Tag Archive for: atlanta

ALL STEINS POINT TO A GREAT TIME AT EVENTIDE BREWING’S OKTOBERFEST

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/17/21

Enjoy plenty of German-style beer, live entertainment and hearty fare at Grant Park’s favorite neighborhood brewery 

Hop on down to Eventide Saturday, October 2, for an un-beer-lievable Oktoberfest celebration! 

Now in its third year, the event promises to be bigger than ever with seven varieties of German beer on tap, including its flagship Kolsch-style ale, Citrus Grove Hefeweizen and Dämmerung Pilsner. Additionally, Eventide’s special Oktoberfest Festbier, a malty traditional German Marzen, is back again on draft and available in to-go six packs.

The day’s festivities will include a beer stein holding competition, where the champion will win a $100 gift certificate, as well as a best lederhosen contest. Additionally, attendees can buy raffle tickets for a chance to win free beer for a year!

There will also be plenty of delicious food for sale, including hot dogs and sandwiches from Red’s Beer Garden and savory, authentic hand pies from Coffyn Pyes.

Eventide’s Oktoberfest is a ticketed event with two available options, including a limited number of VIP-level tickets that come with unlimited draft beer, a commemorative Eventide t-shirt, an Eventide beer stein and a to-go six pack of Eventide Festbier.

For more information and to purchase advance tickets, please visit: https://www.eventidebrewing.com/oktoberfest.

Tickets may also be purchased the day of the event.

FIRST-EVER FANTASTIC HALLOWEEN BUBBLES UP FUN AT WORLD OF COCA-COLA

Posted by Liz and and John Attaway, 9/17/21

New Fanta Flavors, Spooky Moments and Special Features Haunt Atlanta Attraction
All Month Long; Adults-Only Evening Event Extends the Fun After Hours

 

This October, World of Coca-Cola is inviting families and friends to take part in the attraction’s first-ever Halloween takeover. Offered all month long with special activations on Saturdays and Sundays, the eerie experience includes a scavenger hunt to find a mystery Fanta flavor, an after-hours event for adults, ghostly performances and so much more. Guests are encouraged to get in the spooky spirit by wearing their best family-friendly costumes and looking out for festive frights and fall features among World of Coke’s regular exhibits and experiences. FANTAstic Halloween is included as part of every general admission ticket in October.

Haunted Hunt for a FANTAstic New Flavor

The FANTAstic Flavor Hunt challenges guests to search for hidden QR codes throughout World of Coca-Cola, each one a clue to a mysterious new Fanta flavor hitting shelves soon. The journey concludes in Taste It! where guests can unearth the secret and sample the latest Fanta flavor before it launches in 2022.

All the Treats, None of the Tricks

No ghoul goes thirsty, as Coca-Cola Freestyle serves three limited-edition mixes: Fanta Grape Goblin, Fanta Orange Jack-O-Lantern and Fanta Strawberry Scary Skull. Even more Fanta flavors are available on the Taste It! fountains, and seasonal concoctions can be sipped at the beverage bar.

Bottling Up Frightful Concoctions

The Bottle Works exhibit has been abandoned – or has it? Fans who dare to enter may encounter playful skeletons. On weekends, the mad scientist Dr. FANTAstic transforms the bottling plant into his personal lab. The doctor is mixing up something frighteningly delicious – peek inside to get a firsthand look at the creation of Coca-Cola’s most mystical drink yet.

Surprises and Disguises to Spare

Around every corner, fans will discover spooky surprises – from beastly backdrops for freaky photos, to ghoulish tales and live dance performances by costumed characters. Inside the Scent Discovery exhibit, guests can sniff and guess seasonal aromas that recall memories from Halloweens past and set the stage for unique flavors inside Taste It!

FANTAstic Halloween After Dark

On Thursday, October 14, World of Coca-Cola will open its doors for its first-ever, adults-only event from 7-10 p.m. The event will feature a DJ spinning spook-tacular tunes, dramatic Halloween-themed entertainment and a full bar with a “FANTAstic Halloween” specialty cocktail. Food will also be available for purchase. Tickets cost $35 and include two drink tickets for wine or beer. Costumes are welcome, and face coverings are required except in spaces designated for eating and drinking. Masks that fully cover the face and weapon-like props are not permitted. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend.

