Special Events
Kennesaw Grand Prix
The Kennesaw Grand Prix Series is North Georgia’s premier 5K race series, featuring a flat, fast, USATF certified course perfect for both competitive and beginner runners. Starting at Kennesaw First Baptist Church, the route winds through Swift-Cantrell Park and finishes in historic Downtown Kennesaw, ending with a lively post-race party and awards ceremony.
Part of the Fit City Kennesaw initiative, this family-friendly series promotes health, wellness, and community spirit. Whether you're aiming for a Peachtree Road Race qualifier or just a fun run, the Grand Prix Series offers something for everyone!
Kennesaw Concert Series
Get ready to groove, sing, and enjoy live music under the stars! The Kennesaw Concert Series brings an exciting lineup of performances to the city, showcasing a variety of musical genres to entertain the whole community. Held at the picturesque Depot Park, this free, family-friendly series offers a perfect night out with great tunes, delicious food from local vendors, and fun for all ages. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and your love for live music as we celebrate community spirit and good vibes throughout the season. Don’t miss these unforgettable evenings of rhythm and fun!
Backyard Campout
Outdoor Movie Series
Enjoy a night under the stars with Kennesaw Parks & Recreation's Outdoor Movie Series! Taking place at Swift-Cantrell Park, these free, family-friendly events feature movies shown on a giant inflatable screen after sundown. Bring your blankets and chairs for comfort, and come early to enjoy fun activities for the kids and a variety of on-site vendors starting at 6:00 PM. Don’t miss these fun-filled evenings of entertainment and community!
Salute to America
The City of Kennesaw’s Salute to America is one of North Georgia's biggest and best Independence Day celebrations! Held annually on July 3, this patriotic event features live music on one main stage, festive street entertainment, delicious food vendors, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Join us for an evening of freedom, fun, and a spectacular fireworks show!
Back 2 School Jam
Kennesaw Parks & Recreation’s Back 2 School Jam offers free fun for families, with school supplies and book bags available while supplies last. Vendors will provide giveaways and helpful information for kids and parents. On-site registration for the league will be available with a 10% discount. Admission is free!
Pigs & Peaches BBQ Festival
From its humble beginnings, Pigs & Peaches has grown into one of the region's most beloved festivals attracting an estimated 60,000 attendees annually. Its roots trace back to the historic train Depot in Downtown Kennesaw where in 2000, the City of Kennesaw's Parks & Recreation Department held a blues concert and barbeque cook-off for a handful of amateur grillers. In 2008, to make room for more cook teams and a few vendors eager to be part of the festivities, the event was moved to its current location at Adams Park. The festival features two days of non-stop music, good eats, cold beer and interactive festival fun.
Veterans Luncheon
The City of Kennesaw will honor the service of military members past and present with a complimentary lunch on Friday, November 7 at Noon at the Ben Robertson Community Center.
All veterans and active-duty military are invited to attend. No identification will be required. A small program will include acknowledgments from Mayor Derek Easterling, a special guest speaker, a presentation of colors and the POW/MIA recognition ceremony.
Guests are welcome.
Kennesaw Holly Days
Celebrate the season with Kennesaw’s festive lineup of Holly Days events! From the charming Holiday Market and Gift Shop to the dazzling Tree Lighting and Santa sightings, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy wreath-making workshops, choir performances, parades, and themed activities for all ages—including Toddler Tuesdays, Senior Clubhouse crafts, and Mommy & Me mornings. Don’t miss the Holiday Extravaganza at Depot Park, the Holly Days Parade, and the magical Glimmer & Glee: A Holly Days Flight drone show. Cozy up for a movie under the stars, hop aboard for holiday trains, and join in cookie decorating, trivia nights, and more. With joy around every corner from November 15 through January 6, Kennesaw is the place to be for holiday cheer!
Book Swap
Kennesaw Parks & Recreation's Book Swap is a fun, FREE and easy way to freshen up your library. Here's how it works: drop off your gently used hardcover or paperback books, music CDs and vinyl records, as well as DVD movies on Thursday, January 22, and Friday, January 23, and receive a ticket redeemable for the same number of items during "open swap" time on Saturday, January 24.
Kennesaw Parks & Recreation’s annual book swap will take place at the Ben Robertson Community Center located at 2753 Watts Drive. Parking will be available on site.
Valentine's Dance
Spend the evening with your big and little ones and experience all the fun of a magical night!
Dress your best and get ready to dance! Guests will enjoy a festive atmosphere as the Ben Robertson Community Center's Banquet Hall is beautifully decorated for the occasion. Feast, play, and dance the night away to all of your favorite tunes spun by a professional DJ. This family-friendly event will feature a dinner buffet and dessert bar, as well as plenty of memorable photo opportunities.
Touch-A-Truck Expo
Touch-A-Truck, the exciting and educational annual community event hosted by the City of Kennesaw’s Parks & Recreation, Public Works and Police Departments, will return to Adams Park on Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Admission is free.
Children can get up-close and personal with larger-than-life trucks, heavy construction and public safety equipment, cool cars and specialty vehicles. Attendees can meet vehicle owners and operators while touching, climbing on and interacting with this awesome exhibition of transportation. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Bunny Breakfast
Treat your family to a buffet including hot and ready pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage as well as a medley of fresh fruit and delicious breakfast sweets. Everyone's favorite cottontail will be making his way from table to table to say hello to all the boys and girls. Be sure to bring your camera to capture all the memories. Seatings are available from 8:00 - 9:15 AM or 10:00 - 11:15 AM. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Ben Robertson Community Center. Advance purchase is required. Children ages two and under do not need a ticket if they will be sitting in laps.
Kennesaw Parks & Recreation seeks willing hearts and helping hands to assist with the set-up, execution and breakdown of event activities.
We invite you to explore our list of volunteer opportunities and sign-up for a volunteer shift on our registration website, CivicRec. Please select “Volunteer Opportunities” to see a full list of volunteer opportunities for A Day with Santa.
For questions, please email our Sponsorship, Partnership & Volunteer Coordinator.
Ready to elevate your brand and make a difference?
Partner with Kennesaw Parks & Recreation and reach thousands of engaged residents in Kennesaw, Cobb County and beyond! With events and programs attracting 200 to over 60,000 attendees, plus access to our network of 18,000 households, this is your chance to amplify your mission and connect with the community in a meaningful way.
Contact our Sponsorship, Partnership & Volunteer Coordinator today to explore sponsorship opportunities. Together, we’ll make an impact that lasts!
Are you a local business, artisan, or food vendor looking to showcase your goods and services? We want YOU to be part of our upcoming events! Joining as a vendor is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community, expand your reach, and be part of a fun and engaging atmosphere. From arts and crafts to delicious food and unique products, we welcome a diverse range of vendors.
Don't miss out on the chance to share your offerings with event-goers and support your local community. Apply today and secure your spot!
For more information on upcoming events and vendor opportunities, please visit CivicRec.
For information regarding special events, please contact our Special Event Coordinator.
Click here to see all Recreation Programs.