Tag Archive for: festival

PANDA FEST DEBUTING IN GEORGIA THIS SPRING FOR A CELEBRATIONOF AAPI FOOD, PERFORMANCE, AND CULTURE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/13/24

APRIL 4-6, 2025


Festival Tickets Go on Sale This Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m.

Atlanta’s pandas may have had to return to China last year, but panda lovers have something new to look forward to this spring! Panda Fest is bringing an interactive panda-themed food and cultural experience to Atlanta happening April 4-6, 2025! Taking place at Atlantic Station’s Pinnacle Lot, this event is one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the U.S. featuring experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that highlight the vibrant foods, arts and cultural traditions across Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) cultures.
 
Panda Fest was created by the founders of Dragon Fest, one of the largest Asian food and culture festivals in the nation. Panda Fest originated as a one-day event called Panda Day, featuring panda-themed foods, activities, games, and raffles. Beloved by many, demand grew, and now, Panda Fest has evolved into a multi-day experience that will be featured in a number of U.S. cities throughout 2025 with Atlanta serving as the first destination outside of New York.
 
“We’re thrilled to bring Panda Fest to the vibrant city of Atlanta,” said BiuBiu Xu, Founder of Panda Fest. “This family-friendly event offers a unique and exciting opportunity for people of all backgrounds to come together and learn about, experience and celebrate AAPI cultures. Along with our amazing vendors traveling from New York to showcase their incredible foods and crafts, we’ll also have local vendors from Atlanta to create a rich and diverse cultural experience. We’re excited to make Panda Fest a memorable event for Atlanta’s dynamic community for years to come.”
 
Panda Fest will take attendees on a culinary journey through Asia, with a lineup of 100+ food stalls and trucks serving over 300 types of delicious cuisine from countries like China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and more. Festivalgoers will also experience a market fair with over 20 vendors selling crafts, clothing, accessories, and other merchandise inspired by Asian culture, including traditional calligraphy art, artisanal t-shirts, and more. Of course, panda-themed items and fun will be on full display throughout the festival, including a massive 15-foot inflatable panda, a panda bounce ring, and vendors offering panda-themed treats and trinkets. Panda Fest will also feature live cultural performances and craft demonstrations, with highlights including lion dance shows, theatrical acts, K-pop dance routines, sugar painting, paper cutting, and more. Those interested in becoming a vendor, sponsor or participant in this year’s Panda Fest can apply here.
 
Tickets for Panda Fest will go on sale on Wednesday, Jan. 15. There will be a limited number of Early Bird tickets available through Sunday, Feb. 9 at 10 p.m. Each ticket will cover admission to the festival, with General Admission tickets including two free gifts (one customized festival pin and an inflatable panda headband) and VIP tickets including access to VIP bathrooms, experiences, a VIP bar, and an additional gift (a festival bag). For more information and to purchase tickets once they go live, visit the Panda Fest website at www.pandafests.com. Stay tuned on the Panda Fest Instagram (@pandafestatlanta) for all the latest information on the festival. Panda Fest is a rain or shine event.

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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.

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.  

ENJOY FREE FALL FESTIVITIES AT THE AVENUE WEST COBB’S ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/20/24

Celebrate spooky season with fall favorites including trick-or-treating, strolling

entertainers and movie characters, a pet costume contest and much more

The Avenue West Cobb, an outdoor lifestyle shopping center, is celebrating the year’s spookiest season with their annual Fall Festival held on Thursday, October 31 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

“The season filled with cozy sweaters and frightful delights is finally upon us! The Avenue West Cobb is kicking off another wonderful holiday season with our beloved fall festival featuring activities for everyone in the family,” said John Liu, general manager at The Avenue West Cobb. “Whether you’re bringing the kids to collect their sweet treats or dressing up your furry friends for our first-ever pet costume contest, you’re certain to have an incredible time.”

Free and open to the public, the Fall Festival is the perfect way to enjoy Halloween in a fun, family-friendly environment. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in store-to-store trick-or-treating and pick up delicious candy treats from their favorite tenants around The Avenue. Additional activities include pumpkin picking, a creepy crawlers exhibit, a kid’s maze, a balloonist, magician and face painter, as well as strolling entertainers and movie characters. Fall Festival attendees can also capture photos at a special photo backdrop near Barnes & Noble.

