September 2021 | Page 2 of 2 | Adventures in Atlanta

DRAGON CON 2021

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/26/21

The moment you look up the elevators have contorted creating a horror sci-fi scape looming down. Below beings have morphed into a range of monsters, aliens, prehistoric creatures, all caught in a sea of cosplay. Dragon Con can be whatever you make it, from Sci-fi horror scape to herds of bubbly t-rexes to living as a fairytale princess. The best part is you decide. What would you be?

One thing we focused on this year were the panels and getting to engrain ourselves in a fantasy world of vampires, superheroes, and zombies to escape for a little while. First, we attended the What We Do in the Shadows with Harvey Guillen who is just as funny and pleasant as his Guillermo counterpart. He mentioned he is very pleased with the trajectory of his character in What We Do in the Shadows, it’s more unexpected for sure! He really loves working on the show that’s 50/50 improv and scripted. We think laughing all day and enjoying going on set says everything. Plus, did you now he does 99% of his own stunts? He’s really fun to listen to talk about his journey as an actor. Some of the highlights were that he loves vampire movies like Interview with the Vampire and is a huge Buffy fan. Plus, he shared the story about how we got the part. Guillermo is supposed to be 20 years older than him, but when they found him he didn’t even have to do a read with the cast, they called him and told him he got the part when he was on the way to the mall with his sister. He said there was a lot of happy screaming. Can you be our friend, Harvey?

Another panel that was probably MY favorite of all time was the Smallville Reunion with Tom Welling, Sam Witwer, Michael Rosenbaum, and Laura Vandervoort. Don’t know if this is the case, but we could have sworn they were tipsy during this panel as we’ve never seen a cast of a TV show have so much fun on a panel! First, it is readily apparent that Tom and Michael and the entire cast are very good friends. They have a unique banter, and we could have watched the panel ALL DAY. The absolute highlight of Dragon Con for me was the Smallville Theme Song Sing-Along. Michael Rosenbaum started playing it and the entire cast asked us to stand and sing along to it! The sound of the actors and the crowd gave us goosebumps. Sam stood on his chair and turned around like they did in the opening credits, it was hilarious. We also enjoyed hearing about how Tom Welling was the force against Superman putting on the Superman suit. He said if they did that, it was basically the end of the show, because it was about a small-town guy becoming Superman and not ABOUT Superman. We totally agree with him and loved they waited until the very end. It really was the right decision. Some of the fun tidbits on this panel were Michael Rosenbaum wants to be a stand-up comedian, you can tell because he moderated the forum himself and brough a Golden Girls towel to the panel with him. Did you know Michael and Tom have a buddy comedy coming up? We don’t know if that was a joke or not, but we’re sold. Plus, Sam Witwer is a master face actor and does a mean Tom Cruise. We left the panel with a huge smile on our faces.

We also attended a Walking Dead panel, and with the final season in full stride, we enjoyed hearing what Ross Marquand (Aaron) and Gabriel Stokes (Father Gabriel) had to say about some of their favorite moments, grossest moments, and challenges of the Walking Dead set. They mentioned that some of the most challenging parts of the show are the working outside in all of the elements. We also got to hear Ross’ funniest moment was that he couldn’t throw a fake rock at a walker. It was too light and everyone made fun of him and they all laughed for hours. Gabriel said his grossest moments is when he and Negan had to dig into the guts of a zombie and spread it on them. It was sticky and gross. Ross mentioned his grossest moment was to watch his arm come off! It must have been surreal and odd.

Beyond the panels, this year was definitely a different year with less attendees, but with all that time to think about cosplays, the costumes were bigger and better than ever. We enjoyed the lighter crowds, it was easier to move around, get your favorite costume photos, and enjoy panels. But don’t forget the FUN. From the stunning Beauty and the Beast duo to the flood of hilarious and genius Loki Variants, to the never-ending heard of T-Rex herds, it really was a spectacle to behold. We’ve put up a photo gallery of some of our favorite costumes, cosplays, and snaps! You can go through and see some of the best! Enjoy!

