DIM SUM MEETS SOUTHERN BBQ AT SWEET AUBURN BARBECUE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/7/24

Tuesday, August 27th

Calling all dim sum enthusiasts! Sweet Auburn Barbecue and Soupbelly are joining forces on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, to deliver a fresh take on the traditional dim sum experience. Starting at 5 p.m. until sold out, guests are invited to enjoy a unique fusion of Cantonese tradition and Southern barbecue at the family-owned Poncey-Highland haunt. With rolling carts brimming with steaming buns, savory small plates, and Chinese delicacies, the menu for the pop-up dim sum dinner includes Har Gow and Siu Mai dumplings, sticky and brisket fried rice, jian dui, turnip cake, won tons, steamed meatballs, and more. Seating at Sweet Auburn’s Dim Sum Dinner will be on a first-come, first-serve basis, so guests are encouraged to arrive early to explore every offering. Sweet Auburn Barbecue is located at 656 N. Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. For more information or reservations, visit www.sweetauburnbbq.com or call 678-515-3550. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook at @sweetauburnbbq.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AND KICKOFF GAME FOOTBALL FEST

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/7/24

Grammy-Winning Artist & ATLien Antwan “Big Boi” Patton Headlines Free Celebration Concert on Aug. 24

Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame and “Big Boi” 

The College Football Hall of Fame is marking its 10th anniversary in Atlanta and is bringing the community together at its 10th Anniversary Celebration and Kickoff Game Football Fest. 

The milestone celebration underscores the Hall’s pivotal role in helping establish Atlanta as the Capital of College Football and includes:

  • The unveiling of innovative new exhibits and enhanced fan engagement inside the Hall
  • Football and cheer clinics with notable Atlanta Falcons players and cheerleaders on the Peach Bowl Playing Field 
  • A star-studded lineup of live DJs, including DJ Jay Envy, DJ Euphoria and DJ Danny M, as well as MC Carlos Morales
  • Guest appearances from former Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders, representatives of the Atlanta Vibe, local team mascots, cheerleaders and marching bands
  • The famed Home Depot GameDay Bus, inflatables and prize giveaways
  • The day will be capped off with a concert entirely free to the public put on by Grammy-winning artist and Atlantan Antwan “Big Boi” Patton of the famed Outkast

A great experience for both families and general fans of college football complete with activities both inside the Hall and outside in front of the Hall on Marietta Street, keeping the excitement levels at a premium all day.

In addition to the complimentary concert from Big Boi, everyone can get in on the festivities, as the Hall and Coca-Cola have partnered to create the “Coca-Cola Free Admission Day,” allowing guests to experience all that the anniversary event has to offer both inside and outside the Hall. While tickets are not mandatory, guests do have the option to reserve their spot online prior to arrival.

To register for clinics, get advanced tickets and more, visit cfbhall.com.

Those planning to attend are encouraged to consider using Atlanta’s public transportation system, MARTA. 

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL CORTEO RETURNS TO ATLANTA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/7/24

From August 15-18, 2024 at Gas South Arena in Duluth
Tickets available now.

Corteo, the most enchanting arena production from Cirque du Soleil, is back in North America and heading to Duluth, set to charm audiences in August. This unique production, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, first premiered in Montreal in April 2005. Since its creation, the show has amazed over 10 million spectators, in 20 countries, on four continents. Corteo will be presented at the Gas South Arena for six shows only from August 15-18, 2024.

Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world
of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.


The clown pictures his own funeral taking place in a carnival atmosphere, watched over by quietly caring angels.
Juxtaposing the large with the small, the ridiculous with the tragic and the magic of perfection with the charm of
imperfection, the show highlights the strength and fragility of the clown, as well as his wisdom and kindness, to illustrate
the portion of humanity that is within each of us. The music turns lyrical and playful carrying Corteo through a timeless
celebration in which illusion teases reality.

