85TH ANNUAL ATLANTA DOGWOOD FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/20/21

Friday – Sunday, August 6-8, 2021

Piedmont Park

 Just in time to have fun again, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is back! This beloved outdoor event welcomes attendees for three days of fine art, live music and family fun. Usually held in the spring, the 85th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival shakes things up and will take place this summer from August 6-8.  

Hosted by the festival’s nonprofit organization and held in Piedmont Park, this annual event has remained a favorite with metro-area residents and visitors for many decades. In fact, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is the city’s largest and longest-running fine arts festival and the third oldest in the country.

FESTIVAL

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is a fine arts festival and so much more. Each year, attendees head to Piedmont Park to enjoy this annual tradition, just as they have for nearly a century.

Due to financial constraints from the COVID-19, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is requesting a donation of $5 at the gate.  This donation is needed to sustain the financial viability of the 85-year-old event. Those donating in advance will receive priority entrance into the festival.

WHEN & WHERE

85th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Piedmont Park – Charles Allen Dr. and 10th Street, Atlanta
Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8, 2021
www.dogwood.org

ARTIST MARKET

Featuring the top 200 artists selected from more than 1,000 entries each year, the juried, fine art Artist Market at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival welcomes art lovers to peruse and purchase.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival offers a variety of live entertainment throughout the weekend. From local bands and dance troupes to international performers and children’s choirs, there is always something exciting to see and hear on the Coca-Cola Main Stage. Adults can take a break from art collecting and kick back in the Corona Light Beer Garden.

MIMOSA 5K

Following a course through the beautiful and historic Midtown neighborhood, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival Mimosa 5K welcomes runners and walkers to start festival Saturday off right. The morning race ends with an OJ & Cupcake Vineyards bubbly toast in Piedmont Park after which registered runners can stay and enjoy the festival FREE.

HIGH SCHOOL ART

The award-winning Atlanta High School Art Exhibition (AHSAE) offers Atlanta-area high school students the chance to take part in a real artist competition. More than 700 submissions are received each year, and a panel of professional judges selects the top works to exhibit in the park’s Community Center during the festival.

Sponsored and supported by the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, the AHSAE provides prizes and scholarships for top submissions.

VIP EXPERIENCE

This year attendees have a new way to enjoy the festival in high style. With a primo view of live music, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival VIP Experience is the best spot in the park, complete with culinary events overlooking the Coca-Cola Main Stage. Guests will be treated to fabulous food from local chefs plus wine, beer and cocktail tastings throughout the weekend. Each event is an all-inclusive culinary experience with private restrooms and a great view of the stage. Limited tickets and reserved tables with umbrellas are available.

FOR KIDS

The festival includes plenty of pursuits to keep young attendees entertained. In the Kids Village presented by Visit Tallahassee, children can enjoy hands-on activities, while the Midway offers rides and inflatables for young and old.

DISC DOGS

A festival staple for more than two decades, the onsite disc dog competition hosted by The Greater Atlanta Dog & Disc Club amazes onlookers with the feats of super-talented canines. This AWI and Skyhoundz World Qualifier has grown to be one of the most prestigious competitions in the world today and a favorite with festival attendees. New this year, there will be Freestyle and Toss-and-Fetch competitions on both Saturday and Sunday of the festival.

2021 is all about the staycation! Locals (and visitors) can make it a festival weekend and receive discounted rates with the Atlanta Dogwood Festival hotel partners – W Atlanta Midtown and Atlanta Marriott Suites Midtown. https://dogwood.org/about/hotels/ 
The 85th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival takes place in Piedmont Park in Midtown
Friday through Sunday, August 6 – 8, 2021.  www.dogwood.org 

BLACK-OWNED NOURISH BOTANICA KICKS-OFF PHASE TWO FUNDING CAMPAIGN IN TIME JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/14/21

Atlanta’s first greenhouse eatery dedicated to food justice and healing for communities of color relaunches fundraising efforts with pop-up events and online programing

