Renew Bags (orange) and fill them up with the stuff that is super hard to recycle. The bags are available at many large retailers.
Bring your filled bags to the next Keep Cobb Beautiful recycling event 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, July 26 at Gritters Library, 880 Shaw Park Road, Marietta. Bring your glass jars, cans and cardboard plus hard to recycle items like take-out boxes, pickleballs, bubble wrap and more.
School supply giveaways held and donations collected
Now is your chance to help local students. As children get ready for their return to the classroom, numerous organizations in Cobb County are seeking your assistance to get backpacks and school supplies to kids. They are also giving away supplies at various events listed here.
Adopt a new companion
Until the end of July, you can adopt your forever friend for just $25 at the Cobb County Animal Shelter. Cobb has plenty of dogs and cats waiting for a forever home with you. Pets are spayed/neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, FIV/FeLV (cats) and heartworm (dogs) tested.
The state and county are seeking feedback about a proposed project to replace the Bells Ferry Road Bridge over Noonday Creek. The new construction, which would accommodate two through lanes with a 14-ft median and connection to Noonday Creek Trail, would be staged so that no off-site detour would be required.
Pack your picnic baskets and blankets for evenings of free entertainment on the lawn during Scene on the Green at The Art Place in Marietta. Gates open at 6 p.m., giving families time to settle in and socialize before performances begin at 7 p.m. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, with lawn and grass seating available, along with a limited number of bistro tables and chairs.
July 24: Inside Out 2 - Movie
Aug. 14: Twisters - Movie
Aug. 16: End of the Line - Concert
All events and parking are free and open to the public. The Art Place is located at 3330 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta.
Movies at the amphitheatre
The Kaiser Permanente Summer Movie Series continues with Cobb PARKS and you’re invited to enjoy free movie nights at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre.
July 25 – Wonka
Aug. 1 – The Greatest Showman
Aug. 22 – The Peanuts Movie
For every movie, gates will open at 6 p.m. and the movie will start at 7 p.m. No tickets will be required. You can bring your own food and drink, and parking is free. First-come, first-served, rain or shine. The Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre is located at 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton.
Pet fashion coming to Mableton
Save Saturday, Aug. 9, for Woofs and Whiskers: The Ultimate Pet Fashion Show at Mable House Arts Center. This event, held 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., will celebrate creativity and the bond between pets and their owners. Show off your style by designing matching or unique outfits for you and your pet and strut your stuff down the runway to cheers from the crowd. Enjoy pet adoptions, shop for pet accessories, and experience a fun-filled day for all ages. Go here for more information.
Many of Cobb County's departments played a crucial role in making the recent Major League Baseball All-Star Game and its accompanying activities a safe and enjoyable event for all attendees. Watch some of the highlights!
Cobb County and the new city of Mableton will soon start negotiations on a long-term Service Delivery Strategy agreement as mandated by the state. See what these SDSs are all about and learn some of the misconceptions about the agreement.
A lot happens around the county that just doesn't fit into one weekly newsletter. Get more news and information from the Cobb departments you want to hear from.
