THE CLASSIC CENTER TO HOST BALLOONIVERSITY EVENT IN ATHENS GA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/29/22

Free event is open to the public for the first time ever, inviting the guests to view the one-of-a-kind balloon displays and help raise money for charity

Sunday, August 14 2-5pm

 

The Classic Center is proud to host Ballooniversity®, an industry convention created by burton + BURTON® for balloon and floral professionals; and for the first time, burton + BURTON® is inviting the public to view the one-of-a-kind balloon display at their 40th anniversary Ballooniversity® event on Sunday, August 14, from 2–5 p.m. An out-of-this-world exhibit with more than 100,000 balloons will be on display in the Grand Hall at The Classic Center during the Balloon Showcase which will also include live entertainers that children of all ages will love.

Admission to the Balloon Showcase is FREE. Donations are appreciated and will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens and Extra Special People (ESP). 100% of all donations will go directly to these charities. burton + BURTON will make a charitable contribution to both organizations and deliver balloon art to their local headquarters.

Each Ballooniversity® features an exciting theme, and for 2022, that theme is “The Future Is Ours”–a celebration of space and exploration. Balloon designers from around the world will create space-themed balloon art, from planets to rocket ships to aliens.

To reserve a time to visit, go to ClassicCenter.com/BalloonShowcase.

404 FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE ALL THINGS ATLANTA, AUGUST 13TH AT PULLMAN YARDS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/21/22

Artists Announced Include Big Boi, Travis Porter, $2 Fabo, Rickey Retro, Hedonistas, and more
A 12 hour celebration of Atlanta Featuring Atlanta-based Artists, Vendors, History, Fashion, Sports, and more
Produced by Atlanta Sport and Social Club 
Paying homage to a day Atlanta can truly claim as its own, Atlanta Sport and Social Club have announced the 404 Festival, an event dedicated to community inclusion, growth, and appreciation of the city of Atlanta, its unique culture, and all that comes with it. Taking place August 13, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Pullman Yards, 404 Fest- Atlanta’s first (and best) area code, will showcase Atlanta-based local and national acts, local artists, muralists, vendors, history, fashion, sports, and of course- the music!
Stretching across the Pullman Yards grounds and featuring distinctly A-Town acts, the 404 Fest lineup includes Big Boi from Outkast, Travis Porter$2 FaboRicky RetroHedonistas, and more. In addition to supporting local businesses, this family-friendly event will showcase Georgia-based brands, restaurants, and purveyors of fine beverages in its Artisan and Chef markets, which are found throughout the venue- indoors and out.
General Admission is on sale now for $60, before fees. Couples GA tickets with access for two are on sale for $110, before fees. General Admission entry gives access the all live performances, food from local restaurants, including vegan and gluten-free options, sponsor activations, and experiences, and all bars and concessions. VIP tickets are currently $125 before fees and include everything a GA ticket includes, plus a complimentary welcome beverage, dedicated entrances, VIP lounge, preferred stage viewing, private VIP cash bar, complimentary VIP food concessions, private restrooms, and a commemorative 404 Festival t-shirt. All ticket levels will increase August 1, 2022; walk-up tickets will be sold based on availability. All ticket types are available online at www.the404Fest.com. 404 Fest is an all-ages event.
Visit www.the404Fest.com for the most up-to-date information. Stay connected on Instagram at @the404Fest and Facebook at www.facebook.com/the404Fest. 404 Festival is produced by the Atlanta Sport and Social Club.

ATLANTA SUMMER WINE FESTIVAL 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/21/22

Atlanta Summer Wine Festival
The Eastern
Saturday, August 13, 2022, 2 Sessions
Session 1: 12pm-4pm ; Session 2: 6pm-10pm
50+ Wines, small beer selection, live music, and DJ Qtip hosted by Atlanta Wine Festivals.
Tickets include entry, entertainment, souvenir acrylic wine glass, and all wine & beer samples
$45 advance, $50 after Aug. 4, $60 day of event. *Unless sold out.

LIVE! AT THE BATTERY TEAMS UP WITH TERRAPIN BEER CO. TO HOST SECOND ANNUAL BREW FEST

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/21/22

Will Feature Tastings of Over 100 Beers, Local Vendors, Live Music, Games & More

 

Held from 3-6pm on the Lawn Between Live! at the Battery & Terrapin’s Atlanta Brewery & Taproom 

 

 Live! at The Battery – the entertainment destination located in the heart of The Battery Atlanta – is teaming up with Athens-based brewery Terrapin Beer Co. to host the second-annual Brew Fest on Saturday, August 13 from 3-7pm at The Battery Atlanta. Bringing together beer enthusiasts and brewers, many local and craft-focused, the event invites attendees to taste over 100 beers, listen to live music on The Plaza stage, shop items from local vendors, play games and more.