Founded by social entrepreneur Quianah Upton, Nourish Botanica launches phase two of its fundraising campaign to drum up new excitement for the project and give Atlantans a glimpse of what’s to come. Kicking off on Juneteenth, Upton will host a farm volunteer day at Gratitude Botanical Farm with partners Lisa Says Gah and sweetgreen to honor the land and the importance of ownership for the Black community. Throughout the rest of the fundraising campaign, Nourish Botanica will create programming that demonstrates the social mission of the organization through virtual storytelling and conversations, as well events that honor the Black experience and create pop-up space for gathering and storytelling. Additionally, they are offering weekly floral arrangements lovingly made by Upton on Flower Friday’s at Con Leche, Little Tart Bakeshop, Hodgepodge Coffee Shop and flora/fauna.

“My hope with our renewed crowdsourcing campaign efforts is to remind the community that we’re still here, and we’re still relying on their support to build a healing space together,” said Quianah Upton, Founder of Nourish Botanica. “And the need is now — A child born into poverty in the city of Atlanta currently has less than a 4% chance of reaching the upper middle class, and more than half will remain in poverty their entire lives. The good news though, is that metro-Atlanta has a passionate and committed community of leaders, farmers, businesses, nonprofits, and agencies who are fighting these inequities everyday, and Nourish Botanica aims to provide a platform for them to continue the work.”

Nourish Botanica has raised $70k of the $200k goal with over 1,100 individual donations as well as sponsorships and collaborations with local businesses and national brands. The renewed efforts will go towards acquiring land by Winter 2021, and breaking ground in Summer 2022. Upton has assembled an all-womxn collective of support: Lead architects Martin Rickles Studio, who will oversee the entire building project; Interior designers Jamie England-Cooper and Caryn Grossman; Permaculture Designer Brandy Hall of Shades of Green who will design the sustainable outdoor space. For those interested in donating, getting involved and learning more, visit www.nourishbotanica.cafe.

About Nourish Botanica
Founded by social entrepreneur Quianah Upton, Nourish Botanica will serve as Atlanta’s first greenhouse eatery dedicated to food justice and creating a healing place for Black and Brown communities to gather through storytelling. Through fresh food, plants and herbal remedies grown sustainably on-site, the Black-owned café will feature Caribbean & Southern plant-based menu offerings, rerouting food waste through a partnership with Umi Feeds to feed the unhoused. The café will also provide sustainable green space for events and a healing space for Black womxn fighting against food and economic injustice. Upton is also the founder of Nourish in Black, an Atlanta-based sustainable events and food storytelling company dedicated to raising social consciousness. Find out more and become a part of the Nourish Botanica community at www.nourishbotanica.cafe and on Instagram.

ATLANTA FIELD DAY IS BACK ON AUGUST 7TH!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/11/21

Atlanta Field Day

Historic Fourth Ward Park

Saturday, August 7th (Rain date Saturday, August 14th)

Atlanta Field Day is a throw back to grade school, built with adults in mind. We’ve got all the classic events like tug of war, relay races, obstacle courses, etc. – plus some crazy new games and some surprises throughout the day. Teams will earn points in each event to add up to your total for the day.

Will your team have what it takes to take home the King of the Field title? Grab some friends, start your team, and get ready for the most fun you’ll have all Summer! This event is brought to you by Atlanta Sport and Social Club.

                   Start recruiting your Co-Ed team of 8 now!

GAYDM TO HOST “LEZZURE HEAT” GIRLS’ EVENT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/11/21

DJ Citizen Jane and DJ Dimples to Headline Female Launch Party

Believe Music Hall

Friday, July 16th

After an incredibly successful, sold out, male launch party in June, GAYDM “One Love” returns with “LEZZURE HEAT” – a girls’ event headlined by none other than international superstar and Madison Square Garden headliner DJ Citizen Jane, who has been topping the charts on Spotify for years. Opening for DJ Citizen Jane will be Miami superstar promoter, DJ Dimples – also the proud owner of Miami-based clothing brand “Sweet Heat” who has been named SEA’s Female DJ of the Year for three consecutive years. To keep the party going outside, Georgia native DJ SHAAA will also provide beats on the patio all night long.