NETHERWORLD CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF SCREAMS – EXTENDED TWO WEEKS!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/24/21, updated 11/4/21

UPDATED 11/4

It’s not too late to get your scare on at NETHERWORLD Haunted House during its 25^th Season of Screams! America’s favorite haunted house for over two decades is continuing the frightening fun for two more weekends in November. Both haunts, RISE OF THE NETHERSPAWN and RETURN TO PLANET X in 3D, will be open on Nov. 5-7 and Nov. 12-13. Very limited Timed-Entry Tickets and SpeedPasses are available for purchase and include both of NETHERWORLD’s cutting-edge attractions filled with mind-blowing special effects and animatronics, uniquely terrifying creatures, and access to the newly expanded midway area featuring nightmarish monsters, food truck-style snacks, photo ops, a foam zone, games, and more.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better 25^th anniversary season!” said Ben Armstrong, NETHERWORLD Haunted House co-creator. “It has been thrilling to celebrate this milestone with so many new and old fans, and with limited ticketing this year, we wanted to keep the celebration alive by extending the season through the first two weekends in November.”

To keep the adrenaline rush alive following one’s bravery through the haunts, NETHERWORLD’s four escape room games and apocalyptic-themed laser tag arena remain open, along with the House of Creeps Monster Museum. Tickets are on a timed-entry schedule and include entrance into both haunts. It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance online as they are very limited and will sell out fast. To purchase tickets and check available time slots, click here.

Know before you go…read up on all of NETHERWORLD’s COVID-19 guidelines and procedures here: www.fearworld.com/wordpress/faq

Original post 9/24/21

Haunt fans, the scariest season of the year has arrived! NETHERWORLD Haunted House officially returns for its 25^th year of next-level thrills and chills. Opening this weekend, only the bravest souls will experience the unforgettable pulse-pounding horror featured in two brand-new haunts, RISE OF THE NETHERSPAWN and RETURN TO PLANET X in 3D, from co-creators Billy Messina and Ben Armstrong.

“This milestone is one that not only are we proud of, we’re also grateful to all the guests near and far who have experienced NETHERWORLD the last 25 years,” said Armstrong. “This year has us looking back and celebrating our history with some of our classic characters from years past combined with new themes featuring brand new monsters and intriguing storylines, all housed in our two massive and immersive haunts. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the 2021 season!”

This year’s themes include:

RISE OF THE NETHERSPAWN:
Fulfilling the wishes of The Collector, a primordial monster known as The Ganoga will summon the twins, FEAR and TERROR, to lead an invasion of hideous creatures from the NETHERWORLD! Bone-crunching Berserkers and flesh-rending Rabid lead the charge, hidden deep within the swirling mists and flashing lightning of a colossal storm of shadows! Will the maelstrom conceal the crawling horrors from their helpless victims, or will they glimpse the RISE OF THE NETHERSPAWN in time to flee for their lives?

Featuring: The Storm of Shadows, Trapped in the Wreckage, the Fisherman’s Nightmare, Eaten by the Old Ones, the Collector’s Crypt, the Starving Skull, the Jaws of Fate, the Swamp of the Lost, the Maggots of Madness, the Rage of the Rabid, the Berserkers Revenge, the Goblin Horde, the Court of the Warlord and the Soul Eater Unleashed! Twenty-five years of never-ending nightmares culminates in this apocalyptic festival of destruction as guests witness the RISE OF THE NETHERSPAWN!

RETURN TO PLANET X:
In the secret base known as the BOX, an experiment gone wrong has broken down the very fabric of time and space releasing bizarrely colorful mutagenic energy through dimensional gateways all over the facility! Weird, malevolent life forms stalk victims throughout the complex and the very fabric of reality is crumbling. Exobiologist, Dr. Otto Gloman, has gone into the rift equipped with a powered space suit, to stop the horror and force it to RETURN TO PLANET X in 3D! Guests will put on special 3D glasses and help him defeat this bizarre invasion before it consumes the entire planet.

Featuring: The Ghastly Gloaming, the Horror of the Hunes, the Malevolent Mutations, the Power of the Pyramid, the Secrets of the Serpent Men, the Paradox of Planet X, the Revenge of the Reptilians, the Primal Polymorphs, the Color Out of Space, the Mega Xeno Arthropod and the Nightmares from Beyond Time! Those who are brave enough to join the daunting mission will be pressured to retain a fragile grip on reality while viewing this world of horror through 3D glasses as they RETURN TO PLANET X.

