When the Sun Goes Down

The fun doesn’t have to end just because it’s dark outside! Push bedtime back a bit to enjoy these special summer nighttime events and attractions.

Check websites for more information. Most events require a reservation.

Lights, Lasers and Drones

Stone Mountain Park’s all-new Music Across America Drone & Light Show features more than 100 songs for a musical journey across the country. As part of the new experience, the light show features 250 color-changing drones, flame-shooting cannons and a fireworks finale. This event is perfect for the family; be sure to bring a blanket to sit on and a picnic or snacks. Prices start at $5 with $20 parking. The show will be held on Saturdays in August, on Labor Day Weekend and on September 9.

Glow Up

Light Up the Corners! is a glowing, flashing, blinking, shining nighttime running party. Blinking lights will illuminate the way for the 4 Mile Run or Twilight Trot 1K; you can also participate in contests to be the “glowiest” champion. Held on August 12, the cost for running is $35-$45. This fundraiser benefits less fortunate children and families in the community.

Shooting Stars

The Perseids is a popular meteor shower. This year, it will be active until September 1, with peak rate around August 13. Head away from city lights, look opposite the moon, and see how many stars you can spot. Hard Labor Creek State Park is hosting a Perseid Shooting Star Party on August 12-13 or head to Victoria Bryant State Park on August 12 for A Walk to the Stars.

On August 24, the moon will pass in front of Antares to create a lunar occultation. To see this event, begin viewing shortly after sunset to see the red star next to the moon’s dark edge.

Flashlight Fun

Go on a nighttime hike to see what it’s like to be a nocturnal creature.

• Fernbank Museum’s Fernbank Forest Night Walk on August 25 is a guided walk as the sun sets. Tickets are $20.
• At Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Family Night Hike, explore the sights and sounds of the forest, experience an animal encounter and roast marshmallows over a relaxing campfire on August 12. Tickets are $12.
• Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites offer multiple opportunities for nighttime explorations. Mistletoe State Park hosts a Night Hike (August 5) and a Blue Moon Hike (August 30). Both events are $5 with $5 parking. Each month, hike to the suspension bridge at Tallulah Gorge State Park to watch the moon rise above the gorge. Tickets are $10 with $5 parking. On September 9, head to Panola Mountain State Park to watch the sun set from the top of Panola. This hike is for ages 10 and older and costs $15 with $5 parking.

Paddle with Wildlife

With Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Weekend Guided River Canoe Trips, take a leisurely evening 2.5-hour paddle to learn about the environment of the Chattahoochee River. Who knows what sights, sounds and animals you’ll spot? Trips are held on Saturdays and Sundays in August starting at 6 p.m. For ages 8 and older. Tickets are $35 and all equipment is provided.

Animals After Dark

Go on a nocturnal adventure with Zoo Atlanta’s Twilight Trek and Twilight Tots programs. Twilight Trek, held on August 4 and 12, features an inspiring tour of the Zoo after-hours to learn the ways accredited zoos help animals survive and thrive. $25; ages 3 and younger are free. Designed for ages 5 and younger, Twilight Tots includes a mini tour, songs, stories and dance to help your little one learn about the animal kingdom. The next event will be held on August 19 and costs $24; each additional child is $5.

Take in the View

Towering nearly 20 stories above Centennial Park, SkyView is open after sundown for a panoramic nighttime view of Downtown. Enjoy a climate-controlled, private gondola as you take in the city on this Ferris wheel ride. The attraction is open until 10 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and on Sundays, and is open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $17 and $12 for ages 3-12.

