Entries by Liz Attaway

18TH ANNUAL BACONFEST

This important news bulletin is brought to you by the letter B. Bacon, beer, booths, burlesque, and other letter B-centric oddities and attractions will return to Dad’s Garage in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward. BaconFest, the annual fundraiser for improv and comedy theatre Dad’s Garage, will happen on Saturday, March 31, 2018 from 1 – 6 p.m. This year’s festival will feature a literal ton of bacon, wacky carnival games, plenty of boozahol, a silent auction with awesome items, and tons of other surprises.

ATLANTA SPRING WINE FESTIVAL 2018

The Atlanta Spring Wine Fest will be held on Saturday, April 14th from 1 – 5 pm at Historic Fourth Ward Park. They’ll have over 50 wines as well as a selection of beer and cider to choose from. There will be live music, plenty of fun and games, and food will be available for purchase. The wine list will be added to the website soon. Tickets are now on sale and all beverages are included in ticket price. Advanced tickets currently are $45 and will rise to $50 after April 5th.

GEORGIA STEEPLECHASE 2018

The Steeplechase held at Kingston Downs is a timeless southern tradition held at one of the most widely respected tracks in the south east. Each year, tens-of-thousands of equestrian enthusiast and organizations come together for an amazing social event benefiting several Georgia charities. Since 1966, the Steeplechase has been Georgia’s premier entertainment and sporting event often referred to as “the best lawn party in Georgia.” This year’s steeplechase will offer racegoers an unforgettable day featuring local food trucks, shopping, wine tastings, and a new kids corral. Racegoers will also enjoy the ever popular Hat Parade and Contest, the terrier races, and opportunity to attend the Chairman’s Pavilion and Brunch on the Backstretch parties. We look forward to having you, your friends and families join us on April 7th! Tickets range from $40 for General Admission to $400 Early Bird Chairman’s Pavilion until April 1st.

Punch Bowl Social The Battery Grand Opening

Punch Bowl Social will open the highly-anticipated 25,000-square-foot restaurant, bar, and entertainment destination in The Battery Atlanta on Saturday, March 24, 2018. The award-winning lifestyle brand, recently selected as a Fast Company 2018 Most Innovative Company, pairs made-from-scratch dishes, and craft beverages with social activities such as shuffleboard, ping pong, classic video games, bowling, virtual reality, and skee-ball. Punch Bowl Social Atlanta marks the company’s first property in the Southeastern U.S. Punch Bowl Social founder and CEO, Robert Thompson, said that Atlanta had been on his radar for quite some time. “Atlanta has a unique mix of urban sophistication and southern charm,” he said. “It has a vitality and welcoming vibe that fits well with the Punch Bowl Social brand. Add in the desirable Battery Atlanta location, proximity to SunTrust Park, and the Atlanta Braves and you couldn’t ask for a more ideal location to call home. We’re thrilled to make our Southeastern debut in Atlanta.” Punch Bowl Social boldly reverses what has long been the industry standard of “games first” by placing food and drink on equal footing with social activities. This innovative approach has enabled Punch Bowl Social to reinvent the social gaming and dining space, forging an entirely new “eatertainment” category within the industry. Key components of the award-winning concept include: Hugh Acheson’s Diner-Inspired Menu, craft beverage program, social activities including virtual reality, and architectural wonders. On opening night, Punch Bowl Social is hosting a ticketed party open to the public from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. With proceeds going to The Giving Kitchen, $20 tickets include two full hours of Punch Bowl Social’s diner-inspired fare, craft beverages, access to games, and live music from New Junk City. Tickets can be purchased for $20.

Urban Tree Cidery Two-Year Anniversary

UrbanTree Cidery, Atlanta’s first craft cidery, will celebrate their two-year anniversary with a party open to the public at their Westside tasting room (1465 Howell Mill Rd NW) on Saturday, March 24th and Sunday, March 25th from 12:30-6:30pm.During the celebration, UrbanTree will release their new rosé cider, crafted with a balance of hand-picked Georgia Estate Apples, rose botanicals, and gentle carbonation. The pink, sparkling cider features delicate floral notes and a refreshing, dry finish. It will be available at bars, restaurants, and shops around Georgia following the anniversary celebration. Party attendees will also have the opportunity to enter their ideas for a new flavor and name of cider; the winning entry will be put into production, and the creator will be invited to host their own tasting event at the cidery for 10 of their friends once the flavor is on tap. Bites will be available for purchase from Cousin’s Maine Lobster Truck on Saturday and Let’s Taco Bout It food truck on Sunday. A cocktail class will be held on Sunday from 2-4pm featuring Ghost Coast Distillery spirits (tickets cost $60 and are available for purchase here or by calling the tasting room at 404-855-5546), and cornhole, giant Jenga and other games will be available for friendly matches throughout the weekend. Raffle drawings will also be held each hour, with prizes including bottles of cider, UrbanTree swag, tickets to an upcoming cider cocktail class and more. The grand prize of two Atlanta United FC tickets for the April 7th game will be raffled at 6pm each day.