Recently dubbed “scariest haunted house” by Oprah Magazine for the second year in a row, NETHERWORLD has built a loyal cult-following over the past 25 years and is beloved for its Hollywood-quality special effects, cutting-edge themes, elaborate sets, and nightmare-inducing monsters. In 2018, the team planted roots in Stone Mountain on a 10+ acre property, allowing room for expansion beyond the seasonal haunts. Open year-round, NETHERWORLD offers four adrenaline-inducing Escape Room Games, a Laser Tag Arena, and a monster museum. Haunt tickets are on sale now and attendees won’t want to miss it. During Halloween season, Escape the NETHERWORLD will also operate every day and night that the haunts are open. These tickets are sold separately at www.escapethenetherworld.com.

All tickets will be timed, dated, and limited. All tickets include access to both haunts, RISE OF THE NETHERSPAWN and RETURN TO PLANET X in 3D. Purchasing tickets online and in advance is highly recommended to guarantee entry as walk-up/box office sales are subject to availability. SpeedPasses available to expedite entry. Masks are strongly encouraged while visiting NETHERWORLD Haunted House. Masks are, however, required to enter the House of Creeps Monster Museum, the NETHERWORLD Gift Shop and the common areas of Escape the NETHERWORLD. For more details on the haunts and to learn more about COVID-19 protocols, visit www.fearworld.com.

Dates and times:

Sept. 24-25, 2021
Oct. 1-3, 6-10, 12-17, 19-31, 2021
Nov. 5-7 and 12-13, 2021

September Dates: 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Monday – Thursday in October: 7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Friday and Saturday in October: 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Sunday in October: 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
November Dates: 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

SLINGIN’ WINGS FESTIVAL 2021

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/20/21

Saturday, October 9th

Heritage Sandy Springs

Slingin’ Wings Festival is BACK for the 4th year for a seriously saucy wing and beer festival! Join us on Saturday, October 9th, for Slingin’ Wings Festival where restaurants from all over Atlanta will be slingin’ chicken wings for your tasting pleasure. Come join us for ATL’s premiere outdoor chicken wing festival! In addition to a full day of good eats, we’ve got an awesome lineup of frosty brews, live local music, plus wing eating contests and all your favorite tailgate games.

General Admission Tickets Include:
• Entry to all festival areas
• Access to food vendors, live music, and bars.
• (4) Wings Vouchers to get you started (additional wings available for sale ~$1/wing)
• People’s Choice voter’s ballot

Wing Lover’s Tickets:
• (15) Wing Vouchers
• Slingin’ Wings Souvenir 16oz tumbler

Looking for more than a taste? Not to worry! Each restaurant will be selling additional wings (~$1/wing), plus we’ll have a variety of local Atlanta restaurants serving up their full menus (and full-sized portions) available to purchase.

Wing Contests:
Slingin’ Wing Eating Contest
Slingin’ Wing Contest (wing toss)

A portion of event proceeds will benefit Releash Atlanta, a 501c3 not for profit charitable organization that works tirelessly to save dogs from high kill shelters throughout the state of Georgia.

OKTOBERFEST AT RED’S BEER GARDEN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/20/21

Be on Your Wurst Behavior at Red’s Beer Garden’s Oktoberfest

September 21 – October 3

Prost! It’s that time of year again. Between September 21st and October 3rd, Red’s Beer Garden is hosting two weeks of food and craft beer specials in honor of Oktoberfest. Get into the fall feeling by pairing their limited-edition Oktoberfest hash and German potato salad with Märzen craft brews from Ayinger Brewery, Halfway Crooks Beer, Bold Monk, Arches Brewing, Jack’s Abby, Printer’s Ale Manufacturing Co., and Dry Country Brewing Co. All the Oktoberfest offerings will be available in Red’s expansive grab-and-go coolers or on draft. Red’s will also be hosting a Märzen Beer Tasting and Class on Friday, September 24th that’s only $15 per person. The following Friday, October 1st, an Oktoberfest-themed, adult spelling bee and Line Creek Brewing Co. tap takeover will commence at 7 p.m. Registration is $10 and includes a Line Creek pint glass. The winner will receive a Line Creek bag o’ swag, beer tickets for the brewery, and bragging rights. Masks are required indoors or when not eating and/or drinking at a table.

AMERICA’S FAVORITE TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE SHOW RETURNS TO ATLANTA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/17/21

Explore Hundreds of Vacation Destinations Open for Travel Now,

Meet With Travel Experts to Plan Your Next Trip, and More

Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17, 2021 at Georgia World Congress Center

The nationally acclaimed Travel & Adventure Show is returning to Atlanta this fall at Georgia World Congress Center on Saturday, October 16 and Sunday, October 17, 2021. Attendees will have an opportunity to discover over 200+ vacation options that are open for travel now, plus meet with the destination experts who are on-hand to answer questions, customize itineraries, and answer questions on travel safety. They will also attend dozens of educational seminars with renowned experts who have been traveling over the past year, designed to give the audience real-time travel advice on navigating the new travel environment.

