SUMMER FUN CONTINUES AT ATLANTIC STATION THIS AUGUST

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

Keep the Good Times Rolling at Atlantic Station With Wine & Conversations With Vivo,
Throwback Thursdays With Star 94.1 FM, Improv in the Park and More!


Soak up the final moments of summer fun at Atlantic Station! As back-to-school season steadily approaches, the Heart of Atlanta is the place to be for a vibrant lineup of events this August. Start back-to-school shopping at Atlantic Station’s annual eSTEAM Fair, unwind with a rejuvenating yoga class on the Atlantic Green and rock out to ‘80s cover bands with Throwback Thursdays. From family-friendly activities to lively entertainment, Atlantic Station has something for everyone this month.

The Atlantic Station August Calendar of Events includes:

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. | Friday, Aug. 2, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Creator’s Market is back, bringing unstoppable creativity to Atlantic Station, featuring a special market on Friday, Aug. 2, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Shop locally and celebrate Atlanta’s artisans every Saturday (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m. to 7 p.m.) in August with festive art, jewelry, couture and more, all while supporting the makers of the South. Explore more details here.

Thursday, August 1: WINE & CONVERSATION WITH VIVO
Located at Vivo | 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Experience an engaging evening at Vivo’s next Wine & Conversations series, featuring a special book reading and discussion. This event will highlight Samuel Kolawole, author of “The Road to the Salt Sea,” in conversation with Deepa Varadarajan, author of “Late Bloomers.” Kolawole’s acclaimed work has been published in prestigious outlets such as AGNI, Georgia Review, Harvard Review and Image Journal. He has also received numerous residencies and fellowships, was a finalist for the Graywolf Press African Fiction Prize and was shortlisted for the UK’s The First Novel Prize. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an insightful literary discussion accompanied by a selection of fine wines! Find out more exciting details here.

Saturday, August 3: “IT ENDS WITH US” FLOWER TRUCK POP UP
Located Near Regal Atlantic Station | 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Get ready for a blooming surprise! In a spectacular celebration of the much-anticipated movie release, “It Ends With Us,” Emma’s Flower Truck will be sprinkling a little petal magic in the air and providing complimentary floral bouquets while supplies last. Celebrate the film in style with a beautiful bouquet and find out more details here.

Saturday, August 3: THE NETWORK ATL ESTEAM BACK-TO-SCHOOL FAIR 2024
Located on the Atlantic Green | 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
Back-to-school shopping is back, and Atlantic Station is here to help! The annual eSTEAM Fair offers a fun, educational, and interactive experience for students in grades K-12. Exhibitors and sponsors will showcase, present, and demonstrate STEAM-related items, introducing students to the diverse options available in participating industries. Enjoy free back-to-school resources and supplies, raffle prizes and promotional giveaways! Explore more exciting details here.

Tuesday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 7: REGAL SUMMER MOVIE EXPRESS
Located at Regal Atlantic Station | 11 a.m.   
All aboard! Moviegoers of all ages are invited to the Summer Movie Express at Regal Atlantic Station to enjoy a great selection of family-friendly movies for only $1. Regal Atlantic Station will offer two PG movies every Tuesday and Wednesday at 11 a.m. through Aug. 7. Guests can also purchase a specially priced $5 Snack Pack, which includes a junior-sized drink, snack-sized popcorn and fruit snacks with an optional $3 Dippin’ Dots add-on. To view the full movie lineup, visit here.

Wednesday, August 7: WELLNESS WEDNESDAY
Located on the Atlantic Green | 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Wellness Wednesday is back with new and exciting fitness classes on the Atlantic Green! Grab a workout buddy and get ready to enjoy a FREE outdoor wellness class on the first Wednesday of the month. This month will feature a rejuvenating yoga class with Tori Kerr. Sign up for the Vitality Passport to earn rewards for each Wellness Wednesday attended! For more details, visit here.

Thursday, August 8: IMPROV IN THE PARK
Located on the Atlantic Green | 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
Get ready for an uproarious evening at Atlantic Station! Whole World Improv is bringing free outdoor laughs to town. Bring a blanket or chair, order some take-out and settle in for a night of comedy the whole family will love! It’s a perfect way to enjoy the warm summer evening with laughter and good company. Visit here for more details.

