Tag Archive for: adventures in atlanta

ATHDAY AT WESTSIDE MOTOR LOUNGE 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/19/25

Saturday, May 24th

Paint the town red and black for ATHDay at Westside Motor Lounge, a celebration of all things Athens, Georgia, on Saturday, May 24, 2025. The Westside Atlanta venue will kick things off at noon with a full-on takeover featuring local food, Creature Comforts beer, artists, and giveaways—all straight from the Classic City and America’s best college town. The energy kicks into high gear from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. when five Athens-based musical acts take the stage to put on an electrifying show that gives audiences a taste of Athens’ legendary underground music scene. Featuring the southern twang of Peach Ice Cream Bluegrass, the bluesy folk sensibilities of Cannon Rogers, the groovy psychedelic funk rock of Patio, the unbridled chaos of electronic hard rockers Alien Funk Academy, and the reimagined jam band classics of Grateful Dead cover band Dire Wolf, Westside Motor Lounge’s ATHDay celebration is sure to have something for any and every concertgoer. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased at www.westsidemotorlounge.com.

For more information, call 678-388-9536. Westside Motor Lounge is located on the corner of Northside Drive and Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway at 725 Echo Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. Stay connected on Instagram @Westside_Motor_Lounge.

THOMPSON ATLANTA – BUCKHEAD TO HOST NATIONAL BARTENDING COMPETITION DURING U.S. BARTENDERS’ GUILD SUMMIT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/16/25

Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead is proud to serve as a host venue for the USBG Presents World Class Sponsored By DIAGEO, which brings its highly anticipated national finals to Atlanta this month.

From May 18 to May 20, 2025, the city will welcome the Top 30 regional bartenders from across the country as they compete in the USBG Presents World Class U.S. Finals, a multi-day event designed to test the creativity, technical skill, and knowledge of the nation’s best mixologists. Competitions and programming will take place within Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead, offering guests a front-row seat to the craft cocktail world’s most exciting showdown.

Following a series of immersive and challenging rounds, 10 finalists will be selected to continue vying for the title of 2025 U.S. Bartender of the Year. The national champion will go on to represent the U.S. at the World Class Global Finals in Toronto, Canada this August, competing against top bartenders from more than 50 countries.

“We’re honored to be part of such a prestigious event and welcome bartending talent from across the country to Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead,” said Donte Johnson, General Manager of Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead. “Our hotel celebrates craft, culture, and community – values deeply shared with this competition and the bartending profession at large.”

The World Class competition, sponsored by global spirits leader Diageo, will take place exclusively at Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead. While select off-site events – including the Top 10 Dinner and Winner Announcement – will be held at other locations, the main competition is open to the public for consumers 21+. See the full schedule here.

“World Class is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of bartenders at the highest level,” said Bo Shuff, Executive Director of the United States Bartenders’ Guild. “We’re honored to host this event as part of the USBG Bar Summit and to partner with Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead in welcoming and showcasing these professionals from across the country as we celebrate their craft. It’s a powerful reflection of how education and community – core to the USBG’s mission, continue to shape the future of our industry.”

The United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG), a nonprofit with thousands of members and chapters in nearly 50 cities, including Atlanta, has long championed professional development within the beverage industry. The USBG Presents World Class Sponsored by DIAGEO event not only showcases exceptional bartending talent but also highlights emerging trends in the industry, from sustainability and low-ABV cocktails to bartenders’ growing roles as educators and community leaders. In celebration of this year’s U.S. Finals, World Class will be hosting a Cocktail Festival that will be serving specialty drinks at various bars and restaurants in Atlanta to engage the local community and build buzz around the competition. A list of participating bars and restaurants can be found here.

Cocktails created for the duration of this year’s competition can be found on Instagram using the handle @WorldClassUS.

For additional information about the program and for details on the upcoming global competition, follow hashtags #worldclassus and #worldclass2025 on Twitter and Instagram, and visit worldclass.usbg.org and www.usbg.org.