Featuring three theaters, including the Travel Theater, Destination Theater, and Savvy Traveler, guests will have the opportunity to meet travel celebrities, including Samantha Brown, host of PBS’s “Samantha Brown’s Places to Love”; Peter Greenberg, Emmy award-winning investigative reporter; award-winning travel writer, actor and director, Andrew McCarthy, and many more.

Advance sale tickets are available starting at $11 for a one-day pass and $18 for a two-day pass. Children ages 16 and under can attend free. Active men and women in the U.S. armed forces are invited to present a military identification prior to the event or at Will Call for free admission for up to four members of their family. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit travelshows.com/shows/atlanta/.

ALL STEINS POINT TO A GREAT TIME AT EVENTIDE BREWING’S OKTOBERFEST

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/17/21

Enjoy plenty of German-style beer, live entertainment and hearty fare at Grant Park’s favorite neighborhood brewery

Hop on down to Eventide Saturday, October 2, for an un-beer-lievable Oktoberfest celebration!

Now in its third year, the event promises to be bigger than ever with seven varieties of German beer on tap, including its flagship Kolsch-style ale, Citrus Grove Hefeweizen and Dämmerung Pilsner. Additionally, Eventide’s special Oktoberfest Festbier, a malty traditional German Marzen, is back again on draft and available in to-go six packs.

The day’s festivities will include a beer stein holding competition, where the champion will win a $100 gift certificate, as well as a best lederhosen contest. Additionally, attendees can buy raffle tickets for a chance to win free beer for a year!

There will also be plenty of delicious food for sale, including hot dogs and sandwiches from Red’s Beer Garden and savory, authentic hand pies from Coffyn Pyes.

Eventide’s Oktoberfest is a ticketed event with two available options, including a limited number of VIP-level tickets that come with unlimited draft beer, a commemorative Eventide t-shirt, an Eventide beer stein and a to-go six pack of Eventide Festbier.

For more information and to purchase advance tickets, please visit: https://www.eventidebrewing.com/oktoberfest.

Tickets may also be purchased the day of the event.

FIRST-EVER FANTASTIC HALLOWEEN BUBBLES UP FUN AT WORLD OF COCA-COLA

Posted by Liz and and John Attaway, 9/17/21

New Fanta Flavors, Spooky Moments and Special Features Haunt Atlanta Attraction
All Month Long; Adults-Only Evening Event Extends the Fun After Hours

This October, World of Coca-Cola is inviting families and friends to take part in the attraction’s first-ever Halloween takeover. Offered all month long with special activations on Saturdays and Sundays, the eerie experience includes a scavenger hunt to find a mystery Fanta flavor, an after-hours event for adults, ghostly performances and so much more. Guests are encouraged to get in the spooky spirit by wearing their best family-friendly costumes and looking out for festive frights and fall features among World of Coke’s regular exhibits and experiences. FANTAstic Halloween is included as part of every general admission ticket in October.

Haunted Hunt for a FANTAstic New Flavor

The FANTAstic Flavor Hunt challenges guests to search for hidden QR codes throughout World of Coca-Cola, each one a clue to a mysterious new Fanta flavor hitting shelves soon. The journey concludes in Taste It! where guests can unearth the secret and sample the latest Fanta flavor before it launches in 2022.

All the Treats, None of the Tricks

No ghoul goes thirsty, as Coca-Cola Freestyle serves three limited-edition mixes: Fanta Grape Goblin, Fanta Orange Jack-O-Lantern and Fanta Strawberry Scary Skull. Even more Fanta flavors are available on the Taste It! fountains, and seasonal concoctions can be sipped at the beverage bar.

Bottling Up Frightful Concoctions

The Bottle Works exhibit has been abandoned – or has it? Fans who dare to enter may encounter playful skeletons. On weekends, the mad scientist Dr. FANTAstic transforms the bottling plant into his personal lab. The doctor is mixing up something frighteningly delicious – peek inside to get a firsthand look at the creation of Coca-Cola’s most mystical drink yet.