Safety First

The health and safety of World of Coca-Cola’s guests and employees are top priorities, and the attraction has adjusted operations in compliance with guidelines from health and government authorities. Precautions include reduced capacity, timed ticket entry, signage to promote social distancing, mandatory face coverings for all ambassadors and guests over the age of two, and enhanced cleaning routines throughout the attraction. More information is here.

FALL INTO FALL FESTIVALS WITH THE ATLANTA FOUNDATION FOR PUBLIC SPACES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/13/21

Buckhead Fine Arts Festival (September 18-19)
Sandy Springs Artsapalooza (September 25-26)
Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival (October 2-3)
Fall Festival on Ponce (October 9-10)
Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival (November 6-7)

Buckhead Fine Arts Festival
Held in the heart of Buckhead, home to one of the city’s most enthusiastic art buying communities, the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces will once again present the Buckhead Fine Arts Festival on Saturday, September 18 and Sunday, September 19, 2021. The two-day fine arts festival will feature approximately 100 painters, photographers, sculptors, metalworkers, glass artists, jewelers and more. Festival goers can also soak up the sun and cityscape, while enjoying artist demonstrations and live acoustic music. The dynamic merchants in and surrounding the festival in the Buckhead Village will provide a variety of beverage and food offerings. Free to attend, the festival is rain or shine, open to all ages, and four-legged friends are welcome. For more information visit  http://buckheadartsfestival.com  or www.affps.com.
Sandy Springs Artsapalooza
Sandy Springs Artsapalooza returns on Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26, 2021. Featuring more than 150 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metal craft persons, glass blowers, jewelers and more, the festival will transform the beautiful tree-lined streets of Sandy Springs into an expansive outdoor art gallery. Festival goers will have the opportunity to view artist demonstrations, participate in hands-on art activities, and enjoy live acoustic performances. The award-winning, two-day festival will also have a children’s area, gourmet food trucks with healthy alternatives and beverages. The festival is free to attend, open to all ages, and dogs are welcome.  For more information about Sandy Springs Artsapalooza, please visit http://sandyspringsartsapalooza.com  or  www.affps.com.
Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival 
Join the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces as they celebrate the return of the Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival on Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3, 2021. The two-day festival will once again be held in Atlanta’s picturesque Historic Fourth Ward Park that is conveniently located along the bustling Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail. Festival goers are invited to explore painting, photography, ceramics, glass, jewelry, woodwork and handcrafted items. The festival also features live music in the amphitheater, local food vendors, drinks, a children’s area, art demonstrations, games, and much more. The event is free to attend, open to all ages and dogs are welcome. For more information, visit  www.oldfourthwardparkartsfestival.com or www.affps.com.
Fall Festival on Ponce
Presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, the Fall Festival on Ponce will be held on Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10, 2021 in historic Olmsted Linear Park.  The two-day festival will feature 125 displays of local and regional fine art and crafts along with folk and outsider art.  While taking in the beautiful fall foliage and charming park, festival goers are invited to enjoy local food trucks, beverages, a children’s play area, live, acoustic music and much more.  The event is free to attend, open to all ages, and dogs are welcome.  For more information about the festival, please visit www.festivalonponce.com or www.affps.com.
Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival
The Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival, presented by the Atlanta Foundation For Public Spaces, returns to  Chastain Park in Buckhead on Saturday, November 6 and Sunday,  November 7, 2021. Featuring more than 185 talented painters, photographers, sculptors,  leather and metal craft persons, glass blowers, jewelers and  more, the  festival will transform Chastain Park into an expansive outdoor art gallery. Festival goers are invited to view artist  demonstrations, participate  in hands-on art  activities and enjoy live acoustic performances while taking in breathtaking fall scenery.  The  award-winning, two-day festival will also have a children’s play area in the  adjacent green space, gourmet food trucks,  beverages and more. The Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival is free to attend, open  to all ages, and dogs are welcome.  For more information, visit http://chastainparkartsfestival.com or  www.affps.com

WHISKEY TWO WINE AT TWO URBAN LICKS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/13/21

A Whiskey and Wine Pairing Experience Featuring Redwood Empire Whiskey and Raeburn Winery
 
Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 6 p.m.
TWO urban licks is welcoming the fall season by hosting, Whiskey TWO Wine, a unique dinner experience showcasing the whiskeys of Redwood Empire and wines of Raeburn Winery on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 6 p.m. Known for its acclaimed American cuisine, Executive Chef Matt Weinstein has curated a menu that pairs perfectly with picks from Todd Rushing, Concentrics Restaurants’ partner and renowned food, wine and spirit expert. Rushing will kick off the evening with three whiskey and appetizer pairings followed by a three-course, wine dinner. The Whiskey TWO Wine experience is $90 per person, tax and gratuity not included.  To make a reservation or for more information, call 404.522.5622. TWO urban licks is located at 820 Ralph McGill Blvd. Atlanta, GA, 30306. Visit twourbanlicks.com for more information. Stay connected on Twitter at @2urbanlicks and Instagram at @TwoUrbanLicks and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TwoUrbanLicks.  
Whiskey TWO Wine Dinner
Executive Chef Matt Weinstein
TWO urban licks
 
Whiskey
Proscuitto Wrapped Figs, Caramelized White Chocolate

Fried Green Tomatoes, Fromage Blanc, Apple Cider BBQ

Steak Tartare, Black Garlic Aioli, Smoked Mozzarella & Herbed Cream Cheese, Chip

* * *

Wine

Granny Smith Apples, Belgian Endive, Lemon Ricotta, Pistachio Pesto

Black Cod, Crispy Polenta Cake, Roasted Red Pepper Puree, Crab Beurre Blanc, Frisee

Duck Breast, Bacon & Sweet Potato Puree, Charred Broccoli, Hazelnuts, Pomegranate Jus

FOOD THAT ROCKS 2021

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/10/21

Food That Rocks combines bevs, bites, and live music creating tasting experiences with local flavor.
 


Food that Rocks, a tasting event celebrating the vibrant and expanding dining scene in Sandy Springs will commemorate its fifth year with a return to City Springs this September. New for 2021, Food That Rocks is expanding to three nights and adding a Saturday afternoon session with each session featuring tastes from participating restaurants, wine, beer, cocktail tastings, and live music. 


“Food that Rocks was created to bring together community and entertainment for a cause. The challenge this year was reimaging the event to support the hospitality industry in a post-pandemic period.  Rather than a single event serving large numbers, we are hosting multiple sessions. These smaller, intimate tasting events will allow us to bring Food That Rocks back in a manner that is safe and expands options for both our guests and restaurants,” said Dale DeSena, the event creator and founder of Taste of Atlanta.”
  
Food That Rocks will host sessions from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. September 23-25, 2021, and an afternoon session on September 25 from noon – 3 p.m. Each session will feature food and drinks from local chefs and mixologists. Live music will add to the ambiance at each event.  Tickets are $90 per person per session and are all-inclusive ($100 per person day of the event). A portion of each ticket sold will cover the cost to allow a select number of COVID frontline healthcare and public safety workers to attend free of charge as a special thank you for their efforts during the pandemic. 
 
“Food is a powerful tool in creating strong cities. It brings people together, and a thriving hospitality industry contributes to the overall economic health of a community.  Food That Rocks has added significantly to our efforts to elevate our dining scene while creating an entertaining event fun for the community,” said Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul. 
 

In partnership with Visit Sandy Springs and the City of Sandy Springs, Food That Rocks is for 21-and-up only and is presented by Taste of Atlanta. Food That Rocks is also sponsored by Your Atlanta Area BMW Centers and Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital.  Tickets to the event can be purchased beginning July 28, 2021, at www.FoodThatRocks.org.    Rideshare is encouraged. Drop off and pick up is located at Johnson Ferry Road and Blue Stone Road. For more information, visit www.FoodThatRocks.org.

Stay connected to Food That Rocks:
• Follow Food That Rocks on Instagram: @foodthatrocksatl
• Follow Food That Rocks on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ssfoodthatrocks
• Like Food That Rocks on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/foodthatrocksatl/
• Website updates: FoodThatRocks.org

Good Word Brewing: Brunch Edition

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/30/21

Crossing over a pair of tracks into a quaint, charming downtown, is an area where local bars, retail, and restaurants dot the shady, tree-lined street. On the corner, Good Word Brewing is a downtown Duluth local gem that prides themselves on unforgettable frosty brews, delectable brunch, and a stellar all-day menu, all in a beautiful OTP downtown. It’s definite, the word is out that Good Word Brewing has a fantastic brunch that should go on your brunch list! With items like this spicy number, gooey cinnamon roll, sensational sausage platter, amazing avocado toast, stellar seasonal hash, beer, brunch cocktails, and even slushies, we were in brunch heaven. Let’s dig in.

