THE AVENUE WEST COBB ANNOUNCES ‘BACK IN THE SADDLE’ CAMPAIGN TO PREPARE FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/20/25

The Marietta community is welcome to take advantage of seasonal deals to ease back into their busy lifestyle

The Avenue West Cobb today announced its “Back in the Saddle” campaign, featuring tenant promotions and activities designed to help the Marietta community prepare for all their back-to-moments—whether school, college, the office, workouts, after-school practices and more.

“We’re proud to be the go-to destination for the community’s back-to-moments,” said Danielle Kronlein, marketing manager at The Avenue West Cobb. “From our exclusive tenant offerings to safe, family-friendly fun, the goal of Back in the Saddle is all about helping everyone start the season on a high note and get back into their routines with excitement.”

The Avenue West Cobb’s ‘Back in the Saddle’ campaign features exclusive deals from several of the center’s retail tenants, including:

Bob Steele Salon – Look and feel your best this school year with 20 percent off liter-sized hair products, including REDKEN favorites and all hairbrushes from Aug. 17 through Aug. 23.

J. Jill – J. Jill is proud to host Teachers, This One’s for You! This campaign supports local teachers from A.L. Burruss Elementary School by collecting school supply donations throughout the month of August. Highly requested items include permanent markers, dry erase markers, coloring markers and crayons, sticky notes, erasers, two-pocket folders and highlighters. 

American Eagle – Stop by American Eagle now through Aug. 31 to take advantage of their buy one get one half off deal for denim jeans and shorts.

Atlanta Portrait Studio – Starting at $79.99, guests can prepare for school picture day with a fall mini session at Atlanta Portrait Studio! Schedule your appointment by Aug. 31 to take advantage of the offer. 

Famous Footwear – Start the school year off on the right foot at Famous Footwear! 

  • Now through Aug. 31, guests can take advantage of a buy one get one half off offer on shoes and school gear. 
  • Now until Sept. 24., Famously YOU Rewards® members that spend $100 in two separate purchases can receive $15 Bonus Cash during the Back-to-School Challenge.

Barnes & Noble – For readers of all ages, Barnes & Noble has a variety of promotions running now through Sept. 1, including half off select hardcover books and journals, buy one get one half off magazines, B&N collectible edition items and more.

  • Barnes & Noble will also host a LEGO® Bluey Build event on Aug. 23 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Throughout this event, guests will be able to build their own LEGO® Bluey set, snap a photo with Bluey and claim some free goodies, while supplies last. Spots are limited, so call the store to reserve your spot at 770-424-0511.

*** LEGO® kits are full, however guests are still encouraged to stop by and meet Bluey.

Warby Parker – Receive 15 percent off when you buy two pairs of subscription glasses with Warby Parker! Guests can also earn credit for a back-to-school eye exam using vision insurance, FSA or HSA. Visit in-store for more details. 

Dress Up – If you’re in need of a fall wardrobe refresh, Dress Up’s fall collection is available now! Shop new jeans, dresses, belts and boots to get ready for the season ahead.

Mud Creek Market – Invite the freshness of crisp air and the beauty of changing leaves into your home by checking out Mud Creek Market’s in-store fall décor.

To learn more, visit avenuewestcobb.com and follow The Avenue West Cobb on Facebook and Instagram.

FRIGHTS, FEASTS AND FAMILY FUN AS AMORE E AMORE’S NIGHTMARE ON HIGHLAND RETURNS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/20/25

Two Months of Over-the-Top Dining, Haunted Nights, and the Countdown to October 31

Family-Friendly and Adults-Only Reservations Now Available  

The countdown to Halloween is officially on at Amore e Amore, and this year, it’s creeping in earlier than ever. Beginning on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, and running through the entire month of October, the beloved ristorante will once again transform into a haunted hideaway for its annual Halloween-themed pop-up, A Nightmare on Highland, complete with eerie décor around every corner, spine-tingling treats, specialty cocktails, and sinfully delicious Italian fare crafted by Professor Giovanni himself.

Throughout the season, guests can reserve a table Tuesday through Sunday to dine among ghosts, ghouls, and over-the-top Halloween décor. Themed menus and hauntingly festive cocktails set the tone for evenings where indulgent Italian feasts meet spooky spectacle.

As October winds toward its most haunting nights, Amore e Amore takes the theatrics up a notch. The month-long spectacle builds to two back-to-back weekends designed for every kind of reveler—whether it’s little goblins on the hunt for candy or grown-ups looking to toast the witching hour with cocktails and costumes.

