Purim Events for Families Around Atlanta (2009)050

If someone who isn't Jewish were to check out just one festival to decide whether or not to join the fold, Purim would have to be it. This, essentially, is Jewish Mardi Gras - an all-out carnival with stories of a good and beautiful queen, a slightly bumbling king, and a really, really bad guy who inspires the use of loads of noisemakers. Kids wear costumes, everyone eats pastries, and they all live happily ever after.

The Southland is alive with carnivals celebrating the holiday; most have free admission and charge for ride tickets and food. Guests are welcome to come in or out of costume, though few little girls pass up this opportunity to air the princess gear.

Our calendar has a full list of Purim events for families to enjoy, but we've collected a few of our favorites here. Chabad Intown transports us through food, dance, and hands-on crafts to celebrate Purim in Israel at Park Tavern in midtown; Temple Beth Am rocks the Westside with its family Purim celebration, and Friends of the Valley Cities JCC always throws a great party for the holiday, too.

More events are being added to our calendar daily, so keep checking in, and don't miss out on the fun!