In a Cirque du Soleil first, the stage is central in the arena and divides the venue, with each half of the audience facing
the other half, giving a unique perspective not only of the show, but also a performer’s eye view of the audience. An
atmosphere like never seen before in Cirque du Soleil arena shows. The set curtains, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, and
the central curtains, which were hand painted, give a grandiose feel to the stage. This sets the tone for the poetry of
Corteo.


TICKET INFORMATION 
Tickets for Corteo in Duluth are available online exclusively to Club Cirque members starting today, January 16, at 10
AM. For free subscription, visit clubcirque.com. General on-sale starts on January 22 at cirquedusoleil.com/corteo


Performance Schedule
Thursday, August 15, 2024 – 7 PM
Friday, August 16, 2024 – 7 PM
Saturday, August 17, 2024 – 3 PM & 7 PM
Sunday, August 18, 2024 – 1 PM & 5 PM

AN OVERFLOWING GUEST LIST AT DRAGON CON 2024

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/6/24

JOHN CLEESE, WALTER KOENIG, DANNY TREJO, JODIE WHITTAKER,

GIANCARLO ESPOSITO, VINCENT D’ONOFIRO, MING-NA WEN, AND COBIE SMULDERS

HEAD UP AN OVERFLOWING GUEST LIST AT DRAGON CON

Comics Legends and Creators Jim Steranko and Marv Wolfman Will Meet Fans

Newbon and English Lead a Large Cast of Baldur’s Gate III Voices; McFadden, Spiner, and Frakes Host a Meetup of Star Trek: Picard Fans; And Roswell Cast Reunites for its 25th Anniversary

Website here.

A trio of living legends – John Cleese, Walter Koenig, and action movie icon Danny Trejo – lead a stellar list of celebrity guests headed to Dragon Con, Atlanta’s internationally known pop culture, fantasy, science fiction, and gaming convention, for Labor Day weekend.

They will be joined by Giancarlo Esposito, Doctor Who’s Jodie Whittaker, Emmy-nominated Vincent D’Onofrio, Disney princess Ming-Na Wen, Firefly’s Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk, Marvel’s Cobie Smulders, and comics legends Jim Steranko and Marv Wolfman, all coming out to meet fans, lead panel discussions, and sign autographs.

Other top guests from television and movies include Resident Alien’s Tudyk, Sara Tomko, Alice Wetterlund, and Meredith Garretson; Baldur’s Gate III’s Neil Newbon, Jennifer English, Devora Wilde, Theo Solomon, and Aliona Baranova; Star Trek: Picard will be represented by Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden, Johnathan Frakes, John de Lancie, and Todd Stashwick and fans of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds can see Anson Mount, Ethan Peck, Dan Jeannotte, Melissa Navia, and Babs Olusanmokun.

Fans of WB’s hit aliens-among-us drama Roswell will have a chance to celebrate its 25th Anniversary with an original cast reunion featuring Shiri Appleby, Jason Behr, Majandra Delfino, Brendan Fehr, and Nick Wechsler.

Karen Prell, better known as Red Fraggle, will lead a band of puppeteers – and their Fraggle Rock puppets – from Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock television series in a series of sing-a-longs, panel discussions, and puppetry demonstrations. She will be joined by John Tartaglia (Gobo), Kevin Clash (Uncle Travelling Matt), Donna Kimball (Mokey), Jordan Lockhart (Wembley), Frank Meschkuleit (Boober/Pa Gorg) and Ben Durocher.

For Gen X fans, Dragon Con welcomes the cast of the original 1980s animated series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles including Barry Gordon, Cam Clarke, Renae Jacobs, Rob Paulsen, and Townsend Coleman – all four pizza-munching, crime-fighting turtles plus reporter April O’Neil.

Other media guests will represent Smallville, Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D, Heroes, 12 Monkeys, X-Men 97, Star Trek: Lower Decks, the Harry Potter franchise, and video game Demon Slayer.

An estimated 72,000 people are expected to attend Dragon Con over the five-day Labor Day Weekend – Aug. 29 to Sept. 2 – with events and activities across AmericasMart Buildings Two and Three and five host hotels – Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta, Westin Peachtree, and Courtland Grand.