Surprises and Disguises to Spare

Around every corner, fans will discover spooky surprises – from beastly backdrops for freaky photos, to ghoulish tales and live dance performances by costumed characters. Inside the Scent Discovery exhibit, guests can sniff and guess seasonal aromas that recall memories from Halloweens past and set the stage for unique flavors inside Taste It!

FANTAstic Halloween After Dark

On Thursday, October 14, World of Coca-Cola will open its doors for its first-ever, adults-only event from 7-10 p.m. The event will feature a DJ spinning spook-tacular tunes, dramatic Halloween-themed entertainment and a full bar with a “FANTAstic Halloween” specialty cocktail. Food will also be available for purchase. Tickets cost $35 and include two drink tickets for wine or beer. Costumes are welcome, and face coverings are required except in spaces designated for eating and drinking. Masks that fully cover the face and weapon-like props are not permitted. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend.

Safety First

The health and safety of World of Coca-Cola’s guests and employees are top priorities, and the attraction has adjusted operations in compliance with guidelines from health and government authorities. Precautions include reduced capacity, timed ticket entry, signage to promote social distancing, mandatory face coverings for all ambassadors and guests over the age of two, and enhanced cleaning routines throughout the attraction. More information is here.

FALL INTO FALL FESTIVALS WITH THE ATLANTA FOUNDATION FOR PUBLIC SPACES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/13/21

Buckhead Fine Arts Festival (September 18-19)
Sandy Springs Artsapalooza (September 25-26)
Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival (October 2-3)
Fall Festival on Ponce (October 9-10)
Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival (November 6-7)

Buckhead Fine Arts Festival

Held in the heart of Buckhead, home to one of the city’s most enthusiastic art buying communities, the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces will once again present the Buckhead Fine Arts Festival on Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19, 2021. The two-day fine arts festival will feature approximately 100 painters, photographers, sculptors, metalworkers, glass artists, jewelers and more. Festival goers can also soak up the sun and cityscape, while enjoying artist demonstrations and live acoustic music. The dynamic merchants in and surrounding the festival in the Buckhead Village will provide a variety of beverage and food offerings. Free to attend, the festival is rain or shine, open to all ages, and four-legged friends are welcome. For more information visit  http://buckheadartsfestival.com  or www.affps.com.

Sandy Springs Artsapalooza
Sandy Springs Artsapalooza returns on Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26, 2021. Featuring more than 150 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metal craft persons, glass blowers, jewelers and more, the festival will transform the beautiful tree-lined streets of Sandy Springs into an expansive outdoor art gallery. Festival goers will have the opportunity to view artist demonstrations, participate in hands-on art activities, and enjoy live acoustic performances. The award-winning, two-day festival will also have a children’s area, gourmet food trucks with healthy alternatives and beverages. The festival is free to attend, open to all ages, and dogs are welcome.  For more information about Sandy Springs Artsapalooza, please visit http://sandyspringsartsapalooza.com  or  www.affps.com.

Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival

Join the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces as they celebrate the return of the Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival on Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3, 2021. The two-day festival will once again be held in Atlanta’s picturesque Historic Fourth Ward Park that is conveniently located along the bustling Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail. Festival goers are invited to explore painting, photography, ceramics, glass, jewelry, woodwork and handcrafted items. The festival also features live music in the amphitheater, local food vendors, drinks, a children’s area, art demonstrations, games, and much more. The event is free to attend, open to all ages and dogs are welcome. For more information, visit  www.oldfourthwardparkartsfestival.com or www.affps.com.

Fall Festival on Ponce
Presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, the Fall Festival on Ponce will be held on Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10, 2021 in historic Olmsted Linear Park.  The two-day festival will feature 125 displays of local and regional fine art and crafts along with folk and outsider art.  While taking in the beautiful fall foliage and charming park, festival goers are invited to enjoy local food trucks, beverages, a children’s play area, live, acoustic music and much more.  The event is free to attend, open to all ages, and dogs are welcome.  For more information about the festival, please visit www.festivalonponce.com or www.affps.com.

Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival
The Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival, presented by the Atlanta Foundation For Public Spaces, returns to  Chastain Park in Buckhead on Saturday, November 6 and Sunday,  November 7, 2021. Featuring more than 185 talented painters, photographers, sculptors,  leather and metal craft persons, glass blowers, jewelers and  more, the  festival will transform Chastain Park into an expansive outdoor art gallery. Festival goers are invited to view artist  demonstrations, participate  in hands-on art  activities and enjoy live acoustic performances while taking in breathtaking fall scenery.  The  award-winning, two-day festival will also have a children’s play area in the  adjacent green space, gourmet food trucks,  beverages and more. The Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival is free to attend, open  to all ages, and dogs are welcome.  For more information, visit http://chastainparkartsfestival.com or  www.affps.com

WHISKEY TWO WINE AT TWO URBAN LICKS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/13/21

A Whiskey and Wine Pairing Experience Featuring Redwood Empire Whiskey and Raeburn Winery

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 6 p.m.

