MORTY’S MEAT & SUPPLY EXPANDS AND LAUNCHES DUELING PIANO BAR ON NEW SMOKEHOUSE STAGE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/12/26

Opening Night Friday, March 6 at 8:00 pm

 Morty’s Meat & Supply, the beloved barbecue destination in Funwoody Village (5521 Chamblee Dunwoody Road), is turning up the volume this spring with the debut of its new dueling piano bar. Beginning at 8:00 p.m. every Friday and Saturday, guests can experience Atlanta Dueling Pianos performing on the Smokehouse stage — an electrifying, high-energy sing-along show that transforms dinner into a full-scale entertainment event.

To bring the vision to life, Morty’s expanded its building footprint to create the new Morty’s Smokehouse Stage — purpose-built to host this dynamic live music experience. Founded by Francisco Vidal in partnership with Atlanta Music Agency’s Joshua Gray Hamilton, Atlanta Dueling Pianos delivers an unforgettable, audience-driven performance where no two shows are ever the same. The dueling piano artists are nothing short of extraordinary — incredibly talented musicians with commanding stage presence and the ability to play almost any request. 

In addition to dueling pianos, Morty’s keeps the entertainment going all week long. Morty’s Karaoke Night takes place every Thursday from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., also hosted by Francisco Vidal, and complimentary Team Trivia lights up Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m., and a variety of pinball machines are always active making Morty’s the ultimate midweek and weekend destination for food, fun, and unforgettable live entertainment.

Funwoody Village and DASH Hospitality Founder Davis Abes shared, “We’ve been incredibly excited to launch dueling pianos as a core part of the entertainment experience at Funwoody Village. In addition to our large LED outdoor screen—showing games, concerts, and more—we also offer complimentary, outdoor live music in the courtyard, line dancing at Bar{n} Booze n Bites, and karaoke and trivia at Morty’s. Atlanta Dueling Pianos, however, will be a reservation-driven experience where guests can sing and dance along, and fully immerse themselves in the live music. Dunwoody and the surrounding suburbs truly don’t have anything like this, and creating spaces for social engagement is something our team and I are deeply passionate about bringing to Funwoody.”

New menu highlights at Morty’s include the Mount NoshMore ($48) a towering pile of piping hot loaded nachos, mozzarella sticks, fries, fried pickles, and wings. In addition, the Sing-A-Long Sundae from Good Vibes Ice Cream Shop modeled after a traditional kitchen sink and available in 4 or 6 servings. 

To reserve a table at Morty’s for dueling pianos and learn more details, click here. 

CELEBRATE MARDI GRAS WITH WALK-ON’S SPORTS BISTREAUX AT THE AVENUE WEST COBB

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/12/26

WHO:

You’re invited to Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux at The Avenue West Cobb for its Mardi Gras Party, featuring giveaways, live music and entertainment for attendees of all ages.

WHAT:

The Mardi Gras Party is serving up nonstop fun all evening long. Starting at 5:00 p.m., guests can enter to win hourly gift card giveaways, with the last drawing at 11:00 p.m. Live music will take place from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m, and families are invited to enjoy Mardi Gras mask decorating throughout the event. 

To further sweeten the celebration, guests can receive free beignet bites with a purchase of $25.

WHEN:

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

5:00 – 11:00 p.m.

WHERE:

The Avenue West Cobb – Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux

3625 Dallas Hwy 

Marietta, GA 30064

AMATEUR BOXING COMES TO THE 14TH ANNUAL BEER, BOURBON & BBQ FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/7/26

Atlanta, GA | February 28, 2026 | Atlantic Station

Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival returns to Atlantic Station on February 28th. Enjoy all those pleasures that true Southerners live by: Beer, Bourbon, Barbeque, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, and Smoked Beasts! It’s a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbeque eatin’.

New This Year – Go Ringside for the Bourbon Brawl: Enjoy 20+ Amateur Boxing Bouts Sponsored By Buckhead Fight Club.  All tickets include FREE viewing of the matches. Premier Seating Add-On is available to reserve a seat for the action – Very Limited Capacity!

Over 65,000 Georgians have enjoyed all of the elements of the show.  Fun departures and activities at the show have become favorites for guests like:

·      All You Care to Taste Beer & Bourbon – Each guest receives a souvenir tasting glass to sample a wide variety of beers and bourbon.