In addition to these activities, Marietta community members can dress up their furry friends and bring them along for the fun to enter them into the center’s first-ever pet costume contest. Categories include best costume, funniest costume, scariest costume and best group costume. Winners will receive a ribbon, free dog toy and bragging rights. 

The event is weather permitting. For more information, please visit https://www.avenuewestcobb.com. 

LIGHT UP YOUR OCTOBER AT ATLANTIC STATION’S DIWALI FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/14/24

Tuesday, 10/29 from 6-10pm

Atlantic Station is partnering with Atlanta Film Society, a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant arts community, known for supporting independent artists and hosting the prestigious Atlanta Film Festival, and NaanStop, a popular family-owned Indian restaurant located in Atlantic Station, to light up your October with its inaugural Diwali Festival. Known as the festival of lights, Diwali is a cherished holiday celebrated across India and worldwide. Serving as the conclusion of the festival season, the festival gets its name from the row (avail) of clay lamps (deepa) that people light outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness. Join Atlantic Station for an unforgettable night of cultural celebration.

This vibrant event will kick off with a Bollywood movie screening of the classic “Dil to Pagal Hai” (1997) at 6 p.m., followed by various festive activities, including:

  • Traditional Indian dance performances and décor
  • Mehndi (henna tattoos)
  • Craft stations
  • Instagram-worthy moments

In addition to complimentary activities, guests can purchase Indian food from NaanStop, delicious Indian cocktails and chai, and shop from various specialty vendors.

This is a unique opportunity to experience India’s sights, sounds, and tastes right in the heart of Atlanta. Whether it’s your first Diwali or you’ve celebrated before, this is a night you won’t want to miss! Click here for up-to-date event information.

STONE MOUNTAIN PARK HOSTS 23RD ANNUAL NATIVE AMERICAN FESTIVAL & POW WOW

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/25/24

The Native American Festival & Pow Wow begins Oct. 31 and runs through Nov. 3. With multiple tribes represented, the festival is considered the largest gathering of its kind in Georgia and a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society.

Held at Stone Mountain Park’s Historic Square, visitors will experience the southeast’s premier Native American cultural festival through dance, music, interactive educational displays, authentic craft demonstrations, cooking traditions, storytelling, wildlife presentations, and more.

The event showcases cultural and educational activities for families to experience. Discover the central role of dance in native culture as Native Americans from across the U.S. and Central America compete in intertribal dance and drum competitions. Learn about primitive skills such as flint-knapping, bow-making, fire-starting, open-fire cooking, and pottery. Guests can explore an encampment showing the lifestyle of local and regional historic Native American cultures where they can crawl inside tipis and other traditional native dwellings.

The four-day festival also includes an artists’ marketplace where shoppers will find one-of-a-kind items. World-renowned Native and Native-inspired artists and crafters demonstrate their skills and offer hand-crafted items for sale.

Dates and times for the festival are as follows:

Thursday and Friday | Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 | 9 AM to 3 PM

Saturday | Nov. 2 | 10:00 AM to 5 PM

Sunday | Nov. 3 | 10:00 AM to 5 PM

For tickets and information, please visit www.stonemountainpark.com or call 478-478-6686.

School groups interested in attending may contact the group sales office through this booking link

or 770-498-5636.

Listed in Frommer’s 500 Places to Visit with Your Kids Before They Grow Up and cited by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of “35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See Before You Die,” Stone Mountain Park is located 15 miles east of downtown Atlanta. For more information, visit www.stonemountainpark.com, or follow on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

BLUE HOUND BARBECUE PRESENTS FIRST EVER SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN SMOKE & HARVEST

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/14/24

North Georgia BBQ Joint Debuts Seasonal Event with Traditional ‘Cue, Regionally-inspired Specials and Craft Beer from Currahee Brewing Company 

Blue Hound Barbecue & Grill is thrilled to announce its first-ever Southern Appalachian Smoke & Harvest, an event celebrating fall flavors and the restaurant’s new Southern Appalachian-inspired specials crafted by Owner Kyle Bryner and his team. On Sunday, October 6, Dillard, GA locals and folks traveling toward the mountains are invited to enjoy this ticketed dining experience while sipping on brews from local Currahee Brewing Company. 

From 4:00-8:00 p.m., guests can drop in and feast on fall specials like whole roasted hog featuring locally raised Meishan Pork, Beetroot Cured & Smoked Appalachian Mountain Trout, Roasted Root Vegetable Crudite with Boiled Peanut Hummus and an Apple Cider Funnel Cake Station in addition to traditional Blue Hound favorites like Brasstown Beef Brisket, Grits & Greens Casserole, Smoked Turkey and more. 