Featured breweries – stationed outside at Live! at The Battery and Terrapin’s Atlanta Brewery and Taproom, plus on the lawn between the two – will include Terrapin Beer Co., Second Self Beer Co., Scofflaw Brewing Co., Gate City Brewing, Steady Hand Beer Co, Dry County Brewing Co, Monday Night Brewing, New Realm Brewery, Orpheus Brewing and many more. They will pour fan favorites alongside rare and experimental brews.

General admission ($30 early bird / $40 regular) and VIP ($60 early bird / $70 regular) tickets are now available here. Each ticket includes entry into the event, a souvenir tasting glass and unlimited beer tastings. VIP ticket holders will also enjoy exclusive access to a VIP area with an elevated buffet plus a swag bag. 

In 2017, Terrapin became the first craft brewery in Georgia to open a second location, with the opening of the Atlanta Brewery and Taproom at The Battery across from Live! At The Battery. In addition to producing many of its year-round and seasonal brands, Terrapin’s Atlanta brewery and taproom serves as its Research and Development pipeline, testing new beers to potentially go to market.

A one-of-a-kind place to catch sports, dine in style, sip cold beer and crafted cocktails, play games and do a bit of bull riding and line dancing, Live! The Battery plays host to some of Atlanta’s most fun food and drink events. Ongoing happenings include Girls Night Out with food and drink specials every Thursday from 8-11pm; Freedom Friday, which welcomes military personnel, vets, first responders and public service members to skip the line, get free cover (credentials required) and enjoy drink specials once a month; and Silent Saturday, inviting guests to grab a pair of headphones and get in the groove with beats from local DJs. 

ATLANTA UNITED PUB CRAWL ON THE BELTLINE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/11/22

Atlanta Beltline

Saturday, July 30th

Tickets here.

The summer heat only fuels our hustle. From Inman Park to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine features the best bars in town. We are teaming up with Atlanta United to create the ultimate Pub Crawl featuring an energy like nowhere else. ButterATL said it best, the live-est sporting event in the city is taking the party to the streets on Saturday, July 30th– JOIN US.
Tickets include up to (5) complimentary (alcoholic) drinks at participating locations along the BetlLine. Each bar will feature music, giveaways, and one-day only food/drink specials. The Pub Crawl will end with an Official Atlanta United watch party as the 5-Stripes take on Chicago Fire in the windy city.
Bar Line Up:
Park Tavern
Two Urban Licks
Rina
Guac y Margys
& More to be announced!
Tickets Include:
Up to (5) complimentary drinks at our partner bars.
Exclusive Atlanta United Pub Crawl Swag – Flag, cooling towel, and sunglasses!
Pricing:
Standard: $25
July 30th: $35
Ticket Bundle: Add on a $15 Atlanta United Match ticket
Up to (5) complimentary drinks at our partner bars
Souvenir Atlanta United Pub Crawl SWAG
Ticket to Atlanta United vs Seattle Sounders on August 6th
Pricing:
Standard: $40
July 30th: $50

ATHENS RESTAURANT WEEK 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/11/22

Visit Athens GA Highlights Unique Dining Venues

Ahead of Annual Athens Restaurant Week

The second annual Athens Restaurant Week will take place from July 11-17, 2022, offering residents and visitors a taste of the budding dining destination

 

Visit Athens GA, The Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau, is celebrating the upcoming Athens Restaurant Week by sharing unique dining venues and authentic culinary experiences that residents and visitors can enjoy in the destination. The week-long celebration taking place July 11-17, 2022 will offer curated menus and specials from the best local restaurants and taprooms.

“Athens Restaurant Week celebrates the resiliency of our vibrant restaurant community and encourages residents and visitors to support these businesses by dining local,” said Katie Williams, Director of the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Participating restaurants will offer various pre-fixed options for lunch and dinner at special prices all week long. Lunch specials will have at least two courses priced at $10 or $15 and dinner specials will feature at least three courses priced at $25 or $35. Local breweries are also getting in on the action by offering beer flights for $10. Additionally, dessert spots will have special creations for just $5.

“Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity for Athenians and visitors to experience the culinary creations of Athens’ talented chefs,” said Linda Ford, Director of Business Services at the Athens Downtown Development Authority.

