THE FRENCH MARKET HEADS TO BUCKHEAD VILLIAGE THIS SEPTEMBER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/14/23

Saturday, September 9

Noon-7pm

Francophiles rejoice – the French Market is back and heading to Buckhead Village! On Saturday, September 9 from noon to 7pm, Buckhead Avenue will transform into a Parisian-inspired, open-air market bringing together regionally and locally-owned French and French-inspired businesses including Ade by Femi, Lisa’s Creperie, Maison B. Encore, Ché René Macaron, diptyque and Saint Germain Bakery & Cafe, all offering visitors the chance to stroll and shop curated selections of designer goods, art, home furnishings and French fare. This year’s festivities will also include live music, crafts and entertainment for all ages, including performances from The Bonaventure Quartet jazz band, Théâtre du Rêve and the Atlanta Petanque Club. 

The French Market is free and open to the public. A wristband will be required to purchase food & beverages from participating vendors – wristbands are now available online for $5 and will be available for $10 beginning September 5. Children 12 & under are not required to purchase a wristband. All event proceeds directly support the Alliance Française of Atlanta, a nonprofit whose mission is to promote the French language and francophone cultures through educational and cross-cultural programs. Businesses who are interested in becoming a market vendor can visit www.frenchmarketatl.com/vendors.

DRAGON CON’S DRAGON AWARDS PUBLISHES ITS 2023 BALLOT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/13/23

Eight Annual Awards Include 11 Categories, Reduced from Fifteen, To Better Reflect Fans’ Interests and Better Recognize the Best in Literature, Comics, Gaming and Filmed Entertainment.

Award Winners Will Be Announced at Dragon Con over Labor Day Weekend.

Dragon Con’s Dragon Awards, a fan’s choice awards program to recognize the very best in science fiction and fantasy literature, comics, gaming, and filmed entertainment, has published its 2023 ballot.

Winners of the Dragon Awards are selected by fans – not just Dragon Con members or convention attendees – and voting is free.  You can view the ballot here.

Reflecting changes in past years’ voting patterns, the Dragon Awards has made several changes to the assortment of voting categories, reducing the number of categories from 15 to 11. Specifically: 

·         “Best Media Tie-In Novel” and “Best Military Science Fiction/Fantasy Novel” categories have been eliminated. Books in these former categories may be entered in one of the five remaining novel-focused categories.   

·         “Best Comic Book” and “Best Graphic Novel” have been combined into a single category, “Best Comic Book or Graphic Novel.”

·         “Best Science Fiction or Fantasy PC / Console Game” and “Best Science Fiction of Fantasy Mobile Game” have been combined into a single category, “Best Digital Game.”

·         “Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Board Game” and “Best Science Fiction or Fantasy Miniatures / Collectable Card / Role-Playing Game” have been combined into one category, “Best Tabletop Game.”

·         Finally, the “Best Illustrative Book Cover” category has been added to more accurately reflect our roots and fandom in the Art community.

“From the start, we said we would be flexible and make changes that would help make the Dragon Awards a true accounting of the best in science fiction and fantasy, whether fans read it, watch it, or play it,” said convention co-chair David Cody.

In 2022, more than 7,000 fans cast ballots for Dragon Award winners, selected from among 93 properties in 15 categories covering the full range of fiction, comics, television, movies, video gaming, and tabletop gaming. 

All voting is done electronically and only via a ballot emailed to each confirmed voter. To vote, fans must first register on the Dragon Awards website: Register Here. Ballots are then emailed in batches every few days through August.

Fans have until Friday, Sept. 1 at 11:59 p.m., Eastern, to register. Voting ends 24-hours later on Saturday, Sept. 2 at 11:59 p.m., also Eastern.

Winners will be announced on Sunday, Sept. 3 at Dragon Con in downtown Atlanta. The annual Labor Day convention is scheduled this year from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4.

The ballot was selected in an open nomination process, in which more than 4,000 fans participated. Using the dedicated Dragon Awards website, fans were invited to nominate one (and only one) of their favorite properties in any or all the award categories. Nominations ran from November 2022 until July 19, 2023. The best and most popular of the nominated properties were elevated to the ballot.

