FOGÓN AND LIONS WELCOMES 2025 WITH THIRD ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/10/24

Downtown Alpharetta Restaurant Hosts Vibrant Bash Brimming with Live Entertainment and Festive Spanish-Latin Fare

Fogón and Lions is thrilled to announce its third annual New Year’s Eve Celebration, a spectacular party bidding farewell to 2024 and ringing in 2025 in grand style. This year’s event promises an elevated celebration featuring live entertainment and dancing in Alpharetta’s most spirited atmosphere. Guests can indulge in a festive Latin American holiday buffet curated by Chef Julio Delgado and his talented culinary team and, as always, delicious, refreshing libations. 

From 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., residents and seasonal visitors can partake in an extravagant ticketed celebration in the heart of Downtown Alpharetta complete with live music by Arena Sound, a Latin band from Canton, GA, and DJ Fernando F who will keep the energy high long after midnight strikes. Fare includes authentic Latin dishes, and all tickets include access to a bar package offering premium cocktails, wine and beer all night long. At midnight, enjoy a champagne toast to welcome the new year. 

Tickets cost $175/person excluding taxes and fees and can be purchased via Resy. Capacity is limited, so guests are encouraged to reserve their spot early. Say “¡Adiós!” to 2024 and “¡Hola!” to 2025 in true Fogón and Lions fashion.

Reservations can also be made by calling (770) 676-9133. Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates. 

THE WORKS TO HOST COMMUNITY FEAST WITH INAUGURAL SAVOR DINNER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/9/24

December 19th 6pm

Guests will be treated to light snacks, festive drinks and a multi-course seated dinner, with tickets benefiting Giving Kitchen

The public is invited to visit Atlanta’s Upper Westside and feast with neighbors at SAVOR, an inaugural community dinner aimed at showcasing the culinary talent at The Works while also supporting Giving Kitchen. On Thursday, Dec. 19 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., guests will be treated to delicious appetizers, festive cocktails and a multi-course seated dinner at the mixed-use destination, with ticket proceeds benefiting a good cause. The event is the culmination of “All The Joyful Things,” The Works’ 30-day holiday campaign. 

A cocktail reception will be at The Camp from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a seated dinner in the 300 Building from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Beverage sponsors for the event include Taste Wine Bar & Market and Dr. Scofflaw’s Brewing. The light bites served at the reception will come from Fuzzy’s Oysters, Flying Fish, Taste Wine Bar & Market, Tyde Tate and Your 3rd Spot. Chefs from Chicheria Mexican Kitchen and Fox Bros Bar-B-Que will lead the seated dinner menu, while chefs from Belen de la Crux, Mochinut, Munster Cookies and Morelli’s will handle dessert. Julian Laury Quintet will be performing live music throughout the entire event.

Giving Kitchen is a local nonprofit that provides emergency assistance to food service workers nationwide through financial support and community resources. The organization serves restaurants, catering services, concessions, food trucks, cafeterias and bars. Proceeds from tickets sold for SAVOR will directly benefit Giving Kitchen’s mission. 

Tickets are $75 until Dec. 12, when they will increase to $85 until Dec. 19. To purchase tickets, click here. 

For more information and to learn more about holiday offerings at The Works, click here. 

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JINGLE ALL THE WAY TO VESPER’S OLD FASHIONED HOLIDAY PARTY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/7/24

Enjoy a Merry Bash Featuring Festive Cocktails and Bites, An Ugly Sweater Contest, Special Prizes & More 

Wednesday, December 18th Starting at 5 p.m.

On December 18th, starting at 5 p.m., Vesper is decking the halls for a spirited bash like no other with its inaugural Old Fashioned Holiday Party. Inspired by timeless holiday traditions, this merry soirée will blend cozy classics with a twist, featuring cocktails like the decadent Mint Chocolate Old Fashioned and other jolly creations to keep the magic flowing. For those who prefer their cheer without the spirits, a curated selection of zero-proof options will be available, all set to the soundtrack of classic holiday tunes. Festive attire is encouraged, with an Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest offering the chance to win prizes, plus surprise giveaways throughout the night. Whether naughty or nice, everyone’s name is on this year’s guest list. Vesper is located on the Atlanta BeltLine in Glenwood Park at 924 Garrett St. Suite D, Atlanta, GA 30316. Must be 21+ to attend. For more information, visit www.vesperatl.com or call 404.936.6902. 