Thursday, August 15: THROWBACK THURSDAYS WITH STAR 94.1 FM
Located on the Atlantic Green | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Relive the nostalgia of the ‘80s with Atlantic Station’s “Throwback Thursdays,” a new series presented by Star 94.1 FM. Get ready to groove to the era’s iconic music with a performance by the popular cover band The Geek Squad, while enjoying themed drinks and delicious food for purchase. “Throwback Thursdays” will take place every third Thursday of the month, running through Oct. 17. Don’t miss out on this blast from the past! Keep an eye on the Atlantic Station website for the full lineup.  

GET AMPED-UP FOR AUGUST AT THE INTERLOCK

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

Enjoy a month full of events at the West Midtown mixed-use destination

August has arrived at The Interlock with plenty of things to do to wrap up the summer. From celebrating the Olympics, trying a new exercise class, supporting local female-owned businesses and kicking off College Football, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month at The Interlock.

The Interlock’s full August events lineup is outlined below:

Pour Taproom

August

Kick back and relax with these cool deals at Pour Taproom. Every Monday, enjoy 50% off Tapwall Beer all day long. Bring your friends for Wine Wednesday and sip on half-off wine throughout the day. To top it all off, enjoy food and drink deals through August 11 with Pour’s Summer Event Special. For more information follow Pour on Instagram. 

Olympics at The Interlock

Aug. 1 to Aug. 11

Celebrate the 2024 Summer Olympics at The Interlock with themed decor, specials, games and more. Travel to each tenant representing a different country with The Interlock’s special passport. Starting at Saint Germain, participants can pick up their passport, which features all of the exciting specials around the mixed-use development. Participants who check off three places will be entered to win a prize.  Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Hillz 4 Atl. HITT Class

Thursday, Aug. 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Participate in National Wellness Month by taking Hillz 4 Atlanta’s complimentary High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Class on Aug. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at Highline Park. Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Yappy Hour

Friday, Aug. 2 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Bring your four-legged friends to The Interlock for Yappy Hour on the Highline on Aug. 2 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Let your pets cool off with refreshing Cool-Pups Creamery and Pawtails. Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Pitch-A-Friend Atlanta at Holiday Bar

Thursday, Aug. 8 from 8 to 10 p.m.

Are you single and ready to mingle? Join the Holiday Bar on Aug. 8th from 8 to 10 p.m. to pitch your single friends! Participants can prepare a three-to-five-minute presentation to highlight their friends that are on the market.  Follow Holiday Bar on Instagram for more information.

Line Dancing Event

Aug. 9 & 23 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Put on your boots and learn how to line dance at The Interlock! Join us for the opportunity to learn step-by-step before becoming a pro and taking over the dance floor.  Located on the Plaza level between Holiday Bar and Velvet Taco. Dance the night away with music, lessons, specials and more.  Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Gurl to Girl Women’s Makers Market

Aug. 10 & 31 from 4 to 10 p.m.

Shop local and empower women entrepreneurs at Gurl 2 Girl for Women’s Makers Market. Explore handmade goods by talented woman-owned businesses in the community while you network with like-minded individuals. Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details.

Sips and Stretch

Saturday, Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join the Ladies Athletic Club and The Interlock for a free rejuvenating bi-monthly yoga session starting on Saturday, Aug. 17. Enjoy a 1-hour yoga practice in the serene green space at The Interlock, led by experienced instructors dedicated to enhancing your well-being. After the session, stay for a social hour where you can sip, stretch and unwind with fellow attendees. Don’t miss this perfect opportunity to relax, connect, and embrace a tranquil Sunday afternoon. Bring your mat and a friend—this is an event you won’t want to miss!  Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

CeraVe Activation

Saturday, Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Update your skincare routine with CeraVe this summer. Stop by The Interlock to test various CeraVe skincare products and secure samples to take home! Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Brushes & Bubbles at Saint Germain

Sunday, Aug. 18 at 10:30 a.m.

Sad the Paris Olympics are over? Continue the celebration with an Eiffel Tower-themed paint class by Ms. Pink at Saint Germain on Aug. 18 at 10:30 a.m. Each ticket is $20 and includes a glass of mimosa. Come out to enjoy a step-by-step painting class and authentic French treats from Saint Germain. To purchase your ticket, visit here. Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Westside Market

Sunday, Aug. 18 from noon to 8 p.m.