“We’re so excited to continue our kick-off series for GAYDM “One Love” Festival with an all-female talent-driven event,” said festival organizer Chris Coleman. “We have an amazing lineup of talented DJs who will make this an epic night to remember, and we’re counting down the days until we can bring everyone together for the world’s first LGBTQ+ EDM festival in the fall.”

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased for $15 (+ fees) at discounted Early Bird Rate for the first 100 people. General Admission Advanced tickets are $25 (+ fees) and Day of Show Tickets are $30 (+ fees). Tickets can be purchased online here.

GAYDM “One Love,” the world’s first LGBTQ+ EDM festival will be held on Sept. 11 at the Cellairis Amphitheatre in Atlanta, uniting the LGBTQ+ community for an 11-hour party with a purpose. More information can be found on the event’s website and tickets can be purchased online through Live Nation.

All proceeds of the launch parties and the GAYDM “One Love” Festival will benefit GAYDM partners GAGA (Gay Georgia) and Lost-n-Found Youth, two organizations whose efforts are dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community in Georgia. GAGA’s mission is to maintain safe locations for the LGBTQ+ community free from persecution, while Lost-n-Found Youth assists homeless LGBTQ+ youth.

EXPLORE TWO LIVE-ANIMAL EXHIBITS AT FERNBANK THIS SUMMER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/7/21

Crocs: Ancient Predators in a Modern World’ and ‘Nature’s Ninja’ make their way to Fernbank Museum with special guests in tow 

  

Fernbank announces the opening of two new special exhibitions in time for summer. ‘Crocs: Ancient Predators in a Modern World’ and ‘Nature’s Ninjas: Defenses of the Animal Kingdom’ display a vast array of live animals that take guests to almost every corner of the animal world.

Whether exploring the rich and complex lives of crocodiles or discovering the many different defense mechanisms used by animals, guests will be surrounded by live animals throughout the exhibit. Through interpretative panels as well as live and modeled dioramas, guests will learn more about the magnificent animals these two exhibits display. Both exhibits will run from Saturday, June 5 through Monday, September 6, 2021.

Crocs: Ancient Predators in a Modern World 

‘Crocs’ takes guests on an expedition through everything crocodile from their evolutionary history to modern crocodilian biology and even their precarious relationship with humans throughout history. Via a series of dioramas, some living and some modeled, guests are taken on a tour of the world of the crocodile.

Live crocodile species featured in ‘Crocs’ include the shy African Dwarf Crocodile, the endangered Siamese Crocodile and the Slender-snouted Crocodile, found throughout the tropical rainforests of Central America.

Interactive models include Bring a Fossil to Life where guests can create a 3D-animation of a long-extinct croc, Crunch Capacity giving guests the chance to test their strength against a crocodile’s bite force and, Build a Crocodylomorph providing visitors a virtual field notebook to work from to assemble a variety of ancient crocs.

Other exhibit highlights include:

  • Thechampsa skull – The 13-million-year-old jaws of this massive fish-eating crocodylomorph (the group that includes modern crocodilians) is an example of the super-giant crocs of the past.
  • Dwarfs – The delicate preserved skeleton of Hoplosuchus, a tiny insect-eating relative of modern crocs, was a long-legged runner that probably ate insects!
  • Croc Talk – Learn to speak “croc” in under 5 minutes with this interactive station. Activate real croc calls and learn what scientists think they mean
  • Croc Bytes – Test your crocodilian IQ with fun facts and croc trivia.
  • Gomek – The largest crocodile ever exhibited in the Western Hemisphere was caught on the Fly River of New Guinea in the 1960s. Gomek was believed to be a man-eater by local villagers, but later became a symbol for crocodile conservation in Australia and the United States. A life-sized model of this enormous animal allows visitors to get closer than otherwise possible to a giant “salty.”