“At Blue Hound Barbecue, our menu serves as a tribute to the culinary traditions of Southern Appalachia, and we pull inspiration from Texas-style ‘cue and regionally-inspired classics to create distinct, well-rounded, Mountain-style barbecue,” said Owner Kyle Bryner. “This seasonal Southern Appalachian Smoke & Harvest was a way to both showcase our fall specials to guests and bring an exciting event to our North Georgia community.”

Tickets cost $55 when purchased in advance online here and $60 at the door which include an all-you-can-eat barbecue experience. Currahee Brewing Co., a North Carolina-based brewery with locations in Franklin, NC, Clayton, GA and Alpharetta, GA, will be providing beers on tap and two canned beers for $5 per beverage at a cash-only bar.

For more information, please visit Blue Hound Barbecue’s website. To view the restaurant’s latest menu, please click here. Be sure to follow along on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. 

STONE MOUNTAIN PARK HOSTS 56TH ANNUAL YELLOW DAISY FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/3/24

South’s largest outdoor arts and crafts show Sept. 5 – 8

Featuring over 400 artists from across the United States, Stone Mountain Park’s 56th annual Yellow Daisy Festival will take place Sept. 5 – 8.  Voted one of the top arts and crafts shows in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine, a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event, and winner of multiple awards by the Southeast Festival and Events Association, the event is a tradition for multi-generational shoppers searching for unique handcrafted works of art.

Returning for the third year is the Yellow Daisy Vintage Village! Located within the lower meadow of the Yellow Daisy Festival, this highly curated village of vendors will showcase antiques, vintage collectibles, and amazing farmhouse chic home goods, furniture, and décor.

Festival crafters and artists are selected from a pool of applicants by the Yellow Daisy Festival jury to display their distinctive handmade work in categories including pottery, fabric, painting, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, photography, fine arts, and traditional arts and crafts.

During all four days of the festival, guests can watch live entertainment on the main stage including Rock, Pop, Country, Gospel, DJs, and more. A beer garden will offer a place to rest, relax, and refresh before venturing out to discover more hand-crafted wares. Food trucks and festival food will also be on hand to satisfy any cravings.

Returning to the Yellow Daisy Festival this year is the highly anticipated featured artist. Meet Jodi Hatfield, the featured artist for 2024. “Growing up on a ranch in Arizona, I always enjoyed the outdoors and animals around me. They always brought me happiness. Water coloring was the perfect medium for me to create. I wanted these paintings whimsical and fun, yet believable too. I hope these images can remind you of a happy memory, or maybe the trait of a friend, or reflection of a loved one. If they’ve made you smile, I’m grateful.”

Located in the park’s Special Events Meadow, admission to the festival is FREE with paid parking

Festival dates are September 5 – 8

Festival hours are Thursday & Sunday | 8 AM – 5 PM, Friday & Saturday | 8 AM – 6 PM

For more information about the Yellow Daisy Festival, please visit the Yellow Daisy Festival Frequently Asked Questions website. Listed in Frommer’s 500 Places to Visit with Your Kids Before They Grow Up and cited by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of “35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See Before You Die,” Stone Mountain Park is located 15 miles east of downtown Atlanta. For directions, information about attractions, and hours of operation, please call 1-800-401-2407 or visit  www.stonemountainpark.com.

UPCOMING ATLANTA BEER FESTIVAL AND ATLANTA WINE FESTIVAL EVENTS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/2/24

Acworth Mimosa Festival (new event!)

  • Location: Logan Farm Park in Historic Downtown Acworth
  • Date/time: Saturday, September 14, 2024, 1pm-5pm
  • Featuring our favorite brunch drink, mimosas! We will also have specialty mimosa flavors, Brunch Punch, wine, seltzer and beer. Great food, live music, and college football.
  • Your ticket includes entry, all alcohol samples, and entertainment. Food will cost extra.
  • Tickets: HERE. $45 advance, $50 after Sept. 5, and $60 at the gate; First 500 tickets bought online are just $35!