On Saturday, October 25, and Sunday, October 26, family-friendly festivities kick off at 4 p.m. Kids 12 and under are invited to show off their most hair-raising looks in a festive costume contest while digging into a spooktacular kids’ menu, priced at $29.95 per child. Little ghouls and goblins can enjoy pizza bites and meatballs, along with child-sized portions of fan-favorites like cheese ravioli, fettuccine alfredo, and spaghetti and meatballs.

Then, as the moon rises on Halloween night, it’s time for adults to raise spirits and take part in a haunted celebration like no other. On Friday, October 31, 2025, revelers 21 and up are summoned for a devilishly indulgent, adults-only evening. Guests can enjoy a four-course prix fixe menu for $125 per person, plus alcohol, tax, and gratuity, with seatings between 8 and 8:45 p.m. The night promises bone-chilling cocktails, a spellbinding set from a live DJ, a roaming magician, and a high-stakes costume contest brimming with prizes, praise, and plenty of boos and booze right up to the witching hour.

For more information or to make a reservation for A Nightmare on Highland, visit www.amoreeamore.com or call 404-600-2176. Amore e Amore is conveniently located at 467 N Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30307. Stay connected on Facebook and Instagram at @eatamoreatl.

HADESTOWN RETURNS TO ATLANTA NOV. 14 – 16 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/20/25

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, AUG. 22 AT 10 A.M.

MUSIC, LYRICS & BOOK BY ANAÏS MITCHELL
DEVELOPED WITH & ORIGINALLY DIRECTED BY RACHEL CHAVKIN

“Astounding! Hadestown will make you fall in love with musical theater again.”
 Lily Janiak, San Francisco Chronicle

Hadestown, the winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best New Musical and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album, will make an anticipated return limited engagement to Atlanta Nov. 14 – 16 as part of the 2025/2026 Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta season.

Tickets will go on-sale Friday, Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. Tickets are available at the Fox Theatre box office at 660 Peachtree Street NE, by visiting foxtheatre.org/hadestown or by calling 855-285-8499. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by contacting sales@foxtheatre.org.

Hadestown will play for a one-weekend limited engagement at the Fox Theatre as part of the 2025/2026 Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta season from Nov. 14 – 16. The performance schedule is as follows:

Friday                                                8 p.m.
Saturday                                           2 p.m., 8 p.m.
Sunday                                              1 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

Hadestown was the most honored show of the 2018-2019 Broadway season. In addition to the show’s eight Tony Awards®, it was honored with four Drama Desk Awards, six Outer Critics Circle Awards, including Outstanding New Broadway Musical, and the Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Musical.

“Scorching! Stunning! Both unmistakably timely and irresistibly entertaining.” 
 Catey Sullivan, Chicago Sun-Times

The acclaimed new musical is by celebrated singer-songwriter and Tony Award® winner Anaïs Mitchell and developed with original director and Tony Award® winner Rachel Chavkin. Hadestown marks the first time in over a decade that a woman has been the solo author of a musical: writing the music, lyrics, and book, and is the fourth time in Broadway history a woman has accomplished this creative feat.

“Mesmerizing! Hadestown arrives in smoldering fashion. Unfurling like a dream, the show achieves a fluidity of musical theater storytelling that makes an old tale seem startlingly new.”
Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times

The show opened at the Walter Kerr Theatre on Broadway (219 West 48th Street, New York) on April 17, 2019, where it played sold out houses nightly before performances were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hadestown resumed performances September 2, 2021 as one of the first musicals to reopen on Broadway where it continues to play today.

The show originated as Mitchell’s indie theater project that toured Vermont which she then turned into an acclaimed album. With Chavkin, her artistic collaborator, Hadestown has been transformed into a genre-defying new musical that blends modern American folk music with New Orleans-inspired jazz to reimagine a sweeping ancient tale.

Following two intertwining love stories — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — Hadestown invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers, and singers, Hadestown delivers a deeply resonant and defiantly hopeful theatrical experience.

“Welcome to the intriguing and beautiful world of “your next musical theater obsession.”
Vogue

Hadestown electrified audiences with its 2016 world premiere at New York Theatre Workshop, which is the longest-running show in that celebrated theater’s 40-year history. The production then received its Canadian premiere at Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre in 2017 and then a 2018 sold-out engagement at the London’s National Theatre. Hadestown was developed with funding from the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage at the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center and was further developed by The Ground Floor at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Hadestown was co-conceived by Ben t. Matchstick.