These are just some of the highlights of the many displays and dioramas that ‘Crocs’ explores. ‘Crocs: Ancient Predators in a Modern World’ was created by Peeling Productions at Clyde Peeling’s REPTILAND.

Nature’s Ninjas: Defenses of the Animal Kingdom 

Ninjas have been known for their unbelievable survival tactics. They have employed deception, stealth, forgery, armor and advanced chemistry to defend themselves throughout history. The animal kingdom is full of creatures employing these tactics to survive. Come explore some of the world’s most adaptable animals with Fernbank in ‘Nature’s Ninjas: Defenses of the Animal Kingdom’.

‘Nature’s Ninjas’ dives into a variety of defenses found in the animal kingdom including poison, venom, camouflage, mimicry, speed, size (both big and small) and more. Through live-animal displays and detailed graphic panels, guests will learn how these natural ninjas deploy their defenses in order to survive.

Live-animals featured in ‘Nature’s Ninjas’ include:

  • Green Tree Python (camouflage)
  • Veiled Chameleon (camouflage)
  • Three-banded Armadillo (armor)
  • Emperor Scorpions (autonomy)
  • Honduran Milk Snake (mimicry)
  • Poison Dart Frogs (poison)
  • American Porcupine (armor)

These are just seven of the 17 species featured in the exhibit, exploring 10 different defense mechanisms found in the animal kingdom. ‘Nature’s Ninjas’ also features daily live animal encounters programs outside of the exhibit space. These programs further explore the defense mechanisms used by animals on display and open up the floor for guests to pose any unanswered questions they might have from the exhibit.

‘Nature’s Ninjas: Defenses of the Animal Kingdom’ was designed and offered by Little Ray’s Nature Centres and FARE- Foundation for Animal Rescues.

‘Nature’s Ninjas’ and ‘Crocs’ are sponsored locally by Isdell Family Foundation.

Tickets and Visitor Information 

Both exhibits are included with general admission and is free for Fernbank members. Timed, online tickets are required in advance at FernbankMuseum.org at $20 for adults, $19 for seniors and $18 for children*.  To purchase tickets or view pre-visit information, frequently asked questions, safety protocols and more, visit FernbankMuseum.org

‘Crocs’ and ‘Nature’s Ninjas’ will be on view daily from Saturday, June 5 through Monday, September 6, 2021, from 10am to 5pm, along with evening hours during select events.

Special Programming 

Join Fernbank for the opening of ‘Crocs’ and ‘Nature’s Ninjas’ with an opening day event, ‘Scales and Tails’. Discover unique reptiles and amphibians from Fernbank’s animal collection and be one of the first to enjoy everything these two exhibits have to offer.

*Tickets not purchased online are $19.95-$21.95 and may not be available due to safety precautions that limit capacity.

THE BATTERY ATLANTA JULY EVENTS 2021

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/6/21

As the season heats up so does Atlanta’s premiere entertainment destination

The fun continues at The Battery Atlanta with an array of entertainment options and refreshing deals that offer locals a chance to savor the season. Those looking to rest and retreat from the warmer weather can visit the newly opened Silverspot Cinema to see the hottest new releases (and a few classics!) in its premium luxury seating in addition to enjoying half off bar bites and drink specials every Tuesday and Thursday. Guests can also expect weekly favorites, including Wednesday Night Trivia at Good Game or refreshing drinks at BURN during Ketel One Thursday specials. With summer in full swing, local favorite Park Bench continues to provide an engaging lineup of musical experiences for guests to enjoy.

Outdoor Activities:

Farmers Market presented by UnitedHealthcare
Sundays (excluding home gamedays) from 1-4 p.m.
Families and friends are invited to stroll and shop a variety of handcrafted and homegrown products on non-event days at the Plaza Green. Local rotating vendors at the open-air market include Organix by Tay, Martha’s Boy Bakeshop, Lumeria Body Care, Mind Your Own Beeswax LLC, Southern Crust, Blue Ribbon Bakery, Sweet Auburn Bread, Hot Rod Popcorn, Island Seafood, David’s Garden Super Bee, Koala Sprouts, Ice Cream Candle and Farm Hounds.

