From William Shakespeare to Taylor Swift, the community is invited to celebrate poetry from all generations at the mixed-use destination
Just in time for William Shakespeare’s birthday, Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department album release and National Poetry Month, The Interlock is hosting “To Be or Not to Be at The Interlock,” an evening full of poetry and performance. The event kicks off on Saturday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m. with a Taylor Swift pre-party featuring music from her new album releasing on April 19. Guests who guess if lines are Swift lyrics or Shakespearean poetry correctly will receive prizes, including The Interlock’s new loyalty card – The Trendsetter – with exclusive deals and discounts.
At 7:30 p.m., Atlanta Shakespeare Company will present Midsummer 60, a take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream with all of the silliness, romance, comedy and fairy drama of the full production, condensed into a 60-minute show. To Be or Not to Be at The Interlock is a free event at Highline Park, the greenspace located on Beeline Boulevard.
For the latest information on The Interlock, upcoming events and a roster of retailers and restaurants, visit theinterlockatl.com or follow @TheInterlockAtl on Instagram and Facebook.
Two-Day Arts Festival Featuring Local Art, Delicious Bites, DJs and More
Free to Attend and Open to All Ages on Saturday, April 20, and Sunday, April 21, 2024
Join the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces as they celebrate the return of the Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, April 21, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The two-day festival will once again be held in Historic Fourth Ward Park which 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 DJs courtesy of Captains of Revelry, food vendors, drinks, a children’s area, art demonstrations, games, and 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. Stay connected on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OldFourthWardParkArtsFestival.
This April, Johnny’s Hideaway celebrates 45 years of “dancing, dining, and cocktails,” as the equally iconic marquee promises at its entrance. This formula is tried and true for one of the Southeast’s most cherished nightclubs and has proven to stand the test of time.
The anniversary will be celebrated on Thursday, April 25, starting at 11 am, with specials on the menu, including $10 cocktails and $4.50 beer and wine offerings all day.
When the club opened its doors during the Carter administration, the hit songs playing on the dance floor were from 45 RPM vinyl records. Now, the music is played digitally, and the number 45 is for the candles needed to mark the years the beloved Atlanta institution has been drawing faithful patrons seeking a stiff drink and lively dance floor. For many bars and restaurants, the name of the game is changing and updating as demographics shift and tastes change. For Johnny’s, the secret is keeping everything as familiar and recognizable as possible.
From the decor to the music to the menu, all the way down to the glassware, it is a labor of love for owner Chris D’Auria to keep things the way they’ve always been. “We go to great lengths to make sure everything looks the same. Some people think we don’t change one light fixture or make any updates. We do, but we make sure it is just like what was there before. We replace the carpet every two to three years, but it’s always the same kind. It’s hard to find the chairs we use and the upholstery for the bar tops. We order in bulk and keep inventory in storage so we can swap out when it’s time.”
Johnny’s caters to the over-40 crowd and late-night revelers in their 20s and 30s, and it boasts a disco ball and an energetic dance floor that never disappoints. Whether guests have been coming for decades or are visiting for the first time, they can expect to hear familiar tunes. D’Auria says, “When guests come in, whether 21 or 91, they know they will hear the Temptations, Michael Jackson, and the Beach Boys. And they might occasionally hear a Taylor Swift or Bruno Mars song, but they know they will hear their favorites with music from all genres.”
Speaking of Johnny’s music, check out one of their Spotify playlist here. It’s sure to get the
party started no matter where you are!
D’Auria says their “meat and potatoes” playlist is not incidental. “We painstakingly comb through the music and ensure it stays the same. We may skew younger with some of our guests now, but the song list doesn’t change. We only sprinkle in a new song a few times a year.”
Not only do guests know the songs and the furnishings, but they also know the friendly staff, who are like family to D’Auria. “I am what I am because of my staff. I have six that have been with me for more than 20 years. Without the fantastic staff and the great customers, the Hideaway wouldn’t still be here.”
