19TH ANNUAL ATLANTA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS WITH NEW DATES AND ANCHOR VENUE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/9/18

Atlanta’s Largest Film Festival Shifts to February 6 through February 26, With Screenings
at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center at City Springs

ATLANTA: The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival (AJFF) is set to return with its 19th annual edition, from Wednesday, February 6 through Tuesday, February 26, 2019. Featuring a diverse collection of accomplished international and independent cinema, next year’s festival takes place across 21 days at six metro Atlanta locations, including a new anchor venue at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center at City Springs. The full film lineup and official schedule will be announced on Thursday, January 10, 2019 and tickets will go on sale via AJFF.org beginning Monday, January 28, 2019.

Returning to Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre for Opening Night, the 2019 AJFF continues with screenings at Regal Atlantic Station, Regal Perimeter Pointe, UA Tara Cinemas, and Woodruff Arts Center. Closing Night festivities will be held at the 1,000+ seat Byers Theatre at City Springs.

The 2019 AJFF schedule represents a shift in timeframe, avoiding overlap when Atlanta hosts the Super Bowl LIII on February 3, while also affording audiences additional time to review the festival lineup and make their film selections. In addition, the vast seating capacity of the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center allows the festival to consolidate from 23 days to three weeks, creating a more compact festival without a reduction in program offerings.

The 14-acre, $229 million City Springs development provides a hub for an enhanced film festival experience, including an abundance of dining options, ample parking, and other amenities, as well as the luxuriously-appointed, state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center.

“AJFF always strives to exceed audience expectations, both in terms of our artistic programming and the patron experience,” says Kenny Blank, executive director of Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. “Our new February dates and the addition of a spectacular anchor venue in Sandy Springs continues our efforts to offer festivalgoers greater access and convenience.”

For more information about the annual festival and other AJFF year-round programs, visit AJFF.org.

NEW YEAR’S EVE BATTLE OF THE BARS 2019

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/9/18

Foxtrot Liquor Bar and Lava Lounge present “Battle of the Bars. Battle of the Ages” NYE 2019! Two locations – two themed parties creating a New Year’s celebration you won’t forget.

This year we are going out in style. Lava Lounge and Foxtrot have decided to do a Battle of the Bars. Battle of the Ages! We will transform Lava Lounge into a 1940’s Tiki Bar Lounge with exotic-cocktails while Foxtrot Liquor Bar will transform into a 1920’s themed speakeasy for an all-around celebration of the years gone by & the good times ahead!

5 Unique Environments
4 DJs
Open Bar from 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Professional Photographer
Kitchen Open Late
21+
Midnight Balloon Drop
Champagne Fountain at 11:30pm & Complimentary Midnight Toast
A Limited Number of VIP “All-Inclusive” Tickets Available

We will be opening our doors at 8pm and the party continues all the way to 3am. We encourage everyone to come dressed the part and make this a night to remember.

There will be an open bar from 8:30 – 9:30 and everywhere you walk throughout the night will have a different feel and a different vibe.

We can’t wait to see everyone for this very special event and hope each and every one of you has the greatest night of your life. Let’s bring in the new year with style!!

Early Bird General Admission Tickets: $25
General Admission $35 (And, will increase!)

Early Bird VIP “All-Inclusive” Tickets: $85
VIP Tickets: $100

https://www.bigtickets.com/e/cosmolava/new-years-eve-2019/

 

SANTA FANTASTICAL ATLANTA 2018

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/4/18

Immersive Worlds Pop-Up Experience Merges Nostalgia with Art and Technology This Holiday Season

 

ATLANTA – The holidays are here, and this brand new, first-of-its-kind experience in Atlanta will definitely get guests in the holiday spirit. The exhibit features an indoor pop-up experience offering a family-friendly interactive wonderland, merging timeless traditions with innovative technology. Producing unique visuals, larger than-life art installations, and fun photographic moments.