Wellness Series: Yoga by Kaiser Permanente
Mondays (excluding home gamedays) from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Start the week off stress-free with a limited capacity, outdoor yoga class presented by Kaiser Permanente on non-event days at the Plaza Green. Pre-registration and event participant waivers are available online. Participants are required to bring a mat and are encouraged to bring water. A live stream on Facebook and past sessions on YouTube are also available to fitness fans virtually on event days.

Cornhole ATL Summer League
Tuesdays from 6:30-9 p.m.
A tailgate favorite is now a league of its own! Spectators are encouraged to watch the action and cheer on league participants as they play games leading up to the summer season’s final tournament. League winners will receive a championship trophy and other prizes.

The Battery Atlanta Walking Trail presented by UnitedHealthcare
A brisk walk can curb cravings, reduce stress and offer a healthy way to catch up with friends and family! Get out and get active on the 1.5-mile loop circling the campus.

Tennis on the Turf with USTA
July 20 & 27 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Families are invited to spend a morning on the court. Parents and children can choose from 30-minute tennis lessons and free matches on the Plaza Green. Participants will be able to sign up for the free lessons online through the U.S. Tennis Association. Registration will be encouraged but not required to attend. Walk-ups are welcome as space permits!

Bach to Rock Music and Movement Summer Series
July 24 from 4-6 p.m. and July 29 from 10-11 a.m.
Children up to 8-years-old and their parents are invited to experience free, dynamic music and movement activities that are educational and fun-filled hosted by Bach to Rock Sandy Plains! To learn more about Bach to Rock Sandy Plains, visit their website.

American Red Cross Blood Drives:
The American Red Cross continues their blood drive at The Battery Atlanta! All presenting donors will receive a commemorative T-shirt and a chance to win special Atlanta Braves and American Red Cross giveaways, while supplies last.

  • Konica Minolta Conference Center (parking available in Delta Deck)

July 6 at 9 a.m.

Interested donors can visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or use the Blood Donor App with sponsor code ‘DeltaATL’ to schedule an appointment in advance. Free parking is available in the Delta Deck for donors and free 3-hour parking is available in the Red Deck.

Select Retail and Restaurant Promotions:
Miller Mondays at Sports & Social
Every Monday at Sports & Social feature $4 16oz Miller Lites and half price burgers—the perfect combination to get your week started off right!

Totcho Tuesday at Terrapin Taproom
Guests can score $2 off the infamous Totchos every Tuesday when you dine-in.

Wednesday Trivia Night at Good Game
Reserve a table and test your knowledge for a chance to compete for cash prizes!

Silverspot Cinema Now Open
Beat the heat with the newly opened Silverspot Cinema which offers luxury seating, in-theater service and state of the art light and sound technology.

Live! Goes 90’s at The Battery Atlanta
Saturday, July 24 at 8 p.m.
Relive the glory days with a group bar crawl filled with drink specials, Bop-It competition, and nostalgia for old times’ sake. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.

Park Bench Events:
The popular dueling piano bar and live music venue has announced a line-up of live shows this month, in addition to its DJ party and Karaoke Wednesday at Park Bench programming. Visit parkbenchbattery.com/calendar for more information.

  • Dueling Pianos

Thursday, July 1 at 10 p.m.

  • 90 Proof Band

Friday, July 2 at 10 p.m.

  • 3-Player Rockin Dueling Pianos Show

Saturday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m.