Movies & Music Al Fresco

Grab your lawn chairs and blankets for a free movie or concert, depending on your family’s preference. In Peachtree Corners, see “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” on August 5, “Coco” on September 2 and “Hocus Pocus” on October 7, and watch tribute bands perform on the last Saturday of the month. Johns Creek will feature “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” on August 11, with musical performances on August 5 and September 9 and 30. Colony Square shows movies on select Thursdays and musical performances every Friday. In Dunwoody, see “Ready Player One” on August 4 and concerts on August 12, September 9 and October 14. Sandy Springs will have movies on August 11 and 25 and September 1, and watch performances with Concerts by the Springs and City Green Live. On August 5, see “Moana” in Newnan, and watch a performance on August 10. Find a full list of movies and concerts.

Counting Starfish

Georgia Aquarium’s Sleep Under the Sea includes a specialized behind-the-scenes tour. Learn about aquatic animals and their habitats with a night filled with excitement, exploration, presentations and activities before bed. The next morning, have breakfast and see the aquarium before it opens to the public. Sleepovers are available on August 4, 5 and 12 starting at 6:45 p.m. Participants must be age 7 or older. Tickets are $110.99 per person.

At the Drive-In

Catch the latest releases through a throwback experience with StarLight Drive-In Theatre. The $10 ticket (and $1 for ages 5-9) allows you admission for two movies playing on the same screen. Open seven nights a week year-round, plan to arrive early as parking spaces are first-come, first-serve.

Walk with Ghosts

Spooky sightings don’t just happen in October! Get in touch with the spirits on a local ghost tour.

• In Covington, walk around a city rich with haunted history and get a taste of the “Hollywood of the South” while visiting haunted sites and filming locations. This walking tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and is available on Fridays and Saturdays for $30.
• Walk through Decatur’s Historic Town Square and the Old Decatur Cemetery for a paranormal exploration. Tours are held on Saturdays at 8 p.m. and cost $20 with ages 10 and younger at $12.
• Marietta’s haunted ghost tours are held Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. You’ll hear stories based on documented sightings, firsthand experiences and history. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for ages 12 and younger.
• During a ghost tour of Roswell, visit old mansions, the Founders Cemetery and mill worker’s apartments as paranormal investigators thrill, educate and enlighten you. Tours are held Friday and Saturday nights at $20 with ages 12 and younger, $10.

Fernbank After Dark

A Grownup Night Out

Hire a babysitter for an evening of fun without the kids.

• Offered the second Friday of each month, Fernbank After Dark presents a variety of unique after-hours experiences for grown-ups with exhibits, live music, full bars, a tapas menu, science demonstrations and more. On August 11, enjoy themed experiences around your senses for experiments that will test your eyes, ears and brain.
• Bring your own chair and picnic dinner for Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Sunset Sips for musical performances on August 10 and 24 and September 14.
• Enjoy the beauty of nature, cocktails and live entertainment at Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Cocktails in the Garden offered on Thursdays to Saturdays through September.
• Held on September 15-16, enjoy Midnight Market, an all-night happy hour for foodies who love to eat, drink and dance. You’ll get to try food from more than 30 vendors and food trucks, along with shopping an artisan market, playing games, roller skating and more.
• Head to Hardman Farm Historic Site for their Harvest Moon Dance on September 23 to enjoy live 1930’s jazz music, delicious food, local beer from Tantrum Brewing Company and a night of dancing.
• Explore animals from around the world and enjoy an adults-only evening at Zoo Atlanta’s Savanna Nights. With a specialty welcome cocktail and fun entertainment, the August 18 event is themed 90’s Block Party for fashion, learning how to double dutch, creating your own sand art and more. Tickets are $40.
• Take in a panoramic view of the skyline at THE ROOF at Ponce City Market. After 7 p.m., access is for ages 21 and older for delicious cuisine, drinks, mini golf and more. Through September 4, enjoy the Endless Summer Beach for special cocktails inspired by the beach and the sea and to see a gorgeous sunset. Tickets are $15-$30.
• lluminarium’s After Dark events allow you to blast off to SPACE, come face-to-face with the world’s most exotic animals or view evolving visual landscapes from Georgia O’Keeffe. Along with these nighttime experiences, try small bites, dance to a live DJ and sip from a full bar.