Johnny’s is open late seven nights a week, closing at 3 a.m. every night except for Sunday, when the music stops at midnight. Yet another tradition is the closing song that plays just before the lights come on. D’Auria says most staff members would be reluctant to name a preferred song from Johnny’s catalog, but they all smile when they hear the first notes of “My Way” by Frank Sinatra because they know they are wrapping up another great night of providing good food, good drinks, and good times for their guests. It is a fitting finale at a venue that has been doing it “their way” for 45 years and is still going strong.
The first tour will take place on April 18 and guide fans through a tasting of Truist Park and various restaurants in The Battery Atlanta
Today, the Atlanta Braves unveiled the Taste of Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta food tours, a guided ballpark and culinary tour for baseball enthusiasts and food lovers. The tour will lead off with a Terrapin beer and a soft pretzel in the Truist Park Press Box. This will be followed by a trip to the Braves dugout to sample Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q. Continuing into The Battery Atlanta, the tour will feature stops at ASW Distillery, Mac McGee’s Irish Pub, and El Super Pan, ending with a classic Southern treat at River Street Sweets.
Throughout the tour, guests will have the opportunity to learn intriguing food facts about the Braves, Truist Park, and The Battery Atlanta. Each venue’s restaurant team will provide insights into the tour’s menu items, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the unique offerings. Taste of Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta tours will be offered on Thursdays when the Atlanta Braves are on the road, beginning April 18 at 12:30 p.m. Each tour will last approximately two hours.
Tasting Menu Includes: Truist Park – Los Bravos Mexican-Style Lager Soft Pretzel with Terrapin Taproom Beer Cheese Fox Bros. Pulled Pork Bar-B-Q ASW – Pineapple Express Old Fashioned Fiddler Mac McGee – Fish & Chips Super Mac Sliders Bangers and Mash Wings El Super Pan –
Mofongo Sampler River Street Sweets – World Famous Pralines
Featuring Live International Talent and Drone and Light Show
The second annual LatinoFamily Festival celebrating Latino culture and heritage, is set to take place the first three weekends in May at Stone Mountain Park, Georgia’s No. 1 most visited attraction. The festival is a vibrant and lively celebration of Latino music, dance, and culture, featuring a wide variety of live international talent including dancers, musicians, a marching band, all-new festive parade, and a massive drone and light show.
The festival will feature live music including headliners:
Los Cadetes de Linares – May 5
La Sonora Dinamita – May 12
Triny, La Leyend – May 19
Guests will have the opportunity to see traditional dances and entertainment from different regions of Latin America including Aztec dancers, Colombian ballet, Mexican ballet, Flamenco dancers, Mariachi band, Pleneros, Mexican band, Charro, stilt walkers, and a Panamanian marching band. The festival will also include interactive storytelling sessions where guests can learn the significance of Latino traditions and folklore.
One of the highlights of the festival will be the drone and light show. End each evening with a festive drone show featuring over 250 color-changing drones creating spectacular aerial formations in the sky while synced to music. Then watch the specially programmed massive Latino Festival Light Show projecting on the largest screen in the world, Stone Mountain, along with immersive lighting, overhead lasers, and special effects, followed by a fireworks finale.
The Latino Family Festival and Light Show will occur on Saturdays and Sundays May 4 – 19. Additional festival information and tickets are available here.
In its fourth year, Mystic District Marketplace commemorates a legacy of live performances, interactive art, eclectic vendors, and vibrant feminist energy.
Embark on an enchanted journey during this year’s Mystic District Marketplace: The Dark Forest Edition. Hosted at Westside Motor Lounge on April 20th, from 6 pm to 12 am, Mystic District Marketplace invites attendees to lose themselves in a world of wonder and whimsy.
Experience an eclectic lineup of live performances by Chelsea Shag, Dara Carter, Naoma, and Coruja. Prepare to be dazzled by a one-hour drag and burlesque show hosted by the fabulous Royal Tee, DJ set by Geexella, and stunning circus performances by Bailey Entertainment.