  • Braves Game Day and Patriotic Party Country and Pop Hit Jams

Sunday, July 4 before, during, and after the Braves game

SURF N TURF CONCERT SERIES PRESENTED BY HOME TOWN MORTGAGE AT CHIRINGA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/5/21

Summer Concert Series Featuring Suburban Road, The Genuine Tailgate Jammin’ Show, Stranger Company, Midlife Crisis And More
 
Kicking Off Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Starting to hear the sweet sounds of summer? CHIRINGA and Home Town Mortgage have joined forces to bring to a tidal wave of melodies to downtown Alpharetta with the inaugural Surf N Turf Concert Series. Kicking off the summer series on Thursday, July 8th, revelers can admire the charming Town Green Fountain and brand new, luscious astroturf while jamming out to the live acoustics of Josh Jeffords from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Suburban Road, an Atlanta-based classic rock n’ blues band that pumps out hits from the 70s and 80s, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Keeping the groove flowing through CHIRINGA’s breezy patio all summer long, music enthusiasts can also revel in high energy performances from The Genuine Tailgate Jammin’ Show (7/23); Beggar’s Bandits (7/30); Stranger Company (7/31); Better than the Beatles (8/6); The Side Cars (8/20); Midlife Crisis (8/27) and more. 

CHIRINGA’s full menu is accessible online and includes saltwater staples, elevated proteins and fresh produce that creates signature favorites like house made Guacamole, Lobster Rolls, Fish Tacos, Chop Chop Bowls, Caribbean Jerk Chicken Wings, Shrimp Baskets, Bacon & Guacamole Cheeseburgers and so much more. Imbibers looking to sip into the summer season can also enjoy freshly squeezed juices, beach-inspired cocktails including the infamous Frosé and frozen OG Margarita, craft beers and wines.  and For all ages, the Surf N Turf Concert Series is free to attend and will be held from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on scheduled show days. For more information and to order online, visit www.chiringa.com or call 770.802.8940. Follow the Kite on Instagram at @chiringaatl and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chiringaatl. For more information about Home Town Mortgage, visit www.hometownmortgage.net.
Thursday, July 8, 2021 – Josh Jeffords from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Suburban Road from 8 p.m to 10 p.m.
Friday, July 23, 2021 – The Genuine Tailgate Jammin’ Show from 8 p.m to 10 p.m.
Friday, July 30, 2021 – Beggar’s Bandits from 8 p.m to 10 p.m.
Saturday, July 31, 2021 – Stranger Company from 8 p.m to 10 p.m.
Friday, August 6, 2021 – Better than the Beatles from 8 p.m to 10 p.m.
Friday, August 20, 2021 – The Side Cars from 8 p.m to 10 p.m.
Friday, August 27, 2021 – Midlife Crisis from 8 p.m to 10 p.m.

GEORGIA FESTIVAL OF TREES CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/5/21

Holiday Nonprofit Highlights Landmarks Around Atlanta With Special Events, Family Photos With Santa 

Georgia Festival of Trees, an Atlanta nonprofit and seasonal display benefitting Wellspring Living, is celebrating Christmas in July with appearances from Santa Claus at notable landmarks around the city. Including special events, family photos with Santa and more, stops during his ‘summer vacation’ will include Centennial Olympic Park on July 10, Georgia Aquarium on July 16, College Football Hall of Fame on July 17, Ponce City Market on July 24, Children’s Museum of Atlanta on July 27, and more throughout the month.

With the aim to generate excitement ahead of the Christmas holiday and to promote its signature event in December, Georgia Festival of Trees is partnering with organizations across the metro-Atlanta area to provide early opportunities for families to celebrate the season after missed time together in 2020.

“Last year, many families were apart and didn’t have the chance to take photos with Santa, spend time together in-person and continue those traditions that make the holiday season so special,” said Angie Ulibarri, president and CEO of the Georgia Festival of Trees. “Christmas in July is just one way we hope to bring folks back together to create memories with one another, in the same way the community will at the Georgia Festival of Trees in December. What matters most is connection with loved ones and we’re excited to bring that back to life a little early this year.”

Starting July 10th, Santa will greet his sleigh at Centennial Olympic Park to ensure it’s ready for Christmas. Throughout the month, Santa will toss the football with visitors at the College Football Hall of Fame, explore marine life at Georgia Aquarium, join participants at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta, and enjoy a sweet treat with King of Pops at Ponce City Market.

“Our team is committed to making this a transformative event for metro Atlanta’s first post-pandemic Christmas,” Ulibarri said. “We are excited to partner alongside Atlanta organizations to establish the Georgia Festival of Trees as a new tradition that Atlanta families will cherish for years to come.”

