Tag Archive for: festival

INDIE CRAFT EXPERIENCE RETURNS FOR ITS 21ST YEAR WITH 100+ INDEPENDENT MAKERS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/8/26

Atlanta’s Longest-Running Indie Craft Market Brings Two Days of Original Art, Handmade Goods, Creative Workshops and Local Food

to West Midtown Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6

Atlanta’s holiday shopping season gets an independent streak when Indie Craft Experience takes over LOOP in West Midtown on Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6. Now in its 21st year, Atlanta’s longest-running indie craft market will bring together more than 100 artists, makers, vintage curators and creative small businesses for two indoor days of original work, hands-on experiences, local food and one-of-a-kind finds.

The 2026 Winter Experience marks a new setting and a more focused chapter for the Atlanta institution. Owner and Creative Director Katrine Trantham, who took the helm during Indie Craft Experience’s 20th anniversary in 2025, has pared the annual calendar to two signature events, giving each market more room for selective curation, regional discovery and participatory programming.

“The holidays give us a chance to be more thoughtful about what we give and where it comes from,” says Trantham. “A handmade gift carries the story of the person who made it and the care of the person who chose it. Every purchase helps an artist keep creating. That connection is why Indie Craft Experience matters to me, and why I want a new generation of artists and shoppers to feel part of its future.”

The maker lineup crosses jewelry, ceramics, printmaking, illustration, fiber, leather, woodwork, fragrance, apothecary goods, vintage and small-batch food. Atlanta and regional names include 83M Jewelry, AJH Leather Designs, Blackbird Makers, Bromstad Printing Co., Curriculum Jewelry, Gummy Graveyard, Heather Greenway Jewelry, Jess Angelo Ceramics, Justin Ruff Candles, Little Bird Apothecary, Noosh! Studios, Othus Perfumery, People Eater, Stefani Threet Ceramics, Tuft Enough, Urbantu, Xocolatl Chocolate and dozens more. The mix places longtime Indie Craft Experience favorites alongside emerging makers, with originality and craftsmanship carrying more weight than trend or scale.

Beyond shopping, the weekend will offer plenty of ways for guests to get creative. The Tuftest Class in Town will introduce visitors to rug making, TopStitch will put guests at the sewing machine, and Atlanta Craft Club will host hands-on workshops. Chase Youth Programs will lead a creative stop for children, and Scraplanta, Indie Craft Experience’s official charity partner, will offer inventive gift wrapping in support of Atlanta’s sustainable art-supply resource. Seasonal cocktails, Charleston Coffee, Adari’s Shawarma, Speakcheesy and other local bites will also be on hand throughout the weekend.

The first 100 guests through the door each day will receive a complimentary tote featuring a design by local artist Emily Edison of Highwater Letterpress. A limited $20 VIP Weekend Ticket includes entry one hour before the public on Saturday at 10 a.m., admission throughout the weekend and an oversized tote designed and sewn by Blackbird Makers and hand-printed by Noosh! Studios.

The Winter Experience is also part of Handwork 2026, Craft in America’s nationwide initiative marking the United States semiquincentennial through exhibitions and programs recognizing handmade work and the craft traditions practiced across the country.

Indie Craft Winter Experience runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6, at LOOP, 665 Marietta Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30313. VIP entry begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. General admission tickets are $5 in advance, and onsite parking is $5. Sunday’s Last Call from 3 to 5 p.m. offers pay-what-you-want admission. Tickets and the complete lineup are available at indiecraftexperience.com. Follow @indiecraftexperience on Instagram for artist announcements and event updates.

SWEET AUBURN BARBECUE FIRES UP THE MCDONOUGH BBQ & BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/5/26

The Hsu Siblings Return to Their Henry County Roots for An Afternoon of Barbecue, 

Live Music, Family-Friendly Activities and Friendly Competition

Sweet Auburn Barbecue is bringing the smoke home. On Saturday, October 10, sibling owners Howard and Anita Hsu will host the inaugural McDonough BBQ & Bluegrass Festival from noon to 4 p.m. at Sweet Auburn Barbecue’s McDonough location in Henry Town Center.

The festival will bring together barbecue restaurants, pitmasters and pop-ups from across Georgia, each serving a menu created for the occasion. The lineup includes Sweet Auburn Barbecue, Terminus City Barbecue, Dhaba BBQ and NO Sauce Smokehouse.

