Cobb County Government's Cobbline Weekly
WEEK OF APRIL 13, 2026

Meet the candidates face-to-face

Microphone in front of a room of empty chairs

The county will host a nonpartisan candidate meet and greet 6 - 8 p.m. Friday, April 17, at the Cobb Civic Center in Marietta. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about candidates on the ballot in an open and informative setting.

Georgia’s gubernatorial candidates will have up to five minutes to speak, followed by brief remarks from other participating candidates. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with candidates at designated tables throughout the venue. The event is designed to encourage civic engagement and help voters stay informed ahead of the upcoming primary election. The Civic Center is located at 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta. 

Plant expo and arts fest this weekend

A woman does mid-air acrobatics on a suspended sash
Explore arts, crafts, and plants at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta this weekend.

The Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County's annual Plant Sale and Expo will take place 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 17 - 18, at the Jim R. Miller Park Covered Arena. There will be homegrown plants, garden-adjacent gifts, locally-sourced honey, herbs, sauces, bird accessories, wood and glass crafts, yard art, and more.

Meantime, the free Spring Arts Festival will return 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Jim R. Miller Park Event Center. Visitors will be able to view and purchase spring-themed handmade goods, artwork, play at interactive art experiences, get a bite from food trucks, and watch performances.

Go to the Spring Arts Festival page for more information.

Get more details on the Plant Sale and Expo event page.

Making connections at Camp Puzzle

Sparky, the fire department mascot, gives a girl a high-five
Camp Puzzle is a free event centered on providing kids and young adults on the autism spectrum the opportunity to experience the different roles of Public Safety. The event will be held 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at the Cobb County Safety Village in Marietta.

There will be fire trucks, police cars, games, crafts, and much more. Most activities will be outside, except lunch (hot dogs, chips, fruit, bottled water) will be served inside our Education Building. The Cobb County Safety Village is located at 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. Only ADA service dogs are allowed.

Registration is required. Go to the Camp Puzzle special events page for details.

In addition, Cobb County Public Library's Accessibility Services Department is also holding an autism acceptance reading challenge during April. Join a reading adventure that promotes understanding and take the opportunity to explore its resources. Explore the book list online.

Saturday event celebrates reading

Dr. Lakeysha “Dr. Key” Hallmon. Hallmon
The Powder Springs community will come together on Saturday, April 18, at Thurman Springs Park, 4485 Pineview Drive, for the 2026 One Book One City program.

This annual initiative, launched in 2021, brings neighbors together to read the same book and engage in meaningful conversations. This year's selection is "No One Is Self-Made: Build Your Village to Flourish in Business and Life" by Atlanta entrepreneur Dr. Lakeysha “Dr. Key” Hallmon. She will lead an Author Talk and Book Signing at 6 p.m., sharing insights from her book.

Earlier in the day, the community celebration kicks off at 4 p.m. with music, activities, and local vendors. Highlights include performances by the McEachern High School Band and the Atlanta Soul Collective, a student market showcasing high school entrepreneurs, the builders kids’ zone, and hands-on activities like kindness rock painting and business bingo.

For more information go to the event page or call the Powder Springs Library at 770-439-3600. You can also call The Book Worm Bookstore at 770-439-2029.

Discover info and support for seniors

Older laughing woman at a display table during a Senior Expo
Cobb County Senior Services is bringing back its annual Expo, a free showcase of resources on aging well, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 21, at Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center. As the largest event of its kind in the area, the event will feature:
  • More than 120 local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community partners.
  • Information and resources on health, wellness, financial planning, housing, safety, recreation, and more.
  • Free fitness demonstrations from certified instructors.
  • Free vision, blood pressure, BMI, and carotid artery screenings.
  • Free "A Day in the Life" simulation.
  • Other activities and giveaways.
For more information, email cobbseniors@cobbcounty.gov or call 770-528-5393. 