·      Live Entertainment – All day performances including DJs, live music, and the Atlanta Drum Academy.

·      The Shrine of Swine – Whole hog pork tastings served during every session.

·      BBQ Vendors – Mouthwatering barbecue featuring pulled pork, ribs, brisket, chickens, sausages, and all the fixins’ you can imagine.

·      Tasting Theater – Educational and entertaining seminars led by Master Distillers, Brewmasters, and Pitmasters from across the East Coast.

Ticket Tiers & Highlights

Wood Fired VIP Admission ($85 + fees)
 Valid from 12 PM – 6 PM

●      BBQ plate dinner ticket

●      Access to VIP Cognac Lounge *New This Year* (closes at 5 PM)

●      Souvenir tasting glass

●      All-you-care-to-taste sampling of beer and bourbon

●      2 extra hours of sampling

●      Live entertainment, including amateur boxing

General Admission ($39 + fees)
 Valid from 2 PM – 6 PM

●      Souvenir tasting glass

●      All-you-care-to-taste sampling of beer and bourbon

●      Live entertainment, including amateur boxing

Beast Mode Private Cabana ($1,850 + fees)
 Valid from 12 PM – 6 PM

●      Exclusive private party experience for up to 10 guests

●      Private 10×10 tent with tables and chairs

●      1 bottle of bourbon

●      1 case of beer (must stay in the cabana)

●      10 extra BBQ dinner tickets to share

●      Bottled water

●      VIP tickets for 10 guests

●      2 extra hours of tastings

●      Live entertainment, including amateur boxing

Entry-Only Tickets will be sold on-site for $25.

Go to https://atlanta.beerandbourbon.com/ for more information on the event and to purchase advance tickets. Tickets will sell out, advanced tickets are encouraged.

BOND GIRL REVUE: VESPER INTRODUCES ITS NEW MONTHLY DRAG SERIES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/7/26

A Glamorous Kickoff with Iconic Performances, Bond-Inspired Cocktails, and Main Character Energy

Kicking off on Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Debuting the Bond Girl Revue, Vesper’s new monthly drag series brings high-glamour performances, sharp wit, and undeniable star power to the Atlanta BeltLine every second Tuesday of the month. Equal parts cinematic and camp, the show channels classic Bond Girl energy through a modern drag lens, delivering performances that are confident, commanding, and unapologetically fabulous. Kicking off at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, the series stars the sensational Shawnna Brooks, with featured performances by Atlanta icons Nichole Paige Brooks and Misti Shores. Cocktails and zero-proof options lead the way, paired with a tapas-style menu designed for grazing before the show and staying put afterward. A neighborhood cocktail hideaway tucked away in Glenwood Park, Vesper is located at 924 Garrett St., Suite D, Atlanta, GA 30316. For more information, visit www.vesperatl.com or call 404.343.1174. Stay connected on Facebook and Instagram at @vesperatl.

WHAT: Bond Girl Revue Drag Show

WHEN: Tuesday, February 10th, beginning at 8 p.m.

WHERE: Vesper

924 Garrett St. Suite D 

Atlanta, GA 30316

WEBSITE: www.vesperatl.com

CONNECT: Facebook at @vesperatl

Instagram at @vesperatl

PANDA FEST RETURNS TO ATLANTA APRIL 3-5

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/7/26

The Rapidly Expanding National Three-Day Festival Brings Food, Culture, and Performance Back to Atlantic Station
Tickets Go on Sale Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. EST
 

WHAT:
Panda Fest – Food & Culture Festival

WHEN:
Friday, April 3: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Saturday, April 4: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, April 5: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

WHERE:
Atlantic Station | Pinnacle Lot | 221 20th St., Atlanta, GA 30363

TICKETS:
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m. EST at www.pandafests.com.
Early Bird ($10, limited to 1,000 tickets, General Admission ($14), and VIP ($35). Saturday tickets are $2 more. Children ages 6 and up require a ticket. Guests select a day and entry time when purchasing.

 Panda Fest returns to Atlanta for its third year, reinforcing the city’s role as a cornerstone of the festival’s rapid rise into a national destination event. From April 3–5, Atlantic Station’s Pinnacle Lot will once again host the high-energy celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) cuisine, art, performance, and playful panda-themed experiences – expanded with new vendors, programming and immersive experiences for Spring 2026.