Something Good Word is definitely known for is their brews, so we tried a flight with 4 great options. We got Hollow Moon Stout, Are You Living in a Computer Simulation Helles Lager, The Quantum Immortality English Porter, and Face for Radio Pale.  The Hollow Moon Stout that’s roasty and toasty yet mellows on the back was Liz’s favorite, while Are You Living In a Computer Simulation is a Helles Lager that’s smooth and drinkable, great for patio sips and the second favorite. The Quantum Immortality English Porter was malty but light and refreshing with a hint of bitterness. John’s favorite was the Face for Radio that he said was well balanced hops and refreshing. Beyond the brews, they have fun brunch cocktails and slushies! They were out of the slushie, but we tried the South 75. It is botanical gin mixed with bright lemon that starts out tart and almost has a grapefruit end, finished with a splash of bubbly. Who doesn’t love a little bubbly with brunch?

Of the sharable brunch dishes, we opted for the Cinnamon Roll, Sausage Board, and Avocado Toast. Up first is the Cinnamon Roll that’s warm, gooey, sticky sweet and rich! After the sweet hits you, the spiciness of the cinnamon comes in and balances this roll out. The best part is the sticky, sweet middle on the bottom, so start there and work your way up and out. You’ll thank us! Moving from sweet to savory, the sausage board is out of this world! We were most impressed by the presentation and flavors of this board!  Starting with the homemade sausage that’s on one hand spicy, the Marita, and then the other hand bright, Ginger Basil, both pop with flavor. Pair either with pickled vegetables, toast, or mustard, you can’t go wrong. Don’t sleep on the deli sliced sausage with pistachios either; it will melt in your mouth! Finally, we simply had to try the essential Avocado Toast.  It’s creamy and light with the richness of soft-boiled eggs, tangy onion and micro greens. The sesame seasoning and toast give it a crunch and a good dusting of flavor, but not too overpowering. It’s a great overall complete dish with creamy, rich, tangy, and earthy.

Spicy and hearty are two good words to describe our main entrees, Nashville Hot Chicken Biscuit and the Seasonal Hash. Our favorite dish of the day, the Nashville Hot Chicken Biscuit, has it all! This spicy bite starts crunchy, tender, and sweet then the kick on the back of the throat is JUST RIGHT. It’s the perfect flavor combination from the warm and sweet honey to the crispy and hearty biscuit, then the crunchy and spicy chicken. The best bite is as you let the biscuit sit in the honey, it becomes a little soft and sucks in all the flavors: spicy, sweet, sassy! Divine. On the other hand, the Seasonal Hash is a staple dish for a hearty appetite. Bright sauce topped with tender, crisp fingerling potatoes that pop in your mouth. Then, tangy onions, peppers round out the hash and topped with a rich, hearty, runny egg. Let the egg run out and mix with the mixture below, that’s the ticket!

After our brunch, we strolled through the rest of the downtown area, with green space, and shops that we thoroughly enjoyed as well. What do you want to try at Good Word Brewing?

LOVE, TITO’S BLOCK TO BLOCK AND FOOD WELL ALLIANCE TEAM UP TO REVITALIZE LOCAL GARDEN FOR REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT GROWERS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/29/21

Volunteers Needed for Garden Service Project on Friday, September 10, 2021

 

WHO: Love, Tito’s Block to Block program has teamed up with Food Well Alliance to make significant enhancements to Decatur’s Kitchen Garden, a unique garden space in Atlanta for refugee and immigrant growers led by Global Growers Network in collaboration with the City of Decatur. The produce grown at this site reflects the diverse nationalities and agricultural heritage of the area.

WHAT: Outdoor enthusiasts, garden-obsessed, and those who just like to lend a hand, are all needed to take part in a single-day service project, which will include fun hands-on projects like, weeding the herb garden to prepare it for replanting, installing new debris bins around the garden, watering and mulching fruit trees, and more. For community members who are unable to volunteer but still want to get involved, the garden will be holding a garden tool drive and accepting new items like trowels, shovels, gloves, and soil, on the day of the project. These in-kind donations can be brought to Decatur’s Kitchen Garden on the same day as the service project. Sign up to volunteer and/or donate directly to Food Well Alliance below.