Medication disposal day for the community

A woman holds open a hatchback as a volunteer removes bags of expired medication
Keep Cobb Beautiful will collect prescription medicines, non-prescription pills, liquids, ointments, creams, vials, patches, and pet medications, during its Medication Disposal Event 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at three locations across Cobb County:
  • Precinct One, 2380 Cobb Pkwy NW, Kennesaw
  • C. Freeman Poole Senior Center, 4025 South Hurt Rd NW, Smyrna
  • Tim D. Lee Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta
Staff and law enforcement will be present at all locations to collect medications in accordance with federal law and with respect to patient privacy. This will keep the drugs out of waterways and reduce the risk of harm to humans as well as wildlife. 

Visit the Medication Take Back Day page for more details including what is and is not accepted. 

Fishing for fun in Cobb

Childs sits next to a pond while fishing
Family fun is just a cast away. Cobb PARKS Fishing Rodeos return starting 9 -11 a.m. Saturday, April 25, at Hyde Farm Park.

Bring the kids, pack a picnic, and spend the morning making memories by the water. The event, for ages 3 - 16 with adult, will have prizes, friendly competition, and plenty of excitement for anglers. Registration costs $5 with code #54279 on the CivicRec page. The park is at 728 Hyde Road, Marietta.

Information and input at community briefing

Cobb County Sheriff's Office logo
Stay informed. The Cobb Sheriff's Office will host its next community briefing 5:30 - 7 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at the county Public Safety Training Academy in Austell. Hear the latest updates from the Sheriff’s Office, connect with neighbors, enjoy refreshments, and help celebrate the newest Citizens’ Academy graduates. The academy is located at 2435 East-West Connector, Austell.

Go to the event site to register.

Town hall offers an inside look

Solicitor General Makia Metzger
Learn about victims’ rights and the Solicitor General’s Victim Witness Advocates Program 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at the Sweetwater Valley Library, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Suite 100, Austell. Solicitor General Makia Metzger is expected to discuss new initiatives and key statistics impacting the community.

Donate and support meals for homebound seniors 

Man ready to serve a pickleball

The Battle of the Paddles Doubles Pickleball Tournament will benefit Cobb Meals on Wheels 10 a.m. Friday, April 24, at the Jim R. Miller Park Event Center in Marietta. Hosted by Cobb PARKS and Senior Services, this event features county employees who are playing to raise funds for seniors in the community. Meals on Wheels provides meals as well as interaction for homebound seniors.

Trophies will be awarded to winners, and the department or elected office that raises the most funds will receive special recognition. Make your donation on the Senior Services web site.

Join the citizens academy

Department of Public Safety logo

Now is your chance to participate in this years' Citizens Public Safety Academy. This 16-week program provides an opportunity to get an insider’s look into the Department of Public Safety. You will learn about how the Police, Fire, Animal Services and 911 departments are organized and the important role each one plays.
Those interested must live or work in Cobb, or work for Cobb County Government or Schools and be at least 21 years old.

  • Request an application by email (David.Reid@cobbcounty.gov) or pick up an application at the Cobb County Public Safety Police Training Academy, 2435 East West Connector, Austell.
  • Fill out the application and bring it in-person to the Cobb County Public Safety Office of Professional Standards, 1165 Northchase Parkway, Marietta, no later than 3 p.m. Thursday, May 7.  
  • You must bring your driver’s license state-issued ID or U.S Passport with you. Officials will make a copy of this for the application process. 
  • The class starts 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at the Cobb County Public Safety Police Training Academy.

To learn more and request an application, go to the Cobb DPS website.

Upcoming public meetings

100 Cherokee Street, 2nd floor and streaming on CobbTV and YouTube.
  • Board of Commissioners regular meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 14
  • Cobb County Candidate Meet and Greet, 6 p.m. Friday, April 17, Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta
  • Board of Commissioners zoning hearing, 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 21
  • Board of Commissioners regular meeting, 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28
  • Board of Commissioners regular meeting, 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 12
Cobb County Events Calendar.

Events are subject to change.

Tap into the news you want

Cobb County 2026 Calendar cover with sunset of orange and blue behind clock tower courthouse
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.

Subscribe to email newsletters from commissioners, libraries, PARKS and more. Find a list of all the newsletters and subscribe here.

• Upcoming Cobb County events highlights

• PARKS Spring and Summer 2026 Activity Guide

• Cobb County Water System Spring Newsletter

• Cobb Seniors Newsletter
 
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