Georgia Festival of Trees is a five-day event holiday celebration slated for Nov. 30 to Dec. 4, 2021, at the Georgia World Congress Center. The event will bring a display of more than 300 large and small Christmas trees, entertainment and live music, a silent auction, shopping, and more to raise funds for Wellspring Living, a local nonprofit working to transform lives of sex trafficking victims. Organizations and businesses around Atlanta are invited to donate their own custom Christmas trees, the centerpiece for the family-friendly celebration, in support of the mission of Wellspring Living. Options to donate wreaths, nativity scenes, centerpieces, festive playhouses, and other Christmas collectibles and decor are available as well.

“There are many ways community members can make a real difference during the holiday season,” Ulibarri said. “They can get involved by spreading the word about our Christmas in July event, donating an auction item, joining the volunteer team, or becoming a corporate sponsor. We are excited to provide an opportunity where Atlanta citizens can spread Christmas cheer year-round while supporting a local nonprofit at the same time.”

To learn more about Christmas in July, Georgia Festival of Trees, how to become a sponsor and more, visit gafestivaloftrees.org. To learn more about Wellspring Living and its transformative work in the fight against sex trafficking, visit wellspringliving.org.

July 10 — Centennial Olympic Park | 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
July 16 — Georgia Aquarium | Time TBD
July 17 — College Football Hall of Fame | Noon – 2 p.m.
July 24 — Ponce City Market/King of Pops | 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
July 27 — Children’s Museum | 10 a.m. – noon

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK RESTAURANTS CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH STAR SPANGLED PUB CRAWL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/1/21

Downtown Woodstock

Saturday, July 3rd at 2 pm

The Star Spangled Pub Crawl will take place in Downtown Woodstock on Saturday, July 3rd from 2 to 6 pm. Crawl-goers will enjoy festive food and beverage specials as they visit the participating bars and restaurants.

 

Participants include Copper Coin, The Daily Draft, Eden, Kai (formerly ICE Martini Bar), Madlife Grill, Pure Taqueria, Prime 120, Reel Seafood, Reformation Brewery, Rootstock, and Truck and Tap. Musicians will perform at select locations on a staggered schedule during the event.

 

When a crawl participant arrives at their first restaurant on the crawl, they will be given a stamp card. For each restaurant visited, they will receive a stamp on their card. Once they have received five stamps, they may turn in their card to any participating restaurant to be entered to win prizes.

 

Winners will be drawn from the entries and announced on Visit Woodstock GA social media in a live event on Tuesday, July 6th. Prizes include gift cards to participating restaurants. The grand prize is a Downtown Woodstock prize pack that includes a Downtown Dollars gift certificate.

 

Highlights from the featured food and beverage specials include Prime 120’s Happy Hour Smashburger (two beef patties topped with American cheese, caramelized onions, secret sauce, and shaved lettuce) with fries, Kai’s Star Spangled Beer & Boil, and the Bomb Pop Vodka Lemonade at The Daily Draft. All of the participating restaurants are offering dine in or carry out for crawl specials.

 

“The Star Spangled Pub Crawl is great way to celebrate with friends Independence Day weekend,” said Visit Woodstock GA Marketing and Communication Manager Stacy Brown. “The focus is on the delicious food and beverage features and there won’t be vendors on the sidewalks so people can move from one restaurant to the next easily.”

Find more information about the Star Spangled Pub Crawl at visitwoodstockga.com/crawl

FOX THEATRE ANNOUNCES GRAND REOPENING SCHEDULE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/27/21

Fox Theatre Reopens in July with The Wizard of Oz, King Crimson, and The Princess Bride followed by 70 confirmed shows in 2021.