THE OFFICE BAR TO HOST UGLY HOLIDAY SWEATER PARTY IN MIDTOWN ATLANTA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/3/24

Get in the holiday spirit with an ugly sweater contest, festive drinks, live music and more

‘Tis the season to break out your holiday worst and head to The Office Bar for its annual Ugly Holiday Sweater Party! The Midtown Atlanta community is invited to join The Office Bar on Dec. 16 for a jolly good time complete with festive cocktails, live music by local musician Ethel and plenty of holiday cheer. Additionally, one sweater will be crowned the ugliest of them all for a grand prize.

New to the menu for the holidays, The Office Bar is serving up a “Sugar Plum Spritz” featuring Kusha Plum Sake, Trimbach Mirabelle Eau de Vie, lemon juice, Peychaud’s bitters and sparkling wine, along with the “Mistletoe Margarita” with Don Fulano Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, cranberry liquor and sour lime cordial.

Ticket purchase is not necessary. Seating is first come, first serve and guests can RSVP HERE. 

BIGGEST AND BRIGHTEST “WINTER LANTERN FESTIVAL” YET IN ATLANTA WITH 50% MORE LANTERNS & EXPANDED OFFERINGS FOR ALL FAMILIES TO ENJOY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/28/24

Kaleido Entertainment presents a dazzling world of light, featuring an additional 500 lanterns (now a record 1,500 handmade Chinese lanterns), running through early January

New this year are Chinese Acrobats with dazzling performances brightening up the crowd;

Family Thursdays and fun activities brighten up the holidays with special 50% Black Friday discounts

The Winter Lantern Festival is brightening up the Atlanta metro area this holiday season, creating a must-see display of electrifying lights made from more than 1,500 handmade Chinese lanterns, offering guests more lanterns than ever before. Running through January 5, guests of all ages can experience the whimsical walk-through for an unforgettable holiday treat with a record number of lanterns that the festival expanded just in time for the peak holiday season.

Location details include:

  • Location: Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, 2405 Sugarloaf Parkway, Lawrenceville, GA 30045
  • Days: Thursdays to Sundays through January 5, 2025
  • Times: 5:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., with last entrance at 8:30 p.m.

The Winter Lantern Festival also announced a special treat for families looking to visit this holiday season, offering 50% off for Black Friday (code: Black Friday) along with Family Thursdays where a family pack of five tickets is also about 50% off. On Sundays throughout the festival, kid-friendly experiences such as dino rides and a bounce house will also be included in each ticket.

Guests enter and wander through a wonderland of light and color inspired by Chinese myths, legends, and zodiacs. Each artisan-made lantern is made of hand painted silk cloth draped over a frame filled with LED lights and will mesmerize attendees as they traverse through the photo-worthy luminescent night walk.

In addition to the spectacular lights display, guests can also enjoy live entertainment by the Zigong Acrobatic Troupe, a new treat for this year, along with food, drinks and gifts and other attractions such as sugar paintings, interactive light swings, see-saws, tunnels, and many majestic creatures.

The festival has been widely successful across various eastern U.S. cities in the past, including three consecutive years of sell-out runs in New York City, Washington D.C., and Atlanta where it welcomed more than 150,000 guests annually.

“We’re thrilled to make this the biggest Winter Lantern Festival yet in expanding with 500 additional lanterns to create an even more magical experience here in Atlanta, and at all our locations,” said Xiao Tian Falig, Chief Executive Officer.  “Since we started in New York in 2018, demand has skyrocketed, and we’ve been able to expand to new cities year after year. Now we are expanding the festival itself, working with our artists to celebrate culture, family and the holidays.”

Ticket prices start at $16.99 for children and $26.99 for adults, and are now available here. To learn more about the experience, please visit at www.winterlanternfestival.com.

2024 GAGIVES ON GIVINGTUESDAY SHOWCASES NONPROFITS AS THE UNIFIERS OF COMMUNITIES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/28/24

Global Giving Movement Spotlights How Nonprofits Are First Responders in Times of Crisis and Common Ground for Many in Communities

With the season of giving upon us, it’s time to show our appreciation for those who have supported our communities throughout the year with unwavering commitment and a staggering level of accomplishment. All Georgians benefit, in multiple ways, from the outstanding work of our nonprofits. In this year especially, they’ve truly shown up for us all.