“We’ve meticulously curated this event over the past four years to showcase a diverse array oftalented local Atlanta artists, spanning performance, visual, and DIY art. At Mystic District Marketplace, we’ve created a welcoming haven, inviting feminist, queer, and witchy art enthusiasts to revel in self-celebration within a soft and inclusive environment. Partnering with Westside Motor Lounge is a thrilling opportunity to elevate their already exceptional venue into a realm of enchantment and magic.” – Liz Peña, Producer of Mystic District Marketplace.
Mystic District Marketplace offers more than just entertainment – it’s a haven for exploration and discovery. Attendees will be met with diverse offerings from 40 hand-selected curio vendors showcasing metaphysical treasures, taxidermy, vintage clothing and beyond. Immerse yourself in healing and spiritual experiences including chakra healing, tarot readings, and massage. Plus, get pampered by Wayward Parlor, offering hair tinsel and funky braids.
Get lost in interactive art installations created by CFCM Design, Darla Schumacher, and Ramouz; engage with enchanting characters curated by Victoria Rose; and participate in creative workshops where you can construct your own mushroom fairy garden with Growin Womxn or delve into the art of collaging with Chrysta Avers of The Bakery Atlanta.
Take away actionable tips from live panels discussing environmental justice and the empowerment of mystical women in business, featuring esteemed guests such as Atlanta City Council Member Liliana Bakhtiari, Reverend Keyanna Jones, Unearthing Farm & Market, Meagan Andrews, Audacity Magazine & Events, Arcana Tarot, Living Alchemy, and Luna Mindful Infusions.
The first 50 attendees will receive a custom-designed Mystic District shirt by Easy Did It, while all guests have the chance to win over $2000 in raffle prizes benefiting Sol Underground. Dark forest themed cosplay is encouraged and delicious food and drinks will be provided by Westside Motor Lounge.
Lineup includes Community Events, a Two-Day Sustainable Businesses Market, Environmental Stewardship Workshops, Networking Events, & More
Ponce City Market announces it will host Earth Week at Ponce, a multi-day celebration featuring free and open-to-the-public community events sponsored by Rivian, a two-day sustainable businesses market, workshops on environmental stewardship, networking events for professionals in the sustainability field, and more, from Thursday, April 18 through Monday, April 22, 2024. Attendees will have the chance to engage with green technology, participate in recycling initiatives and learn from leaders in environmental advocacy.
Hosted at Ponce City Market and organized by Atlanta Green Market, the series of events aims to inspire, educate, and empower the community. The event is targeting Blue Standard verification by Oceanic Global, which recognizes events that work to minimize event-related waste while showcasing the power of community and consumer choices in advancing market-based solutions to environmental challenges.
The lineup includes:
Thursday, April 18, 6-8pm – Atlanta Women in Sustainability Meetup at Rivian’s Showroom: This gathering is an invaluable opportunity for women passionate about sustainability to connect, share insights, and learn about leadership and support within the sector. Tickets for the free event are available here, and food and drinks will be provided.
Friday, April 19, 5-8pm – Climate Techies Meetup at Rivian’s Showroom: Attendees will dive into the world of innovation at this meetup, which will provide a unique platform for founders, investors, and corporations in the climate technology and sustainability sectors to connect, share ideas, and explore cutting-edge solutions to combat climate change. Tickets are available here, and food and drinks will be provided.
Saturday, April 20, 3-6pm – Climate Fresk Workshop at Rivian’s Showroom: This free, interactive workshop is designed for both novices and experts and invites the public to explore climate science, using IPCC reports to help participants understand and act on climate issues. Tickets are available here, and food and beverages will be provided.