Atlanta Mimosa Festival

  • Location: Atlantic Station Event Space
  • Date/time: Saturday, October 19, 2024, 1pm to 5pm
  • Mimosas, Extra mimosa flavors, Brunch Punch, wine, beer & White Claw; Live Music, College Football, and DJ Qtip
  • Tickets include: entry, entertainment, souvenir cup, and all mimosa and other alcohol samples, food will cost extra
  • Tickets. On Sale 9/4. $50 Advance, $55 after Oct. 10, $65 at the gate* Unless sold out; First 500 of each session just $40

SAVE THE DATE FOR THESE FREE FALL FESTIVALS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/16/24

While we’re experiencing the deep heat of summer, the promise of cooler days ahead makes it the perfect time to announce Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces’ 2024 fall festival lineup. Starting with the Buckhead Arts Festival on the first day of fall and wrapping up with the always magical Piedmont Holiday Gift Market, this year’s festivals offer art and entertainment lovers countless opportunities to sip, shop, stroll, eat, and play—all for free and for the entire family (and pups). 

Sip, Shop and Stroll at the Buckhead Arts Festival

Held in the heart of Buckhead, the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces will once again present the Buckhead Arts Festival on Saturday, September 21 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, September 22, 2024 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The two-day outdoor arts festival will feature approximately 100 painters, photographers, sculptors, metalworkers, glass artists, jewelers, and more. Festival goers can celebrate the arrival of fall while shopping, strolling, and enjoying artist demonstrations and high-energy DJs. The festival will also offer a variety of food and beverage options from vendors and merchants in Buckhead Village. Free to attend, the Buckhead Arts Festival (259 Buckhead Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30305) is open to all ages, and leashed dogs are welcome. For more information, visit buckheadartsfestival.com or www.affps.com.

Celebrate Creativity at Sandy Springs Fall Arts Festival

Sandy Springs Fall Arts Festival  returns on Saturday, September 14 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, September 15, 2024 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 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 and a variety of food trucks for all tastes. The festival is free to attend, open to all ages, and dogs are welcome.  For more information about Sandy Springs Artsapalooza (6100 Lake Forrest Dr. NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328), please visit sandyspringsartsapalooza.com  or  www.affps.com. 

Live Artfully at the Fall Festival on Ponce

Presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, the Fall Festival on Ponce will be held on Saturday, October 5 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. 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 Fall Festival on Ponce (Olmsted Linear Park,1451 Ponce de Leon Avenue, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30307) 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. Stay connected on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/festivalonponce. 

Fall Family Fun at the 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  12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, October 13, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The two-day festival will once again be held in Historic Fourth Ward Park, 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 DJs, 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. Stay connected on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OldFourthWardParkArtsFestival.

Kickstart Holiday Shopping at Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival

The Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival will return to the beautiful Chastain Park in Buckhead on Saturday, November 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Produced by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, this award-winning, two-day festival will feature more than 185 artists, including painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metal craft artisans, glass blowers, and jewelers. Event goers are invited to enjoy a children’s area, view artist demonstrations, participate in hands-on activities, and explore a variety of offerings from food trucks and vendors while listening to lively sets from local DJs. Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival (Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Dr., Atlanta, GA 30327) is free to attend, open to all ages, and dogs are welcome. For more information, please visit www.chastainparkartsfestival.com and www.affps.com. Stay connected on Facebook at /www.facebook.com/ChastainArtFest.

Art, Eats & Entertainment: Experience the Uncommon Bizarre at Piedmont Park

The Uncommon Bizarre, a lively two-day event produced by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, invites shoppers and event enthusiasts to Piedmont Park on Saturday, November 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, November 17, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Discover a diverse array of vendors, including talented makers, crafters, jewelers, photographers, and skilled artists in various mediums. Open to all ages, this family-friendly festival offers the perfect opportunity to shop, stroll, and mingle with juried artists while enjoying delicious fare from a variety of food trucks. The Uncommon Bizarre at Piedmont Park (1071 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309) is free to attend, open to all ages, and welcomes leashed dogs. For more information, please visit www.affps.com. Stay connected on Facebook at www.facebook.com/affps.

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Unwrap the Magic at the Piedmont Holiday Gift Market 

Get into the holiday spirit at the second annual Piedmont Holiday Gift Market. Presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, this festive two-day event will take place in Piedmont Park, right in the heart of Midtown, over Thanksgiving weekend. On Saturday, November 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., festivals goers are invited to sip on hot cocoa, listen to holiday music, and stroll through the park while exploring unique 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 and open to all ages, with dogs welcome too. For more information, visit www.affps.com.