Oscar Benefit Must for Marietta Weekend

Essential Marietta happenings for the weekend:

1. Oscar Night America - Atlanta to benefit Marietta's Center for Family Resources. Atlanta rolls out the red carpet on Sunday at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in celebration of the Academy Awards. At Atlanta's only Oscar-sanctioned viewing party, guests and ticket holders can view the awards celebration in a theater setting.

The event benefits the Marietta-based Center for Family Resources, which has assisted low-income families with employment, education and housing resources for more than 50 years.

The black tie-optional event opens at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 each. Visit www.atlantaredcarpet.com for information.

2. Run (or walk) to benefit the Cobb Symphony Orchestra. The Cobb Symphony Orchestra holds its Second Annual Noteworthy 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m. Sunday at , 1171 Whitlock Ave. The orchestra announced the race is for everyone no matter if you "run allegro or walk andante, you won't fall flat." For information, visit http://www.cobbsymphony.org/cso_10-11_season.htm or call 770-428-2631.

3. Engulf yourself in the sweet summertime sounds of Porgy and Bess. The Atlanta Opera performs George Gershwin's classic American opera at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Ticket range from $33 to $150. For information, visit www.atlantaopera.org/porgybess.aspx, call 770-916-2800 or send an e-mail to info@cobbenergycentre.com.

4. Take a free tennis lesson with Coach V for "Tennis in America." As part of a nationwide effort to promote tennis, Coach William Vazquez, known to his students as Coach V, will be providing free lessons from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the courts at , 1001 Burnt Hickory Road.

For information or to sign up for the event, go to www.TennislessonsGA.com or call 404-829-4660. Space is limited and available to adults and juniors ages 12 and up on a first-come, first-served basis.