English actor and writer Cleese is best known as a co-founder of the Monty Python comedy troupe, responsible for Monty Python’s Flying Circus television show, three Monty Python films and an assortment of television and movie specials, video games and live tours. Outside of Monty Python, Cleese has had roles in dozens of television shows, movies, and video games, winning an Emmy for his guest appearance in the sitcom Cheers.  Cleese will be at Dragon Con on Saturday and Sunday only.

Koenig, who played Ensign Pavel Chekov in the original 1960s Star Trek television series, brought teen idol good looks to the bridge of the USS Enterprise. Koenig also appeared in all seven motion pictures featuring the original cast. Later in his career, Koenig had a featured role in the science fiction television series Babylon 5.

Trejo, the self-described ex-con turned icon, has appeared in over 350 movies in his career and is best known for his leading role in the three Machete action films and the first three Spy Kids films. With his distinctive, tough guy looks, Trejo regularly plays gangsters, convicts, and other criminals. Despite his appearance, he is also known as one of the nicest people in Hollywood.

Giancarlo Esposito, best known to fans for playing a series of wicked characters in Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, The Mandalorian, The Boys, and Once Upon a Time, will next appear as the villain Sidewinder in Marvel’s Captain America: Brave New World.

English actress Whittaker is best known for her five-year turn as the Thirteenth Doctor in the long-running Doctor Who television series, followed by her work in the crime drama Broadchurch. Whittaker, who will be at Dragon Con on Sunday only, will appear with Doctor Who castmate Catherine Tate.

D’Onofrio is best known to fans as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including Daredevil, Hawkeye, (Georgia-produced) Echo and two new series slated for 2024 and 2025. Other key roles include Pvt. Pyle in Full Metal Jacket, Edgar the Bug in Men in Black, Hoskins in Jurassic World, Jack Horne in Magnificent Seven, and eleven years as Det. Robert Goren in Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

Wen, the voice of Mulan in Disney’s animated movie and television spin-offs, has appeared in a wide variety of fan-favorite television, including Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D, Star Wars’ The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett, and Stargate Universe.

Fillion, best known to Dragon Con fans as Capt. Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds on television’s Firefly and its follow up film Serenity, currently stars in television’s The Rookie. He has previously starred in television’s Castle and made appearances in the Marvel films Suicide Squad, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and, in theaters now, Deadpool & Wolverine.

Tudyk, who appeared alongside Fillion in Firefly and Serenity, currently stars in SyFy’s Resident Alien and previously appeared in Star Wars Rogue One, American Dad, and pop-culture convention take down series, Con Man.

Cobie Smulders has played Agent Maria Hill in six Marvel Cinematic Universe movies between 2012 and 2019 as well as reprised the role in several MCU television shows, including Agents of S.H.E.I.L.D and What if? She was also a lead actor for nine seasons of the hit sitcom How I Met Your Mother.

Comic writer and artist Steranko changed the look of comics with innovative artwork featuring surrealism, psychedelia, op art, and graphic storytelling that became a benchmark of 1960s pop culture and the Silver Age of Comic Books.

Wolfman is an influential comics writer for DC and Marvel who created or co-created dozens of characters, including Cyborg, Raven, Deathstroke, Tim Drake/Red Robin, and Blade. In January 1970, Wolfman was the first comic writer to receive printed credit for his work, kicking off an industry wide change of practice.

BITE INTO BELONGING WITH SUGAR SHANE’S COOKIE FOR A CAUSE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/6/24

All August Long

August is here, and Sugar Shane’s has unveiled its latest Cookies for a Cause creation: the Fosterdoodle. This feel-good snickerdoodle is all about sweetening lives and supporting Georgia Kids Belong, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the experiences and outcomes for kids and families in Georgia’s foster system. Throughout August, the award-winning Atlanta-based bakery will donate 100% of the cookie’s proceeds to Georgia Kids Belong and its “I Belong Project,” amplifying the voices of over 400 children in Georgia’s foster system waiting for families. The perfect blend of warm cinnamon and sugar, this ginormous cookie is available at all four Atlanta locations as well as for nationwide shipping during the entire month of August at sugarshanes.com. Visit Sugar Shane’s Gourmet Bakery in Atlanta at Midtown (398 14th Street Atlanta, GA 30318), Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE N 145 Atlanta, GA 30308), Sandy Springs (1110 Hammond Drive Suite 30 Atlanta, GA 30328), and Kennesaw (1635 Old 41 Hwy Ste 107 in Kennesaw, GA 30152). Stay connected on Instagram at @sugar_shanes and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sugarshanesatl. 