Support local businesses at the West Side Market on Sunday, Aug. 18. Connect with the West Midtown community by shopping vintage goods, jewelry, clothing and more, featuring entertainment from local artists and DJs.  Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Taste Boutique Launches New Line: Taste Curvy

Wednesday, Aug. 21 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Taste Boutique is officially launching its new line, Taste Curvy. Get a first look at Taste Curvy on August 21 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

For the Girlies Market and Music Event

Saturday, Aug. 24 from 2 to 7 p.m.

Support local, women-owned vendors and DJs at the For The Girlies Market and Music Event on August 24 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Interlock. Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

UGA vs. Clemson Tailgate/Watch Party

Saturday, Aug. 31 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kick off the start of College Football with The Interlock for an epic tailgate and watch party. Come cheer on your favorite team on Saturday, Aug. 31 for a day full of good food, drinks, football and more.  Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Vida-Flo

Vida-Flo now has new hours to better serve the schedules of all local residents.  Monday-Friday 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Stop by to receive Vida-Flo’s IV Hydration treatments that deliver rapid nourishment for optimal wellness. Whether you’re pushing through a hangover, craving better sleep, or want to boost your immune system, Vida-Flo has just the solution. Learn more at https://govidaflo.com/.

Back to School Drive

Throughout August

It’s August, which means school is back in session. The Interlock is collecting school supplies all month long to donate to local West Midtown Atlanta school, Boyd Elementary. Supplies can be dropped off outside of Encore, located on the 4th-floor, Suite 400.

THE BATTERY ATLANTA PACKS A PUNCH WITH AUGUST EVENTS

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

Send off summer with action-packed lineup of performances and festivities at Atlanta’s most iconic entertainment destination

The Battery Atlanta wraps up the warm season with an exciting array of August festivities. As summer comes to a close, The Farmers Market and Yoga by Kaiser Permanente continue on the Plaza Green with activities for the whole family. Guests are asked to grab their friends and head over to Live! at The Battery Atlanta to experience a Diva Drag Brunch and the Atlanta Wine Walk, or enjoy Jazz Brunch and Prime Rib Wednesdays at C. Ellet’s. The Coca-Cola Roxy also promises an unbeatable selection of artists, including performances by Marshmello, Ken Carson and Ice Spice.

Cobb County Public Safety Foundation 5k
​Saturday, Aug. 17 at 8 a.m.
​Walk, jog, or run in Cobb County’s 3rd Annual First Responder 5k! This family-friendly event will include first responder vehicles and displays, field games with The Atlanta Braves Blooper, and a performance from the Braves Heavy Hitters. Register to participate here.

Luke Bryan at Truist Park
​Saturday, Aug. 17 at 4 p.m.
​Country music fans are in for an unforgettable experience as the renowned Luke Bryan takes the stage at Truist Park. Under the starlit sky, attendees of all ages can anticipate a high-energy performance packed with Bryan’s signature hits. This can’t-miss event promises to be a standout highlight of the summer at The Battery Atlanta.

Green Day at Truist Park
​Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 4 p.m.
​Fans are invited to rock out to an electrifying performance by Green Day at Truist Park. On Aug. 28, the legendary punk rock band will ignite the stage with featured classics like “American Idiot” and “Basket Case,” along with a selection of the band’s newer hits. Music, nostalgia and rock ‘n’ roll spirit come together at one of the city’s most iconic venues brings fans a night they’ll never forget.

Truist Community Corner
​Cam Kirk Pop-Up
​Now through Aug. 31
​Cam Kirk Studios is celebrating seven years of being a steadfast home for creators in Atlanta and beyond with this limited-time pop-up at Truist Community Corner in The Battery Atlanta. ​ The temporary photography studio will be available for a variety of booking slots along with professional tools and photography accessories for use and purchase. The Cam Kirk Studios pop-up will be available from Monday-Sunday across a variety of time slots available for booking online at camkirkstudios.com. ​

Thursday, Aug. 22 – Sunday, Aug. 25
​Stop by the Truist Community Corner located at the corner of Power Alley and Battery Avenue for family friendly pre-game festivities! Come out and support the local community and shop at our black owned small business market. Before you head into the game grab some baseball themed giveaways, enjoy our Xbox gaming lounge, and get your face painted. The Community Corner will be open on Thursday, August 22 – Sunday, August 25 during these times.