The Grammy® winning Hadestown Original Broadway Cast Recording is now available at Hadestown.com/music. The album is produced by David Lai, Sickafoose, and Mitchell on Sing It Again Records.

FOX BROS. BAR-B-Q AND WILD HEAVEN BRING HATCH CHILE FEST TO TOCO HILLS IN SUPPORT OF PEDIATRIC CANCER FAMILIES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/20/25

Saturday, August 23rd

 Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q is proud to bring the flavors of Hatch Chile season to the North Druid Hills community with one of their most meaningful annual traditions, Hatch Chile Fest, taking place Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Wild Heaven Beer and Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q at Toco Hill Shopping Center. This one day, block party style celebration is more than just a fiery good time—it is one of the Fox Bros. team’s largest fundraising events of the year, raising critical cost of living grants for Georgia families facing pediatric brain cancer.

In partnership with longtime friends and industry collaborators Wild Heaven Beer, the event will feature Hatch Chile inspired dishes and the release of a limited-edition Hatch Chile collaboration beer, brewed with freshly roasted chiles and available in small batch cans and on draft.

Two ticket tiers are currently on sale, with special early bird pricing available through August 15, for unlimited tastes of the Fox Bros. team’s Hatch Chile inspired menu. Dishes will include a New Mexico-Style Smash Cheeseburger, Smoked Carnita Taco with Hatch Chile Salsa, Hatch Chile Corn Dog, Peach Pork and Chile Bun, and an Apple and Hatch Chile Spice Cake for dessert. VIP tickets ($85; $95 after August 15) include early access beginning at 12 PM, with an extra hour to soak up the flavors plus two drink tickets. General admission ($45; $55 after August 15) begins at 1 PM and includes unlimited tastes of all menu offerings. In addition to food stations, guests can enjoy three bars and live music throughout the afternoon. Children eight and under may attend free with a ticketed adult.

All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Hogs for the Cause, a nonprofit that, through a partnership with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, provides cost of living grants to families in Atlanta and North Georgia navigating the challenges of pediatric cancer.

To purchase tickets, please follow the link here.

THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME’S FOOTBALL FEST & FREE DAY PRESENTED BY THE PEACH BOWL CELEBRATES THE RETURN OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/20/25

 See reimagined exhibits and the College GameDay bus with free admission to The Hall for guests on Sat., Aug. 23

The College Football Hall of Fame’s Football Fest & Free Day presented by the Peach Bowl returns on Saturday, Aug. 23, once again bringing the ultimate college football kickoff party to Atlanta. Celebrate the return of college football with reimagined exhibits, interactive activations, and free admission for all guests, creating an unforgettable day in the Capital of College Football.

The event, running from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., will feature the famed College GameDay bus, and an electric atmosphere headlined by live DJs, including DJ Jay Envy, the official DJ for the Atlanta Falcons, and DJ Euphoria and DJ Danny M, who regularly energize pregame crowds at Atlanta United and Atlanta Falcons games. MC Carlos Morales will also be returning to keep the hype going throughout the day.

“Our annual Football Fest & Free Day has become the ultimate way to usher in the college football season, and we are proud to open our doors to fans from across all of college football,” said Kimberly Beaudin, CEO of the College Football Hall of Fame. “Thanks to our incredible partners at Southern Company and Coca-Cola, the newly reimagined exhibits will help bring the energy to life, and we can’t wait to help showcase why Atlanta is the capital of college football.”

This year, guests will also have the opportunity to check out two major exhibit enhancements unveiled just in time for the event:

  • Southern Company ‘Celebrating HBCUs’: The renovated exhibit now includes AI-powered visualizations of HBCU drum majors, marching band members, and majorettes, marking the first motion-based AI installation in The Hall and elevates an already rich display.
  • Coca-Cola ‘Fight Song Karaoke’: A fully reimagined, gamified experience allows guests to select their favorite team’s fight song and sing along with friends on large LED screens to become the next Chant Champion.

During the celebration, guests can also experience inflatables, interactive games, prize giveaways, and appearances from Georgia Tech’s iconic Ramblin’ Wreck, local team mascots, cheerleaders, and marching bands. Atlanta Falcons coaches will be conducting a Youth Football Clinic from 11 a.m. to Noon, followed by the Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders leading a Youth Cheer Clinic from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., with spots for both clinics available to be reserved by visiting this link.

