Shrek, Santa Arrive in Alpharetta This Weekend

Santa Arrives at North Point Mall: Santa Claus arrives at the mall in Alpharetta on Friday, Nov. 8 for photos with kids and pet photos (Monday nights only). The jolly elf will get his own parade on Sunday, Nov. 10, from 2-3 p.m, riding in North Point Mall's train while the 50-member Seed and Feed Marching Abominable band plays music. Santa will be at the mall from Nov. 8-Dec. 24.

Shrek Sings in Alpharetta: CYT Atlanta presents Shrek the Musical. Based on the Oscar winning DreamWorks film that started it all, this show will bring the hilarious story of everyone's favorite ogre to dazzling new life on the stage.  Opens Friday, Nov. 8 and runs through Nov. 17 at the Milton Center, 86 School Drive, Alpharetta.  For tickets and showtimes, please visit www.cytatlanta.com.

Jazz Trumpeter Wade Baker: The Velvet Note welcomes Wade Baker to the venue on Friday, Nov. 8. Showtimes:  7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.  For reservations, call 855.5.VELVET or visit The Velvet Note website. 4075 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta.

Building with Canned Goods: Nine local area high schools will compete at North Point Mall on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 9 a.m. for the chance to win $2,500 for their school by designing and building a structure made from canned goods. Students from Alpharetta High School, Centennial High School, Chrysalis Experiential Academy, Independence High School, Johns Creek High School, King’s Ridge Christian School, Northview High School, Riverwood Intl Charter School and Roswell High School held canned food drives and will build, on-site, an original structure using the canned items.  All canned food used during the competition will be donated to North Fulton Community Charities.

 Wire and Wood Songwriters Festival: Downtown Alpharetta will be the site for the festival in its debut on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 4-9 p.m. Free.