 

Husband and wife team Walt Geer and Sarah Blackman, both native Atlantans, are the visionaries behind Santa’s Fantastical. Geer is the CEO of PictureU; America’s largest independent seasonal imaging company. PictureU’s Santa and Easter themed operations span over 200 USA and Canada locations and are visited by six million guests annually and served by over 2,000 seasonal associates.

 

“This is so much more than visual effects, lights, sound, or even a visit with Santa,” says Santa’s Fantastical CEO Walt Geer. “Our creative teams are from the worlds of Hollywood movies, animated features, global concert productions, and music festivals, and they have imagineered some truly ground-breaking visuals.”

 

Doors are officially open and the exhibit will stay open through December 24th, highlighting 12 Whimsical Worlds which each feature their own unique theme. Guests will start with a stroll down Main Street, and veer off to visit a variety of immersive worlds which are the perfect backdrop for capturing festive photos in; including the Peppermint Palace, Unicorn Dreams, Retro Christmas and Future Christmas. Activities with ticket purchase include complimentary meet and greets with Santa in Santa’s Chateau, an interactive animated virtual toy shop in the world of Sketch-Tastic, and an ‘icy’ slide in the world of Ice Alive, perfect for kids and adults to enjoy! The experience also features dance performances and dazzling synchronized light shows.

 

“We are so excited to be rolling out this amazing new holiday exhibition in the city of Atlanta,” says Santa’s Fantastical co-founder Sarah Blackman. “Collaborating with local vendors and businesses is a big part of why we decided to kick off this interactive holiday experience in Atlanta.”

 

Guests can enjoy seasonal treats from local favorites including DaVinci’s Donuts, Galla’s Pizza, King of Pops, Phoenix Roasters, MyBitterSweets and much more in Santa’s Snack Shop and can also view special seasonal collaborations with local artists including a Tiny Christmas Tree Lot from Atlanta’s own Tiny Doors from November 30th through December 2nd.

 

Santa’s Fantastical is located at 1155 Mount Vernon Hwy. #300, Atlanta, GA 30338 at Perimeter Pointe. Tickets are exclusively sold online and include entry into the exhibit, as well as a special reservation with Santa. General admission tickets are adults, $36; ages 3-12, $32; ages 2 and younger, free. A limited number of seasonal passes are available for $68. For more information on Santa’s Fantastical and to purchase tickets, SantasFantastical.com.

NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH RUBY VELLE AND THE SOULPHONICS 2019

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/4/18

Monday, December 31st

Venkman’s

Deep, raw funk. Stax-style Southern soul. Uplifting Motown-channeling anthems. Atlanta’s Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics are the heirs to the thrones of the old-school masters. But they’re much more than just a group of revivalists trying to create a period piece. Powerhouse singer Velle and her band will settle for nothing less than bringing these classic sounds glimmering into the now with a fresh new modern sheen.

Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics have made a name for themselves captivating audiences with their stirring live performances. They’re a world-class modern soul revue topped off with the cherry of Velle’s sultry voice, as she deftly toggles between sweetly crooned R&B tunes and expertly belted barn-burning get-downs that can instantly jolt a roomful of wallflowers into a wild dance party.

It’s this inviting and accessible bravado that has scored the band critical acclaim from outlets such as The New York Daily News, MTV, Paste and more. And in addition to their critical success, at a time when record sales are at an all-time industry low, the independent, DIY-minded Velle and the Soulphonics sold a quarter-million downloads of their single “My Dear” on iTunes, landing them in the top 30 on Billboard’s Heatseeker charts and at a stunning #4 on the iTunes R&B charts when their debut album It’s About Time was released in 2012. Their sophomore album, entitled State of All Things, will release in early 2018, with the first single “Broken Woman” launching end of 2017.

TICKETING & RESERVATION INFO: Get Tickets Here!!

Reservations for the Captain’s Room (private dining room) can be reserved for parties of 10-24 guests. For more info contact Mike at Mikeh@venkmans.com

Purchasing a General Admission ticket does not guarantee a seat/table.