New this year, guests can elevate their experience with a VIP Tour, offered at a special Football Fest rate of $35 per person. These guided tours will run every 45 minutes, with limited space available per tour, so book your reservation through The Hall’s ticketing page. Each VIP ticket includes a Hall of Fame-branded water bottle and a Chick-fil-A gift card redeemable for one sandwich, courtesy of Chick-fil-A. Guests will also be able to take advantage of The Hall’s newly refreshed membership tiers, available for purchase during the event, with all seven tiers offering unique privileges and tailored experiences to celebrate the legacy of college football.

While tickets are not mandatory, guests do have the option to reserve their spot at cfbhall.com/tickets, and by doing so, gain access to the ‘Fast Pass’ line, ensuring minimal wait times for entry to the event. Those planning to attend are encouraged to consider utilizing Atlanta’s public transportation system, MARTA, in an effort to alleviate congestion around the Football Fest event, or conveniently park in the Green Deck, located at the corner of Marietta Street and Baker Street, and a short walk from The Hall.

THIS YEAR IS A MONSTER! NETHERWORLD HAUNTED HOUSE ANNOUNCES ITS 29TH SEASON OF SCREAMS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/20/25

This Fall: Face the Powerful MONSTERS ATTACK! Then, Brave a Twisted Double Feature,
OBLIVION: RETURN OF THE MANGLER & GRENDEL’S FEAST to Experience the Longest,
Most Over the Top Attractions in NETHERWORLD’s History!
 

This fall, the gates of NETHERWORLD Haunted House burst open once again for its 29th Season of Screams, cementing its reign as one of America’s most iconic haunted attractions. Opening Friday, Sept. 19 and running for 35 chilling nights through early November, the 2025 season promises to be NETHERWORLD’s most ambitious and immersive yet.
 
Known nationwide for its blockbuster-quality special effects, elaborate sets, and Hollywood-worthy creatures, NETHERWORLD ups the ante in 2025 with two massive, haunted attractions. Visitors will plunge headlong into the classic monster chaos of MONSTERS ATTACK!, then descend into the eerie depths of a dark double feature: the viscerally terrifying horror of OBLIVION: RETURN OF THE MANGLER and the grotesque carnival nightmares of GRENDEL’S FEAST.
 
“Each year we push ourselves further,” said Ben Armstrong, NETHERWORLD co-creator and industry veteran. “For our 29th season, we’re going bigger, longer, and more overwhelming than ever before – these are some of the most massive haunts in NETHERWORLD’s history, covering the combined walking distance of 10 football fields. We want guests to feel completely transported…like they’re walking through a living nightmare.”
 
MONSTERS ATTACK!: Savage werewolves created by ancient alchemy, massive robotic war machines built with magic-infused science, and Frankensteinian creations fueled by primordial energy battle vampiric hordes, undying behemoths and a vast army of reanimated corpses in a battle royale. Led by the half-man, half-machine leader of the Brotherhood, Anton Varla, and his greatest creation, Cronus, the cursed town of Whyshburg struggles to hold off the attack and launch a doomsday missile to destroy the NETHERWORLD gate forever. But will they complete the mission as the final defenses crumble? Anything can happen when Monsters Attack!  
   
Featuring: Titanic terrors tower over the town, the massive doomsday missile, armored warbots, Frankensteinian fiends on the warpath, the shocking scientific sanctum of Anton Varla, the terror of Cronus, undying giants face to face, the Valley of the Werewolves, the crushing hand, the vampire lord, ghosts in the attic, the undead hordes, aquatic nightmares, Lycan Lungers, the nest of the Skull Spiders, the Cathedral of the Serpent God, the Labyrinth of the Dead and the Stone Golems! More gothic horror than the human brain can comprehend! Can you survive the onslaught of terror when Monsters Attack? 
 
OBLIVION: RETURN OF THE MANGLER featuring the twisted surprise of GRENDEL’S FEAST: The demented surgeon known as the Mangler has escaped his cell in the BOX and discovered the dark dimension known as Oblivion. Now working with four horrific entities of fear, he seeks the ultimate knowledge: finding the source of emotion in the human body and using it to control all who live! Then explore the bizarre carnival sideshow of Mr. Grendel, the ancient flesh-eating ogre disguised as a clown. But beware…these clowns don’t eat popcorn and cotton candy; they have something a little different in mind for Grendel’s Feast!
   
