EXPLORE GWINNETT ANNOUNCES 2026 GWINNETT BURGER WEEK, MARCH 16-22

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/3/26

Diners Can Enjoy $12 Specialty Burgers During the Weeklong Promotion at 21 Local Restaurants

Explore Gwinnett, the official tourism organization of Gwinnett County, today announced that  Gwinnett Burger Week will return March 16–22, 2026, marking its 11th year. The weeklong celebration invites visitors and locals to enjoy chef-crafted burger creations for $12 each at 21 locally owned restaurants across the county, continuing the tradition of offering specialty burgers at an accessible price point.

“Gwinnett Burger Week continues to be a meaningful way for us to spotlight the artistry of our local restaurant community,” said Clara Rooks, senior marketing communications manager at Explore Gwinnett. “Each year, our restaurant partners raise the bar with creative takes on a classic favorite, and this event is a great reminder of the depth and talent within Gwinnett County’s culinary scene.”

Throughout Gwinnett Burger Week, each of the 21 participating restaurants will feature a limited-time burger crafted exclusively for the promotion. A sampling of this year’s creations include:

·       “Big Kahuna Burger” at Diesel Tap House, two angus beef patties topped with provolone cheese, grilled pineapple rings, pepper bacon, candied jalapeños, teriyaki sauce drizzle with lettuce and tomato served on a grilled Hawaiian bread bun.

·       “Big Country Burger” at Local on North, a 5 oz. choice ground beef patty topped with marinated pulled pork, cheddar cheese, crispy fried onions and jicama slaw as well as ranch and peach barbeque sauce.

·       “The Bandolera” at LR Burger, one crispy smash burger topped with a folded quesadilla stuffed with sautéed peppers, onions, cheddar and pepper jack cheeses finished with ranch on a toasted bun.

Diners are encouraged to download the Gwinnett Burger Week Digital Pass to check in at participating restaurants and earn points throughout the week, which are redeemable for prizes. Each check-in is worth one point. Points can be redeemed for exclusive Gwinnett Burger Week merchandise from Explore Gwinnett, including restaurant gift cards, aprons, sicker packs an all-new T-shirt design and more. Diners can also vote for their favorite burger by uploading an image of their receipt to the Gwinnett Burger Week website.

Participants who track their dining experience at 10 or more restaurants throughout the week will be inducted into the Gwinnett Burger Week Wall of Fame with their photo published on Explore Gwinnett’s website.

“The strength of Gwinnett County’s culinary landscape speaks to the passion and entrepreneurial spirit of our community,” said Lisa Anders, chief operating officer at Explore Gwinnett. “Dining is one of the most memorable ways people experience a destination and we’re proud to champion initiatives that recognize the chefs and restaurants who help shape Gwinnett’s story.”

To sign up for the Gwinnett Burger Week Pass, visit ExploreGwinnett.org/Gwinnett-Burger-Week/Burger-Week-Prize-Pass to provide the participant’s name, e-mail address and mobile phone number. A link will be sent to the participant’s phone, allowing them to access the pass and add the pass icon to their home screen.

For more information about Gwinnett Burger Week* and a full list of participating restaurants and limited-time burger offerings, visit ExploreGwinnett.org/Gwinnett-Burger-Week/.

Stay up-to-date on the latest Explore Gwinnett news by following @ExploreGwinnett on Instagram or ExploreGwinnett on Facebook. Diners are encouraged to share their experience on social media by using the hashtag #GwinnettBurgerWeek.

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*The Gwinnett Burger Week promotion is dine-in only and is not available via any third-party delivery service. The $12 burger promotion does not include tax or gratuity.

INDIE CRAFT SPRING EXPERIENCE ANNOUNCES NEW LOCATION AT THE GOAT FARM AND A BOLD NEW VISION – ONLY $5 FOR MONTH OF APRIL!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/3/26

Now Produced by Tiny Rhino Productions

The Indie Craft Spring Experience returns May 2-3, 2026 with an exciting new location at Goat Farm, ushering in a new era for Atlanta’s longest-running handmade market. Now produced by Tiny Rhino Productions, the beloved event expands its vision – intentionally bridging the space between indie makers and contemporary craft while preserving the bold, funky energy that has defined the markets since 2005.