ALPHARETTA CITY CENTER ANNOUNCES SUMMER EVENT SERIES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/16/25

The community is invited to enjoy local markets, live outdoor music, shopping, dining and more

 Alpharetta City Center (ACC) is the place to be this summer, bringing a full lineup of community events to the heart of downtown Alpharetta. From open-air markets filled with local flavor and crafted goods to live music on the green, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

The summer event series includes:

  • Alpharetta Farmers Market was founded in 2006 by downtown Alpharetta merchants wanting a place where residents could conveniently purchase fresh, local produce. The market is open every Saturday through mid-November from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and offers locally grown produce, natural meat, gardeners with fresh flowers and plants, homemade bread, baked goods, local raw honey, prepared food, hand-crafted gifts, jellies, sauces, soaps, candles and more.
  • Alpharetta Moonlight Market is a celebration of artistry and craftsmanship from local makers in Alpharetta. Held along Broad and Market streets on Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m. throughout May and September, this open-air marketplace showcases a curated collection of unique, original artwork and crafted goods from local artisans.
  • Music On The Green: Alpharetta Concert Series is hosted by the Alpharetta Rotary Club and features live music on Fridays at 6 p.m. Guests are invited to bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs and unwind on the Town Green for an evening of great music and community spirit.

Music Lineup:

  • May 9: Double Take and Barry & Denise Richman
  • May 23: Jessie Albright and Sawgrass Blues
  • June 13: Radio Star and Tripp’n
  • June 27: Justin and Wild Eden
  • July 11: Davis and The Love and M5D
  • July 25: Acoustic Soul and Simple Dreams
  • August 8: Dock Rock Radio and Grunge House
  • August 15: Wicked Garden and Hot Flash
  • September 5: Smokey Jones and The Well Collective
  • September 12: Atlanta Brass Cats and Circus

In addition to these events, guests can shop at Anna Bella Lingerie, Hemline, Magnolia Moon, Miriam James Jewelers, Mountain High Outfitters, Natural Body Spa, Perched, Red Hound Gifts, Dress Up, Southern Local, Spirited, Stars Hats and Jewelry and The Pink Valise. Guests can also dine at Chiringa, Central City Tavern, Hen Mother Cookhouse, Boarding Pass, Chiringa, Citizen Soul, JINYA, Lapeer, Never Enough Thyme, The Standard, Vitality Bowls and Kilwins.

To learn more about these events, visit citycenteralpharetta.com or follow ACC on Instagram and Facebook.

COST: These events are free to the public.

FOOD THAT ROCKS 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/16/25

Sandy Springs’ Tastiest Tradition Turns 10—Food That Rocks Set for June 5 at City Springs 

Taste of Atlanta proudly presents the 10th annual Food  That Rocks on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 6 to 10 p.m. at City Green at City Springs. This all inclusive event features unlimited tastings from more than 20 of Sandy Springs’ favorite restaurants,  plus beer, wine, craft cocktails, and live music — all included with your ticket. 

Guests can enjoy bites from local favorites including Banana Leaf Thai & Bar, Baraonda Ristorante &  Bar, Blue Moon Pizza, Bocado, Breadwinner Café, Chef Rob’s Caribbean Café, CityBar. & Café, City  Barbeque, Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, il Giallo, McDaniel’s QN2 BBQ,  Mexico Linda, Mojave, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Nowak’s, Rumi’s Kitchen, The Select, Southern Bistro,  

Sunnyside Pizzeria, Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, Thos. O’Reilly’s Public House, Three Dollar Café and Yalda. 

Celebrate 10 years of Food That Rocks with bold flavors, sweet treats, and high-energy  performances by Java Monkey and CJ and The Doughboys, led by Chef Jamie Adams of il Giallo. 

Ticket Information: 

VIP Admission – $125 

• Early entry at 6 p.m. 

• Exclusive VIP swag bag (one per household) 

• Unlimited tastes from 20+ Sandy Springs’ restaurants 

• Craft cocktail, beer, and wine tastings 

• Live Chef Chats & Mixology Demonstrations 

• Live music and entertainment 

General Admission – $95 

• Entry at 7 p.m. 

• Unlimited food, dessert, and beverage tastings 

• Access to all live chef chats and mixology demos 

• Live music and entertainment 

Tickets are available now at www.FoodThatRocks.org. Advance purchase is strongly encouraged as  the event regularly sells out. All attendees must be 21 or older to enter. 