Sat., April 20 & Sun., April 21, 10am-3pm – Earth Week at Ponce’s Sustainable Businesses Market at The Shed & The Trestle: Ponce City Market invites the public to The Shed and The Trestle, the open-air community spaces located where Ponce City Market meets the Atlanta BeltLine, to explore a diverse array of local, sustainable products and services committed to sustainability over two days. On Saturday, Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF) is bringing together environmental and nature-focused non-profits for a “Back to Nature” celebration. Participants include Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, Trees Atlanta, and Chattahoochee Nature Center, among others. Sunday’s market theme is “Happy People, Happy Planet” and will feature vendors including Fresh Harvest, Compost Now, The Rounds, Vertical Activewear, Atlo and more. No tickets are needed for this drop-in market.
Monday, April 22, 5-8pm – Atlanta Sustainability Showcase on The Roof’s Terrace: Located on The Roof at Ponce City Market and sponsored by ATDC Georgia Tech, this showcase will more than an event; it will focus on the movement towards a greener, more sustainable future and bring together bright minds and passionate individuals in the sustainability sector – from local government officials and industry innovators to major corporations, small businesses, startups, and community organizations. This gathering will be a unique opportunity to bridge gaps, share knowledge, and ignite collaboration across all sectors working towards environmental stewardship in our state. Tickets ($30) are available here.
“Positioned as a pivotal gathering for those eager to engage with sustainability champions, explore innovative green brands, and actively participate in impactful environmental initiatives, Earth Week at Ponce 2024 stands out as an essential destination,” says Tyler Thompson, Founder & CEO, TESS Co-op & organizer of Earth Week at Ponce. “Whether you’re seeking to forge connections with peers who share your commitment to the planet, uncover sustainable solutions that align with your lifestyle, or play a role in driving meaningful change, Earth Week at Ponce offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the movement towards a more sustainable Atlanta.”
Designed with sustainability in mind, Ponce City Market is committed to employing green practices throughout the property and has been awarded numerous accolades such as LEED Gold Certification (LEED Gold Core & Shell, LEED for Homes, LEED Gold CI – Jamestown Office), the Urban Land Institute’s Global Award for Excellence, BOMA International TOBY Award, PEDS’ Golden Shoe Award, and ULI Atlanta’s Project of the Year, among others. The building showcases Jamestown’s vision to take a 100-year-old building and make it green.
With a focus on building community connections, Ponce City Market incorporates a pedestrian network, public green spaces, and access to the Atlanta BeltLine corridor—all within the revitalized historic property. Ponce City Market encourages the use of alternative transportation methods through 530+ bike parking spaces, direct access to Atlanta’s Beltline trail, and a complimentary shuttle to and from MARTA for tenants and employees. Ponce City Market also offers on-site Zipcars and designated pickup and drop-off locations for rideshare vehicles.
As part of Ponce City Market’s next phase, 619 Ponce is Atlanta’s first Georgia-grown mass timber building utilizing a regional supply chain and is targeting net-zero carbon operations, LEEDv4 Core & Shell certification, and Fitwel certification. 619 Ponce comprises four stories and includes 88,000 square feet of office space – 57,000 of which has been leased by Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR, and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) – and 27,000 square feet of retail space – 18,000 of which will house Pottery Barn. In addition to outdoor space on every level, the building’s biophilic design features natural wood columns and ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows with operable panels. Jamestown broke ground on 619 Ponce spring 2022, the building topped out in June 2023, and completion is expected this spring.
In 2020, Jamestown made a formal commitment to achieve net zero operational carbon emissions portfolio-wide by 2050 and adopted all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. As a partner in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Better Climate Challenge, Jamestown is committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 50 percent within 10 years and sharing best practices to help other organizations transition to a clean energy future.
Additionally, Jamestown has committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), pledging to reduce its Scope 1 (property-generated) and Scope 2 (landlord-generated) greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2030, from a 2018 base-year, and to measure and reduce its Scope 3 (third party-generated) emissions.
Georgia Organics’ longstanding fundraiser, the Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival, is back! Join a lively crowd of over 1,000 of Atlanta’s most passionate local food enthusiasts on July 28 from 3-6 PM at Westside Motor Lounge as Georgia Organics dives headfirst into the 13th year of its epic tomato-tasting showdown.