“Atlanta has always been a special city for Panda Fest,” said BiuBiu Xu, Founder of Panda Fest. “The curiosity, the energy, and the way people show up ready to try something new helped shape what the festival is today. This spring, we’re bringing back everything people have come to love, along with new vendors, performances and experiences that invites our guests to spend the day exploring, tasting new bites, connecting with each other, and learning about Asian culture.”

At the heart of Panda Fest is food. The festival will feature more than 80 food vendors and trucks serving over 200 dishes inspired by cuisines from across Asia, ranging from street food classics to creative, festival-exclusive bites. Vendors travel from major markets, including New York and Los Angeles, along with a strong lineup of Atlanta-area favorites, creating a mix that is both nationally curated and locally rooted. Most dishes are prepared fresh on-site, adding to the sensory experience, and offerings span a range of price points,  including budget-friendly options under $10 and larger, shareable plates, some of which come with branded keepsakes.

Beyond the food, Panda Fest features a curated marketplace of artisan vendors selling apparel, accessories, artwork, and gifts inspired by Asian culture and craftsmanship. Live performances and interactive demonstrations run throughout the weekend. While final programming will be announced closer to the event, previous editions of Panda Fest have showcased traditional lion dances, cultural arts such as sugar painting, paper cutting, and calligraphy, alongside contemporary performances including K-pop dance and theatrical showcases. Oversized, custom Atlanta-themed panda installations, interactive attractions like the fan-favorite panda bounce ring, and themed treats and merchandise have also become popular elements of the playful festival that will be returning this year.

Panda Fest’s return to Atlanta comes amid significant national growth. Since debuting in the city in early 2025, the festival has expanded to 11 cities and produced 13 events across markets, including Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Dallas, Hartford, Nashville, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Seattle, and the Twin Cities. In 2026, Panda Fest plans to continue expanding nationally, while maintaining Atlanta as one of its most established and celebrated stops.

TICKETS ON SALE | FEBRUARY 4 AT 10 A.M. EST
General Admission tickets include festival entry plus two complimentary gifts: a new collectible Panda Fest Atlanta pin and an inflatable panda headband. VIP tickets include additional amenities such as shaded seating, VIP restrooms, exclusive experiences, access to a private bar, and a Panda Fest tote bag. Limited gate tickets will be available for $20 per person, pending capacity. Advance ticket holders receive priority entry.

For tickets, vendor applications, and event updates, visit www.pandafests.com and follow @pandafestatlanta on Instagram. Panda Fest is a rain-or-shine event unless severe weather conditions require cancellation. Interviews with founder BiuBiu Xu, media credentials, and high-resolution images are available upon request.

AFFPS UNVEILS 2026 SPRING AND SUMMER FESTIVAL LINEUP

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/7/26

From Spring Blooms to Summer Weekends: AFFPS’s Spring & Summer Festival Lineup 

As Atlanta moves from spring into the heart of summer, the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces brings art outdoors with a full slate of free festivals across the city’s most loved parks and neighborhoods. Spanning April through August, the season features hundreds of artists, music, local food, family-friendly programming, and easygoing weekends built around browsing, buying, and being outside.

Head to Sandy Springs Artsapalooza Easter Weekend – April 4-5

Sandy Springs Artsapalooza is back for 2026 on Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Easter Sunday, April 5, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The award-winning, free festival showcases the work of over 150 artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors, jewelers, glass blowers, and leather and metal craft makers. Enjoy the charming, tree-lined streets of Sandy Springs, transformed into a sprawling outdoor art gallery where visitors can watch live artist demonstrations, join hands-on art activities, and enjoy live music. Families will love the large children’s area, plus a variety of food trucks and beverages to suit every taste. On Easter Sunday at 2 p.m., don’t miss the largest Easter Egg Hunt in Sandy Springs, featuring more than 10,000 hidden eggs—kids are encouraged to arrive and join the fun early with a small bag or basket.  The festival is free to attend, open to all ages, and dogs are welcome. For more information about Sandy Springs Artsapalooza (6100 Lake Forest Dr. NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328), visit sandyspringsartsapalooza.com or www.affps.com. Stay connected on Instagram at @affps_festivals and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/affps.