TWO urban licks is welcoming the fall season by hosting, Whiskey TWO Wine, a unique dinner experience showcasing the whiskeys of Redwood Empire and wines of Raeburn Winery on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 6 p.m. Known for its acclaimed American cuisine, Executive Chef Matt Weinstein has curated a menu that pairs perfectly with picks from Todd Rushing, Concentrics Restaurants’ partner and renowned food, wine and spirit expert. Rushing will kick off the evening with three whiskey and appetizer pairings followed by a three-course, wine dinner. The Whiskey TWO Wine experience is $90 per person, tax and gratuity not included. To make a reservation or for more information, call 404.522.5622. TWO urban licks is located at 820 Ralph McGill Blvd. Atlanta, GA, 30306. Visit twourbanlicks.com for more information. Stay connected on Twitter at @2urbanlicks and Instagram at @TwoUrbanLicks and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TwoUrbanLicks.

Whiskey TWO Wine Dinner

Executive Chef Matt Weinstein

TWO urban licks

Whiskey

Proscuitto Wrapped Figs, Caramelized White Chocolate

Fried Green Tomatoes, Fromage Blanc, Apple Cider BBQ

Steak Tartare, Black Garlic Aioli, Smoked Mozzarella & Herbed Cream Cheese, Chip

* * *

Wine

Granny Smith Apples, Belgian Endive, Lemon Ricotta, Pistachio Pesto

Black Cod, Crispy Polenta Cake, Roasted Red Pepper Puree, Crab Beurre Blanc, Frisee

Duck Breast, Bacon & Sweet Potato Puree, Charred Broccoli, Hazelnuts, Pomegranate Jus

FOOD THAT ROCKS 2021

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/10/21

Food That Rocks combines bevs, bites, and live music creating tasting experiences with local flavor.

Food that Rocks, a tasting event celebrating the vibrant and expanding dining scene in Sandy Springs will commemorate its fifth year with a return to City Springs this September. New for 2021, Food That Rocks is expanding to three nights and adding a Saturday afternoon session with each session featuring tastes from participating restaurants, wine, beer, cocktail tastings, and live music.

“Food that Rocks was created to bring together community and entertainment for a cause. The challenge this year was reimaging the event to support the hospitality industry in a post-pandemic period. Rather than a single event serving large numbers, we are hosting multiple sessions. These smaller, intimate tasting events will allow us to bring Food That Rocks back in a manner that is safe and expands options for both our guests and restaurants,” said Dale DeSena, the event creator and founder of Taste of Atlanta.”

Food That Rocks will host sessions from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. September 23-25, 2021, and an afternoon session on September 25 from noon – 3 p.m. Each session will feature food and drinks from local chefs and mixologists. Live music will add to the ambiance at each event. Tickets are $90 per person per session and are all-inclusive ($100 per person day of the event). A portion of each ticket sold will cover the cost to allow a select number of COVID frontline healthcare and public safety workers to attend free of charge as a special thank you for their efforts during the pandemic.

“Food is a powerful tool in creating strong cities. It brings people together, and a thriving hospitality industry contributes to the overall economic health of a community. Food That Rocks has added significantly to our efforts to elevate our dining scene while creating an entertaining event fun for the community,” said Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul.

In partnership with Visit Sandy Springs and the City of Sandy Springs, Food That Rocks is for 21-and-up only and is presented by Taste of Atlanta. Food That Rocks is also sponsored by Your Atlanta Area BMW Centers and Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital. Tickets to the event can be purchased beginning July 28, 2021, at www.FoodThatRocks.org. Rideshare is encouraged. Drop off and pick up is located at Johnson Ferry Road and Blue Stone Road. For more information, visit www.FoodThatRocks.org.

Stay connected to Food That Rocks:
• Follow Food That Rocks on Instagram: @foodthatrocksatl
• Follow Food That Rocks on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ssfoodthatrocks
• Like Food That Rocks on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodthatrocksatl/
• Website updates: FoodThatRocks.org