When it is open, those who need to use the shelter are asked to arrive by 8 p.m. The Hope House shelter is located at 1297 Bells Ferry Road, Marietta.
Transportation options are available to the shelter through transit vouchers provided by the county, available from Reflections of Trinity at 4037 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Powder Springs. Call 770-222-6511 to request the vouchers.
Celebrating the year with a fresh start
Brush off the old and ring in the new this week. Cobb County Government offices will be closed Thursday, Jan. 1. We hope everyone enjoys their New Year celebrations in safe and fun ways.
If you use consumer fireworks, protect yourself, your loved ones, and abide by regulations. See the state law here. Ordinances and safety tips include:
Fireworks may only be used from 10 a.m. Dec. 31 - 1 a.m. Jan. 1.
Cobb County prohibits any pyrotechnics in its parks.
Read and follow label directions.
Fireworks should only be used with adult supervision.
Only use fireworks outdoors.
Ensure you have water and fire extinguishing equipment handy.
Looking for a way to celebrate the New Year with the little ones?
The Cobb County Public Library is bringing its Noon Year’s Eve celebration to the Cobb Civic Center 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31. Enjoy a vibrant morning of music, creative crafts, and family-friendly games. Top it off with a special countdown to noon so everyone can ring in 2026 before naptime. The event is free and no registration is necessary. The Civic Center is located at 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta.
The Battery Atlanta will host alternatives for the young and grown-ups during its New Year’s Eve BASH. At 6 - 8 p.m. it will hold an Early Innings Family-friendly countdown with a performance by Uncle Jumbo. Starting at 9 p.m. the celebrations will feature 12 South Band and a fireworks show at midnight. Free parking in select decks. See full event details here.
Returning your trees to nature
Finished taking the decorations down? Bid a fond farewell to your tree at the Keep Cobb Beautiful annual Bring One for the Chipper recycling event 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at various locations throughout Cobb County. Live trees will be accepted at the locations throughJan. 3.
Flocked trees will not be accepted. Remove all decorations, mesh, lights, stands, and strings prior to dropping off trees.
Since its inception in Georgia, the program has recycled an estimated 5.9 million Christmas trees statewide. The mulch from these trees has been used for playgrounds, local government beautification projects, and individual yards.
Cobb County Water System and the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority announced the winning students of the 2026 Middle School waterSmart waterArt Calendar Contest this week. Nearly 200 students from Cobb County middle schools submitted original artwork judged on creativity, relevance, and artistic ability. All winning artwork is virtually displayed here.
This year’s winners are Angel S. from Simpson Middle School, Grace V. and Raya O. from Dickerson Middle School, Penelope S. (also cover art winner) and Olivia D. from Mabry Middle School, Lucy L. from Griffin Middle School, Jolin Q. from Lost Mountain Middle School, Riley P. and Esme E. from East Cobb Middle School, Lucy J. from Pine Mountain Middle School; Charlie S. from Smitha Middle School, and Kennedy Y. from Lovinggood Middle School.
The winning entries are featured in the 2026 waterSmart waterArt calendar available at Cobb Water Customer Service, 660 S Cobb Drive, Marietta. The calendar can also be downloaded here.
Amendments available for review
The 2026 proposed amendments to the Cobb County Comprehensive Plan are available for your review. The amendment package includes six zoning decisions and three commission proposals. Scheduled work session and public hearings:
Planning Commission Work Session, Jan. 6, 5:30 p.m.
Planning Commission Comp Plan Amendments Public Hearing: Jan. 6, 7 p.m.
Board of Commissioners Comp Plan Amendments Public Hearing, Jan. 20, 9 a.m.
There is an open call to all musicians, singers, dancers, rappers, spoken word performers, and more. This is an opportunity to showcase your individual talents, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the annual tribute event in Marietta.
Live audition dates will be held at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre:
5 - 9 p.m., Jan. 8
9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Jan. 10
5 - 9 p.m., Jan. 12
Video auditions may also be emailed to cobbnaacp@gmail.com. Call 770-425-5757 for further information.
The 2026 celebration will take place 10 a.m. - noon Monday, Jan. 19, at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, 548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta. View the flyer here.
Forsooth, a goode tyme for all
The Art Place is seeking a variety of vendors and artists for its Renaissance Faire March 28. There are spots available in its artisan market, food court area and demonstration section. Applications, which are due by Feb. 1, will be juried and, because space is limited, organizers will not be able to accept everyone.
There is a $10 application fee, but no booth fee. No tents, chairs or tables will be provided. Those accepted are limited to a 10-foot-by-10-foot area. This event will be held rain or shine. The Art Place is located at 3330 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta.
There will also be open auditions for The Adventures of Robin Hood, a traditional family panto to be performed at the Ren Faire. Auditions are 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Jan. 10 at The Art place.
Get yourself a gift from the Cobb County Public Library System. Buy cool library-themed clothing, fun gift wrap, and comfort items for your reading time in the new Cobb County Library merch shop. Proceeds go to the Cobb Library Foundation and support the library system. Find it here.
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.
Twelve months. Countless reasons to love Cobb County. Our digital 2026 Cobb County Calendar shows Cobb's parks and picturesque places. Photos are all taken by local photographers, Cobb PARKS annual photo contest winners, and county staff. You have a choice of two different covers. Use as computer screensavers or print for the wall or desk. Download a calendar here