Additional reservations are not required if a table, booth or banquette have been purchased via Ticketfly.

Bar area and patio seating is reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.

PARK TAVERN’S UGLY SWEATER STROLL 2018

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/4/18

Park Tavern in Piedmont Park

Saturday, December 8th 11 am

Partygoers are invited to don their ugliest holiday sweaters during Park Tavern’s Ugly Sweater Stroll through Piedmont Park on Saturday, December 8, 2018. Featuring holiday fun for the whole family from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests can enjoy hot toddies, s’mores, DJ NAKD spinning holiday jams, photo stations, free ice skating at The Rink Powered by Pepsi and much more.  Revelers and runners alike are encouraged to get creative with their holiday attire, because Park Tavern will be awarding prizes to the Best Ugly Sweater, Best Ugly Sweater Couple, Best Ugly Sweater Pup and Best Ugly Sweater Family. The Ugly Sweater Stroll is open to all ages and it’s dog-friendly.  Strollers are welcome.  Tickets are available for $5 and include entry, entertainment, ice skating at The Rink and a signature cocktail for guests ages 21 and up.  Elves under 21 will receive a complimentary cup of hot chocolate. To purchase tickets, visit www.parktavern.com. 

PONCE CITY MARKET HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR EVENTS ANNOUNCED

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/18/18

This Year’s Festive Lineup Includes Revelry from the Grinch, Visits with Santa, a Menorah Lighting Celebration & King of Pops Tree Elves Holiday Forest

Festivities Kick Off on Friday, Nov. 23rd, with Mayhem at the Market: the Ultimate Wrestling Showdown Between Santa Claus & the Grinch

 

Santa and The Grinch are back at Ponce City Market for another year of naughty and nice celebrations at the historic community destination’s holiday spectacular. Expect festive fun from the duo all season long, and help the Grinch’s small heart grow in size through the power of holiday cheer. Come one, come all and shop together, stay together, play together and misfit right in. This year’s festivities include:

 

KING OF POPS TREE ELVES HOLIDAY FOREST:

 

Sat., Nov. 17 – Sun., Dec. 23 – Join Santa and the King of Pops Tree Elves at the best tree lot in town! The Yard at Ponce City Market will transform into a winter wonderland, featuring a lush, winding forest of trees for purchase. Guests can choose a tree to take home or place an order for the King of Pops Tree Elves to deliver one right to their doorstep. The Tree Elves can also pick up trees for easy recycling after the holidays. The tree lot will be open from 3-7pm Monday through Friday and 11am-7pm on Saturday and Sunday. Ponce City Market’s Holiday Forest will also feature live music ensembles on weekends throughout the season.

 

THE ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN OF NAUGHTY VS. NICE:  

 

Fri., Nov. 23 – The Yard at Ponce City Market will be home to one of the biggest holiday brouhahas Atlanta has ever seen. It’s The Ultimate Showdown of Naughty vs. Nice, with the green, mean, anything-but-clean Grinch and his punishing posse in one corner of the boxing ring and Santa Claws and his jolly crew in the other! Come one, come all, and pick a side – TEAM NAUGHTY with Ginger Shred Man, The Iceman and The Nutcracker, or TEAM NICE with Wreath the Reaper, Peppermint Prince and Rowdy Rudy Rudolph. Claim a ringside spot to witness a lighthearted wrestling match for the ages that begins at 11am. The Ultimate Showdown is free to all, and guests are welcome to come early for face-painting, poster-making, temporary tattoos and more family fun starting at 10:30am.