Farmers Market by Kaiser Permanente
​Sunday, Aug. 11 and 18; 1 – 4 p.m.
​The Farmers Market, presented by Kaiser Permanente, continues this August at The Battery Atlanta. Visitors can shop from a wide variety of local vendors offering prepared foods, farm-fresh produce, artisanal bread and baked goods, wellness products and more. Guests are also invited to check out the petting zoo and bring their pup pals along to browse through treats, accessories and more at the Bark Market!

Wellness Series: Yoga by Kaiser Permanente
​Every Monday; 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
​Kick off the week with serenity and stretch your way into relation with a free yoga class, presented by Kaiser Permanente, every Monday evening. As a highlight of The Battery Atlanta’s Wellness Series, yogis of all ages are invited to relax and unwind on the Plaza Green. Participants are required to bring a mat and encouraged to bring a water bottle. Guests may register here.

Select Restaurant Promotions:

Celebrate & Earn at Good Game Restaurant & Bar
​Through Aug. 31
​Celebrate in style at Good Game with an exclusive Celebrate & Earn Promotion! ​ Now through Aug. 31, when guests book an event and spend $1,000 or more, they will receive a $100 gift certificate to use during your next visit. Whether planning a birthday bash, a corporate gathering or a fun get-together with friends, Good Game offers the perfect venue to make any event unforgettable. Patrons can inquire here.

Books for Bagels at Goldbergs
​Through Aug. 31
​Goldbergs Fine Foods is hosting a book drive for kids to support Reach Out & Read Georgia. ​ Throughout August, Goldbergs will collect donations of new books for infants and the Pre-K crowd. ​ Each contributor will receive a FREE bagel and cream cheese from Goldbergs. This offer may only be redeemed once per customer.

Jazz Brunch at C. Ellet’s
​Saturdays and Sundays; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
​Enjoy jazzy tunes over mimosas and fan-favorite bites at C. Ellet’s, including Southern Fried Chicken and Pancake Paloozas. The Jazz Duo plays every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. For reservations, click here!

Divas Drag Brunch at Live! at The Battery Atlanta
​Sunday, Aug. 11 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
​The QUEENS are back to dazzle in an unforgettable show at Live! At The Battery Atlanta’s Divas Drag Brunch. This spectacular ticketed event promises a show-stopping performance, delectable brunch, specialty cocktails and so much more. To purchase tickets, click here.

Sunday Supper at Garden & Gun Club
​Sunday, Aug. 18 from 6 – 9 p.m.
​Experience a savory Sunday Supper this August at Garden & Gun Club! In celebration of Filipino faire, chef Nikko Cagalan of Kultra joins Garden & Gun Club to present a tantalizing, seasonal three-course dinner complete with wine pairings. To elevate your evening, click here for more information or to purchase tickets!

Atlanta Wine Walk at Live! At The Battery Atlanta
​Saturday, Aug. 31 at 4 p.m.
​Uncork and unwind at Atlanta’s favorite wine festival! On Aug. 31 from 4-7 p.m., wine enthusiasts are invited to sip, taste and enjoy selections from top wine vendors at the Atlanta Wine Walk while supporting Bert’s Big Adventure. Make new Wine Walk memories with some fun on the Plaza Green, including live music and shopping from local vendors.

Select Retailer Promotions:

Fiddler Chin Music Toasted “Changeup” Bottle Release & Tasting at ASW
​Saturday, Aug. 10 from 4 – 7 p.m.
​ASW celebrates their fourth release, the Fiddler Chin Music Toasted Bourbon “Changeup!” On Aug. 10, the distillery offers a special Guided Tasting of all four Fiddler Chin Music releases, and guests will have the opportunity to enter to win an exclusive giveaway with the purchase of a bottle of the new release. To join the guided tasting, click here!

Throwdown Thursday: Luke Bryan Night
​Thursday, Aug. 15 at 8 p.m.
​Join PBR’s Throwdown Thursday for a Luke Bryan-themed night before he takes the stage at Truist Park! Attendees are invited to dust off their boots and head to PBR for a night of bull riding, signature cocktails and line dancing to Luke Bryan’s greatest hits. Patrons will also have the opportunity to win two tickets to Luke Bryan’s show at Truist Park just joining in on the fun! For more information, click here!

Coca-Cola Roxy Events:
​Coca-Cola Roxy at The Battery Atlanta continues to bring a lineup of fan-favorite performers throughout the month! Review venue safety guidelines and information here.
​

  • Marshmello
    ​Friday, Aug. 2 at 8 p.m.
  • Joshua Bassett
    ​Thursday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
  • PJ Morton
    ​Friday, Aug. 9 at 8 p.m.
  • 311: Unity Tour

Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m.