 

WHEN: Friday, September 10, 2021, from 8:30 am to 12 pm

 

WHERE: Decatur’s Kitchen Garden – 500 S Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030

THE BATTERY ATLANTA SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/29/21

Live music, exclusive dining deals and outdoor events happening at Cobb County’s fan-favorite destination

The Battery Atlanta welcomes families and friends to discover another month of action-packed fun at Cobb County’s premier live-work-play campus. This September, guests can enjoy Free Pizza Monday at CRU Food & Wine Bar and Free Kid’s Meals at Goldberg’s Fine Foods on Tuesdays. For a late-night adventure, visitors will be able to dance the night away with festive, live music and a selective menu at El Super Pan’s Noche Tropical on Saturday nights. The Coca Cola Roxy will also be buzzing all month long with live performances, including eight opportunities to see Emmy-award winning comedian, John Mulaney.

Viva Tequila Festival
Sept. 25 from 12-9 p.m.
Sip and savor over 25 hand-crafted Mexican tequilas at the one-of-a-kind Viva Tequila Festival hosted by The Battery Atlanta. In addition to the tequila varieties, chefs from across Atlanta will be featuring deliciously curated small dishes that pair perfectly with a range of Blanco, Reposado and Añjeo tequilas. Guests will also be treated to live, world-class entertainment. To purchase tickets for the all-day event or after party, visit vivatequilafestival.com.

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

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

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

  • Konica Minolta Conference Center (parking available in Delta Deck)
    Sept. 13 at 9 a.m.

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

Select Retail and Restaurant Promotions:
Free Pizza Mondays at CRU Food & Wine Bar
Diners are treated to a FREE pizza with a bottle of wine purchase!

Kids Eat Free Tuesdays at Goldberg’s Fine Foods
Families can take advantage of a free kids’ menu item with the purchase of one adult meal at the New York style deli and restaurant.

Half Off Bar Bites and Drinks Specials Monday through Thursdays at Silverspot Cinema
Moviegoers can enjoy half price bar bites and drinks while taking in a feature film.

Noche Tropical Saturday at El Super Pan
Enjoy tropical getaway vibes from 11 p.m.-1 a.m.! The sandwich bar features the best tunes, late-night menu and dancing.

Sunday Service Industry Night at TAPS at Ph’East
Service industry employees can access all drink specials every Sunday starting at 9 p.m.

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

  • Karaoke Wednesday at Park Bench

Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 9 p.m.

  • Rickey T. Cole Acoustic/Electric Party-Country Hits

Thursday, Sept. 2 at 9:30 p.m. – Sunday, Sept. 11 at 5 p.m.

  • Dueling Pianos Show

Friday, Sept. 3 at 9 p.m. – Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 5 p.m.

  • Rockin 3 Player Dueling Pianos Show

Saturday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m.

  • Caleb Little Acoustic Party Hits – Following the Braves Game

Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 10 p.m.

  • Dave Lawson Duo – Following the Braves Game

Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 10 p.m.

  • Dueling Pianos – Following the Braves Game

Thursday, Sept. 9 at 10 p.m.

  • Rickey T Cole Party-Country Hits Show – Following the Braves Game

Friday, Sept. 10 at 10 p.m.

  • Hayden Coffman

Friday, Sept. 17 at 8:30 p.m.

  • Rockin 3 Player Dueling Pianos Show

Saturday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.

  • Karaoke Wednesday at Park Bench

Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 10 p.m.

  • Dueling Pianos Show

Thursday, Sept. 23 at 9 p.m.

  • Rockin 3 Player Dueling Pianos Show

Saturday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.

  • Rickey T Cole Acoustic/Electric Party-Country Hits Show – Following the Braves Game

Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 10 p.m.

  • Dueling Pianos – Following the Braves Game

Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 10 p.m.

Coca-Cola Roxy Events:
The Battery Atlanta’s iconic concert venue is gearing up for a full range of live-performances! This month, Coca-Cola Roxy brings today’s top hits and award-winning comedy to the stage. Review enhanced venue safety guidelines here.

  • Rod Wave

Wednesday, Sept. 1 at 8 p.m.