 

THE GRINCH IN RESIDENCE:

 

Fri., Nov. 23 – Sun., Dec. 16 – The Grinch will grace Ponce City Market with his naughty tricks all season long! You’re invited to bring a camera to take photos with the mean one in his lair on the second floor above the Central Food Hall. Plus, guests can send their New Year’s wishes to the South Pole at the Grinch’s Post Box station. The wishes will be shipped to NYC, turned into confetti and sprinkled throughout Times Square when the clock strikes 12am on New Year’s Eve! The Grinch will take up residence at PCM beginning on Friday, November 23 from 1-6pm and on Saturdays and Sundays through December 16 from 11am – 6pm.

 

A new addition to this year’s Grinch photo opportunities at Ponce City Market will be a digital line! PCM will exclusively use digital lines this year, so you won’t have to wait in a physical line. It’s quick and easy to sign up onsite. Staff will be at each line to sign you up, and you’ll get a confirmation text with the number of guests “in line” in front of you. PCM will text you 15 minutes before the Grinch is ready for you. Meanwhile, you can wander PCM to grab a bite to eat or do some holiday shopping. Please note, you will not be able to sign up in the digital line until you are on the premises.

 

SANTA IN RESIDENCE:

 

Fri., Nov. 23 – Mon., Dec. 24  – Make your list and check it twice – Santa Claus is coming to Ponce City Market! Gather round with friends and family at the King of Pops Tree Elves Holiday Forest and bring your camera to snap photos with the jolly one in the red suit. Santa will be at PCM on Friday, November 23, from 1-6pm and on Saturdays and Sundays through December 23 from 11am-6pm. The last time for photos with Santa will be on Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24 from 11-6pm.

 

Like the Grinch, photo opportunities with Santa can be reserved onsite. A digital line will allow guests to wander PCM to grab a bite to eat or do some holiday shopping while waiting. Once you sign up, you’ll get a confirmation text with the number of guests “in line” in front of you and another text 15 minutes before Santa is ready for you. Please note, you will not be able to sign up in the digital line until you are on the premises.

 

SKATE THE SKY:

 

Fri., Nov. 23 – Sun., Jan. 13 – Back for a second year, The Roof at Ponce City Market invites guests to “Skate the Sky.” Ten stories above Ponce de Leon Avenue and overlooking the Atlanta BeltLine and Old Fourth Ward, the Rooftop Terrace will feature a 3,500-square-foot ice skating rink. Guests will be able to enter the ice rink as a walk-in from Skyline Park or Nine Mile Station. Admission to The Roof is $10 for adults and $7 for kids 12 and under – or free with a Nine Mile Station reservation – and skating is $15 for adults and $8 for kids 12 and under. Hours for the rink will be Sunday from noon to 9pm, Monday through Wednesday from 3-10pm, and Thursday through Saturday from 3-11pm, with 21+ only access after 5pm on Friday and Saturday. The ice rink will be available to rent for corporate events or holiday parties during the day.

 

IGLOOS ON THE ROOF:

 

Through January – Cozy up this holiday season in life-size igloos on Ponce City Market’s Roof! Located throughout Skyline Park at Nine Mile Station and alongside the ice skating rink, the igloos will offer guests 21+ years of age an unforgettable and festive experience. Each igloo is themed, giving guests different experiences to explore – Next Level Up will be over the top posh, Cuddle Up will give couples a place to chat, Group Chat will be the perfect holiday hang out spot for groups and Glamping will transport you to a holiday camping scene. A limited menu and bottle service is available in the igloos by the rink, and the restaurant’s full menu is available for guests visiting the Nine Mile Station igloos. Two-hour reservations can be made for groups of two or four. Pricing for entry, ice skating, igloo service and access to a s’mores bar is $125 for two or $250 for four. Without skating, the cost is $75 for two and $150 for four for entry, igloo service and access to a s’mores bar. The igloos at Nine Mile Station can be reserved now through January, and those alongside the ice skating rink will be available from Friday, November 23 through Sunday, January 13.

 

MENORAH LIGHTING ON PONCE:

 

Wed., Dec. 5 – Join Ponce City Market and Chabad Intown for a traditional menorah lighting ceremony on the Yard beginning at 6:30pm. Celebrate the Festival of Lights with an evening of food and drinks, activities for the kids and live music.