Spring Festival on Ponce Returns to Olmsted Linear Park This April – April 11-12

Celebrating the promise of blooming flowers, sunshine, and warmer days, the annual Spring Festival on Ponce returns to historic Olmsted Linear Park on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, the free festival invites visitors to explore and purchase works from around 125 talented artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors, jewelers, glass blowers, and leather and metal craft makers. Amid the park’s charming scenery, festival-goers can savor bites from local food trucks, sip on refreshing beverages, let the kids play in a lively children’s area, dance to a live DJ, and soak in all the fun the weekend has to offer. The event is free to attend, open to all ages, and dogs are welcome. For more information about the Spring Festival on Ponce (1451 Ponce de Leon Avenue N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307), please visit www.festivalonponce.com or www.affps.com. Stay connected on Instagram at @affps_festivals and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/affps.

Bloom, Browse, and Be Inspired at Roswell Spring Arts Festival – May 2-3 

Kick off May at the Roswell Spring Arts Festival on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the beautiful grounds of Roswell City Hall. This free, two-day outdoor tradition will feature around 100 painters, photographers, sculptors, metalworkers, glass artists, jewelers, and more. Festival-goers can catch live artist demonstrations, enjoy live music, sample bites from food trucks with healthy options, and soak in a weekend full of art, music, and inspiration. The festival is open to all ages and dogs are welcome. For more information about the Roswell Spring Arts Festival (38 Hill Street, Roswell, GA 30075) visit www.roswellartfestival.com or  www.affps.com. Stay connected on Instagram at @affps_festivals and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/affps.

Celebrate Mother’s Day Weekend at Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival – May 9-10 

Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival returns to picturesque Chastain Park in Buckhead on Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A beloved, free, two-day tradition, the award-winning festival brings together more than 185 painters, photographers, sculptors, jewelers, glass blowers, and leather and metal craft artisans. Visitors can watch artists at work, enjoy a mix of live acoustic music and DJs, explore a spacious children’s area, and sample offerings from food trucks and beverages that cater to every taste. Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival (4469 Stella Drive, Atlanta, GA 30327) takes place rain or shine, is open to all ages, and leashed dogs are welcome. For more information, please visit www.chastainparkartsfestival.com and www.affps.com. Stay connected on Instagram at @affps_festivals and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/affps.  

Sip, Stroll, and Celebrate Art at the Duluth Springs Arts Festival – May 16-17 

The annual Duluth Springs Arts Festival returns on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the vibrant, culturally rich City of Duluth—home to one of Georgia’s most enthusiastic art-buying communities. This award-winning, free, two-day outdoor festival features an exciting mix of painters, photographers, sculptors, jewelers, metalworkers, glass artists, and more. Festival-goers can browse and shop unique creations, watch artists bring their work to life, groove to live music, and savor tasty bites, all while enjoying a lively weekend celebrating art and community. The festival is free to attend, open to all ages, and dogs are welcome. For more information about the Duluth Springs Arts Festival (3167 Main Street, Duluth, GA 30096), visit www.duluthartsfestival.com or www.affps.com. Stay connected on Instagram at @affps_festivals and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/affps. 

Art, Beats, and Eats at the Old Fourth Ward Spring Arts Festival – June 13-14   

The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces welcomes the return of the Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival on Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Set in Historic Fourth Ward Park along the bustling Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, this two-day festival invites visitors to explore a vibrant mix of paintings, photography, ceramics, glass, jewelry, woodwork, and other handcrafted treasures. Revelers can also enjoy sets from live DJs, food vendors, drinks, a children’s area, art demonstrations, games, and more. The event is free to attend, open to all ages, and dogs are welcome. For more information about the Sandy Springs Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival (592 N. Angier Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30308), visit www.oldfourthwardparkartsfestival.com or www.affps.com. Stay connected on on Instagram at @affps_festivals and Facebook at www.facebook.com/OldFourthWardParkArtsFestival. 

Piedmont Park Arts Festival Returns This August – August 15-16 

Recognized as one of the best outdoor festivals in Atlanta, the Piedmont Park Arts Festival returns to the heart of Midtown on Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces and held in picturesque Piedmont Park, the festival will feature approximately 200 artists including painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalworkers, glass blowers, jewelers, and crafters. Free to attend, the event features a lively children’s play area, food and drink options for all tastes, artist demonstrations and a DJ. The annual two-day festival is open to all ages and leashed dogs are welcome. For more information on the Piedmont Park Arts Festival (1071 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309), visit piedmontparkartsfestival.com or www.affps.com. Stay connected on Instagram at @affps_festivals and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PiedmontArtFest.