The Fox Theatre is proud to announce its official public reopening this summer with three socially distanced, reduced capacity events in July, starting with Fox fan-favorite The Wizard of Oz on Sunday, July 25, prog-rock band King Crimson on Tuesday, July 27, and cult classic The Princess Bride on July 31.  To purchase general tickets or new all-inclusive Club Level seats in the Loge of the Theatre with access to the Marquee Club presented by Lexus*, visit foxtheatre.org or call 855-285-8499. For all three events in July, masks will be recommended but not required for all guests and mandatory for all staff. Mask requirements for other events will vary and can be found by visiting the Fox Theatre’s COVID-19 updates page here:  https://www.foxtheatre.org/events/covid-19-updates.

As in previous Coca-Cola Summer Film Festivals, the Fox Theatre will showcase The Wizard of Oz and The Princess Bride on its impressive 26-by-56-foot screen. Patrons will enjoy movies under the Fox Theatre’s distinctive blue sky with twinkling stars and fluffy clouds. Guests arriving early to the films will have the opportunity to attend a magical pre-show experience, including a sing-along accompanied by the world-renowned “Mighty Mo” organ performing live for the first time since its 2019 restoration. Get ready to “SAY CHEESE!” as a photographer on stage will be taking a commemorative photo of the audiences for both films that will be available for download. Photo-ops with onsite look-alike characters Dorothy, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion will take place before The Wizard of Oz, so get in early to see who you can find! Movie prices are $15 for general tickets and $35 for Club Level.

After July, the Fox will be at 100% capacity, starting with the return of Hamilton for 39 shows August 22 – September 26. To usher in the return of Broadway properly, the Fox Theatre will be lighting up its historic Arcade entrance with a special BROADWAY IS BACK-themed digital experience for the opening week only. To be the first to know about upcoming pre-sale and on-sale information for Hamilton, join the Fox Theatre’s e-club at foxtheatre.org/eclub.

2021 FOX THEATRE PUBLIC EVENT SCHEDULE
Link to Show Press Releases, Bios, and Approved Press Photos: HERE

Sunday, July 25                                             Wizard of Oz

Tuesday, July 27                                           King Crimson

Saturday, July 31                                          The Princess Bride

August 22 – Sept 26                                      Hamilton

Friday, October 1                                          Brothers Osborne

Sunday, October 3                                        Rock 100.5 presents Shinedown

Saturday, October 9                                     All-Star Legends of Hip Hop

Friday, October 15                                        Bill Burr

Saturday, October 16                                   Jeff Foxworthy

Sunday, October 17                                      L.O.L. Surprise! Live

Sunday, October 24                                      Boz Scaggs

Saturday, November 6                                  Bill Maher

November 9 – 14                                           Fiddler on the Roof

Friday, November 19                                    Manchester Orchestra’s The Stuffing

Friday, December 3                                      Jo Koy

December 7 – 12                                            Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Monday, December 13                                  Sarah Brightman

December 28- 31                                           Widespread Panic

*MARQUEE CLUB presented by LEXUS

New event on-sales (like The Wizard of Oz and The Princess Bride) include the opportunity to purchase all-inclusive Club Level seats in the Loge of the Theatre with access to the Marquee Club presented by Lexus. Club access benefits include early entry with a private security lane, two alcoholic beverages (beer or wine) per guest, pre-show lite bites and desserts, private restrooms, and rooftop access. For information on membership perks and new annual membership flex-plans for the Marquee Club, email sales@foxtheatre.org.

Rescheduled or confirmed events from last year, like Hamilton, Brothers Osborne, Allstar Legends of Hip-Hop, and Boz Scaggs, will have single-event passes for the Marquee Club available for purchase on top of your show ticket here: Marquee Club Single Event Access page.

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS

The Fox Theatre continues to monitor the required and recommended reopening guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and the Georgia Department of Public Health. Mask requirements for events at the Fox will be determined on a show-by-show basis as these guidelines continue to evolve. Returning Fox Theatre guests can expect a more contactless experience like new contactless security technology with no required bag-check, self-scanning ticket pedestals with mobile entry, contactless payment options at all points of sale and more. Please check the following Fox Theatre webpage for the most up-to-date health and safety protocols and features here: https://www.foxtheatre.org/events/covid-19-updates.