Come for the food and shopping. Stay for the performances and family activities. Dine and shop around the world at the Cobb International Festival 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center in Marietta. Take in the vibrant sights and sounds of dancers, singers, activities and more while tasting international cuisine. Admission and parking are free.
Shuttles to the event center will be available traveling from the North Lot for ADA guests and those needing assistance. A shuttle will also be available once inside the venue leading to the event center, for those ADA guests and any others needing assistance from the main lot ticket gate. (NOTE: Shuttles may have delayed times due to the volume of those being assisted with shuttle service.) Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center is located at 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta.
The Cobb County Emergency Management Agency is updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan for 2026, and your input matters. Updated every five years, this plan helps officials identify and address risks from natural, technological, and human-made hazards across unincorporated Cobb County and the seven city jurisdictions. View the plan here.
In this update, Cobb EMA considers factors like expected annual loss, community risk factors (including social vulnerability and community resilience), and the National Risk Index to evaluate hazards affecting the area. Once complete, the updated plan will be submitted to Georgia Emergency Management for review and then to FEMA for final approval. After approval, Cobb County and all city jurisdictions will adopt the plan to enhance our community’s safety and resilience. The public has until Aug. 22 to complete the survey.
Cobb improves emergency call system
Cobb 911 rolled out new technology upgrades last week that allows callers to stream live video directly to 911 dispatchers. In addition, some non-English speaking callers will have access to instant, real-time translation services to ensure clear communication when it matters most.
With these enhancements, Cobb 911 becomes the largest communications center in Metro Atlanta to launch an AI-powered phone system.
Discuss district issues and opportunities Thursday
The Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance will host a public town hall forum for Cobb County District 2 Commissioner Erick Allen 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at the Boy Scout Atlanta Area Council, 1800 Circle 75 Parkway, Atlanta.
Topics include:
A discussion on Sterigenics and redevelopment opportunities on Atlanta Road.
An update on the outlook for Town Center at Cobb mall, and efforts to address housing issues with students and the unhoused.
Learn how you can participate in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census this month. The Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County is hosting a virtual webinar, “Great Southeast Pollinator Census – Citizen Science at Work!” 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12. It will be led by UGA Extension’s Pollinator Census National Coordinator Becky Griffin. Free webinar registration here.
She will talk about pollinator ecology and share how every individual — young or old — can make a real impact by participating in the 2025 Great Southeast Pollinator Census, taking place on Friday, Aug. 22, and Saturday, Aug. 23.
Book sales shift to branches in wake of cancellation
The Cobb Library System has called off its Fall 2025 Book Sale due to limited storage availability. The sale normally requires space for tens of thousands of items that are either donated or removed from library shelves.
In lieu of the fall event, the library has expanded its in-house branch book sales and reduced prices to match the larger events, allowing patrons to shop for materials at their local library in a more intimate setting. These sales are ongoing all year.
The library system typically hosts two major book sales each year — one in the spring and one in the fall. These events serve as key fundraisers for the library, with proceeds contributing directly to the library’s operating budget. The library hopes to resume the larger sale event in spring 2026.
Fowl play in the neighborhood
A club for backyard chicken keepers will meet 6 - 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, starting Aug. 12 at West Cobb Regional Library, 1750 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw.
"The kickoff club meeting will be an informal meet-and-greet, open to all, with an open discussion for experienced chicken keepers and those interested in raising the birds," club organizer Library Assistant Kayleigh Haskin said.
A diverse group of regional leaders emphasized community partnerships at the annual Dobbins Air Reserve Base Stakeholder Meeting Tuesday, a high-level roundtable focused on the long-term success of one of Cobb’s most valuable assets.
Led by Cobb County Commission Chair Lisa Cupid, the meeting provided an in-depth briefing on the operations, projects, and community impact of Dobbins Air Reserve Base. Attendees heard updates on initiatives that reinforce the base’s vital role as both a strategic military site and a driving force in Cobb’s economy.
The water we have on Earth today is all the water we will ever have. So let’s make every drop count! Cobb County Water System encourages you to adopt simple water conservation actions that can have a great impact at home and the environment:
Replace bathroom fixtures with EPA WaterSense labeled products.
When doing laundry or using the dishwasher, run full loads.
Group plants with similar water needs together and irrigate between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m.
For more water conservation tips, incentives, and water saving kits, visit cobbcounty.gov/water.
New season, new activities for everyone
The Fall PARKS Activity Guide is available and features plenty to do during the upcoming season. Don’t miss the International Festival, the Mable House Harvest Fest, and the return of the spooky haunted house at the Fall Festival of Fun. Read about the artists behind the Milford Recreation Center’s community vibe. There are plenty of unforgettable programs and classes for swinging a racket, scoring big in adult sports leagues, or letting your inner actor take the stage.
Don’t miss the "All In" Town Hall 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, in the Board of Commissioners' second-floor meeting room at 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta. Hear directly from:
Economic Development Director Sabrina Wright
Cobb Workforce Development Executive Director and CobbWorks Inc. CEO Sonya Grant
Bring your questions, share your ideas, and take part in the conversation shaping Cobb County’s future.
Residents can make a difference with CERT
The Community Emergency Response Team program helps residents learn disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their areas and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
To join Cobb County CERT, you must be over the age of 16, live, work or worship in Cobb, and pass a criminal history background check. The remaining training classes scheduled for 2025:
Sept. 6, 13 and 20
Oct. 4, 11 and 18
Nov. 1, 8 and 15
The classes are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on three consecutive Saturdays at Cobb County Emergency Management Agency, 140 North Marietta Parkway, Marietta. Go here for more information.
When you wish upon a 5K
A bit of effort on your part can make dreams come true for local kids. Cobb County will host this year's Make-A-Wish 5K on Saturday, Oct. 4, in downtown Marietta. Proceeds from the event are donated to Make-A-Wish Georgia so it can grant requests for Cobb County children with critical illnesses.
The Make-A-Wish 5K is a Peachtree Road Race qualifying event. Participants assemble on the Marietta Square, and the race begins at 8 a.m. Walk-up registration begins at 7 a.m. Go here to register early and find more information.
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