Located 60 miles northeast of Atlanta, Athens has emerged as a top dining destination in recent years. James Beard winner Hugh Acheson helped put the destination on the map, first with his own Five & Ten, then with an ever-expanding list of restaurants opened by chefs who came up through the Five & Ten kitchen. Those participating in Athens Restaurant Week include:

  • home.made – Chef Mimi Maumus pulls from her New Orleans roots as well as her decades in Georgia for inspiration at home.made. The restaurant has drawn national attention from her inventive twists on old standards and local community ingredients. Earlier this year, Maumus opened a new bar space attached to home.made called Sidecar, which provides an outlet for her creativity in food and drinks, including non-alcoholic cocktails.
  • The National  This neighborhood gathering spot serves an expansive menu inspired by the cuisines of the Mediterranean and Spain, with seasonal influences from the bounty of farmers in Northeast Georgia. Founder Peter Dale (owner of Seabear Oyster Bar, Condor Chocolates and Maepole) brought together a team of brilliant hospitality professionals, including Chefs Jeremy Collins and Daniel Fetter, to deliver incredible food and beverage offerings at this local favorite.

In addition to fiercely independent restaurants, Athens is known for its award-winning craft beer scene. Recognizing the vibrant beer culture that has been fostered in Athens over the past two decades, Visit Athens GA launched The Athens Beer Trail in the fall of 2021. The trail takes visitors through the nine-mile area of Athens breweries, including Athentic Brewing CompanyNormaltown Brewing Company and Southern Brewing Company which are participating in the upcoming Athens Restaurant Week.

To see a complete list of participating restaurants and breweries, please visit AthensRestaurantWeek.com.

PEACHFEST RETURNS TO PEACHTREE CENTER JULY 26TH

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/11/22

Festival organizers announce chefs and sponsors ahead of the all-inclusive event on July 26

Summer in Georgia signals the start of peach season and this year, Atlanta’s popular PeachFest returns to Peachtree Center after a pandemic pause. From 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, Peachtree Center will open The Plaza to Atlanta’s best food artisans, pastry chefs and barkeeps for the fifth annual peach-filled extravaganza for an all-inclusive guest experience.

During Peachfest, guests will be able to enjoy peach-centric dishes, beer, wine, peach-infused cocktails and more curated by leading influencers in Atlanta’s food and beverage industry. Offerings include chef-prepared dishes studded with the state’s signature fruit, the Georgia peach; crushable, peach-infused cocktails made with premium spirits; endless beers, including an exclusive peach beer from Wrecking Bar Brewpub, and the Vinoteca Wine Lounge featuring Ribera del Duero and Rueda, Spain’s most prestigious regions for red and white wines.

“As Downtown Atlanta’s cultural hub, we’re thrilled to welcome back PeachFest to Peachtree Center,” said Leslie Bland, Director of Marketing at Peachtree Center. “In celebration of the Georgia Peach, PeachFest will allow guests the opportunity to enjoy an intimate, first-hand experience with the city’s top chefs and mixologists in support of our long-term partner, Pearson Farms. We’re the perfect location to host this one-of-a-kind event and look forward to enjoying flavorful peach dishes and drinks alongside our community.”

This year’s culinary lineup will feature Atlanta’s best chefs and beverage artisans who are dedicated to supporting local farmers, including Stevenson Rosslow & Mikey Staniewicz of Wrecking Bar Brewpub, John Short of Pearson Farm, Drew Van Leuvan of Farm Burger, Jon Jackson of Comfort Farms, Nolan Wynn of Banshee, Casey Burchfield of The Burch, Tyler Edwards of Elsewhere Brewing, Davis King of Betterstaff Brewing, Jason Waters of Georgia Routes, Karl Gorline of The Woodall Westside, Natahsa Horton of Blended Family Spirits, and Grant Wallace of Our Apothecary, to name a few.

Event tickets can be purchased at www.peachfest.org. Each ticket includes entry into the event, food and beverages. With an extraordinary list of participating chefs and sponsors, the festival will also raise funds for Piggy Bank, a non-profit whose mission is to preserve and protect endangered breeds of heritage pigs and support family farmers by creating and sharing business plans that can help form sustainable processes. In times of need, Piggy Bank provides relief to heritage breed pig farmers struck by eco-disaster in an effort to avoid failure.

“PeachFest is a community event designed to build awareness and education around livestock and produce grown in Georgia including peaches and tasty heritage breed pigs raised by family farmers,” said Brady Lowe, volunteer director of Piggy Bank.

