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On stage & on screen

Lights down, eyes wide.

Plays, puppet shows, and what’s at the movies — plus when it’s featured, so you can plan the big “we’re going OUT out” day!!

Featured this month

On stage

SEP 16–27

The Wizard of Oz (Frisch Marionettes)

Guest artists Frisch Marionettes bring Dorothy, Toto, and the whole Yellow Brick Road gang to life with beautifully detailed marionettes and clever puppet choreography. Recommended for ages 4 and up — every ticket includes the museum galleries plus a take-home Create-A-Puppet kit of Toto!

Center for Puppetry Arts · Midtown
SEP 30–OCT 11

Everybody Loves Pirates

Eight-year-old Lucy and her goofy pal hunt for buried treasure while a gang of bumbling pirates gets in the way. Hand-crafted puppets from Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers, best for ages 4 and up; tickets include the puppetry museum galleries and free onsite parking.

Center for Puppetry Arts · Midtown
SEP 12–NOV 8

All Smiles

The Alliance's Theatre for the Very Young builds shows specifically for newborns through five-year-olds, staged up close in a small room. Wiggling, babbling and crawling toward the actors are all completely fine here, which takes the pressure off everyone. It's ticketed and these runs sell out, so book before the weekend you want.

Alliance Theatre, Bernhardt · Midtown
SEP 16–27

The Wizard of Oz

Frisch Marionettes tells Dorothy's whole story on strings, with songs and some genuinely impressive puppet choreography. The venue recommends it for ages 4 and up, and tickets here typically include museum access and a make-your-own-puppet workshop. Short run, so check dates before you plan around it.

Center for Puppetry Arts · Midtown
OCT 14 – NOV 1

Spookhouse Annie

Goofy rather than scary: a cheerful witch, a vampire who took a wrong turn somewhere in Pennsylvania, and a haunted-house playdate. Recommended for ages 4 and up, and the ticket includes the puppetry museum plus a Create-A-Puppet Workshop. A good Halloween outing for kids who aren't ready for anything genuinely spooky.

Center for Puppetry Arts · Midtown

At the movies

Popcorn weather

AUG 7

Screen on the Square

Decatur Square · Decatur — downtown doing its best drive-in impression

More info

Free family movie night under the stars on the newly renovated Decatur Square, with the film rolling on the big screen at 7 pm. Bring blankets and lawn chairs; popcorn is sold for $1 a bag and Kona Ice is on hand.

FreeDecaturMovies
AUG 8 · SEP 12 · OCT 10

Movies Under the Stars

Mall of Georgia · Buford — a two-hour warm-up act before the film

More info

Free movie nights at The Village amphitheater at Mall of Georgia, with music, face painting, and entertainment starting at 5 pm before the movie at 7 pm. The fall lineup: The Minecraft Movie (Aug 8), the live-action Lion King (Sept 12), and Scooby Doo (Oct 10).

FreeBufordMovies
AUG 29 · OCT 17

Crabapple Market Green Movie Nights

Crabapple Market Green · Milton — prizes hidden inside the movie

More info

Free interactive movie nights on The Green at Crabapple Market, 7 to 9 pm — kids who arrive early get a free interactive kit with props so they can play along with the film. Bring blankets or chairs, and either pack a picnic or grab bites from on-site vendors.

FreeMiltonMovies
SEP 3 · OCT 1

Colony Square Outdoor Movies

Colony Square · Midtown — a plaza with better snacks than the multiplex

More info

Free movies on a jumbo screen at The Plaza in Colony Square on first Thursdays through October, starting at 7 pm. Seating is first-come, so bring blankets and chairs; outside food is not allowed, but takeout from Colony Square's restaurants is welcome.

FreeMidtownMovies
SEP 3 · OCT 1

High Street Movie Nights

High Street · Dunwoody — yes, everyone will sing about Bruno

More info

Free monthly Screenings on The Green at High Street, 7 to 9 pm, with complimentary popcorn during the film and loaner picnic blankets. Outside food and drinks are not permitted — grab takeout from a High Street restaurant instead.

FreeDunwoodyMovies
SEP 5 · OCT 3

Town Green Movie Nights

Town Green · Peachtree Corners — blanket required, shoes optional

More info

Peachtree Corners' free Flicks on the Green series runs the first Saturday of each month through October, with movies starting at 7 pm on the Town Green. Bring picnic blankets and low lawn chairs, and grab dinner from the Town Center restaurants to eat during the show.

FreePeachtree CornersMovies

The Kidlanta Star

One email. A whole weekend of fun.

Every Friday, a short and sweet email with the weekend’s best kid stuff around metro Atlanta. That’s it. That’s the email!!