This iconic tasting festival features a carefully curated lineup of some of the Southeast’s most formidable chefs and bartenders showcasing their culinary prowess with dishes and cocktails crafted from tomatoes grown by Georgia farmers. Previous participating chefs include luminaries like Terry Koval (The Deer & The Dove, B-Side), Steven Satterfield (Miller Union), Deborah VanTrece (Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours), Hector Santiago (El Super Pan), and Ford Fry (Rocket Farm Restaurants).
Attendees will traverse the festival grounds sampling dishes and cocktails, all while being entertained by live performances, including Djs, puppets, and roving musicians, A lively auction will feature coveted items – dinners, excursions, and more – curated for the food and farm lover. The event will culminate in a delightfully campy ceremony crowning the Tomato Champion of 2024.
Among the culinary participants are chefs and bartenders from Georgia Organics’ Farmer Champion network – a growing roster of culinary professionals across sectors recognized for their dedication to purchasing from local and organic farmers. Launched in 2019, the Farmer Champion program supports professionals dedicated to sourcing locally and organically, thereby nurturing Georgia’s diverse patchwork of small farms.
Natasha Paracha, Georgia Organics’ Director of Events states, “Through the celebration of local farmers and culinary artisans at the Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival, we’re not just savoring delicious dishes, we’re cultivating a deeper connection to our community, supporting local regenerative agriculture, and nourishing the roots of Georgia’s rich culinary landscape.”
Since 2008, this event has been Georgia Organics’ primary fundraiser, powering its mission to invest in organic farmers for the health of our communities and the land. True to this mission, all tomatoes at the Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival are purchased from local farms who are recognized and honored at the event.
Tickets go on sale to the public at 12 PM on Monday, April 15. General admission tickets are $100. VIP tickets are $250 and include early festival entry, access to the exclusive VIP Lounge, specialty beverages, and a collectors’ “swag bag” upon entry. As in years past, tickets and sponsorships will sell out fast! For more information about tickets, sponsorships, and participating chefs and bartenders, visit: bit.ly/aktf2024.
Follow the festival on Instagram @attackofthekillertomatofest or sign up for Georgia Organics’ e-newsletter The Dirt at bit.ly/thedirtnewsletter if you dare to keep up with AKTF news and more… Because in the world of Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival, the only thing scarier than a killer tomato is missing out on the hottest food event of the year!
We all know these tomatoes don’t stand a chance. However, the burning question remains: which of our culinary heroes will emerge the crowned and caped 2024 Tomato Champion?
Guests are encouraged to bring recyclables, documents for
shredding, and old electronics for proper disposal
The Avenue West Cobb, an outdoor lifestyle shopping center, is celebrating Earth Day with free recycling services for the whole community on Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“There’s no better day to start spring cleaning than Earth Day! We look forward to welcoming guests to our center and working together to keep our community clean,” said Alondra Moya, marketing manager at The Avenue West Cobb. “Thanks to our longtime tenant, Local Realty, we’ve been able to offer these services to the community year after year at no cost, and thus, encourage our community to leave a positive lasting impact on our planet.”
Community members can do their part in keeping the community clean with complimentary spring cleaning services. Recycling opportunities include secured computer and electronic recycling, document shredding, and a dumpster for small trash items.
During the event, guests can also enjoy music spun by a DJ, and pick up an easy-to-plant, bee-friendly mini plant, while supplies last. For more information, please visit avenuewestcobb.com.
Spring and ongoing events at The Big Ketch, The Blind Pig Parlour Bar, and Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails
The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Buckhead’s favorite beach house known for handcrafted cocktails and coastal-inspired fare, invites guests to experience laid-back ocean life with the return of its lively patio parties every Thursday night through May 30.
The weekly parties at 3279 Roswell Road NE lure guests with rotating themes and seafood offerings at 5 pm and live music at 5:30 pm. Drink specials include $8 glasses of frosé, $6 rotating drafts, and buckets of seltzer or Modelo for $24.