“Food That Rocks is more than a food festival — it’s a celebration of the Sandy Springs community  and culinary talent,” said Dale DeSena, founder and CEO of Taste of Atlanta. “We’re thrilled to mark  our 10th anniversary with a night of sensational flavors, local chef talent, and a spirit of connection  that truly reflects the heart of Sandy Springs.” 

Event Details: 

• Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025 

• Time: VIP 6–10 p.m. | General Admission 7–10 p.m. • Location: City Green at City Springs, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA

GLOBAL MINI GOLF PROS HEAD TO GEORGIA TO COMPETE FOR $20K PURSE AT 2025 US OPEN

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Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/15/25


 This Free Event Brings Together the World’s Best Putters, Local Atlanta Legends & Family Fun

Friday, 5/16 and Saturday, 5/17!

The 2025 US Open, one of the US Pro Mini Golf Association’s two premier global tournaments, will bring nearly 100 of the top putters from around the world to Tin Cup Grill in Cumming, GA, for a high-stakes, family-friendly weekend of competitive play and community celebration.

Hosted in partnership with the Putters League and sanctioned by the USPMGA, this year’s Open marks the first time the event has been held on a PuttTek real-grass-style putting course that will challenge even the most seasoned competitors. Admission is free for spectators, and fans are encouraged to attend and cheer on local favorites and international stars alike.

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  • Nearly 100 players, including 50+ elite global competitors, featuring two of the only four players in history to record a perfect 18, and competitors previously featured on ESPN.
  • Players include:
    • Rick Baird, One of only four players in history to shoot a perfect 18
    • Josh Mars, A fan-favorite YouTube personality from Australia known as “The Putting Wonder from Down Under”
    • Greg Newport, USPMGA Hall of Famer and one of only four players to achieve a perfect 18
    • Gary English, Atlanta-based legendary putter

THE RENAISSANCE ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCES A SPECIAL ONE-NIGHT ONLY CONCERT EVENT, MAY 30, AT CENTER STAGE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/12/25

‘Up the Score’ Takes Classical Back to the Lab with the Help of Guest Artists Genre Bending Violinist Michael Prince and Piano Prodigy BLKBOK 

Tickets Are On Sale Now

What if the score wasn’t the final version? What if you scratched beneath the surface, infused it with your own vibe remixed for the culture, tossed it with R&B and hip-hop, and set it with a full accompaniment of strings fueled by scores of the past?  These are the very questions The Renaissance Orchestra will answer as they ‘Up the Score’ on May 30 at Center Stage in Atlanta, GA.  Fueled by visionary founder Tyrone “OG” Bowie- a multi-talented, Atlanta-based musician, producer, and DJ, The Renaissance Orchestra is a groundbreaking musical collective that blends classical instrumentation with the pulse of modern production and what you end up with is a sound as much rooted in tradition as it is radically redefined and new.

“This isn’t just music, it’s personal,” says Tyrone “OG” Bowie, Founder of The Renaissance Orchestra. “When people experience ‘Up the Score,’ I want them to leave feeling like they have just witnessed a new cultural moment where orchestral music reflects the stories, energy, and excellence of Black artistry.”

‘Up the Score’ will not be the typical night at the symphony, while top hats and tails won’t be discouraged; this is a cultural experience and should be embraced as such. Guests can expect classical music tossed on its head, remixed for the culture — where hip-hop meets violin, R&B gets reimagined with full strings, and original scores get flipped like samples. 

For this special one-night-only concert event, Houston-born violinist producer and composer Michael Prince, known for his innovative fusion of classical hip-hop R&B jazz and pop music, will join The Renaissance Orchestra. Prince has collaborated with notable artists such as Jon Batiste, T-Pain, A$AP, Rocky Timbaland, and LaRussell and is revved up to bring that same collaboration spirit to ‘Up the Score.’  Additionally, BLKBOK, a classically trained pianist and composer known for blending classical music with hip-hop R&B and jazz influences, will tickle the ivories, adding another dimension to The Renaissance Orchestra’s sound. BLKBOK has toured with stars like Justin Timberlake and Rihanna before launching his solo career and redefining what it means to be a modern classical artist.