Sweet Auburn Barbecue will serve Chinese Spare Ribs, Wu Tang Wings, Smoked Braised Brisket and Smokehouse Fried Rice. Dhaba BBQ will bring its Indian-inspired approach to the smoker with Tandoori Chicken Sandos, Tikka Pulled Pork and Nihari Oxtails. Terminus City Barbecue, the Eastern North Carolina-style barbecue concept, will serve Chopped Smoked Pork, BBQ Chicken Fritters and Potato Salad. NO Sauce Smokehouse will round out the lineup with its Sloppy Toppy Sandwich, Lobster Mac and Hot Honey Smoked Wings.

Guests can taste their way through the festival before casting their vote in the People’s Choice competition to crown a festival favorite. Dusty Roads will perform live bluegrass throughout the afternoon, with Jason “JT” Thompson serving as the festival MC. Family-friendly attractions will include a Kids Zone, a fire engine and a lineup of local vendors. Select ticketed guests will also have the chance to take home prizes throughout the day.

For Howard and Anita, hosting the festival in McDonough is a return to where their family’s restaurant story began. Their parents opened Hunan Village in Henry County in 1980, the county’s first Chinese restaurant, establishing roots in the community that have now spanned more than four decades. After graduating from the University of Georgia, Howard and Anita continued the family tradition by opening their first restaurant, Gezzo’s, in McDonough. Sweet Auburn Barbecue later began with a food truck and a stall inside Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn Curb Market before the Hsu’s opened the restaurant’s Poncey-Highland flagship in 2014. In December 2022, they brought Sweet Auburn Barbecue back to Henry County with the opening of its second location in McDonough.

“Anita and I didn’t just grow up in Henry County. We grew up in its restaurants,” says Sweet Auburn Barbecue co-owner Howard Hsu. “Our parents put us to work early, and that’s where we learned how food can bring an entire community together. We invited some pitmasters we really respect to come cook with us, and we’re going to let everyone eat, listen to some great music and argue over who makes the best barbecue. That sounds like a pretty great Saturday to me.”

The McDonough location combines traditional Southern barbecue with the Asian influences and family traditions that have shaped Sweet Auburn Barbecue from the beginning. Those roots can be found in dishes including the pimento cheese wontons, brisket egg rolls and Smokehouse Fried Rice, all inspired in part by the flavors and food Howard and Anita grew up around at Hunan Village.

“One of the best parts of being in the restaurant business is having the opportunity to support other people,” says Sweet Auburn Barbecue co-owner Anita Hsu. “There is so much talent in this lineup, and every team has worked hard to create food that is completely their own. We get to share that with Henry County, celebrate the people behind it and have a lot of fun along the way. If everyone leaves full and finds a new favorite, we’ve done our job.”

Tickets to Sweet Auburn Barbecue’s McDonough BBQ & Bluegrass Fest are on sale now for $45 for adults and $25 for kids at sweetauburnbbq.com. Admission includes access to barbecue from all participating pitmasters. Adult and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase during the event. Sweet Auburn Barbecue is located at 1828 Jonesboro Road in McDonough. For updates, visit sweetauburnbbq.com and follow @sweetauburnbbq  and @sweetauburnbbq_mcd on Instagram.

SHAKY KNEES 2026 – DAY 3

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/21/26

The last and final day of the Shaky Knees festival came and went too fast! The final day was the big grand finale with so many musical acts to catch that it was a glorious whirlwind of music! On top of that it was so hot all weekend, standing in the hot sun to sing to your favorite songs? Yes, a lot of sweat couldn’t keep us away from acts we had never seen. And none of the music from Sunday I had seen so it was a treat, like Coheed and Cambria and OK GO.

Let’s start with my two favorite performances of the day: Coheed and Cambria and Ok Go.

Coheed and Cambria has been on my list for such a long time to check out but timing was never right. This progressive rock band out of New York came out swinging with two of their bigger hits, A Favor House Atlantic and Blood Red Summer . For me that was a treat because those are two of the songs that I definitely wanted to hear! As for Coheed’s sound, true story, I thought the lead singer, Sanchez, might be a girl when I first heard them. My husband, John, laughed and said no. But, their sound is just so unique with peppy vocals on some songs and screaming on another with tons of grunge, punk, and rock riffs. We really enjoyed their show’s visuals and energy.

OK GO has some of the coolest 2000s videos around and when they announced they would be coming through Shaky Knees, I knew I had to see them. OK GO is a late 90s formed rock band out of LA that put peppy lyrics with fun guitar and drums, while many of their songs were dance-y (is that a word?). They are just a fun band to watch and enjoy even if you don’t know their songs. The moment of the festival happened here! The sound went out on them from the sound booth and the lead singer, Damian, came out into the media pit near the center and stood and sang acoustic. It was very close to us so that was a treat to get such a rare quiet performance from such a lively band. Also, they sang two songs I wanted to hear Here It Goes Again and Upside Down & Inside Out. Overall, a good show.