This spring, artists from seven states across the Southeast will gather in Atlanta, showcasing a dynamic cross-section of regional talent. The event continues to serve as a trusted destination for discovering Southern independent makers, while elevating its curatorial lens to spotlight work that merges DIY ethos with refined craftsmanship and modern design.

Set within the industrial, art-forward environment of Goat Farm, the Spring Experience will feature a thoughtfully curated lineup of artists and designers showcasing concept-driven handmade work, elevated material exploration, collectible small-batch design, and personality-rich brands that sit comfortably alongside refined minimal aesthetics.

“For the last 20 years, Indie Craft Experience has celebrated accessible, handmade culture,” says Katrine Trantham, owner of Tiny Rhino Productions. “This spring, we’re leaning into the exciting middle ground – where independent makers are pushing into contemporary craft conversations. And just as importantly, we’re still embracing the playful energy and quirkiness that people know and love us for. Shoppers can expect to find many of their longtime local favorites while also discovering an exciting wave of new talent from across the Southeast.”

The result is a market experience that will resonate with longtime Indie Craft Experience supporters, as well as serious collectors, design enthusiasts, and shoppers seeking both statement pieces and timeless staples.

Strengthening Atlanta’s Handmade Ecosystem

Beyond the market weekend, organizers are reinforcing their commitment to Atlanta’s year-round creative economy. In conjunction with the Spring Experience, Tiny Rhino is sharing a newly compiled guide to Handmade in Atlanta — spotlighting independent retailers and creative spaces that champion local artists and small-batch design.

This initiative reflects Tiny Rhino Productions’ broader mission: not only producing thoughtfully curated events, but cultivating a sustainable infrastructure for independent craft throughout the Southeast.

Event Details

Location: The Goat Farm Arts Center, 1200 Foster Street, Atlanta, GA
Dates: May 2–3, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: $5 in advance / $10 at the door

For more information, vendor announcements, and the Top 10 Handmade Shops Guide, visit indiecraftexperience.com or follow @IndieCraftExperience on social media.

THE WORKS’ HOPPY EASTER RETURNS ON MARCH 28

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/3/26

The Works’ Hoppy Easter Returns on March 28, Welcomes Back the Grown-Up Glow Egg Hunt That Evening

Enjoy family-friendly activities, an adults-only glow-in-the-dark egg hunt, Easter crafts and more

The Works in Atlanta’s Upper Westside is celebrating Easter in a big way with its sixth annual Hoppy Easter event on Saturday, March 28. For the first time in five years, The Works is also bringing back the highly requested Grown-Up Glow Egg Hunt the same day. 

The all-day Easter celebration kicks off at 10:30 a.m. with a kid-friendly egg hunt at The Camp for ages 5 and under, followed by an egg hunt again at 11:30 a.m. for children aged 6 to 10. Beyond the egg hunts, attendees can enjoy onsite activities including face painting, a petting zoo, a craft corner, a photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny, a DJ and more. The Grown-Up Glow Egg Hunt will be held later that evening, and adults will have the unique chance to hunt for glow-in-the-dark eggs filled with prizes. Check-in begins at 6 p.m. with activities including a glow-in-the-dark face painting station, a glow swag station and an LED performance following the egg hunt. The hunt will start at 8 p.m.

Hoppy Easter and Glow Egg Hunt tickets include one Easter basket (children’s egg hunts only), access to all activity stations, one egg hunt experience and visits to other participating tenants. Tickets are not required for parents and guardians for the children’s egg hunt, and the Glow Egg Hunt tickets are for adults only. Outside Easter baskets will not be permitted. Participants can stop by Camp Street to check in and pick up an Easter basket before heading off to enjoy fun activities throughout the property. 

For more information and to purchase your tickets, visit https://theworksatl.com/events/.

LUMINOCITY DINO SAFARI FESTIVAL RETURNS TO METRO ATLANTA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/1/26

March 13-April 19, 2026

Walk Through the Largest Immersive Dinosaur Lights Festival in the U.S.

LuminoCity Festival, renowned for its breathtaking immersive light sculpture experiences, returns to Metro Atlanta this spring with LuminoCity Dino Safari Festival, the largest immersive dinosaur walk-through lights festival in the United States. Limited-time Early Bird tickets deals are now on sale (through March 12) HERE.