FEBRUARY FUN AWAITS AT THE INTERLOCK

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/3/26

Enjoy a month full of happenings at the West Midtown mixed-use destination

This February, The Interlock is bringing the energy with an exciting grand opening, game-day celebrations, dance lessons and community-driven markets. From the opening of F1 Arcade to Atlanta United watch parties and more, The Interlock continues to be a go-to destination for entertainment.

The Interlock’s full February events lineup is outlined below:

F1 Arcade Grand Opening

Friday, Feb. 6 from 5 to 11 p.m. 

Start your engines and step into this adrenaline-pumping experience where high-speed racing meets next-level fun. Compete against friends on immersive racing simulators, then refuel with delicious bites and craft beverages to keep you energized between laps. Whether you’re racing to win or just here for the vibes, F1 Arcade is your new go-to destination for competition, food and fun. Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Atlanta United Season Opener Watch Party

Saturday, Feb. 21 from 3 to 7 p.m.

Atlanta United is back, and the 2026 season kicks off at The Interlock! Join Retreat by The Gathering Spot to cheer on Atlanta United with a live match showing, high-energy entertainment, soccer simulator and more fan-fueled fun throughout the day. Come rep the Five Stripes, bring your crew and kick off the 2026 season in style! To RSVP, visit the event page.

Line Dancing with Melissa

Sunday, Feb. 15 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Kick back and cut loose with Melissa Klein for a fun-filled afternoon of line dancing! Participants can enjoy great music, easy-to-follow moves and plenty of laughs. Grab your friends and dance your way into a feel-good Sunday! Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Westies in the City: West Coast Swing

Sunday, February 8th from 2:30pm-4:30pm *Every 2nd Sunday

Join The Interlock for an energetic West Coast Swing session led by experienced dancer Melissa Klein. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned dancer ready to show off your moves, this event is for you. Tickets are $10. Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Westside Market

Saturday, Feb. 7 & 21 from noon to 8 p.m.

Support local businesses at this month’s West Side Market located on The Highline at The Interlock! Connect with the West Midtown community by shopping vintage goods, jewelry, clothing and more, featuring entertainment from local artists and DJs.  Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Gurl to Girl Women’s Makers Market

Saturday, Feb. 14 & 28 from 4 to 9 p.m.

Shop local and empower women entrepreneurs at the Gurl 2 Girl for Women’s Makers Market on The Highline at The Interlock. Explore handmade goods by talented women-owned businesses in the community while you network with like-minded individuals. Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details.

Happy Hour at Puttshack

Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m.

Happy Hour just got better at Puttshack! From 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, guests can pick from a selection of appetizers, including Southwest Chicken Quesadillas, Onion Dip, Loaded Tots and Nashville Hot Bao Buns for just $6 each. Plus, get half off your second game. For more information, follow Puttchack on Instagram.

UPCOMING SPRING YORK PROMOTION EVENTS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/2/26

Flavors of New York, Flavors of Chicago, and RNB Soul Healing Picnic!

FLAVORS OF NEW YORK

Saturday, March 28, 2006

Location: Princeton Lakes (behind camp creek market place in Atlanta)

Tickets: Early bird tickets are only $10 Tickets are available at www.flavorsofnewyork.com

FLAVORS OF NEW YORK: ATL Edition!
🗽 A Taste of the Big Apple… Right Here in Atlanta! 🍎

Get ready, ATL! We’re bringing the flavor, culture, and energy of New York City to the South with Flavors of New York—a one-day festival that captures the sights, sounds, and tastes of the 5 Boroughs, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Princeton Lakes Park behind Camp Creek Marketplace.

Join us for a day packed with East Coast flavor, Southern hospitality, and nonstop vibes. This isn’t just an event—it’s a full-on NYC experience, curated for everyone who reps the boroughs, misses home, or just wants to vibe with the best of what New York has to offer.

  • Live DJs & Music Performances featuring classic New York hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, and more from the boroughs to the bricks
  • Local Vendors & Food Trucks serving iconic eats and creative goods from Brooklyn to the Boogie Down
  • Drinks, Cocktails & Games in chill zones

Whether you’re from the North, the South, or just down for a good time—this is where the culture comes alive.