Featuring: The mysterious First Citizen, the Mangler’s twisted experiments, the Chambers of the Unknown, consumed by the Feaster, the Subway of the Lost, the workshop of the Stitcher, the nightmare world of The Boogeyman, the Diabolical Dentist, the laboratory of the Render, the Hospital of Horrors, the Portal to Oblivion and the Darkness of the Pit. More gruesome medical madness and shocking scares than the human mind can comprehend. Then continue your journey through the malignant sideshow of Mr. Grendel’s Feast and face an army of freakish ogre clowns eager to have you over for dinner!
 
Beyond The Haunts…
After braving the haunts, guests can enjoy NETHERWORLD’s Halloween festival-style Midway, filled with towering jack-o-lanterns, monster photo ops, two mini escape games, and food and drinks, including returning fan favorites like Dr. Octane’s Bizarre Beverages (featuring new flavors), light-up cotton candy, “Blood Bags” for sipping like a vampire, Zombie Rampage Energy Drink, and indulgent snacks such as mini donuts, pretzels, nachos, gourmet popcorn, vegan corndogs, new barbecue sandwiches and more.
 
Fans can also experience NETHERWORLD’s five, year-round, immersive escape room adventures, including Tiki Island: Attack of the Shark God, Sasquatch: Bigfoot’s Revenge, Nosferatu: Van Helsing’s Secret, Haunted: Curse of the Night Hag, and Alien Terror: Doom of the Dark Horizon. These cinematic escape rooms continue to challenge and delight guests seeking an interactive adventure before or after the haunt. Tickets and info at www.escapethenetherworld.com.
 
Netherworld Haunted House is now hiring for all departments – from monsters and make-up artists to photo ops, costuming, food service, parking, and sales – inviting thrill-seekers and behind-the-scenes pros alike to join the “Netherspawn” family for its world-famous haunt season.
 
Stay tuned for an official announcement of tickets going on sale in the coming weeks. For more details on NETHERWORLD Haunted House, please visit www.fearworld.com. Photos and interviews with NETHERWORLD’s co-founders are available upon request.
 
NETHERWORLD Haunted House is located at 1313 NETHERWORLD Way, Stone Mountain, GA 30087. Contact NETHERWORLD at 404-999-FEAR.

DRAGON CON RETURNS THIS LABOR DAY WITH 75,000 FANS, COUNTLESS COSTUMES, AND MORE NERDY FUN THAN YOU CAN FIT IN A TARDIS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/20/25

From Screen Legends to Dungeon Masters, Fans Turn Out for Star Encounters, Gaming Hall Glory,

and the Most Colorful Parade This Side of the Multiverse

Dragon Con, the internationally known pop culture, fantasy, science fiction, and gaming convention, returns to downtown Atlanta for the five-day Labor Day weekend, attracting some 75,000 fans from all 50 states and several foreign countries.

Fans come to Dragon Con to meet their favorite actors, artists, authors, creators, and experts, show off their latest cosplay, make new friends, and revel in nerdy fun.

Dragon Con 2025 runs from Thursday, Aug. 28 to Monday, Sept. 1 with events and activities across five host hotels – Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta, Westin Peachtree, and Courtland Grand – plus AmericasMart Buildings Two and Three.

Guests – Cultural icon William Shatner, Mission Impossible’s Simon Pegg, and John Boyega from the Star Wars sequels are set to light up the stage while legendary actor Christopher Lloyd will be on hand to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Back to the Future.

They will be joined by Bones’ David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel, Superman Returns’ Brandon Routh, Marvel’s Kingpin Vincent D’Onofrio, Arrowverse’s Emily Bett Rickards, and Katee Sackhoff from The Mandalorian, all coming out to meet fans, lead panel discussions, and sign autographs.

The Muppet Show and Sesame Street Muppeteers Bill Barretta (Pepe the King Prawn), Kevin Clash (Elmo), Bonnie Erickson (Miss Piggy), and Dave Goelz (Gonzo) will be on hand to lead fans in sing-alongs, panel discussions, and puppetry demonstrations.

In addition, Dragon Con will host some 300 authors, artists, game designers, puppeteers, scientists, engineers, and other experts to lead panels and talk with fans across 38 tracks of programming, from high fantasy to hard science.

Gaming – Dragon Con, one of the largest gaming conventions in the nation, offers more than three acres of gaming in AmericasMart Building Three, plus additional gaming and game-related programming in the nearby Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel.