GAgives on GivingTuesday, hosted by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits (GCN), is once again shining a spotlight on the impact of nonprofits across the state, showcasing the ways they serve as the great unifiers of our communities in times of conflict and crisis. Since its launch in 2012, GAgives on GivingTuesday has given Georgians the chance to demonstrate their generosity. Naturally, they have risen to the occasion with record-breaking giving year after year, both in the number of individual gifts and in total dollars raised. Coinciding with the international day of giving celebrated the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, this year’s GAgives on GivingTuesday will be held Dec. 3, 2024, when Georgians are asked to get into the true spirit of the giving season following the annual shopping-centered tradition of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

“This year has been especially trying for Georgia nonprofits as they’ve been called upon for extra resources and manpower, whether that’s a result of the devastation of this year’s storms, the national housing crisis, community support for those directly impacted by the Apalachee High School attack, inflation, or a host of other situations,” said GCN President & CEO Karen Beavor. “No matter the crisis, nonprofits have rallied to support their communities, and GAgives on GivingTuesday is our time to support them in return.”

Last year’s GAgives on GivingTuesday set another new record, with more than 13,800 donors contributing to more than 1,050 organizations through the official GAgives.org platform alone. On that single platform, one of many activated for the event, $3.06 million was donated, exceeding the total amount donated through GAgives.org in 2022 by nine percent. In total, $33.17 million was raised, a 13 percent increase from 2022.

All registered 501(c)3 nonprofits in Georgia can participate in this special day of giving. Nonprofits are invited to raise funds through GAgives.org, a powerful but easy-to-use online fundraising platform featuring complementary resources to assist in maximizing donations – from donation-motivating prizes sponsored by official GAgives partners to toolkits, marketing materials, complimentary online trainings, GAgives success stories, and more, all designed to help nonprofits engage their volunteers, staff, board members, and supporters.

“Nonprofits impact the lives of every one of us throughout the year, whether they’re housing the animal that becomes a beloved family pet, protecting the stunning views along a park trail, staging the latest community theater performance, or doing the research to combat a disease experienced by ourselves or a loved one,” said GCN’s Karen Beavor. “Nonprofits are the thread stitching together the fabric of our community, representing the common causes that we all believe in – care for our neighbors, quality of life, and shared culture – despite how our other beliefs may differ. Let’s come together once again to show our nonprofits how much we appreciate them and break yet another record this GAgives on Giving Tuesday.”

This year, sponsors are encouraging Georgians to showcase their support for their favorite organizations by giving nonprofits that registered for prizes the chance to win additional funds – through “Power Hours,” “Golden Tickets,” and leaderboard contests. Those generous sponsors include WestRock, Arby’s Foundation, and Aprio. Additional GAgives support comes from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Cox Enterprises, Georgia News Network, Outfront Media, WSB-TV Family 2 Family, the Coca-Cola Foundation, and others.

Since 2012, GAgives has galvanized Georgians to be a part of the state’s largest giving movement, totaling $155.97 million in donations to date from over 560,000 individual gifts.

Created, executed, and overseen by GCN for the direct benefit of Georgia nonprofits, the GAgives on GivingTuesday campaign is enhanced by generous sponsors, media partners, and participating organizations. Together, their contributions and creativity amplify the impact for nonprofits, allowing nonprofits in turn to continue operations for, and enhance their offerings to, the communities of Georgia.

GCN considers it an honor to champion Georgia’s largest giving movement and serve as the official state lead for GivingTuesday, a generosity campaign covering all 50 states and more than 150 countries.

About GAgives

Led by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, GAgives on GivingTuesday aims to bring attention to the work and worth of the nonprofit sector. Since its founding in 2012, the GAgives movement has raised more than $155.97 million from more than 560,000 individual gifts for the nonprofits across Georgia working tirelessly for positive and lasting change.

About GivingTuesday

Launched by the 92nd Street Y in 2012 and housed in its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact, GivingTuesday is a global movement inspiring people to take collaborative action for their local communities and contribute to the causes they believe in. Throughout the year, the movement reaches millions of people, with campaigns and activities in all 50 states and 150 countries, culminating on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. See the latest updates on Instagram.