CREOLE FOOD FESTIVAL MAKES COMEBACK TO ATLANTA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/6/24

Festival Returns To Atlanta After Hiatus with Stellar Lineup of Chefs

Festival to Showcase Chefs of Color from Multiple Continents

Saturday, 8/24 – Sunday, 8/25

The two-day Creole Food Festival is back for its 6th year after a brief hiatus due to the Pandemic. The festival will return to Atlanta on Saturday, August 24, and Sunday, August 25th at Atlanta Utility Works, 2903 N Martin St Ste R, East Point, GA 30344. This year’s festival will showcase top Creole chefs of color from multiple continents over an immersive culinary experience with authentic dishes from the Caribbean, South America, Africa, Latin America, and the Southern United States. This year’s festival has expanded and will occur in five major US cities: Miami, New York, Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and New Orleans.

“The Creole Food Festival uses culinary excellence as a unifying thread amongst chefs and restaurants from Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Southern United States,” Fabrice J. Armand, Co-Founder of the Creole Food Festival said. “We founded the Creole Food Festival to provide a platform for Black and Brown chefs to display their talent and creativity while adhering to the authenticity of their respective regions.”

The usually sold-out event has brought hundreds of guests together for the last five years to experience the best Creole celebrity chefs, cuisines, and beverages worldwide. Guests will be able to sample various dishes and interact with the chefs.

CELEBRATE NATIONAL GOLF MONTH WITH BOONE’S BINGO!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/6/24

Month of August

National Golf Month is officially here, and Boone’s is teeing up for a month-long celebration this August. Swing into action with National Golf Month Bingo. The rules are simple: complete challenges to cross off boxes and get five in a row throughout the month of August for a chance to win a dinner at Boone’s and a round of golf at Bobby Jones Golf Course. Bingo cards are available at the restaurant, featuring tasks like ordering certain dishes, putting on the Dan Yates Putting Course, or snapping a dinner selfie. Sports enthusiasts can also cheer on their favorite golfers during the Summer Games, Tour Championship, and more. With TVs in the bar and dining room, it’s the perfect spot to catch every drive while enjoying delicious bites, draft beer, and refreshing summer cocktails. From friendly Bingo competition to golf on every screen, it’s a par-tee all August long at Boone’s. Boone’s is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner and Sunday brunch. Boone’s is located in the heart of Buckhead at 2205 Northside Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30305. For more information, visit www.boonesatl.com or call 770.835.4267.

Photo: Brandon Amato

OPEN HAND CELEBRATES ANNUAL PARTY IN THE KITCHEN 2024

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/6/24

Annual fundraiser brings Atlanta’s top chefs together for a night of culinary masterpieces, live music and exclusive auctions in support of Open Hand

Open Hand invites guests to the 21st annual Party in the Kitchen fundraiser at 6:30 PM on Thursday, Sept. 26 at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. As Atlanta’s premier culinary social occasion, Party in the Kitchen is set to showcase 20 of Atlanta’s finest chefs in a celebration of culinary excellence and community spirit. Attendees can expect to enjoy an evening of creative cuisine, innovative mixology, entertainment, auctions and more. Live music from The American Flyers will enhance the patron experience during this unforgettable evening in support of Open Hand’s mission. Chefs Peter Kaiser and Kevin Rathbun return as the chef co-chairs of the evening, while Anne Barge Clegg and Roger Smith join as new event co-chairs for this year. ​
​​
​“We are honored to have Anne Barge Clegg and Roger Smith join our chef co-chairs Chef Peter Kaiser and Chef Kevin Rathbun for this year’s Party in the Kitchen,” said Open Hand CEO Matthew Pieper. “Not only are they raising critical funds for our mission, they are also ushering in a new era of Open Hand as we relocate our campus to the Westside of Atlanta.”