  • Still Woozy
    ​    Friday, Aug. 16 at 8 p.m.
  • Eden Munoz
    ​    Friday, Aug. 23 at 8 p.m.
  • Ski Mask The Slump God
    ​    Sunday, Aug. 25 at 8:30 p.m.
  • Ken Carson
    ​    Monday, Aug. 26 and Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 8 p.m.
  • Ice Spice
    ​    Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 8 p.m.
  • Tems
    ​    Friday, Aug. 30 at 8:30 p.m.

SUMMERHILL AUGUST HAPPENINGS 2024

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

Neighborhood Businesses Present a Hawaiian Luau, Student Specials and More


This August, the Summerhill neighborhood is buzzing with an array of events and specials from local businesses. From culinary delights to cultural gatherings, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a roundup of what’s happening:


Junior’s invites guests to indulge in “The Fig Lebowski” all month. This special pizza
features light mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula, goat cheese, fig preserves and a balsamic
reduction.

Iconic Orthodontics is offering a back-to-school special through Aug.31. Patrons receive
$100 off Invisalign, $500 off traditional braces and $75 off teeth whitening.

Woods Chapel BBQ is throwing a Luau Party on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 5-8 p.m. Guests
will feast on a whole hog pig roast with a choice of roasted pork or huli-huli chicken,
served with macaroni salad, paradise fried rice, Hawaiian cowboy caviar and a Hawaiian
roll for $26.95. Tiki slushies ($10), mai tais ($13), live music and desserts like coconut
cream puffs ($4) and pineapple oatmeal cream pie ($5) add to the festivities.

Things are peachy at The Little Tart Bakeshop and Big Softie. During August, guests can
savor a peach galette at Little Tart and swirling peach sorbet at Big Softie.

Maepole is hosting Student Night every Tuesday from 3-9 p.m. Students get 10% off
their orders and a free fountain drink with a valid student ID.

Press Shop has a full calendar of events in August. View the full events schedule online.
Aug. 8: Q3 Cookbook Club from 7-9 p.m. for “A Nood Summer,” focusing on
Asian noodle dishes and street food. Featured books are “Ever-Green
Vietnamese” by Andrea Nguyen, “To Asia, With Love” by Hetty McKinnon and
“Make it Japanese” by Rie McClenny.
Aug. 14: International Book Club is 7-9 p.m., discussing “A Spell of Good Things”
by Ayobami Adebayo. Country: Nigeria.
Aug. 15: Artist Showcase from 7-9 p.m. Alex Waggoner will present her work.
This is a free event with wine.
Aug. 20: Lambrusco and Focaccia Tasting from 6-8 p.m. at Colette Bread &
Bakeshop in Virginia-Highlands.
Aug. 25: Floral Workshop co-hosted with Full Bloom by Lauren from 10 a.m.-12
p.m. Participants will create and take home a beautiful bouquet. Brunch-friendly
wines will be served.
Aug. 28: Fiction Book Club from 7-9 p.m. to discuss “Penance” by Eliza Clark.

Aug. 29: Drink + Draw. Tickets are $25 and include wine and a live model. BYO
supplies; all art levels are welcome.

FIFTY YEARS OF DUNGEONS & DRAGONS GETS THE GOLDEN TREATMENT AT DRAGON CON

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

Luke Gygax, Son of D&D Creator Gary Gygax, Leads a Host of D&D Designers, Writers, and Other Professionals; Special Tournaments for All Levels Are Also Planned.

More than Three Acres of Gaming in Americas Mart, With Additional Programming in the Westin,

Will be Free to Play for Dragon Con Attendees

Dragon Con will celebrate the golden anniversary of Dungeons & Dragons with special events, tournaments, and panel discussions about the industry-changing, imagination-capturing role-playing game that remains a tentpole for the gaming industry 50 years after its introduction. 

The five-day convention, one of the largest gaming events in the nation, will also offer programing and tournaments featuring Disney’s Lorcana, the latest entry into collectible card games. Lorcana lets players create their own Disney stories using the timeless characters, songs, and events from the Disney universe.

Some 72,000 people are expected to attend Dragon Con this year, filling downtown 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 Plaza, and Courtland Grand Hotel.