About the Georgia Center for Nonprofits

The Georgia Center for Nonprofits builds thriving communities by helping nonprofits succeed. Through a powerful mix of advocacy, solutions for nonprofit effectiveness, and insight-building tools, GCN provides nonprofits, board members, and donors with the tools they need to strengthen organizations that make a difference on important causes throughout Georgia. Learn more at gcn.org.

GET TORCHED AT TWO URBAN LICKS DURING GASTRO GARAGE POP-UP – BACK DEC 5 & 6

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/28/24

Fiery Dinner Series Featuring Eight Deconstructed Courses Cooked by Gastro Mechanics Wielding Blowtorches

Tickets on Sale for December 5th and 6th; Seatings Available at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Known for its wood-fired cuisine, TWO urban licks is turning up the heat one last time this year with the help of Gastro Garage, the acclaimed experiential dining pop-up that has been captivating minds and mouths from L.A. to Abu Dhabi. Descending upon the beloved BeltLine dining institution for two high-energy nights and four shows the first week of December, adventurous guests will be treated to an eight-course, deconstructed dinner prepared by Gastro Mechanics wielding blowtorches.

Igniting the culinary scene, Gastro Garage will treat diners to a daring and delicious menu of torched and foam-infused creations, where molecular gastronomy transforms each dish into an explosion of textures and flavors. Diners can indulge in bold highlights like the Buffalo Blue Chips, the Piston Pizza Tank topped with mozzarella foam and a vibrant tomato basil purée, and the Gastro Burger Tank featuring rich cheddar foam and perfectly torched Wagyu beef. The adventure continues with the Short Ribs Drill Bit, boasting tender Japanese-marinated short rib, and extends to imaginative courses like the Carrot Pop with maple-glazed baby carrots kissed by flame, the Naked Salmon Drill Bit enhanced with sesame oil and Béarnaise foam, and the Pistol Peach Tank, a sweet and spicy symphony of cream cheese foam and black pepper peach purée. For a grand finale, the Princess Buttercup Tank delights with a decadent blend of double chocolate foam, torched sweet peanut purée, and a playful Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup twist.

The Gastro Garage pop-up at TWO urban licks will be held on Thursday, December 5th and Friday, December 6th, with seatings available at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Space is limited—reserve by calling TWO at 404-522-4622 or book online via OpenTable here. At $85 per person plus tax and gratuity, each ticket includes one shot, one cocktail, and an eight-course dinner.

NETHERWORLD BRINGS FRIGHTFUL FUN TO THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH ONE-DAY-ONLY LIGHTS ON EXPERIENCE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/27/24

America’s Favorite Haunted Attraction to Give Exclusive
Lights On + Effects Off Experience Saturday, Dec. 14

 NETHERWORLD Haunted House is back with a spooktacular offering this holiday season! For fans of fear and fright, the #1 haunt in America, NETHERWORLD, will reopen on Saturday, Dec. 14 for one day only to host VIP Lights On Tours. Thrill-seeking guests will be guided by knowledgeable staff members on a detailed tour of NETHERWORLD haunts featuring an intimate look at the animatronics, creatures, and high-tech features that make it one of the nation’s most visited haunted attractions each year.
 
“We’re excited to bring back our lights on tour this year!” said Ben Armstrong, NETHERWORLD Haunted House Co-Creator. “It’s the one opportunity we offer that gives true haunted house fanatics, and those who love scary sights as much as we do, an expansive look at everything that goes into the production of this legendary attraction. It really gives those who love the Halloween season one more taste of their favorite time of year.”
 
Tour-goers will get to see the stunning details of the NETHERWORLD 2024 haunts, WAKE THE DEAD and MR. GRENDEL’S BIRTHDAY PARTY OF HORRORS. With the lights on and effects off, guests in small, intimate groups will be led by a knowledgeable guide who will deeply explore the storylines, operations, and history behind the attractions, including discussions of movie sets, props from other classic haunts, and more. The event will also feature photo opportunities at select predetermined locations inside the haunts, and each person will receive a free souvenir printed photo to remember the occasion, as well as access to the NETHERWORLD House of Creeps Monster Museum.
 