Further details are available on the awards website: www.dragoncon.org/awards/. 

ESCAPE THE NETHERWORLD LAUNCHES NEW “OUT OF THIS WORLD” ESCAPE ROOM!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/13/23

The Latest Room at NETHERWORLD’s Year-Round Attraction Is Now Open!
 

Celebrating its 6-year anniversary, Escape the NETHERWORLD is launching an intense new, over-the-top, space-themed escape room! Fans of NETHERWORLD Haunted House and its world-class attractions can now book this exciting experience along with the other Escape Games available at the facility. Titled Alien Terror: The Doom of the Dark Horizon, this intricate escape room will feature the complex puzzles, realistic props, and jaw-dropping special effects that the NETHERWORLD brand and Escape the NETHERWORLD have become notorious for.
 
After purchasing 10 acres of property in Stone Mountain in 2017, the team behind NETHERWORLD Haunted House knew they wanted to expand beyond haunted attractions and into the popular new world of escape rooms. The initial launch featured three games followed by a fourth in 2019 with a variety of themes designed to challenge and entertain both novices and experts. Created for groups of 4 to 8 players, Haunted: Curse of the Night Hag and Sasquatch: Bigfoot’s Revenge are challenging enough for everyone to enjoy with Tiki Island: Attack of the Shark God and Nosferatu: Van Helsing’s Secret upping the complexity just enough to give players an even greater challenge. Escape the NETHERWORLD is widely renowned for escape rooms that feature both intricate and challenging gameplay in addition to incredibly detailed sets and elaborate twists and turns that completely immerse guests into the game. But fear not, game masters are present to help guide guests and provide clues (if needed) along the way.
 
“We’ve been building and developing Alien Terror: The Doom of the Dark Horizon for some time now, and we are thrilled to finally unveil it to the public” said NETHERWORLD Co-Founder, Ben Armstrong. “The storytelling within this room is next-level, and we are excited to take our guests on a terrifying one-hour adventure into the outer darkness. Time is running out…will they return to Earth, or will they be lost in the vastness of interstellar space? We shall see!”
 
Read on for more details on this NEW themed escape room:
 
Alien Terror: Doom of The Dark Horizon: You have booked a passage on a deep space mining vessel to experience the ultimate thrill – navigating the event horizon of a massive black hole! Awakening from a long slumber, you discover the crew is missing, the ship is experiencing massive failures and some sort of THING is lurking in the darkness hounding your every move! Will you be able to escape the doomed ship before it is pulled into the swirling gravity vortex – or will you meet the same horrible fate as the rest of the crew?
 
The fun is just beginning at NETHERWORLD with haunt season fast approaching. Stay tuned as the NETHERWORLD Haunted House 2023 themes, dates, and ticketing info will be released later this summer.
 
Escape the NETHERWORLD is open Wednesdays and Thursdays 2:20 – 6:40 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 2:20 – 10:00 p.m., and Sundays 2:20 – 8:20 p.m. Patrons must make reservations online at least 4 hours in advance. A minimum of four players is required for each room, while the maximum number available for a regular party is 10. For larger party bookings, contact EscapeTheNetherworld@gmail.com. For more information or to book a reservation, visit www.escapethenetherworld.com.

RED BULL UNLOCKED TO HOST CELEBRATION OF ATLANTA NIGHTLIFE ON SEPTEMBER 9

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/3/23

Bringing Together a Mashup of the City’s Diverse Bars, Clubs, Artists, and Experiences to Underground Atlanta for One-Night Only Tickets on Sale Now 

On Saturday, September 9th, Red Bull Unlocked is bringing a mashup of Atlanta’s greatest bars, clubs, experiences and artists together under one roof for the ultimate celebration of the city. Taking place at Underground Atlanta (50 Upper Alabama Street) in the heart of Downtown, the one-night only event will re-create the vibe and DNA of unique partners alongside a premium product experience, local and national artists, performers, DJs, and much more.