 

NEW YEAR’S EVE ON THE ROOF:

 

Sun., Dec. 31 – Save the date for a New Year’s Eve celebration on Ponce City Market’s Roof! Skyline Park and Nine Mile Station will toast the new year with a Noon Year’s Eve party followed by an evening celebration. Stay tuned for additional information coming soon at www.poncecityroof.com.

 

Ponce City Market’s holiday hours include:

  • Thurs., Nov. 22 (Thanksgiving Day): Closed
  • Fri., Nov. 23 (Black Friday): 10am – 9pm
  • Mon., Dec. 17 – Sun., Dec. 23: 10am – 10pm
  • Mon., Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve): 10am – 6pm
  • Tues., Dec. 24 (Christmas Day): Closed
  • Mon., Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve): 10am – 6pm
  • Tues., Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day): 10am – 9pm

 

THE WHISKEY GENTRY ANNOUNCES 10TH ANNUAL MERRY Y’ALLTIDE CELEBRATION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/12/18

Performance to Mark Final Performance by The Whiskey Gentry

Tickets On Sale Now Starting at $20

Atlanta, Georgia – An Atlanta institution, The Whiskey Gentry has announced it will be returning to the Variety Playhouse on December 8, 2018 for the 10th Annual Merry Y’alltide Celebration.  The announcement comes with the news that this will officially be the final performance by The Whiskey Gentry. Recent months have seen the band take fewer engagements, as lead singer, Lauren Morrow has emerged with a new sound and self-titled solo EP.  Rolling Stone profiled Morrow in its latest issue as one of their “10 New Country Artists You Need To Know”  creating further buzz to already exciting news.

“When Jason and I started The Whiskey Gentry, I don’t think we ever imagined how incredible this journey would be. We’ve toured the world, played music with some amazing people, and most importantly, created a family with a group of guys that we love like brothers,” says The Whiskey Gentry lead singer, Lauren Morrow.  “Over the years, some of us have gotten married, had kids, moved to different cities, and it makes it harder to be a collective unit like it was.  Jason and I have chosen to keep moving with our careers under my name, but no matter what, we will always have these songs, this family of musicians, and all of the incredible memories we’ve created together over the last decade.”

The final performance of The Whiskey Gentry will be accompanied by several special guests who will help get the crowd warmed up for this spirited evening. Full details on the special guests along with comparative poster art will be reveled in the coming weeks.

Advance tickets for the 10th Annual Merry Y’alltide Celebration are on sale now, starting at $20.  Based on availability, tickets may be available at the Variety Playhouse box office the day of the show.  Tickets are available online at www.ticketfly.com.  This is an all-ages show and doors open at 7:00 p.m.  The 10th Annual Merry Y’alltide Celebration is presented by Zero Mile.

 

The Whiskey Gentry is (was) Lauren Morrow, Jason Morrow, Chesley Lowe, Sam Griffin, Michael Smith, Rurik Nunan, Kenny Lambert and Nico Lembo.

 

“Please Come Home For Christmas” – The Whiskey Gentry Live at Mary Todd Hairdressing Company

“Is It Snowing Where You Are?” – The Whiskey Gentry Live at Mary Todd Hairdressing Company

ATLANTA BALLET ANNOUNCES NUTCRACKER OPENING NIGHT GALA 2018

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/12/18

An Opulent Evening at the Fox Theatre Celebrating the Magic of the All-New, Breakthrough Nutcracker for The Next Generation

Saturday, December 8, 2018  

 

Atlanta, Georgia – In celebration of the brand-new production of The Nutcracker debuting in 2018, Atlanta Ballet has revealed plans for its pre- and post-performance Opening Night Gala on December 8, 2018 at the Fox Theatre.

