A woman and a man browse handmade crafts under a festival tent. — Norcross Art Splash brings two days of art, food and live entertainment to Thrasher Park this weekend.

October’s first weekend brings art festivals, a downtown parade and two nights of free music to North Atlanta. From Friday, Oct. 2, through Sunday, Oct. 4, families can browse Crabapple Fest in Milton, join Roswell’s Youth Day celebration or spend an afternoon among artists at Norcross’s Thrasher Park.

Here are seven ways to plan the weekend.

Crabapple Fest fills downtown Milton

Milton’s Crabapple Fest returns Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., bringing art, antiques, food and live music to Crabapple Road. Admission is free.

The festival offers a full day of browsing and family activities, with music taking a larger role in this year’s celebration. Free parking and shuttle service are available at Milton Community Church, 12760 Birmingham Highway, and Crabapple Crossing Elementary School, 12775 Birmingham Highway. Shuttles run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., dropping visitors near the festival at the Alpharetta Court Services building on Crabapple Road.

Roswell celebrates its youngest residents

The 76th Youth Day Celebration begins Saturday at 10 a.m. with the Frances McGahee Youth Day Parade through historic Roswell. This year’s theme is “Tapestry of Generations.”

Map of the Youth Day parade route and event area in Roswell. — The Youth Day parade route runs through historic Roswell before the celebration continues at City Hall campus.

Afterward, the celebration continues from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the City Hall campus, 38 Hill Street. Children can make art, explore city trucks and enjoy live performances. The Fall Farmyard at Smith Plantation adds animals, historic activities and pumpkin decorating while supplies last.

Admission is free, with food and drinks available for purchase. Arrive early for the parade: roads along the route will close no later than 9:45 a.m. Free public parking is available at City Hall.

Two free concert nights in Cumming

Cumming City Center’s Lou Sobh Amphitheater has back-to-back tribute shows, both running from 7 to 9 p.m.

On Friday, Oct. 2, Pandora’s Box brings Aerosmith’s music to the stage. Saturday, Oct. 3, belongs to The Dave Matthews Tribute Band, whose performances draw from the band’s early sound and later catalog.

Admission and parking are free. Bring lawn chairs or blankets; friendly dogs are welcome on leashes. Leave coolers, outside food and outside alcohol at home. Tents, glass bottles and smoking are also prohibited.

Norcross Art Splash offers two days of browsing

Norcross Art Splash takes over Thrasher Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

About 100 artists will bring paintings, ceramics, photography, jewelry, fiber art and other work. The weekend also includes live entertainment, festival food and a children’s activity area. The Epics are scheduled to headline Sunday.

Use 93 Park Drive for directions. Downtown parking options include City Hall and the Norcross Cultural Arts Center; accessible parking is on Wingo Street. Leashed pets are welcome, and the festival is scheduled to run rain or shine.

African American arts and culture take the stage in Suwanee

The African American Culture and Arts Festival runs Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. at Suwanee Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Avenue.

Hosted by Black Art Culture & Education, the outdoor festival brings together artists and vendors with cultural performances and art presentations throughout the day. It offers time to browse, meet local artists and catch performances without committing to a seated show.

Performances and art presentations are free, and free parking is also available.

Turn a Roswell walk into a photography challenge

The Roswell Photo Walk gives phone photographers a Saturday morning assignment: find a fresh view of historic downtown.

Participants meet at 9 a.m. at Heart of Roswell Park, 925 Canton Street, then take photographs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Each photographer selects three images for judging, with editing and uploading help available afterward at Bizarre Coffee. Winners are announced at 1 p.m.

Entry costs $15, and the first-place photograph earns $100. All skill levels are welcome; participating minors must be accompanied by an adult. Register through the event page.

Finish with a Sunday afternoon of bouncing

Slide into Sundays returns to Cumming City Center on Oct. 4 from noon to 5 p.m., weather permitting.

Jump N Jacks Moonwalks will provide bounce houses, water slides, games and activities. Unlimited bouncing costs $10, and participants need a wristband and completed waiver. Outside food and beverages are not allowed.