Local chefs including Kevin Rathbun, Ian Winslade, Peter Kaiser, Chris Hall and Arnaldo Castillo will come together to tempt tastebuds with an array of Atlanta’s most exquisite cuisine. In addition to savoring local bites and cocktails, attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in live and silent auctions, with an exclusive selection of luxury items including vacation homes, sporting events, dining experiences and more.

Prior to the main event, Open Hand will host a Patron Reception for VIP guests in the organization’s new state-of-the-art Community Nutrition Campus at 6:30 PM on Thursday, Sept. 12. Patron tickets are $1,000 and include access to the main event. VIP patrons and sponsors will get an exclusive first look of the campus over cocktails and light bites, as well as the chance to bid on a surprise live auction item only available to those in attendance.

Proceeds raised from Party in the Kitchen support Open Hand’s programs, providing healthy home-delivered meals and nutrition education to those impacted by chronic disease, as well as homebound seniors and at-risk youth and families. Tickets to the Party in the Kitchen’s main event are available now for $350. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit openhandatlanta.org/pitk.

CALLAWAY GARDENS UNFORGETTABLE LABOR DAY CELEBRATION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/6/24

Colorful Balloons Light Up the Sky During Lakeside Spectacular — 

Labor Day Weekend Hot Air Balloon Show & Glow Returns

Callaway Resort & Gardens Hosts Farewell-to-Summer Tradition, 

Introduces New Dinner Under the Skies

Event Dates:  Aug. 30 – Sept.1

Location: Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Resort & Gardens

Price: Overnight Resort stays start at $279 nightly (Gardens & Special Event admission included)

One-Day Adult $35.99 Child (3-11) $26.99

Two-Day Adult $49.99 Child (3-11) $39.99

Three-Day Adult $69.99 Child (3-11) $59.99

Premium Members Free

A beloved family tradition returns Aug. 30 as Callaway Resort & Gardens celebrates its one-of-a-kind Labor Day Weekend Hot Air Balloon Show & Glow. The skies explode with color day and night as visitors experience vivid balloons during this end-of-summer weekend. New this year, Callaway introduces a lakeside barbecue on Saturday and Sunday for the best and tastiest way to experience the spectacle in the sky. Advance tickets include prime reserved seating, a Callaway keepsake, all-you-can-eat ribs, chicken, sides, dessert, and soft drinks. A cash bar for alcoholic drinks is available. 

In addition to Callaway’s regular family attractions, Labor Day weekend offers sun-up to sun-down activities, including tethered balloon rides*, live music, a Classic Car Cruise-In, a K9 Flight show, lakeside kids’ activities, water sports, and a nightly “glow,” where gigantic, rainbow-hued balloons light up and dance to a custom soundtrack around Callaway’s Robin Lake Beach before a grand finale fireworks display.

“Thrilling thousands for more than 25 years, these brightly-colored balloons dancing by the lake day and night are a beloved spectacle for all generations,” said Clarissa Chaudoin, marketing director, Callaway Resort & Gardens. “The easiest and best way for families to enjoy this cherished tradition is staying at Callaway’s Lodge or in a resort cottage. Guests enjoy admission to all the weekend’s festivities and all of Callaway Garden’s regular attractions, creating an affordable family getaway packed with activities.” 

Labor Day Packages start at $279 nightly, including accommodations at a full-service lodge or family-friendly cottages and villas, Callaway Gardens’ attractions admission, Labor Day Weekend Hot Air Balloon Show & Glow admission, and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at Piedmont Restaurant. For a limited time, two-day and three-day admission advance online tickets are also available, providing families who live nearby the opportunity to play all weekend and save.

Visitors can experience the magic of the flying works of art in the early morning when weather permitting, they inflate near Robin Lake Beach. Later in the day, wind and weather permitting, families can get an up-close view and even take a tethered ride*, experiencing the thrill of flight while staying connected to the ground. When night falls, the balloons glow under the stars and provide a breathtaking show synchronized to an original music score. 