Dragon Con offers the full array of games including PC and console games, miniatures, role-playing games, collectible card games, social deception games, LARP games, and a basement full of familiar and rare board games. All gaming is free to Dragon Con members and begins Thursday, Aug. 28 at 4 pm.

Fans can explore traditional arcade cabinet favorites and imports from across the Pacific in the ever-popular Japanese and Asian arcade game section that are free to play. Atlanta’s own Joystick Game Bar returns with a pop-up version of its retro arcade in Peachtree Center Mall.

Programming highlights include the return of celebrity Dungeon Master Mark Meer, who will lead a D&D Live session with the cast of Baldur’s Gate III including Samantha Béart, Tim Downie, Emma Gregory, Cissy Jones, and Dave Jones through a classic adventure. Meer will also team up with Atlanta’s own Dad’s Garage for a one-of-a-kind improv tribute to Baldur’s Gate III.

Sean Copeland, Loremaster at Blizzard Entertainment, Ashley Ruhl, Narrative Director on Star Wars: The Old Republic, along with Alison Carrier from Scopely, Brian Urbanek from Marauder Tech, and content creator Jynxie Rose will participate in multiple panels on game design, development, and content creation. Paris K. Arrowsmith brings the award-winning Cyberpunk Red podcast to Dragon Con with guest stars Mikal Mosley and Tracie Hearne.

Parade – Atlanta’s most colorful and always popular Dragon Con Parade steps off on Saturday, Aug. 30 at 10 am. The parade is free and open to the public.

The parade route remains the same as in past years. Beginning at the intersection of Peachtree Street and Linden Avenue, the parade will head south on Peachtree, east (left) on Andrew Young International Boulevard and north (left) on Peachtree Center Avenue. It will end on Peachtree Center Avenue between John Portman Boulevard and Baker Street, in front of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.

The route is convenient to three MARTA stations – North Avenue, Civic Center, and Peachtree Center. Parking downtown is expected to be tight. Dragon Con encourages parade spectators to ride MARTA.

The 2025 parade will be televised live on CBS Atlanta (formerly Atlanta 69). Live coverage will begin at 10 am and will remain on air through the entire parade. 

There are a number of live streaming options. DCTV will broadcast the parade live on a closed circuit to the convention’s host hotels, with rebroadcasts throughout the weekend. Parade coverage will also stream on dragoncon.tv, subscription required.

Cosplay – Dragon Con is well known for the quality of its cosplay and that tradition will certainly continue. The nation’s top cosplayers will show off their best work during the show, participating in costume contests every night of the convention and promenading throughout the five host hotels and the streets of downtown Atlanta.

Cosplay competitions remain a mainstay of Dragon Con, including the queen of competitions, Dragon Con Masquerade, the oldest continuously-run competition in fandom, the craftsmanship-focused Friday Night Costume Contest, and the low-key and fan-voted Hallway Costume Contest.

Official Charity – Mental health advocacy and education organization NAMI Georgia is Dragon Con’s official 2025 charity. NAMI Georgia works to raise awareness across the state and provide support to its 18 local affiliates serving individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Through convention-based auctions, special merchandise sales, special events, plus a dollar-for-dollar match from the convention, Dragon Con raised $300,000 in 2024 for the Georgia chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. Since 2015, the convention has raised more than $1.48 million for Atlanta-based charities. 

In addition to fundraising, Dragon Con conducts the largest convention-based blood drive in the nation. Each year, some 3,000 fans donate more than 6,000 units of blood and blood products in the annual Robert A. Heinlein “Pay It Forward” blood drive, benefiting LifeSouth, which serves more than 40 hospitals in the Atlanta area and 110 hospitals in the Southeast.

About Dragon Con

Dragon Con is the internationally known pop culture convention held each Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 28 – Sept. 1, 2025) in Atlanta. Organized for fans, Dragon Con features more than 3,500 hours of comics, film, television, costuming, art, music, and gaming over four days. For more information, please visit www.dragoncon.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

RISING STAR JAKE MINCH PLAYING VINYL ON WEDNESDAY 8/20!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/13/25

HEADLINE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR KICKS OFF IN AUGUST

“Jake Minch is Your Favorite Songwriter’s Songwriter”—TMRW Magazine

“Love this so muchhhh”—Gigi Perez on “Fingers and Clothes”

“My favorite”—Chelsea Cutler on “Fingers and Clothes”

“best song I’ve heard in a while”—Daniel Seavey on “Fingers and Clothes”

“Soundtrack of my summer I feel”—Billianne on George

“Love this one soooo much”—Ella Jane on “Say Uncle”

“This has been on a loop for so long im so obsessed and scared”—Sadie Jean on “For Leaving”

“Brilliant”—Noah Kahan on “handgun”


George, the highly-anticipated debut album from rising singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jake Minch is out today via 2for2 projects/Mercury Records—listen HERE.

