Weekend Planner: Jazz Concert, Book Sale, Garden Fairies

The Big Event this weekend is the Decatur Arts Festival, which officially kicks off with the Art Walk from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday. Local shops, restaurants, and educational institutions across town will host free exhibitions and receptions.

Go to the festival website for full details about exhibitions and performances. The festival is a huge undertaking and attracts artists and visitors from across the nation.

But there are other things to do in Decatur ...

Annie Sellick Performs at Scottish Rite

When/where: 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 24, at Scottish Rite at 321 W. Hill St., Decatur.

Why go: The Jazz Nights at Scottish Rite concert series ended in April, but this is a special performance to kick off the Memorial Day weekend. Annie Sellick has released five records and performed at many jazz festivals and clubs. Thursday night is free, but on Saturday night she performs with Joe Gransdens' Big Band at Eddie's Attic. For more info, go to www.anniesellick.com.

Price: Free. Bring a blanket and some nibbles. Kids welcome.

When/where: Starts at 5 p.m. Friday, May 25, at the , 215 Sycamore St. Runs throughout the weekend.

Why go: The Southern Breeze chapter of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is hosting its 5th annual Children's Book Illustrators' Gallery Show. Each piece of art created by a prominent, local illustrator will be accompanied by its corresponding picture book. Authors will be available to sign their books.

Price: Free.

When/where: 7 p.m. Friday, May 25, at , 310 N. McDonough St., Decatur.

Why go: To see the best and brightest from Decatur. Plus, retiring teacher Chris Billingsley will deliver the commencement speech.

Price: Free. in case of rain, it will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday.

When/where: 9 a.m. Saturday, May 26, at the , 215 Sycamore St.

Why go: You can find great bargains on books.

Price: Free admission.

Fairies Return to Woodlands Garden

When/where: 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 27, at Woodlands Garden at 932 Scott Blvd., Decatur.

Why go: To get a look at miniature houses built from bark, branches, berries, seed heads, leaves and other natural materials.  Fairy Gardeners from Skyland Trail's horticulture and art therapy groups designed and built the houses.  Harpist Eliza Guinn will provide musical accompaniment. She lives in Decatur and is finishing her sophomore year at the DeKalb School for the Arts. For more info, go to www.woodlandsgarden.org.

Price: Free. Note that parking is limited on site. If the lot is full, visitors will directed to nearby off-site parking at BBT Bank or Emory Credit Union on Clairemont Avenue or Westchester School on Scott Boulevard.