For the second year in a row, Daniel Stukas serves as Callaway’s balloon meister. In this role, Stukas manages and coordinates the balloon pilots and their support teams, assuring they all meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. An expert balloonist who has won multiple balloon races and flown on three continents, Stukas has previously flown as a participating pilot at Callaway’s event, debuting in 2023 as its balloon meister. Stukas has more than three decades of experience in ballooning, competing in races, serving as a balloon meister, or working as a safety officer. In addition, Stukas has garnered the highest accolade for pilots, the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, for more than 50 years of safe flying, including six years in the U.S. Air Force and 25 years with Delta Airlines. 

In addition to the balloon show, on Saturday, Aug. 31, Callaway also hosts a Classic Car Cruise-In at the Robin Lake Beach Dome featuring one-of-a-kind vintage cars and trucks. Veteran and newbie car enthusiasts can check out specialty vehicles and talk with exhibitors from 11AM – 3PM. Also, at Robin Lake Beach, daily live music is featured at 4PM and 7PM from Friday, Aug. 30 to Sunday, Sept. 1. In addition to all the special Labor Day weekend activities, Callaway Resort & Gardens offers families indoor and outdoor attractions and recreation, including seeing hundreds of butterflies at the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, flying over the lake on the TreeTop Adventure & Zipline course, marveling at the Birds of Prey lakeside show, and exploring the Megabugs trail. 

LABOR DAY WEEKEND SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Friday, August 30
9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.Beach Entrance open
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.Robin Lake Beach recreation activities open including cabana & water sports rentals
12 – 10 p.m.Dining & Drink Specials at Robin Lake Grill
12, 3 & 6 p.m.K9’s In Flight Dog Show
4 – 8 p.m.Live Music at Robin Lake Beach
8:30 – 9:30 p.m.Balloon Show & Glow (wind & weather conditions permitting)
9:30 p.m.Fireworks Show
Saturday, August 31
6:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.Beach Entrance open
6:30 – 8 a.m.Balloon arrival / set-up / inflation (wind & weather conditions permitting)
8 – 11 amTethered Rides (wind & weather conditions permitting)
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.Classic Car Cruise-In at Robin Lake Beach Dome
9 a.m. – 8 p.m.Robin Lake Beach Recreation Activities: Swimming, Aqua Island Water Obstacle Course*, Water Tubing*, paddleboats*, paddleboards* and kayaks*
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.Children’s Activities at Robin Lake Beach
11 a.m. – 10 p.m.Dining & Drink Specials at Robin Lake Grill
12, 3 & 6 p.m.K9’s In Flight Dog Show
12 – 3 p.m. & 5 – 8 p.m.Live Music at Robin Lake Beach
4:30 – 9:30 p.m.Tethered Rides (wind & weather conditions permitting)
6 – 8:30 p.m.Under the Skies Dinner*
8:30 – 9:30 p.m.Balloon Show & Glow (wind & weather conditions permitting)
9:30 p.m.Fireworks Show
Early morning/late afternoonTethered balloon rides* (wind & weather conditions permitting)
Sunday, September 1
6:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.Beach Entrance open
6:30 – 8 a.m.Balloon arrival / set-up / inflation (wind & weather conditions permitting)
8 – 11 amTethered Rides (wind & weather conditions permitting)
9 a.m. – 8 p.m.Robin Lake Beach Recreation Activities: Swimming, Aqua Island Water Obstacle Course*, Water Tubing*, paddleboats*, paddleboards* and kayaks*
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.Children’s Activities at Robin Lake Beach
11 a.m. – 10 p.mDining & Drink Specials at Robin Lake Grill
12, 3 & 6 p.m.K9’s In Flight Dog Show
12 – 3 p.m. & 5 – 8 p.m.Live Music at Robin Lake Beach
4:30 – 9:30 p.m.Tethered Rides (wind & weather conditions permitting)
6 – 8:30 p.m.Under the Skies Dinner*
8:30 – 9:30 p.m.Balloon Show & Glow (wind & weather conditions permitting)
9:30 p.m.Fireworks Show
Early morning/late afternoonTethered balloon rides* (wind & weather conditions permitting)
Monday, September 2
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.Gardens Entrance Open
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.Robin Lake Beach recreation activities open incl. cabana & water sports rentals
12 – 6 p.m.Dining & Drink Specials at Robin Lake Grill

*Additional ticket or rental fee required. Hot Air Balloon rides are CASH ONLY, $20/person.