“George is about my two years in LA and my experience falling victim to my ‘middle-of-the-country-syndrome,’” says Jake. “It’s about being a martyr with nothing to die for and needing to fuck up some great things in order to see that.”

In celebration of his full-length debut, Jake will embark on an extensive run of headline shows this August, with stops at Brooklyn’s Baby’s All Right, Los Angeles’ Moroccan Lounge, Chicago’s Schubas Tavern, Toronto’s Velvet Underground, Nashville’s Cannery Hall and more. See below for a complete list of dates and purchase tickets at shop.jakeminch.com.

Recorded and produced between Los Angeles and Connecticut by Jake and Tony Berg (Taylor Swift, Boygenius) with contribution from Mason Stoops (Lizzy McAlpine, Role Model), George finds the 22-year-old storyteller exploring grief, guilt and identity through the complexities in his personal relationships. Titled after Jake’s birth name, George captures the angst and discomfort of growing up and leaving home with a disarming vulnerability that traces the album’s 12 tracks—including previously shared singles “Fingers and Clothes” and “Drawing a Tattoo,” released earlier this summer to critical acclaim.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Jake Minch burst onto the scene in 2023 with his hit single “handgun” racking up 1.3 million views on the song’s initial teaser and earning support from the likes of Noah Kahan, Lizzy McAlpine, Zach Bryan, Gracie Abrams, Fletcher and many more. Over the last few years, the 2for2 projects/Mercury Records artist has garnered a dedicated fanbase through his deeply personal lyrics on love, growing up and grief. Jake has toured the world over, sharing stages with the likes of The Head And The Heart, Jeremy Zucker, Ben Abraham, Holly Humberstone, Grace Enger and Sadie Jean. He’ll set off on an extensive North American headline tour this summer / fall.

GEORGE TRACKLIST
1. Nostalgia Act
2. Drawing a Tattoo
3. Fucked Up
4. Fingers and Clothes
5. Dad’s Song
6. Unicef
7. First I Was
8. Say Uncle
9. Changed Things
10. For Leaving
11. A mistake you only make once
12. Twice

JAKE MINCH LIVE
August 3 /// Constellation Room /// Santa Ana, CA
August 4 /// Moroccan Lounge /// Los Angeles, CA
August 5 /// Cafe Du Nord /// San Francisco, CA
August 7 /// Madame Lou’s /// Seattle, WA
August 9 /// Polaris Hall /// Portland, OR
August 12 /// Lost Lake /// Denver, CO
August 15 /// 7th St Entry /// Minneapolis, MN
August 18 /// Schubas Tavern /// Chicago, IL
August 19 /// Cannery Hall /// Nashville, TN
August 20 /// Vinyl /// Atlanta, GA
August 22 /// Songbyrd /// Washington, D.C.
August 23 /// The Lounge at World Cafe /// Philadelphia, PA
August 25 /// Velvet Underground /// Toronto, ON
August 27 /// The Middle East – Sonia /// Cambridge, MA
August 28 /// Baby’s All Right /// Brooklyn, NY

FREE MOVIE ON THE LAWN AT GAS SOUTH DISTRICT: MOANA 2 (2024)

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/11/25

FREE EVENT – Movie On The Lawn – Moana 2 (2024)

Join us at Gas South District on September 24 for a Disney On Ice MOVIE NIGHT – on The Lawn – with a FREE showing of Moana 2! Bring the whole family for food, games, prizes, character appearances and MORE. You will also be able to enter for a chance to win FREE TICKETS to Disney On Ice playing September 25 – 28!

Make sure to arrive on time – the first 200 kids (12 & under) will receive free coupon vouchers for Disney On Ice!

Event Schedule:

  • 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM – Guest Arrival
  • 6:00 PM – Trivia Begins
  • 6:30 PM – Character Arrival and Photo Opportunity
  • 7:15 PM – Movie Starts!