Dragon Con offers more than three acres of games and gaming in AmericasMart Building Three with additional programming in the Westin. The full array of gaming includes PC and console games, miniatures, role-playing games, collectable card games, social deception games, LARP games, and a basement full of familiar and rare board games.

Luke Gygax, son of D&D creator Gary Gygax and creator of D&D convention Gary Con, leads an all-star selection of D&D guests at this year’s convention, including game designers Keith Baker and Amanda Hamon, writer Elisa Teague and professional dungeon master Jason Massey, who also hosts the Dungeons & Randomness podcast with guest Brianna Marie. 

Current gaming sensation Baldur’s Gate III, a faithful recreation of Dungeons & Dragons in video game form, will also be well represented. Voice actors Aliona Baranova, Devora Wilde, Jennifer English, Neil Newbon, and Theo Solomon will all be on hand to talk with fans, sign autographs, and lead panel discussions.

“When Dungeons & Dragons arrived, it changed the world. Not only was it an immensely popular game, it influenced culture. It changed the way games are designed, which continues to be felt in tabletop and video gaming today, and it inspired characters and plots across science fiction and fantasy literature and movies,” said convention co-chair David Cody, who pointed to RPG video games World of Warcraft and Baldur’s Gate III, and George R. R. Martin’s Song of Ice & Fire book series as examples.  “Gaming would not be the $400 billion industry it is today without Dungeons & Dragons.”

Introduced in 1974, Dungeons & Dragons was the first game to shift from a competitive, player versus player setting to collaborative storytelling in which players worked together to complete a quest. D&D, as it is frequently called, also offered innovative new game elements and mechanics that have since been widely adopted across gaming. 

D&D OnDemand events will be available for players curious about the resurging hobby or just have a little time to kill as events last just two hours. Everything is provided and each two-hour session features a different scenario.

As it always has, Dragon Con will offer fans a chance to talk with today’s top game designers, voice actors, and other experts about games, game design, and gaming culture. Popular parties, such as the Heroes & Villains Ball and the 8-Bit Bash, offer gamers and other fans a chance to take a break from the tables.    

Always popular, an assortment of Japanese and Asian arcade games is returning to Dragon Con, giving fans a chance to play cabinet games not usually seen this side of the Pacific Ocean. These games will be available in AmericasMart Building Three. In addition, Atlanta’s own Joystick Game Bar retro arcade returns with its Peachtree Center Mall pop-up version of their original Old Fourth Ward location.

A NIGHT OF RUM, CIGARS, DANCING, AND WEST COAST CUISINE AT GEZZO’S COASTAL CANTINA 

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

Featuring Oxbow Rum with Curated Food Pairings by Chef Cam Floyd, BYO Ceviche Bar, Harlem Cigar Company Hand-Rolled Cigars, Salsa Dancing and More

Reservations Now Available for Thursday, August 15, 2024

Sip, savor, and salsa the night away at Gezzo’s Coastal Cantina during a high-energy rum dinner meets party on Thursday, August 15, 2024. Located on Atlanta’s Westside, the coastal Latin-inspired restaurant is joining forces with Oxbow Rum for an unforgettable evening featuring curated rum and food pairings, live music, salsa dancing, hand-rolled cigars and much more. With reservations beginning at 5:45 p.m., revelers will be greeted with a signature Oxbow Rum cocktail as they soak up the vibrant sounds of salsa. Chef Cam Floyd leads the kitchen, inviting rum enthusiasts to get creative at a build-your-own ceviche bar and enjoy a three-course meal paired with five craft cocktails made by different Gezzo’s bartenders. Guests can anonymously vote for their favorite cocktail and be among the first to try Oxbow’s Dark Rum Barrel. With the help of Clahvay Dance Company, guests can take to the dance floor, whether they’re seasoned salsa dancers or trying it out for the first time. Cigar lovers, rejoice, because Harlem Cigar Company will be hand-rolling cigars and gifting one to each guest, along with a cigar cutter, matches, and more. Tickets for Gezzo’s Oxbow Rum Dinner are $125 per person, excluding tax and gratuity, and available for purchase on OpenTable. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.gezzos.com/cantina or call 470.427.3057. Gezzo’s Coastal Cantina is located on Atlanta’s Westside at 2260 Marietta Blvd NW Atlanta, GA 30318. Stay connected on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/gezzos and Instagram at www.instagram.com/gezzos.