THE GEORGIA FESTIVAL OF TREES BRINGS BACK THE PINK PIG FOR THE 2024 HOLIDAY SEASON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/5/24

Classic Atlanta Tradition Returns To Ring In Holidays

Nearly 70 years since Macy’s Pink Pig™* made its grand debut in Atlanta, a new generation will now be able to enjoy the beloved tradition. The Pink Pig will return to Atlanta for this year’s Georgia Festival of Trees, offering Georgians a new twist on the holiday tradition.

Georgia Festival of Trees, the state’s largest holiday event focused on spreading holiday magic with a heart to end human trafficking, will take place at Gas South Convention Center from Saturday, Nov. 23 to Sunday, Dec. 1. The new Pink Pig will debut at the Opening Night Gala on Friday, Nov. 22.

“We are thrilled for the Gas South Convention Center to be the new home of the Georgia Festival of Trees!” said Stan Hall, CEO at Gas South District. “The festival is the premier event to kick off the holiday season, and with this year’s grand debut of the Pink Pig, it’s the perfect time for our Gwinnett community to embrace this beloved tradition. It is a privilege to welcome the Georgia Festival of Trees to the Gas South District as they continue bringing holiday magic to Georgians while supporting those who are working to end human trafficking in our state.” 

Georgia Festival of Trees is an eight-day festival featuring a dazzling display of Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces and nativities for auction. The festival also offers live music and entertainment on the main stage, Santa with his reindeer and life-size sleigh and Reindeer Games for the kids, which include the Elf Training Academy, the Lil’ Elves Driving Academy, LEGOs, Elf Phone Booth, North Pole Post Office and more. Guests can enjoy sugar cookie decorating at Mrs. Claus’ Kitchen, Santa’s Workshop, a Christmas Gingerbread House Competition and boutique shopping. Proceeds from the event will benefit two local nonprofit organizations on the front lines in the fight to end human trafficking: Street Grace and Atlanta Redemption Ink.

The Pink Pig is a pig-themed train for children and adults first created in 1953 by Rich’s. The new version will transport guests on a magical ride through the Georgia Festival of Trees and will be open each day from Nov. 23 to Dec. 1, except Nov. 27-28 when the festival will be closed for Thanksgiving. The Pink Pig will cost $5 per rider. 

“It’s an honor to bring back the Pink Pig to a new generation of Georgians,” said Georgia Festival of Trees Executive Director, Angie Ulibarri. “Macy’s Pink Pig™ has been an iconic symbol of the holidays in Atlanta, and it’s exciting to officially ring in the holiday season with this timeless tradition.”

Each tree, wreath, centerpiece and nativity at the festival is designed, decorated and donated by individuals and organizations around the Southeast, providing a dazzling array of decorative options to enhance your holiday decor. Trees and other decor are auctioned off both in-person and online during the festival. 

Tickets to the Georgia Festival of Trees start at $13.95 for seniors ages 62 and up, and adult tickets are $18.95. Children’s tickets for ages 3-12 are $18.95 and include access to the Reindeer Games area. The Pink Pig, cookie decorating, Santa’s Workshop (a shopping experience for children) and photos with Santa are an additional cost. Gas South Convention Center is located at 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth, Ga. 30097.

For a schedule of events, to purchase tickets, become a sponsor or a volunteer, donate an auction item, or learn more about the Georgia Festival of Trees and its charity partners in the fight against human trafficking, visit gafestivaloftrees.org. 

*The Pink Pig is a trademark of Macy’s.