Additional Info:

  • Bring chairs and blankets
  • Complimentary parking in Lot A
  • Snack foods and drink options will be available for purchase
  • Coolers/drinks are allowed (No glass)

We look forward to sharing this enchanting experience with you and your family. See you there for a night of magic and memories!

 *This is an outdoor event. In the event of inclement weather, our Movie Night will be moved inside to Gas South Theater.
More info: https://www.gassouthdistrict.com/events/detail/disney-movie-on-the-lawn-moana-2?spMailingID=12790699&spUserID=OTI4OTA5MzgzOTE5S0&spJobID=2280083945&spReportId=MjI4MDA4Mzk0NQS2

SUMMER AT MARGARITAVILLE AT LANIER ISLANDS 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/11/25

RV there yet? John and I recently headed up to Lake Lanier Islands to experience summer at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands for a fun weekend staying in a spacious luxurious RV, a day at the Fins Up Water Park, a sunset margarita cruise, and brunch. It was the perfect summer weekend!

Livin’ the RV Life

Did you know Camp Margaritaville RV Resort at Lanier Islands rents RVs? We’ve always been interested in possibly living the RV life so this was a good way for us to try it out! And what did we find out? We think it is nicer and has more amenities than a hotel room!


When you unlock the door, you are greeted with a large circular desk/table area that is a great place to eat, work, and gather. Then, in front of you is the large, full, plush couch for watching TV, relaxing, or doubling as a bed! And it is next to it is the full fridge with freezer! On the other side of the RV is the full kitchen with tons of cabinet space, full stove and oven, lots of counter space, and sink. I can see why people could live in these.

Down the hall, walk up a few stairs to the full bathroom with sink and vanity, cabinet space, and even a full shower.
Behind the pocket door is the bedroom with comfy queen bed and closet system and drawers for clothing and your suitcase!
It literally has it all!

Plus, with any 2-night stay gets you access to Fins up Waterpark. There is a tram you can take to the park or ample parking if you choose to drive. On top of that, need a margarita? There is a margarita cart that comes around or you can call to get a frosty bevy!

A Day at Fins up Water Park with itinerary

Grab our full day Margaritaville at Lanier Islands Fins Up Water Park itinerary!

  • Start out with a lush cabana and a morning at the wave pool. This was my favorite spot and I could have spend the entire day there. The cabanas come with tables, chairs, a sofa, and fan, and two loungers. We also could order from a QR code and get food, drinks, and more! And the wave pool was chill and had loungers where you could sit and the water.

  • Hit the beach. Just steps through a tunnel from our cabana and we ended up on the beach on the lake! They have places to lounge, a tiki bar, and a few restraints like Mexican and pizza.
  • Get in line and get out on the lake with aquatic adventure! A fun, floating adventure coarse in the lake! You can also rent water toys to hit the lake as well.

  • Don’t miss the Fin Dunker Bucket! You can feel the water blowing into your face even from afar!
  • Take a break at Landshark Landing for a late lunch of spicy and creamy mahi mahi tacos, delicious lemon pepper wings, a booze in the blender like their perfect margarita, or a cool Landshark Lager!
  • Beat the heat in Parakeet Springs! A fun splash pad next to the beach! I enjoyed the cool water as much as the kids, and you need to wait 30 minutes after eating before you get to the main event…the waterslides!
  • Enjoy any of the 13 water slides! They have ones the drop to ones that feel like a raging river, my favorite. The other slides includes racing waters, splash down, typhoon, twister serpentine storm, dreamsicle dive, and more. The one that looked and heard like the scariest was the Apocalypso with a large drop to start and Fins up falls to end.
  • End your day at the park with a drink at the tiki bar either over at Landshark Landing or at the beach.

Margarita Cruise at Sunset

Would it be a weekend at Margaritaville without a sunset cruise with bottomless margaritas? We ended our day at Fins Up Water Park with an easy, breezy Margarita Cruise that went out of Harbor Landing. We sipped on bottomless margaritas on the rocks. We enjoyed a delicious buffet with jalapeno poppers, meatballs, pulled pork, burger slides, chips, cookies and more. As the night wears on, the sun will set beautifully over the lake and dancing will break out on the upstairs deck! It was the highlights of our day.

They do these cruises every Saturday from 6-9pm. And, they also have a brunch cruise every Sunday with buffet at Landshark Landing, then board the board with bottomless mimosas and Bloddy Mary’s from 11:30-1:30pm!