Lights On Tour tickets are the perfect early holiday gift for the Halloween enthusiast or NETHERWORLD superfan in your life. Tickets are on sale for $125 per person. Tour groups will contain a maximum of 7 people, and tours will be offered from 12-5 p.m. Each tour will last approximately 75 minutes. To check availability and purchase tickets, click here. It is highly encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance as this event has an extremely limited capacity and will sell out.
 
While the NETHERWORLD haunted houses are officially closed for the 2024 season, the fun lasts year-round at House of Creeps Monster Museum and Escape the NETHERWORLD, which offers five thrilling escape rooms, including Alien Terror: Doom of the Dark Horizon, Haunted: Curse of the Night Hag, Nosferatu: Van Helsings Secret, Sasquatch: Bigfoots Revenge, and Tiki Island: Attack of the Shark God.

THE BATTERY ATLANTA LIGHTS UP THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/27/24

The Battery Atlanta is your holiday headquarters offering an array of festive activities and events, from visits with Santa and a dazzling tree lighting ceremony to fun photo sessions with BLOOPER for the family album. The fun continues with the Tinsel Tavern at Live! at The Battery Atlanta, offering holiday-themed refreshments and entertainment options. Throughout the season, The Battery Atlanta offers something for everyone – whether creating cherished memories or sneaking in a little downtime away from the holiday hustle! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

WHAT/
​WHEN: ​ Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony presented by Wellstar
​Saturday, Nov. 30, 5:30p.m.
​Holiday season kicks off with this festive, free event featuring live performances from The Free; tracking Santa with Mark Owens and BLOOPER; and a showing of “The Grinch Stole Christmas” on the plaza screen!

Santa’s Post Office presented by Truist
​Through Tuesday, Dec. 24, times vary
​Santa Claus is coming to town and setting up shop in the Community Corner presented by Truist. Children can bring handwritten letters to Santa, while parents capture photos of their children with Santa. Visitor will also enjoy giveaways, a gift-wrapping station and more!

Santa Paws presented by Truist
​Thursdays, Dec. 5, 12 and 19, 4 – 8 p.m.
​Every Thursday in December, four-legged family members are invited to the Community Corner presented by Truist for a free photo opportunity with Santa. ​ ​

Allatoona Jazz Band Holiday Performances
​Tuesday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7, 1 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 17, 6 p.m.
​The hour-long live performances will feature holiday classics played by The Allatoona High School Jazz Band at the Georgia Power Pavilion Stage.

Holiday Photos with BLOOPER Claus
​Friday, Nov. 29 – Sunday, Dec. 8, times vary
​Fans will step inside Truist Park for a holiday experience with “Blooper Claus” to walk through the Atlanta Braves dugout, see the team batting cages and take a special holiday photo with the mascot inside the Braves Clubhouse! ​ Book your visit here. ​

Tinsel Tavern at Live! at The Battery Atlanta
​Saturday, Nov. 30 – Sunday, Dec. 22, times vary
​Tinsel Tavern features an explosion of tinsel and twinkling lights, specialty holiday cocktails and small bites, photo moments, themed nights and more! Must be 21+ to enter after 8 p.m. ​

WHERE: ​ The Battery Atlanta
​800 Battery Ave
​Atlanta, GA 30339

HOW: Photos with Blooper are $125 per ticket and can be booked by visiting braves.com.

Reservations for Tinsel Tavern can be made here.

All other events are free and open to the public.

SHOP AND CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING WEEKEND AT PIEDMONT HOLIDAY GIFT MARKET

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/27/24

Free, Two-Day Festival Centered Around the Spirit of Holiday Gifting

Saturday, November 30th and Sunday, December 1st

Get into the spirit of giving at the third annual Piedmont Holiday Gift Market. Presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, the two-day event will take place in Piedmont Park in the heart of Midtown, Thanksgiving weekend, Saturday, November 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, December 1 2024  from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Festival goers are invited to sip on hot cocoa, listen to holiday music, and stroll through the park while exploring gift items from a variety of artists including painters, photographers, sculptors, glass blowers, leather and metalworkers, jewelers, and crafters. The Piedmont Holiday Gift Market (1071 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309) is free to attend for all ages and welcomes dogs. For more information, visit  www.facebook.com/PiedmontParkHolidayMarket and www.facebook.com/affps.