Atlanta’s own Bar Vegan, Slutty Vegan, Clermont Lounge, Future, Magic City, MJQ, PBR, Sister Louisa’s Church, Dolo’s Pizza, Peach Museum will join forces, offering event goers an unforgettable night filled with signature food, drink, live entertainment and plenty of surprises representing their unmatched offerings from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Promising one epic adventure, tickets for Red Bull Unlocked Atlanta are on sale for $10 for ages 21+ now for at win.gs/UnlockedATL. 

For more information and complete list of participating businesses and artists, visit www.redbull.com/UnlockedATL. Additional details about Red Bull Unlocked Atlanta including the full guest performer lineup will be announced in the coming weeks. Follow news and announcements for Red Bull Unlocked via the participating bars, clubs and #RedBullUnlocked. 

TACO AND TEQUILA THURSDAYS AT TWO URBAN LICKS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/3/23

Every Thursday through 8/31!

Join TWO urban licks as they raise a glass to its newest summer offering, Taco and Tequila Thursdays. Running until August 31st from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy three chef’s choice tacos for $20 on their spacious, dog-friendly patio on the BeltLine. To further embrace the season of alfresco sipping, the Old Fourth Ward destination will have an array of tequila infused drink specials on hand including margaritas, Palomas, and more. Making Thursdays a whole lot tastier. TWO urban licks is located at 820 Ralph McGill Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30306 and boasts an expansive, dog-friendly patio, spacious dining room and bar area. For more information or to make reservations, call 404.522.4622 or visit twourbanlicks.com.

THE SUMMER FUN CONTINUES AT ATLANTIC STATION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/3/23

Keep Good Times Rolling with Events at Atlantic Station Including…
The AVP Gold Series Atlanta Open, Visit Tampa Bay, Screen on the Green and More


Soak up the last of summer fun this August at Atlantic Station! The heart of Atlanta boasts a wide array of ticketed and complimentary events for everyone to enjoy. Kick back on the Atlantic Green and watch an outdoor movie, immerse in all things Tampa Bay with a chance to win a free trip, bring the kids for an interactive music class or shop local at the Creator’s Market. No matter the mood, Atlantic Station has a terrific variety for an event-filled August.

The Atlantic Station August Calendar of Events includes:

Friday, Aug. 4: THE AVP GOLD SERIES ATLANTA OPEN
Located at Pinnacle Lot | Friday, August 4, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Saturday, August 5, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. EDT | Sunday, August 6, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. EDT.
Expect intense competition at the Pinnacle Lot Friday, Aug. 4 through Sunday, Aug. 6 when The Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) returns to Atlantic Station for the marquee Gold Series. Join us for night sessions under the lights and AVP pros bringing the heat to earn the 1st Gold Series hardware of 2023. Ticket options include single sessions and full weekend passes for Premium, Club and General Admission, student discounts, group tickets and more! Visit here to learn more.

Tuesday, Aug. 8: TOT SPOT – ROCKIN’ TOTS WITH THE MUSIC CLASS
Located at Atlantic Green | 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. EDT.
Tot Spot is back with lots of free and fun activities for our littlest friends. Rock out with us on Aug. 8 and enjoy singing, dancing and the opportunity to experience many different instruments! Guests can expect snacks and fun for the whole family to enjoy. Visit here to learn more.

Thursday, Aug. 10: SCREEN ON THE GREEN: IN THE HEIGHTS (2021)
Located at Atlantic Green | 7:00 p.m. EDT.
Make outdoor movie viewing a new tradition this summer at Atlantic Station’s Screen on the Green! Each month this summer, a different family-friendly film will be featured on a large outdoor screen. Bring your blankets or chairs and choose your own place to sit on the lawn. Visit here to learn more.

Saturday, Aug. 12 and Sunday, Aug. 13: VISIT TAMPA BAY
Located Around Atlantic Station | 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EDT.
Come spend a day with Visit Tampa Bay at Atlantic Station! Surround yourself with the immersive experience of all things Tampa, including special visits from the Tampa Bay Zoo, Busch Gardens and more. There will also be a free trip to Tampa Bay giveaway. Visit here to learn more.