 

Chaired by Barbara Joiner, The Nutcracker Opening Night Gala will kick-off at 5 p.m. with a cocktail reception followed by dinner in the Egyptian Ballroom. With the timeless décor by esteemed Tony Brewer & Co., guests will be transported to a time of European elegance and treated to an exquisite meal prepared by Affairs to Remember. Guests will then take their seats in the theatre, where they will experience the extraordinary premiere of Atlanta Ballet’s new production of The Nutcracker. The excitement will continue with a high-energy after-party, The Nutcracker Act II, featuring an open bar, late-night bites, and dancing with Atlanta Ballet Company dancers.

 

Atlanta Ballet Artistic Director Gennadi Nedvigin has put together a first-class creative team to dream up a one-of-a-kind Nutcracker production. Featuring world-class choreography by Yuri Possokhov, awe-inspiring set designs by Tony Award nominee Tom Pye, groundbreaking projection design by Tony Award winner Finn Ross, stunning costume design by Sandra Woodall, and imaginative lighting design by David Finn, this new production is sure to be an enchanting tradition for a new generation.

 

Guests of the Opening Night Gala will be among the first to see Atlanta Ballet’s all-new version of The Nutcracker. Atlanta Ballet’s former version of the classic tale, Atlanta Ballet’s Nutcracker, was one of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions for more than two decades, so the debut of this magical new rendition will mark a milestone in Atlanta and dance history.

 

The Atlanta Ballet Orchestra will perform live at each of the 19 performances held at the Fox Theatre from Saturday, December 8, through Monday, December 24, 2018.

 

Visit www.atlantaballet.com/support/special-events/nutcracker-gala for tickets.

ATLANTA’S CHRISTKINDL MARKET 2018

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/12/18

Atlanta’s Christkindl Market Returns November 23 – December 23

Enjoy a Celebration of the Holiday Season in Atlanta’s Authentic German Christmas Market

 

Atlanta, GA – The Holiday Season wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Atlanta Christkindl Market, Atlanta’s authentic German Christmas Market presented by the German American Cultural Foundation. Join us at Atlantic Station in our winter wonderland for our month-long celebration featuring the Atlanta Christkindl Market, entertainment, nightly snow shows and ice skating.

 

Stroll through the Atlanta Christkindl Market which offers handcrafted gifts such as ornaments, nutcrackers, toys and more. Come hungry and enjoy a selection of delicious German food such as bratwurst, roasted nuts, pastries, pretzels and more. There will be plenty of beverage options including German beers and the traditional glühwein, a hot spiced mulled wine, perfect for warming you up in the up the crisp winter weather. While you are there, experience Atlantic Station’s nightly snow shows, visit with Santa at Santa’s Cottage, the newly expanded ice-skating rink and take pictures in front of the giant Christmas tree adorned with more than 10,000 lights.

 

The Atlanta Christkindl Market is the official Christmas event presented by the German American Cultural Foundation as a long-term fundraiser and means of spreading German culture within the United States. The Atlanta Christkindl Market is an enchanting, family-driven event, modeled after the traditional Christmas markets held all over Germany during the Holiday season. Traditional food, beverages, handcrafted products such as ornaments, nutcrackers, and toys, as well as a festive, winter wonderland ambience work hand in hand to create the authentic German Holiday experience. This is an event that will spread Holiday cheer amongst children and adults alike, while exposing them to the festivities of one of Germany’s oldest cultural traditions. The goal of the Atlanta Christkindl Market is to demonstrate German Christmas traditions and provide a fun, cultural experience for all visitors.

 

The Atlanta Christkindl Market is different from other Christkindl markets in US since the market’s main goal is to support educational programs in the Southeast. The German American Culture Foundation invites you to visit the Atlanta Christkindl Market and help in supporting educational institutions, organizations and schools in the greater Atlanta area. Students and teachers are more than welcome to participate in our school activity projects such as decorating a Christmas tree, painting a backdrop picture for our Christmas booth and performances from school bands, dance groups, and more.