General Admission tickets for ‘Up the Score’ with Michael Prince and BLKBOK are on sale now at www.CenterStage.com. ‘Up the Score’ is produced by The Renaissance Orchestra. Visit www.TheRenaissanceOrchestra.com for the most up-to-date information. Stay connected on Facebook @TheRenaissanceOrchestra and Instagram at @RenaissanceOrchestra_. Center Stage is located at 1374 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, Georgia.

MIMMS MUSEUM OF TECHOLOGY AND ART TO INSPIRE FUTURE INNOVATORS WITH NEW STEAM SUMMER CAMP SERIES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/12/25

Weeklong Experiences Available June 2-July 25 for Campers Ages 6–14, in Partnership with the City of Roswell and STREM HQ

The Mimms Museum of Technology and Art (Mimms Museum), formerly Computer Museum of America, a nonprofit metro Atlanta attraction home to one of the world’s largest collections of digital-era artifacts and rotating art exhibits, is gearing up to host a series of weeklong STEAM summer camps for children ages 6–14. From June 2 through July 25, campers will have the opportunity to learn new skills and explore real-world challenges through hands-on sessions in coding, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and more.

“Inspiring the next generation of creators, coders and innovators starts with giving young minds space to explore and experiment,” said Lonnie Mimms, co-founder and board chair of the Mimms Museum. “By encouraging curiosity and offering hands-on access to real-world technology, we aim to equip campers with both technical skills and the confidence to keep learning and innovating.”

Led by experienced instructors, each five-day camp is designed to inspire critical thinking, creativity and collaboration through  immersive activities. A full list of camp themes and activities – with dates, times and age ranges for each session – is available online. A sampling of upcoming camps includes:

·       BrickMania: LEGO Adventure Quest – Campers unleash their creativity through hands-on challenges using LEGO bricks, building imaginative structures while learning teamwork and design.

·       Ultimate Minecraft World Builder – Young creators push the limits of their imagination as they design everything from jaw-dropping landscapes to futuristic cities, using redstone, custom mods and advanced techniques.

·       Robot NASCAR Races – Future engineers design, build and program their own robots to race for speed and precision in this high-octane engineering challenge.

·       Art reimagined: Photoshop and AI synergy – Young designers explore digital artistry and AI-powered photo editing using Adobe Photoshop to create original visuals and visual stories.

·       Game Design with Scratch 3.0 – Campers learn to build interactive games using Scratch’s visual programming platform, while developing problem-solving and logic skills.

Advance registration is required, and planning early is encouraged, as several sessions are already sold out. Registration is open to all children within the appropriate age range; in partnership with the City of Roswell Parks and Recreation. Although registration is facilitated by the City of Roswell, residents and non-residents can register. The museum is offering a special 30 percent discount off registration fees for Roswell residents.

“We’re thankful to the City of Roswell for their support in helping make these enriching learning experiences more accessible and affordable to local families, and we are pleased to be able to offer this resident discount, which is an investment in the future of our community,” said Rena Youngblood, executive director of the Mimms Museum.

Morning camp sessions run from 9 a.m. to noon; afternoon sessions are from 1 to 4 p.m. For detailed descriptions of each camp session, visit MimmsMuseum.org/Events. To register, visit register.roswellgov.com, navigate to the week of the preferred camp, and select ‘Specialty Camps.’

To learn more about the Mimms Museum, visit MimmsMuseum.org. For museum updates and events, follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