ATLANTA FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL IS BACK FOR 2022 WITH NEW PROGRAMMING

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/7/22

Tasting tents return alongside brand new events and programming – Sliced & Cluck’d – celebrating Southern culinary talent and traditions

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival (AF&WF) returns for its 11th year from Thursday, September 15, through Sunday, September 18, with various programming throughout Atlanta and tickets will officially go on sale to the public Thursday, June 23 – with a limited amount of tickets available with early bird pricing through Thursday, June 30. A celebration of Southern culinary culture, attendees can prepare to revel in creations from an array of the finest chefs the South has to offer – from Texas through Georgia, and all the way to D.C. – with proceeds benefiting Children of Conservation’s school lunch program, providing nutrient-dense meals for children in Africa.

From June 23 to June 30 (or until allotments sell out), early bird tickets for the signature tasting tents start at $85 for general admission per day – including unlimited food, wine & cocktails, alongside live chef demos presented by Publix & interactive experiences – and $125 for VIP, which offers priority access to the tents. After June 30, prices will increase to $99 for general admission and $150 for VIP. Tickets for a curated selection of intimate brunches, dinners, master classes and personalized chef experiences & collaborations will be available “a-la-carte,” including those for two new signature events, coming to Midtown’s latest events destination, Guardian Works:

Sliced: AF&WF’s Party by The Slice – Thursday, September 15, from 7 to 10 p.m.

Sweet, savory & everything in between, because we all know the filling is the best part – introducing Sliced: the first-ever party by the slice at AF&WF! Enjoy nearly every creation served by the slice you can think of – from pizza, pie and quiche to brisket, bread and good ole chicken pot pie, there’s something for everyone to enjoy by the slice. Tickets include unlimited bites, sips & entertainment for $110 through June 30, increasing to $125 on July 1.

Cluck’d: A Chicken & Cocktail Soirée – Friday, September 16, from 7 to 10 p.m.

You can’t have a Southern food festival without the star of the show – chicken! Whether served roasted, battered, baked, barbecued, grilled, sautéed, braised or fried, prepare to indulge in a variety of the South’s best birds by 15 of the top chefs of the South paired with signature Southern cocktails. Dig into some classic yet out-of-the-box poultry dishes from some of the best chefs east of the Mason Dixon. Tickets include unlimited dishes, sips & entertainment for $110 through June 30, increasing to $125 on July 1.

Additional featured restaurant and chef collaborations – honoring both our local culinary scene and the region’s – will be announced this summer. To stay up-to-date on the latest and to purchase tickets, visit www.atlfoodandwinefestival.com and follow along at @atlfoodandwine.

TASTE AROUND TOWN ALPHARETTA 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/8/22

Presented by Taste of Atlanta

Friday, July 22 – Saturday, July 23

Taste Around Town celebrates the best the city of Alpharetta’s top-rated chefs have to offer; a rich local food culture, wine, beer, cocktail tastes, interactive cooking demonstrations, live music, and more! An all-inclusive ticket provides participants 21+ with unlimited bites, bottomless beverages, and fabulous live music. Taste Around Town is presented by Taste of Atlanta in partnership with the City of Alpharetta and the Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau. For additional information and to get tickets, visit www.Alpharetta.TasteofAtlanta.com.

Taste Around Town Alpharetta has 3 sessions over 2 days!

Friday 7-10pm

Saturday Noon-3pm & 7-10pm

Participating restaurants include BocadoCattle Shed Wine & Steak BarMiller’s Ale HouseKona Grill2B Whole Gluten-Free BakeryCarrie’s ConservatoryCity EatsIppolito’s, Lazy Dog, Loyal Q & BrewMilton’s Cuisine & CocktailsNahm Fine Thai CuisineNothing Bundt CakeOcean & AcrePopbarSankrantiSecretoShake ShackSouthern Baked PieSouth Main KitchenTaco MacUp on the RoofYumbii.

PIEDMONT PARK ARTS FESTIVAL RETURNS THIS AUGUST 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/6/22

 
Featuring an Expansive Artist Market, Live Music, Children’s Area, Food Trucks and More 
 
Free to Attend on Saturday, August 20 and Sunday, August 21, 2022
Recognized as one of the best outdoor festivals in Atlanta, the Piedmont Park Arts Festival returns to the heart of Midtown on Saturday, August 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, August 21, 2022 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 250 artists including painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalworkers, glass blowers, jewelers, and crafters. Festival enthusiasts are also invited to enjoy live acoustic music, a children’s play area, and a variety of festival food and drinks for all tastes. Free to attend, the event is open to all ages and dogs are welcome. For more information, visit piedmontparkartsfestival.com or www.affps.com.