As April’s temperamental weather gives way to the consistent warmth of May, the suburbs of North Fulton, South Forsyth, and Northern Gwinnett are activating their public spaces with a dense schedule of community programming. This weekend, residents of Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell, Milton, Cumming, Suwanee, and Duluth can enjoy a sophisticated landscape ranging from traditional Western heritage to global digital pop culture. Whether you are looking for large-scale community festivals, professional athletic competitions, or high-caliber art exhibitions, there is something for everyone across the region.

Alpharetta

Celebrate Freedom Rodeo at Wills Park

This event serves as a vital nod to Alpharetta’s historical identity as an equestrian center. Held at the Wills Park Equestrian Center, the two-day engagement features professional rodeo disciplines including bull riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling. It is designed to be a high-intensity, family-oriented experience featuring traditional western entertainment between rounds.

Day of week: Friday & Saturday
Date: May 1–2, 2026
Time: Friday: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Saturday: 1:30 PM & 6:00 PM
Location: Wills Park Equestrian Center, 11915 Wills Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Price: $25 per ticket; Children under 6 FREE
Website: awesomealpharetta.com/calendar/
Who is it for: Families seeking high-energy entertainment and enthusiasts of Western sporting traditions.

Power of the Print Exhibit

Located at the Alpharetta Arts Center, this exhibition showcases the enduring relevance of physical printmaking in a digital age. Visitors can view works utilizing woodcuts, etchings, lithography, and screen printing in a contemplative, climate-controlled environment.

Day of week: Friday (Recurring)
Date: May 1, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Alpharetta Arts Center, 238 Canton St., Alpharetta, GA 30009
Price: Free admission
Website: awesomealpharetta.com/calendar/
Who is it for: Art collectors, students of design, and those seeking a refined cultural experience.

Johns Creek

Johns Creek International Festival

The fields of the Atlanta Athletic Club are transformed into a massive global village for this multi-sensory celebration. The festival features a Global Marketplace with traditional crafts, an International Food Court, and multiple performance stages hosting dance and music from dozens of nations.

Day of week: Saturday
Date: May 2, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Atlanta Athletic Club Fields, 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, Johns Creek, GA 30097
Price: Free to attend
Website: johnscreekga.gov/recreation-parks/special-events/international-festival/
Who is it for: Families, global food enthusiasts, and those interested in world music and dance.

Roswell

Roswell Spring Arts Festival

This premier juried arts festival brings together over 100 professional artists showcasing original, handmade work across various media. Held on the historic grounds of City Hall, the event also features live acoustic music and gourmet food trucks.

Day of week: Saturday & Sunday
Date: May 2–3, 2026
Time: Sat: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Sun: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Roswell City Hall Grounds, 38 Hill St, Roswell, GA 30075
Price: Free admission
Website: roswellartfestival.com
Who is it for: Art collectors, families, and those seeking a cultural stroll in a historic setting.

Cumming (South Forsyth)

The Spirit of Rush Tribute

The Lou Sobh Amphitheater hosts a free concert by “The Spirit of Rush,” a tribute band renowned for its technical proficiency in recreating the complex arrangements of the legendary Canadian trio.

Day of week: Saturday
Date: May 2, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Cumming City Center, 423 Canton Road, Cumming, GA 30040
Price: Free admission
Website: cummingcitycenter.com/events/
Who is it for: Music fans and classic rock enthusiasts.

Suwanee

High Line Criterium

Suwanee Town Center turns into a high-speed track for this professional-grade cycling race. Criterium racing features multiple laps on a short, technical course, making it highly spectator-friendly.

Day of week: Saturday
Date: May 2, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Suwanee Town Center Park, 330 Town Center Ave, Suwanee, GA 30024
Price: Free for spectators
Website: suwanee.com/explore-suwanee/events
Who is it for: Athletic enthusiasts and fans of high-speed sporting energy.

Duluth

Duluth Chalk Art Festival

Professional chalk artists from across the country transform the pavement of Downtown Duluth into an outdoor gallery of 3D illusions and 2D masterpieces. Attendees are even invited to contribute to a collaborative community mural.

Day of week: Friday & Saturday
Date: May 1–2, 2026
Time: Fri: 6:00 PM | Sat: 10:00 AM
Location: Downtown Duluth
Price: Free
Website: duluthga.net/community/events/
Who is it for: Fans of public art and families.

A Simple Weekend Route

Experience the best of the region with this curated Saturday schedule:

9:00 AM: Start your morning at the Alpharetta Farmers Market on the Town Green for artisanal coffee and breakfast.
12:00 PM: Head to Johns Creek for the International Festival to explore the Global Marketplace and performance stages.
3:30 PM: Finish the afternoon in Downtown Duluth to see the completed 3D chalk murals and watch the Kentucky Derby during Duluth Derby Day on the green.

Dining Areas Near the Events

Near Johns Creek International Festival: Try Persian Basket Kitchen & Bar for authentic Silk Road cuisine or Sankranti for sophisticated Indian fine dining.
Near Roswell Spring Arts Festival: Table & Main offers Michelin-recognized Southern comfort food, while Osteria Mattone provides a classic Roman trattoria experience.
Near Alpharetta Events: Families will love Smokejack BBQ, while those at Avalon can enjoy Neapolitan pizzas at Antico Pizza.
Near Duluth Town Green: Visit Parsons Alley for Dreamland BBQ or grab an artisanal treat at Butter & Cream.

Logistics:

Parking: Free parking is available at the Wills Park Equestrian Center (Alpharetta) and the Roswell City Hall deck.
Traffic: Expect delays in Alpharetta due to ongoing widening projects on SR 9/Main Street.
Johns Creek: Attendees are encouraged to use ride-sharing services for the International Festival to alleviate traffic on Bobby Jones Drive.

Event Summary Table

On mobile: swipe sideways to see the full table.

Event	City	Date & Time	Price	Website
Celebrate Freedom Rodeo	Alpharetta	May 1-2 (6:00 PM)	$25	awesomealpharetta.com
Johns Creek Intl Festival	Johns Creek	May 2 (12-6 PM)	Free	johnscreekga.gov
Roswell Spring Arts Festival	Roswell	May 2-3 (10/11 AM)	Free	roswellartfestival.com
Duluth Chalk Art Festival	Duluth	May 1-2 (6/10 AM)	Free	duluthga.net
Duluth Derby Day	Duluth	May 2 (2:30 PM)	Free	eventeny.com
High Line Criterium	Suwanee	May 2 (12 PM)	Free	suwanee.com
Spirit of Rush Tribute	Cumming	May 2 (8 PM)	Free	cummingcitycenter.com
Hatsune Miku EXPO 2026	Duluth	May 3 (7 PM)	Ticketed	livenation.com
Tacos & Tequila 5K	Suwanee	May 3 (9 AM)	Reg. Req.	suwanee.com

Best of Section

Best for families: Johns Creek International Festival – its dedicated “Kids Corner” and global educational activities make it the top choice.
Best for adults / nightlife: Alpharetta Taco & Tequila Bar Crawl – a structured social circuit through the city’s dense dining district.
Best free event: Duluth Chalk Art Festival – incredible cultural value witnessing professional 3D pavement murals at no cost.
Best outdoor activity: River Canoe Trips (Roswell) – serene evening guided paddles on the Chattahoochee.
Best live music event: The Benito Gonzalez Trio (Alpharetta) – world-class jazz virtuosity featuring legend Jeff “Tain” Watts.
Best local market or festival: Roswell Spring Arts Festival – represents the highest standard of regional juried craftsmanship.