Saturday, Aug. 19: TINY DOORS OPEN STUDIO
Located at the Tiny Doors Studio | 10 a.m. EDT.  
Come check out the Tiny Doors ATL studio and meet artist Karen Anderson Singer on the third Saturday of each month from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Inspired by street art conversations in Atlanta, Singer began creating custom 7-inch Tiny Doors in 2014 that celebrate, reflect, and respect their surrounding communities. Stop by to see works in progress, shop exclusive Tiny Doors merch, and view the retired door gallery! Visit here to learn more.

Every Weekend: CREATOR’S MARKET
Located Around Atlantic Green | Every Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Every Sunday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. EDT | Friday, August 4 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. EDT.
Atlantic Station Creator’s Market returns with unstoppable creativity by kicking off a special Friday Night Market on Friday, Aug. 4 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  Shop locally and celebrate Atlanta’s local artisans every Saturday (11 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m. to 7 p.m.). Find festive art, jewelry, couture and more, all while supporting the makers of the South. Visit here to learn more.

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL WITH HALCYON’S AUGUST EVENTS LINEUP

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/3/23

Forsyth County’s mixed-use village invites the community to play, shop, dine and experience what’s new

The dog days of summer are here and to beat the scorching heat, Halcyon has planned a variety of events for everyone in the whole family to enjoy throughout August. At Forsyth County’s mixed-use village, guests can groove to live music every weekend, enjoy the weekly kids club, relax at Farm Animal Yoga and more. 

The full August events schedule is outlined below:

Halcyon Kids Club

Wednesdays in August from 10 a.m. – noon

Preschoolers are invited to play and make new friends each week at the free Halcyon Kids Club! The little ones can engage in a rotating menu of activities ranging from arts and crafts, dance, animal encounters, storytime, puppet shows, music and so much more. Themes and activities vary weekly and will be announced on Halcyon’s Facebook page and Instagram stories. A parent or guardian is required to stay with each child during the duration of the event. Afterward, enjoy lunch or a sweet treat at one of Halcyon’s kid-friendly restaurants. For more information, visit the Halcyon Facebook event page.

National Oyster Day at Ocean & Acre

Saturday, August 5 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Oh shucks, it’s National Oyster Day! Join Ocean & Acre to celebrate with $1 raw oysters and enjoy live music on the patio. Indulge in other delicious oyster dishes, including a fried oyster platter, chargrilled oysters and more. For more information, visit the  Halcyon Facebook event page. 

3rd Anniversary Celebration at Unexpected Pooch

Saturday, August 5 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

It’s time to put on pawty hats and wag tails because Unexpected Pooch is turning three! Bring your furry friends and join in the fun at the beloved pet boutique. Strike a pose in the Hawaiian-themed photoshoot spot, enjoy raffle baskets and exciting giveaways and treat your pup to a treat or new toy with special anniversary discounts. There will be fun for the little ones with face painting galore and paw-some cocktails for the adults to enjoy. For more information, visit @UnexpectedPooch on Instagram.

Groovin’ on the Green

Fridays and Saturdays in August from 6 – 9 p.m.

Celebrate the weekend with dancing and singing along to live musical performances on Village Green. Enjoy local musicians across a variety of genres playing top hits. Guests can treat themselves to a craft brew and groove to live music all around the village! Halcyon has an open container policy, however, outside food and beverages are prohibited. For more information, visit the Halcyon Facebook event page.

Cars and Coffee Hosted by Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Saturday, August 5 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join the Mercedes-Benz Experience by RBM of Alpharetta and Fuel Coffee for a beautiful summer morning sipping on specialty coffee drinks, viewing Mercedes-Benz vehicles from a variety of years in the private lot next to Fuel and mingling with friends and other members of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America. Mercedes-Benz Experience by RBM of Alpharetta will be offering special discounts off merchandise for all Mercedes-Benz Club of America members. This event is open to all Mercedes-Benz owners. For more information or to register, visit the RBM Halcyon event page. 

Farm Animal Yoga

Saturday, August 12 at 9 and 10 a.m.

Mooove on over to Halcyon for Farm Animal Yoga, featuring animals from North Georgia Wildlife Park! Treat your mind and body to a session of yoga appropriate for all skill levels, accompanied by adorable furry friends. Participants must bring their own yoga mat and are welcome to pause and take photos with the animals during the session. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to fill out a waiver prior to class, visit the event page.