Things to Do This Week in Valdosta + South Georgia (May 11–16)
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to get out of the house this week, this is it.
Between family movie nights, toddler playgroups, charcuterie classes, open mic nights, cookouts, dog socials, and art events, there’s honestly something happening almost every day around Valdosta and the surrounding South Georgia area.
Whether you’re a parent trying to keep the kids entertained, someone looking for a fun date night, or just wanting to explore more of what our area has to offer, here’s your local roundup for the week.
Family-Friendly Events Around Valdosta
🫧 Bubble Party at Johnston Lakes Library
📍 Johnston Lakes Library
📅 May 12 at 4:30 PM
If your kids love bubbles (and let’s be honest… what kid doesn’t?), Johnston Lakes Library is hosting a Super Science Club Bubble Party this week. It’s hands-on, educational, and a great way to break up the week without spending a ton of money.
👣 Kids Cryptid Hunt
📍 Johnston Lakes Library
📅 May 14
Apparently Bigfoot has made his way to Valdosta.
Kids can explore the library while hunting for cryptids hidden throughout the space. Honestly, this sounds like one of those random local events kids will talk about for weeks afterward.
🌸 Chick-fil-A Kids Night in Moultrie
📍 Chick-fil-A Moultrie
📅 May 11 | 5:30–7:30 PM
An easy weekday dinner plan for parents who just don’t feel like cooking.
☀️ Hello Summer Family Night
📍 Chick-fil-A Lake City
📅 May 12 | 5:30–7 PM
Beach balls, summer-themed fun, and Chick-fil-A. A solid combo for families in the Lake City area.
🧸 Toddler Time
📍 Northside Preschool at NBC Valdosta
📅 Morning Playgroup
Little ones get to play while moms connect and chat. As a mom myself, these kinds of events are honestly underrated.
🎬 Downtown Movie Night: Encanto
📍 Unity Park Amphitheater
📅 Saturday at 7:45 PM
One of my favorite things about Valdosta lately is how many free downtown events have started popping up.
This weekend’s movie night features Encanto at Unity Park Amphitheater, which honestly sounds like such a cute Saturday night with the kids.
Bring lawn chairs, blankets, snacks, and let the kids run around before the movie starts.
Things to Do for Adults, Couples + Friend Groups
🧀 Charcuterie Class at Paulk Vineyards
📍 Paulk Vineyards Tifton Tasting Room
📅 May 12 | 6–8 PM
This feels like the perfect girls’ night or date night idea.
You’ll learn how to create a charcuterie board while hanging out downtown in Tifton at the tasting room.
🎤 Front & Center Open Mic Night
📍 Big Nick's Juke Joint
📅 Starts May 15 | Every Third Friday
Live music, spoken word, local talent, and open mic performances all happening at Big Nick’s Juke Joint.
I love seeing more local creative spaces popping up around Valdosta.
🎨 Plein Air Paint at Langdale Park
📍 Langdale Park
📅 Saturday at 9 AM
Artists gathering outdoors to paint surrounded by the pine trees at Langdale Park honestly sounds peaceful.
Even if you don’t paint yourself, this could still be a cool event to stop by and watch.
💕 Barbie Brunch
📍 Downtown Social
📅 May 16 | 10 AM–12 PM
Pink outfits, brunch, drinks, and supporting a good cause.
This brunch supports CASA of Lowndes & Echols Counties and helps advocate for children in foster care locally.
🚗 Rise & Rev Car Meet
📍 Southern States Storage, Valdosta
📅 May 16 | 8–11 AM
Cars, trucks, coffee, and good vibes.
This one’s family-friendly and open to all builds, which means whether you’re into lifted trucks, imports, classics, or just like grabbing coffee and walking around, you’ll probably enjoy this.
🐶 Mutts & Margaritas Doggie Social
📍 Salsas
📅 May 11 | 6:30–8:30 PM
Dogs, tacos, margaritas, and raffles.
Honestly, whoever came up with this event knew exactly what they were doing.
Community Events Worth Checking Out
🍔 Dogs for Dogs Community Cookout
📍 First Commerce Credit Union
📅 May 12 | 12–2 PM
Grab lunch while supporting local animal rescue organizations.
🍔 Big Family Fun Day Cookout
📍 The Salvation Army
📅 May 16 | 11 AM–2 PM
Free food, bounce houses, face painting, games, music, and community fellowship in Douglas.
Perfect if you’re looking for a low-cost family outing this weekend.
One of my favorite things about living in South Georgia is how there’s always something happening if you know where to look.
If you end up checking out any of these events, tag @YourValdostaRealtor so I can share your photos and support more local events happening around our area.