Patio party themes and dates are:
April 11 & May 9: Low Country Boil
A classic boil brimming with a pound of shrimp, two pieces of sausage, corn, red potatoes, and The Big Ketch’s Cajun sauce for $42 per person
April 18 & May 16: Fish Fry
Guests can choose whole-fried Hawaiian snapper dressed with greens and a zesty vinaigrette for $42; cornmeal-breaded catfish served with hushpuppies, fries, and coleslaw for $28; or traditional beer-battered fish served with hand-cut fries and coleslaw for $26
April 25 & May 23: Tiki Time
Dishes include tuna poke made with hand-cut sushi-grade ahi tuna, avocado, ginger, scallions, red onions, cucumber, sesame seeds, and poke sauce for $16; beef or vegetable skewers for $18; three soy-basted and grilled chicken or vegetable kebabs for $14; and Hawaiian shaved pork sliders made with slow-roasted pork and glazed pineapple on King’s Hawaiian buns for $16
May 2 & May 30: Oyster Fest
$1 raw oysters on the half-shell
For the latest information, follow The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also sign up for the newsletter at thebigketch.com.
La Bella Pig, the Italian resort pop-up experience at The Blind Pig Parlour Bar at 128 East Andrews Drive in Buckhead, invites guests to an enchanting Italian wine pairing experience on Sunday, April 14.
This exclusive event offers a unique opportunity to savor the flavors of Italy with a curated selection of wines and light bites. Sommelier Natacha Cargile will guide guests through four hand-selected wines. The ambiance and tasting experience promises a perfect Italian getaway in the heart of Buckhead.
Attendees are encouraged to don their chicest resort wear to fully immerse themselves in the vacation vibe. The event is an opportunity for wine enthusiasts and anyone looking to enjoy a slice of Italy in an unforgettable setting. The wine tasting starts at 3 pm and costs $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.
These straight-from-the-vine dining experiences celebrate the spring, summer, and fall seasons, allowing guests to experience Milton’s Acre, the onsite garden of this treasured Crabapple restaurant.
Each year, Milton’s culinary team looks forward to exploring the possibilities Milton’s Acre—where local produce is harvested and showcased in each garden dinner—presents. Guests can anticipate heirloom fruits, vegetables, and herbs that will share the spotlight with carefully selected meats and seafood.
Each dinner starts at 5 p.m. with a reception of passed hors d’oeuvres and libations in Milton’s Acre, where attendees receive an exclusive tour of the garden. Guests then retire to an outdoor, four-course dinner of inspired comfort foods served family-style with paired wines, all accompanied by the soothing sounds of a cellist. The ambiance, reminiscent of rural farm life, provides a tranquil setting for Milton’s new Southern cuisine.
The Garden Dinner menus are curated a few weeks before each event based on what is in season. Guests can expect to enjoy tastes inspired by Milton’s Acre’s bounty, such as delicate squash blossoms stuffed with prosciutto and cream cheese, pimiento cheese and crawfish, and roast duckling with fingerling sweet potatoes, oyster mushrooms, heirloom snap beans, and candied pecan apple butter.
All dinners are scheduled on Sunday evenings. 2024 Garden Dinner Series dates with available seating:
April 28
May 5 (Cinco de Mayo theme) & 19
October 6, 13, 20 & 27
Tickets to the Garden Dinner Series are $165 each (including wine, tax, and gratuity) and may be purchased online in advance. Tickets are not transferable for other dates and cannot be refunded within 48 hours of the event.
Located at 800 Mayfield Road, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails is nestled in a restored 155-year-old farmhouse located in the historic district of Crabapple. The charming North Fulton restaurant serves contemporary Southern cuisine that utilizes fresh, local ingredients, many of which come from the restaurant’s on-site garden, Milton’s Acre. For more information, visit miltonscuisine.com.