  • Cody Johnson

Thursday, Sept. 2 at 8 p.m.

  • Glass Animals

Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 8 p.m.

  • Good Vibes Summer Tour 2021: Rebelution + Special Guests

Friday, Sept. 15 at 8 p.m.

  • John Mulaney: From Scratch

Thursday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 17 at 9:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 18 at 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

  • Sylvan Esso

Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 8 p.m.

An up-to-date list of restaurant and retailer happenings is available on the website. Details and hours of operation are subject to change. Visitors are asked to follow public safety guidelines while on property.

WILD HEAVEN BEER LAUNCHES NEW MUSIC VENUE IN ATLANTA’S WEST END

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/29/21

Mississippi Invasion Show Labor Day September 4th, featuring Cedric Burnside, Cary Hudson, and The Weeks
 
As our city emerges from a year apart and looks forward, Wild Heaven Beer, Georgia’s 4th oldest production craft brewery, has converted nearly 6000 square feet of space at its West End Brewery & Gardens location into The Garden Club. The state-of-the-art music venue, uniquely situated inside an operating craft brewery, will play host to a wide array of events, most notably live music.  With a capacity of 500+ and the ability to host shows with significant outside airflow, best-in-class air filtration, and ample parking, The Garden Club at Wild Heaven West End sits alone in the Atlanta music scene.
On Saturday, September 4, Wild Heaven Presents Mississippi Invasion 2021 featuring a tripleheader of headliners back-to-back-to-back: Cary Hudson of Blue Mountain (Americana) at 6pm, followed by 2x Grammy Nominee Cedric Burnside (Blues) at 8pm, and finally The Weeks (Rock) at 10pm. Mississippi Invasion 2021 coincides with a big weekend of college football kickoff games in Atlanta featuring Alabama vs. Miami (Saturday, September 4) and Ole Miss vs. Louisville (Monday, September 6). As a result, football fans in town looking for things to do will find little better than the Mississippi Invasion.
 
Tickets are $45 in advance and $55 day of show via Freshtix at wildheaven.freshtix.com. Doors open at 5pm. This is an all ages. Food is available onsite via the Wild Heaven Kitchen.
 
Wild Heaven takes guest safety seriously and, to that end, has installed the fastest-working, most advanced air filtration system we could find. The ionization-based system targets pathogens (including COVID-19) mold and dust particles and removes 99.5% of them within thirty minutes of introduction. In addition, ticket holders must present proof of vaccination or negative COVID test no more than 72 hours old.
ABOUT GARDEN CLUB AT WILD HEAVEN WEST END
The Garden Club at Wild Heaven West End is inside the Wild Heaven West End brewery located at 1010 White St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. Tickets to The Garden Club shows are available via Freshtix at wildheaven.freshtix.com. The Garden Club features a lineup of fresh brewed Wild Heaven beer and hard seltzer, along with non-alcoholic beverage options. Food is available onsite via the Wild Heaven Kitchen. The Garden Club features an advanced ionization air filtration, ensuring 99.5% of pathogens, dust, and viral particles are eliminated within 30 minutes of introduction.

A LITTLE DIFFERENT BUT STILL A LOT OF FUN, DRAGON CON RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN ATLANTA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/24/21

Dragon Con, the internationally known science fiction, fantasy, and gaming convention, returns to downtown Atlanta for Labor Day weekend, balancing the awesome joy of a large pop culture gathering with significant efforts to reduce the spread of COVID.

Fans wearing the latest cosplay will be seen in downtown Atlanta for the first time since 2019. Cultural icon William Shatner, Oscar nominees Edward James Olmos and Mary McDonnell, and a host of other celebrities from the worlds of television, movies, comics, literature, and gaming will be on hand to greet fans, lead discussions, and sign autographs during this year’s convention.

An estimated 40,000 people are expected to attend Dragon Con, now in its 35th year, over the five-day Labor Day Weekend – Sept. 2 to Sept. 6 – with events and activities across AmericasMart Buildings One and Two and five host hotels – Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta, Westin Peachtree, and Sheraton Atlanta.

Still, Dragon Con has implemented a series of protocols to help reduce the spread of COVID, including a requirement that all attendees show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of arriving at the convention in order to pick up their badges.