FLAVORS OF CHICAGO

Saturday, April 25, 2026

Location: Princeton Lakes (behind camp creek market place in Atlanta)

Tickets: Early bird tickets are only $10 at www.flavorsofchicago.com

call to action:  Early bird tickets are only $10 at www.flavorsofchicago.com

FLAVORS OF CHICAGO: ATL Edition!
🗽 A Taste of the Big Apple… Right Here in Atlanta! 🍎

Get ready, ATL! We’re bringing the flavor, culture, and energy of Chicago to the South with Flavors of Chicago—a one-day festival that captures the sights, sounds, and tastes of chicago, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Princeton Lakes Park behind Camp Creek Marketplace.

Join us for a day packed with East Coast flavor, Southern hospitality, and nonstop vibes. This isn’t just an event—it’s a full-on Chicago experience, curated for everyone who reps chicago, misses home, or just wants to vibe with the best of what Chicago has to offer.

  • Live DJs & Music Performances featuring classic CHICAGO House, hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, and more from the boroughs to the bricks
  • Local Vendors & Food Trucks serving iconic eats and creative goods from The Chi to the Boogie Down
  • Drinks, Cocktails & Games in chill zones

Whether you’re from the North, the South, or just down for a good time—this is where the culture comes alive

RNB SOUL HEALING PICNIC

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Location: Shirley Franklin Park in Atlanta

Tickets: Early bird tickets are only $25 Get our tickets now at www.Rnbsoulpicnic.com

Info: Back for a 5th year.  The largest mother’s day festival in the south dedicated to family and mental wellness. 

Our AND OUR MOTHERS souls need another round of healing after this past year, we’ve lost loved ones and lost hope. What better way to heal the soul then a safe space with good Soul and RnB music. An event with good food, music, wellness and healing vendors, games and more. Come join us for Atlanta’s Soul Healing Picnic at one of the most beautiful spots in the city, SHIRLEY FRANKLIN PARK. We will be playing the best of Classic and New R&B and Soul Music . This event will be from 12pm untill 11pm, Saturday

BACK FOR AN ENCORE: HORIZON THEATRE PRESENTS I CARRY YOUR HEART WITH ME FROM JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 15

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/2/26

Return engagement of acclaimed play starring Atlanta Suzi Award-winner Carolyn Cook

Press Opening on February 6

“It’s both entertaining and engrossing, doing what good theatre is supposed to do – leave you thinking and contemplating your own life as you walk out of the theatre.”

BroadwayWorld

 Horizon Theatre Company continues its 2025-2026 season with an encore performance of I Carry Your Heart With Me by Jennifer Blackmer, starring Carolyn Cook in her 2025 Suzi Award winning performance. The surprise hit of last season, Horizon reprises the play January 30 – February 15 (press opening February 6) and then brings it to Savannah Repertory Theatre in Savannah, Georgia, Feb 26-March 8. Winner of the prestigious 2024 Steinberg/ATCA New Play Citation, the play centers on Esther, a stenographer inside a top-secret Vietnam-era debriefing room, who has a picture-perfect world until she encounters an airman whose story quite literally changes her life. As she captures the stories of noncommissioned officer and POWs freshly back from the front lines, Esther finds herself smack dab in the middle of a troubling investigation. 

With plenty of twists and turns along the way, this taut, suspenseful play delivers a powerful emotional impact. The production’s strong audience response and critical reception have helped propel Jennifer Blackmer’s powerful solo work to new stages across the region.

“This play lingered with audiences in a way that was impossible to ignore,” said Carolyn Cook. “The response to the first run made it clear that Esther’s story was still unfolding for people, and that there was more to be explored. Returning to the role offers a chance to deepen the work and continue the conversation the play began with Atlanta audiences.”

In this solo play, Carolyn Cook (Suzi Award for Best Actor for Horizon’s I Carry Your Heart With Me, Time Stands Still, and Horizon’s solo show The Syringa Tree as well as Best Supporting Actress for Citizens Market) commands the stage as Esther Shannon, looking back on her formative time in her early 20s as a government stenographer for the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Raised in a military family, Esther is now the new girl and best typist on the base, where she meets attractive officer Andy, who wines and dines her. Like her mother and grandmother before her, she seems destined to become a military wife and mother. Longing to make her father proud and to make a bigger difference, she thinks about taking her skills to Vietnam instead. Andy persuades her to stay stateside by pulling strings to get her a top-security clearance job on the base. Tasked with transcribing debriefings of POWs and non-commissioned officers returning from the front lines, she records their fractured memories of the war which seep into her and change her perspective on the world. Then Esther encounters a POW helicopter pilot whose story has a deep impact on her, ultimately causing a clash with her official duties and complicating her life. As she becomes entangled in an investigation, Esther grapples with her future in a suspenseful and emotionally charged journey.