TIO LUCHO’S & PUMA YU’S PAIR UP FOR ONE-NIGHT-ONLY EVENT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/12/25

Sunday, May 18

They started out the same way—late-night pop-ups, word-of-mouth dinners, and a whole lot of hustle in Athens and Atlanta. Now, Tio Lucho’s and Puma Yu’s, two James Beard-nominated restaurants that turned those early days and late nights into something bigger, are teaming up for the first time for one night only on Tio Lucho’s patio, Sunday, May 18, 2025. It’s Peruvian meets Thai. Open flames, stacked grills, citrus, smoke, herbs, spice. Whole chicken quarters kissed by the fire, shrimp skewers sizzling in chili and lime, pastel de papa layered and rich, a wedge salad made wild with huacatay ranch, papaya salad piled high, and sticky rice to bring it all together. Dessert? A creamy, dreamy Suspiro de Atlanta. And then there’s the bar. Smitty Luck of Puma Yu’s is pulling up from Athens to collaborate with the Tio Lucho’s crew on a one-night-only cocktail menu made for golden hour and good decisions (or bad ones—no judging). Two seatings are available at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $100 and include dinner for two; beverages will be available for purchase separately. Space is limited, so grab a ticket today at tioluchos.com. For more information, call (404) 343-0278. Tio Lucho’s is located at 675 N. Highland Ave. NE, Suite 6000, Atlanta, GA 30306. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook @tioluchos.

RIVAL ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS BIG NIGHT OUT FEAT. LAKE STREET DIVE & MARVELOUS 3

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/12/25

Hosted at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark, the Event is Part of a Series of Concerts Under the Stars in Public Spaces

Call off your dogs and grab your freak of the week because Big Night Out is back as a two-part story featuring Lake Street Dive and Marvelous 3, October 03 and 04 at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark. Presented by Atlanta festival producer Rival Entertainment, Big Night Out is a series of concerts under the stars in public places, which has included last year’s An Evening with CAKE, Big Boi, Futurebirds, Marcus King Trio, Moon Taxi, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, and others. 

Lake Street Dive, the genre-blending band with a sound described as “if the Beatles and Motown had a party,” will get the party started- headling night one. Hometown heroes Marvelous 3, who have recently enjoyed a resurgence and have recently played three sold-out nights at The Tabernacle to celebrate their 25th anniversary, will close out the festivities on night two. Additional details, including special guests, will be released soon.

Located at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark on the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail, which hosted last year’s near-capacity crowd, organizers are encouraging fans to take advantage of the proximity of the venue to several landmarks such as Inman Park (.3 miles), Ponce City Market (.5 miles), Krog Market (.6 miles), and Piedmont Park (1.2 miles). While the event will be walkable for many, there will also be a complimentary bicycle valet, ride-share drop-off locations, and nearby parking.

General Admission and VIP ticket options for Big Night Out will go on sale Friday, May 16, through Rival Entertainment at Big Night Out. Lake Street Dive has partnered with PLUS1, donating $1 per ticket to First Peoples Fund and their work supporting artists and culture bearers helping Native communities heal and thrive, and the PLUS1 LA Fires Fund, providing critical relief and long-term recovery support for individuals, families, and communities impacted by the devastating LA wildfires.  Big Night Out is an all-ages event. Free admission for children under seven with a ticketed adult.

Big Night Out is produced by Rival Entertainment. Visit www.BigNightOutATL.com for the most up-to-date information. Stay connected on Facebook @RivalEntertainmentATL and Instagram at @RivalEntertainment. Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark is located at 830 Willoughby Way, Atlanta, Georgia.

HOUSTON’S BANDISTA POPS UP AT BAR MARGOT ATLANTA FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/9/25

Tuesday, May 13th at 7pm

Bar Margot is hosting a one-night-only takeover by Bandista, the acclaimed speakeasy from Four Seasons Hotel Houston recently named one of North America’s 50 Best Bars (#59 on the 2025 list) on Tuesday, May 13 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Known for its inventive cocktails, rare spirits, and high-touch hospitality, Bandista is bringing the heat—and the mezcal—to Midtown for one unforgettable night. From a macadamia- and pineapple-laced Colada Cosmico to a toasted bolillo–infused Patrón Reposado creation, each drink on the featured menu is a nod to Bandista’s playful precision and boundary-pushing style. Expect impeccable cocktails, creative flair, and Bar Margot’s signature laid-back energy. No cover; cocktails available à la carte.  Bar Margot is located inside Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta at 75 14th Street NE.  For more information on the Bar Margot x Bandista pop-up or to book a table, visit www.barmargotatl.com or call (404) 881-5913. Follow along at @barmargotatl.