Only badge-holding Dragon Con members will be allowed to watch this year’s Dragon Con Parade from city sidewalks along the parade route.  Instead, we encourage people to stay home and watch the parade on CW69 or YouTube.

Other changes include requiring all fans to wear a mask while inside a convention venue and a 50 percent reduction in the number of memberships sold for this year’s convention.

No badges will be sold on site. If badges are available, they will be available through www.Growtix.com.

For fans who are not comfortable attending a live convention, Dragon Con Goes Virtual is a live-streamed version of the convention with live convention coverage as well as exclusive pre-recorded content and highlights from past conventions that fans can enjoy from the comfort of their own home in the company of close friends and family.  A Dragon Con Goes Virtual subscription is $10.

Guests – In addition to Star Trek’s Shatner and Battlestar Galactica’s Olmos and McDonnell, Doctor Who’s Christopher Eccleston and Billie Piper, Star Trek Discovery’s Sonequa Martin Green and Mary Wiseman, and a brace of Supermen – Smallville’s Tom Welling and Superman and Lois’ Taylor Hoechlin – lead a parade of stars from some of the best-known television and movies of the last 40 years.

More than 200 guests – actors, authors, artists, and creators of all kinds – will lead panel discussions and meet with fans, who will recognize guests from Shazam!, The Boys, American Gods, The Walking Dead, the Harry Potter franchise, and Supernatural, as well as voice actors from animated series The Animaniacs, Star Wars the Clone Wars, and Steven Universe, and video games Overwatch, Duke Nukem, and Mass Effect.

For an older generation of fans, the convention also welcomes Kathy Coleman and Wesley Eure from the Sid & Marty Krofft-produced Saturday morning television series Land of the Lost.

Hall of Fame professional wrestler Diamond Dallas Page will appear at Thursday Night Wrestling and meet with fans during the convention.

Gaming – One of the largest gaming conventions in the nation, Dragon Con offers a basement full of games, from the latest and most popular video games to rarely seen board games, along with discussions with the game designers responsible for the games people love to play.

Overall, Dragon Con offers more than 140,000 square feet of gaming, featuring the full array of gaming including PC and console games, board games, miniatures gaming, role-playing games, collectable card games, and even LARP games. ‘Round the clock gaming is free to Dragon Con members starting Thursday, Sept. 2 at 4 pm.

In addition to all the gaming in Americas Mart Building One and Westin Peachtree Hotel, Joystick Game Bar will hold an American arcade experience with tons of favorite – and free to play for Dragon Con members – cabinet games at 161 Peachtree Center Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303, from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. each day.  A $10 cover is required for non-members.

Cosplay – Dragon Con is well known for the quality of its cosplay – or costume play – and that tradition will certainly continue. The nation’s top cosplayers will show off their best work during the show, participating in costume contests every night of the convention and promenading throughout the five host hotels and the streets of downtown Atlanta.

Cosplay competitions remain a mainstay of Dragon Con, including the queen of competitions, Dragon Con Masquerade, the oldest continuously-run competition in fandom, as well as the craftsmanship-focused Friday Night Costume Contest and the low-key and fan-voted Hallway Costume Contest, which will also have a virtual component for those fans joining the convention from home.

Parade – The world-famous Dragon Con Parade will be broadcast live on CW69 (WUPA-TV) and YouTube beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4.

Only badge-holding Dragon Con members can watch this year’s Dragon Con parade from route, a health and safety measure adopted to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Official Charity – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta is the official charity for 2021.

Since 2013, the convention has consistently raised more than $100,000 for each of its annual official charities, including a dollar-for-dollar match from the convention up to an additional $100,000.  Funds are raised through convention-based auctions, special merchandise sales, special events, and the convention match.

In addition to fundraising, Dragon Con conducts the largest convention-based blood drive in the nation. In 2019, some 3,000 fans donated more than 6,000 units of blood and blood products in the annual Robert A. Heinlein “Pay It Forward” blood drive, benefiting LifeSouth, which serves more than 40 hospitals in the Atlanta area and 110 hospitals in the Southeast.

About Dragon Con

Dragon Con is the internationally known pop culture convention held each Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 2 -Sept. 6, 2021) in Atlanta. Organized for fans, Dragon Con features more than 3,500 hours of comics, film, television, costuming, art, music, and gaming over four days. For more information, please visit www.dragoncon.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.