Things to Do in Alpharetta This Weekend
Alpharetta has quietly become one of Metro Atlantas most dynamic destinations. Beyond the tech corridor and suburban sprawl, youll find world-class dining, unique entertainment, and experiences that rival anything in the city - without the traffic and parking nightmares.
Entertainment and Activities
Showdown Social
Tech-enhanced card games meet upscale lounge. Unlike anything else in the area - Game Hosts teach you while you enjoy craft cocktails and great food. Perfect for groups of 4-200+.
Avalon
This mixed-use development has become Alpharettas downtown. Shopping, dining, a movie theater, and regular events make it a destination on its own. Regal Cinema here is one of the nicest in the region.
Big Creek Greenway
Over 20 miles of paved trails through nature. Walk, run, or bike - great for families and fitness enthusiasts.
Dining Highlights
South Main Kitchen - Farm-to-table Southern cuisine
Smokejack BBQ - Award-winning barbecue
Seed Kitchen and Bar - Creative American cuisine
Colletta - Italian at Avalon
Breweries and Drinks
Pontoon Brewing - Great outdoor space
Currahee Brewing - Award-winning craft beer
Anderby Brewing - Cozy taproom vibes
Make It a Full Experience
Start at Showdown Social for competitive card games and drinks, walk to dinner at South Main Kitchen, and end with dessert at Avalon. Thats a perfect Alpharetta weekend right there.
Book your table at showdown.com
When Friday afternoon hits and you realize you have zero plans, Alpharetta might surprise you with just how much there is to do. This North Atlanta suburb has quietly become one of the best spots in metro Atlanta for weekend entertainment—without the traffic nightmare of heading into the city. Whether you are looking for a relaxed evening with friends, an active date night, or something completely different, Alpharetta delivers with options that rival anything you would find downtown.
Friday Night: Start Your Weekend Right
Friday nights in Alpharetta have a different energy than the rest of the week. The work crowd floods out of the tech corridor offices, and suddenly Avalon and Downtown Alpharetta come alive. The key to a great Friday night is knowing where to go and when—most spots get crowded after 8 PM, so if you want a table without waiting, plan to arrive by 6:30.
For a low-key start, grab drinks at Cowfish or Oak Steakhouse at Avalon. Both have excellent cocktail programs and patios perfect for people-watching. If you want something more energetic, head to Showdown Social where you can combine craft cocktails with card games, blackjack, and other table games. It is the kind of place where you forget what time it is—which is exactly what you want on a Friday.
Saturday Daytime Activities Worth Your Time
Alpharetta weekends really shine during the day. The Alpharetta Farmers Market runs Saturday mornings from May through October at Milton Avenue, and it is legitimately one of the better farmers markets in the Atlanta area. Get there early (it opens at 8 AM) for the best produce selection from local farms like Crystal Organic Farm and Riverview Farms.
The Big Creek Greenway offers 20 miles of paved trails perfect for biking, jogging, or a leisurely walk. Park at the North Point trailhead—it has the best parking and connects you to some of the most scenic sections. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it. The trail connects to Wills Park and its impressive playground area, making it family-friendly if needed.
The Best Spots for Group Hangouts
Coordinating a group in Alpharetta is easier than you might think. The challenge is finding a spot that works for everyone—where the beer snobs can find something craft, the non-drinkers are not bored, and there is actually something to do besides sit and talk. Here are the spots that consistently deliver for groups of 6 or more.
Showdown Social (Alpharetta): Perfect for groups because everyone can play at their own level. Professional dealers run the games, so nobody has to know the rules in advance. The private rooms work great for birthday celebrations or bachelor parties. Pro tip: book the VIP room for groups over 12.
Topgolf (Alpharetta): The obvious choice for a reason. Bays accommodate up to 6, so larger groups can reserve multiple bays side by side. Weekend afternoons book fast—reserve at least a week in advance. Expect to spend $40-60 per person including drinks.
Painted Pin (Avalon): Boutique bowling with a speakeasy vibe. Lanes are $65-85 per hour, and the food menu is surprisingly good. This is the upgrade option when regular bowling feels too casual.
Date Night Without Leaving Alpharetta
Alpharetta date nights have leveled up considerably in the past few years. You no longer need to drive to Buckhead or Midtown for a proper date—everything you need is right here. The trick is combining dinner with an activity, which makes the night more memorable than just another meal.
Start with dinner at Ceviche or South Main Kitchen, both offering atmosphere that feels special without being pretentious. Then walk over to Showdown Social for drinks and games—playing cards together creates conversation naturally, which is exactly what you want on a date. The competitive element brings out personality in ways that sitting across a dinner table never will.
Sunday Funday: Making the Most of Your Last Free Day
Sundays in Alpharetta have a different rhythm. The brunch scene is strong—J. Christopher is packed by 10 AM, so get there early or try the equally good First Watch. After brunch, Downtown Alpharetta is perfect for a stroll, especially along Milton Avenue where local shops stay open for Sunday shopping.
For afternoon activities, the Alpharetta Welcome Center has information about any special events happening that weekend. Check their calendar before making plans—you might stumble onto a wine walk, art festival, or live music event that makes your Sunday unexpectedly memorable.
Weather Backup Plans
Georgia weather is unpredictable, and nothing ruins weekend plans faster than unexpected rain. Having indoor backup options is essential for weekend planning in Alpharetta. Avalon offers covered shopping if rain catches you mid-outing, but if you want actual activities, here is what works.
Showdown Social is the best rainy day option because it feels like a night out regardless of weather. The venue is entirely indoors with climate control, comfortable seating, and entertainment that makes you forget it is pouring outside. For something more active, Main Event offers bowling, laser tag, and arcade games under one roof.
Planning Your Perfect Alpharetta Weekend
The best Alpharetta weekends combine outdoor time with indoor entertainment, good food with good drinks, and enough variety to keep everyone in your group happy. Start with what your group actually enjoys—forced fun never works—and build from there.
Ready to upgrade your weekend? Check out Showdown Social at showdown.com for private event bookings, card game tournaments, and the best competitive socializing experience in North Atlanta. Your boring weekends end here.