 

On opening nights, visitors welcome the Christkind, usually depicted as a child with curly blond hair that has never been seen by children. The parents tell children that Christkind will not come and bring gifts if they are curious and try to spot it. Traditionally, families enter the living room where the Christmas tree is located and the gifts the Christkind has brought are waiting to be opened. Mark your calendar to join us for the official opening ceremony with a visit and photos with the Christkind on November 29 at 6:00pm.

 

Admission is FREE to enjoy this magical holiday experience. The Atlanta Christkindl Market presented by the German American Cultural Foundation opens Friday, November 23rd and through December 23rd and will be open Wednesday – Saturday 11:00am – 9:00pm and Sundays from 11:00am – 7:00pm. The Atlanta Christkindl Market will have extended hours the week before Christmas and will be open Monday and Tuesday, December 17-18 from 11:00 am – 9:00pm. This year’s Atlanta Christkindl Market has expanded to feature more booths and will be located on Tower Street, adjacent to the all-new ice-skating rink.

 

The Lighting of Atlantic Station on Saturday, November 17th (1pm – 9pm) will feature a sneak preview of the Atlanta Christkindl Market.

 

To find out more about the Atlanta Christkindl Market, please visit http://www.christkindlmarket.org

14TH ANNUAL ICE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SPECTACULAR

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/5/18

Now in its fourteenth year producing craft and art markets, the Indie Craft Experience presents its Holiday Shopping Spectacular November 17-18. The event features 170+ craft, art, and vintage vendors as well as a dozen local food vendors, DJ Zano, and swag bags for the first 250 attendees each day designed by Janae Easton of Platypusfile and Sarah Watts of Crafted Moon. The event takes place at the Georgia Freight Depot, the oldest standing building in downtown Atlanta.

“For the last 14 years we’ve curated a market featuring the most talented artists and crafters from all over the Southeast and beyond,” said Indie Craft Experience co-founder Shannon Mulkey Green. “Our Holiday Shopping Spectacular provides shoppers access to the best handcrafted and vintage gifts available each holiday season.”

The Holiday Shopping Spectacular offers a unique opportunity to buy handcrafted gifts with an indie aesthetic. Shoppers will enjoy the experience of buying products directly from the creators. The feel-good of directly supporting an artist rivals only that of receiving a gift that is handcrafted. Vendors will be selling jewelry, paper goods, candles, t-shirts, bath & body products, gourmet food, ceramics, art, and more. The lineup is a great mix of returning vendors as well as people who are new to the event.

“There is always a fresh batch of artists who apply to our shows. In the past couple of years we’ve started receiving applications that say, ‘I’ve been attending your events since I was a kid, and now I’m applying.’ We have truly inspired the next generation of local crafters and artists.”

Vendors represent the entire Metro Atlanta area, plus other Georgia cities like Athens, Dahlonega, Savannah, and Valdosta. They also hail from the rest of the Southeast: North Carolina (Hendersonville, Asheville, Winston-Salem), South Carolina (Fountain Inn, Travelers Rest), Tennessee (Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga),
Alabama (Birmingham), Louisiana (New Orleans, Metarie), Kentucky (Louisville), and Florida (Tallahassee, Santa Rosa Beach, Sarasota, Amelia Island, Miami). While the majority of the vendors are from the Southeast, a small percentage comes from further away cities like Pittsburgh, Austin, Little Rock, and from even further: Sunset Beach and Torrance, CA and Portland, OR. Event is $5.

For shoppers looking for last minute holiday gifts in an intimate setting the Indie Craft Experience is also producing their 3rd annual Holiday Market on December 9th. Join us for our super-fun, intimate, last-minute holiday shopping opportunity! This one-day event features 60+ craft & vintage vendors, a great selection of local food vendors, swag bags for the first 100 attendees designed by Maria Lutz, and DJ Zano! This event is $5.

http://www.ice-atlanta.com/holiday-shopping-spectacular/