The LuminoCity Dino Safari will cover a 100,000+ square-foot pop-up experience that transforms the parking lot at the Mall of Georgia into a glowing prehistoric world where life-sized dinosaurs roar, illuminated tunnels transport guests through time, and interactive attractions keep families exploring for hours. Combining cutting-edge animatronics, innovative lighting design, and immersive exhibits, the festival offers an unforgettable experience for guests of all ages. Families can explore educational displays, interactive dig sites, amusement activities, and breathtaking nighttime light installations — all in one walk-through adventure.

“At LuminoCity, we aim to create more than a family-friendly event — we build immersive worlds where people can unplug, explore, and experience wonder together,” said LuminoCity CEO and Founder Xiaoyi Chen. “Inspired by the artistry and tradition of Chinese lantern festivals in my hometown, I founded LuminoCity to share that beauty and cultural storytelling. Bringing LuminoCity Dino Safari back to Georgia is especially meaningful because of the warmth and enthusiasm we’ve received here. We’re proud to return with an even larger, more interactive experience that celebrates creativity, sparks curiosity, and creates joyful moments our guests can share together.”

BY THE NUMBERS:

ENDLESS GLOW, PREHISTORIC STYLE

  • 100,000+ Square Feet
    • Spanning more than 2.5 acres.
  • 70+ Life-Size Roaring Dinosaurs
    • Animatronic and illuminated, including a towering dinosaur reaching 45 feet tall.
  • 10+ Illuminated Immersive Tunnels
    • Full walk-through light corridors designed for immersive exploration and social sharing.
  • Tons Of Themed Photo Opportunities
    • From glowing prehistoric landscapes to larger-than-life dinosaur encounters.

DINO-SIZED FUN BEYOND THE LIGHTS

Beyond the glowing dinosaur displays, guests can dive into a full lineup of hands-on attractions designed to create big energy and even bigger smiles. From inflatables and interactive games to prehistoric-themed challenges, there’s entertainment for all.

12+ Amusement Activities

Entertainment for toddlers, kids, teens, and adults:

  • 8+ Activities (Free with Admission): Families can enjoy multiple interactive zones at no additional cost — offering plenty of opportunities for active play, exploration, and photo-worthy moments throughout the festival grounds.
  • 4 Premium Add-On Attractions: For guests looking to elevate their adventure, optional ticketed experiences include:
    • Dino Speedway: Race through a prehistoric course in dino-themed ride-on cars.
    • Bounce Zone: Leap and play in dinosaur-inspired inflatable attractions.
    • Safari Dig: Unearth fossils and hidden treasures in a hands-on paleontology experience.
    • Train Ride: Climb aboard for a scenic ride through the glowing prehistoric landscape.

6 Inflatables

Guests can jump, climb, and play across six dinosaur-themed inflatable attractions. These are highlighted by the new, massive Volcano Bounce which soars nearly 25 feet high (almost three stories tall), clearly making it one of the festival’s most eye-catching features. Also new this year is the Triceratops Bounce Nest, and the glow-in-the-dark, eight-armed Neon Octo-Beats — which will take the stage with a DJ on select nights to drop the hottest tracks for a dance party like no other.

3 Theme Nights

On select Fridays throughout the Festival, visitors are invited to dress up to match the evening’s theme and receive surprise gifts and special interactive experiences. These themed nights add an extra layer of community spirit and playful celebration to the LuminoCity Dino Safari experience.

EVENT DETAILS

Where: Mall of Georgia | 3333 Buford Drive | Buford, Georgia 30519

  • Located in the parking lot by Belk and in front of Taco Mac.
  • Free Parking

When: Friday, March 13– Sunday, April 19, 2026

  • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: Timed entrances from 5–9:30pm
  • Friday and Saturday: Timed entrances from 5–10pm
  • Closed on Tuesdays

Tickets: Available in advance online.

  • Exclusive Early Bird tickets deals are now on sale for a limited time — guests must purchase by Friday, March 12 (in advance of opening day on March 13).
  • General Admission: $18–$21 (Children 3 and under are free).
  • ADA-compliant and stroller-friendly.