“The play was particularly meaningful to military veterans and their families in this story that honors their sacrifice and service,” said director Lisa Adler. “And this time, we are offering heavily discounted tickets to veterans, active duty and military families as a thank you for their service.”

A blend of fact and fiction, the play is inspired by playwright Jennifer Blackmer’s mother’s real-life experiences as a young stenographer with a similar job on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base during the Vietnam War. Blackmer’s mother revealed some of her experiences to her daughter before she passed away suddenly in her early 60s, leaving the playwright to put together the pieces and imagine the rest of her story. Jennifer Blackmer’s plays have been produced Off-Broadway and across the country, and she serves as Professor of Theatre and Executive Director of the Virginia B. Ball Center for Creative Inquiry at Ball State University. Blackmer was in residence at Horizon in 2023 as one of the lead mentors in Horizon’s New South Young Playwrights Festival.

Directed by Horizon Theatre’s Co-Artistic Director Lisa Adler, the 2026 production reunites her with one of her favorite collaborators, the talented Carolyn Cook. Adler has directed Cook in many productions over the past three decades, including her acclaimed performance in the solo play The Syringa Tree, which played at Horizon and toured venues in the Southeast, as well as her award-winning performances in Time Stands Still and Skylight. The world of the play is created with an evocative, poetic set by resident designers Isabel and Moriah Curley-Clay, shaped by lights from resident lighting designer Mary Parker and supported by projections from Victoria Nation (Horizon’s Amelie and Madeline’s Christmas) with sound by Whitney Leonard. The productions meticulous pacing and emotional resonance have struck a chord with audiences, with one calling it “a must-see play.”

Performances begin January 30, with a press opening on February 6. Performances are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 5 p.m. A special 2 p.m. performance will take place Sunday, February 8 (Super Bowl Sunday), with an additional 2 p.m. Wednesday matinee on February 11. Tickets start at $40* on Wednesdays and Thursdays and $45* for Friday nights, Saturday nights and weekend matinees. Prices rise as performances fill up, so patrons are encouraged to order early for the best prices and availability. Best deals are for subscribers – 25-35% off. Students under 25 can get $15* tickets with valid student ID. Veterans, active duty, and military families can reserve two $20* tickets for any performance by emailing their military ID, their contact info and requested performance date to boxoffice@horizontheatre.com.*Sales Tax and a small fee are added onto all ticket orders. Single ticket seating is general admission, with a reserved seating section for season subscribers. There is limited accessible seating for those needing mobility accommodations, and it must be reserved by phone. For tickets and more information, visit horizontheatre.com or call the Box Office at 404.584.7450.

WING & ROCK FEST 2026

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/23/26

Wing & Rock Fest Returns to Canton for a Flavor-Filled 2026 Weekend
“Celebrates Second Consecutive ‘Best of Georgia’ Nomination”
 

 The Wing & Rock Fest, the region’s premier fusion of culinary creativity and live entertainment, is proud to announce its return to the scenic Etowah River Park on March 21st and 22nd, 2026.  Fresh off the heels of a major accolade, the festival has been nominated by Best of Georgia as the Best Regional Festival for the second consecutive year. This recognition cements the event’s status as a must-attend community staple.  Promising a “Perfect Weekend Getaway,” this free, family-friendly event offers something for everyone. Attendees can look forward to:

  • A Culinary Showdown: Over 25 distinct wing vendors serving up a variety of flavors, from sweet and tangy to blazing hot.
  • Live Entertainment: A curated lineup of high-energy tribute bands throughout the weekend performing hits from R.E.M., Creed, Motley Crue and others acts T.B.A.
  • Onsite Vendors: Over 130 booths featuring a Farmers Market, Arts and Crafts plus a dedicated Kids Zone for family fun.
  • Contests:  Hot Wing Eating & Best Wing Awards

Mark your calendars, and get ready for a weekend of unforgettable music, food, and fun at the Wing & Rock Fest!

Event Details:

  • Dates: Saturday, March 21 & Sunday, March 22, 2026
  • Location: Etowah River Park, Canton, GA
  • Times:11:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
  • Admission: FREE

For information please visit www.wingandrockfest.com.