As for the rest, we enjoyed them all, as well.

We started the day with Violet Grohl, daughter of Dave Grohl, and she follows in his footsteps with powerful rock and grunge elements yet soft melodious vocals. Next was Coheed and OK Go we talked about above. After that was Modest Mouse with fun lyrics, rock riffs and he tried to play the guitar blindfolded. On to Wu tang Clan who brought their A game with their old school rap vibes that was a refreshing change of pace for the mostly rock festival.

The performance and band we really wanted to see were Gorilllaz. The Dare album with De La Sol is one of my favorite from the 2000s and their first few albums are chocked full of goodies. They played a heavy mix of new albums with a few older gems sprinkled throughout but what was stunning was their visual show. It was their typical cast of characters like 2-D (lead singer) and Noodle (bassist) playing instruments or portions of their iconic music videos. They did end the night out with Feel Good Inc and a few of the Dare album songs that we heard walking out. I wish they had played some a little earlier, but overall people did seem to enjoy the show.

Just a note: we missed day 2 as we got there about 6:30 pm and a thunderstorm evacuated us right after. We didn’t see bands that day.

TASTE & BREWS MUSIC FEST 2026

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/4/26

Taste & Brews Music Fest Returns to Etowah River Park with Full Music Lineup, 20+ Vendors, and Seasonal Brews
The Kränberries & Def Van Jovi Crüe Headline the Ultimate Free Fall Festival in Canton This September

The countdown is on for North Georgia’s premier fall celebration. Taste & Brews Music Fest officially returns to the scenic Etowah River Park for a full weekend of ice-cold craft brews, incredible live music, and diverse culinary flavors. Taking place Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, this family-friendly festival offers a vibrant community atmosphere with completely free admission and parking.

Presented by Window World, Taste & Brews Music Fest is the ultimate weekend getaway for live music fans, dedicated foodies, and craft beer connoisseurs alike. The festival celebrates the rich culinary traditions of the South within a vibrant, community-focused atmosphere.

Highlights of the 2026 Taste & Brews Music Fest include:

  • Finalized Culinary Lineup: With over 20 diverse food vendors, including Sweet Auburn BBQ, Lobster Dogs, and Hibachi Rito, attendees can feast on everything from smoky Southern barbecue and savory tacos to innovative Latin-inspired creations.
  • Expanded Brews: Quench your thirst with a massive selection of seasonal craft beers from local favorites like Reformation, Monday Night & Tucker Brewing.
  • Local Markets & Shopping: Shop local at the festival’s Farmers Market, offering artisanal goods such as local honey, baked goods, seasonings & sauces. Guests can also browse an expansive Arts & Crafts market filled with unique, handmade finds.

The Final 2026 Entertainment Lineup

Saturday, September 12, 2026
11:00 AM: School of Rock Woodstock
12:30 PM: Bedhead  – 80’s & 90’s Hits
2:00 PM: Def Van Jovi Crüe – Rock Tribute
5:00 PM: The Kränberries – Rock Party BandSunday, September 13, 2026
11:00 AM: School of Rock West Cobb
1:00 PM: Red Oaks Band – Country Rock (Athens, GA)
2:30PM: Back by Popular Demand – Women of Rock Tribute
5:00PM: Marty Manous – Blues Rock

“Whether you’re coming for the music, the food, or the community, Taste & Brews Music Fest is the perfect way to kick off the fall season,” said festival organizers. “Grab your family and friends and make it a full weekend getaway to Explore Canton and everything it has to offer.”

This year’s event is made possible by the generous support of these additional sponsors: Comfort Zone, Singleton Marine of Lake Allatoona, Canton Lifestyle, Prime Golf Carts & Peachtree Immediate Care.Their partnership allows us to maintain free admission for the public while significantly expanding our entertainment lineup. 

The festival will be held rain or shine. Media outlets and attendees are encouraged to visit www.tasteandbrews.com for final schedules and event maps. Please note that no outside beverages or coolers are permitted on festival grounds.Event Details At-A-Glance

NEW TO ATLANTA’S FALL ARTS SEASON: THE OTHER ART FAIR

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/1/26

New to Atlanta’s Fall Arts Season: ‘The Other Art Fair’ Unveils 100+ 

Independent Artists for Inaugural October Fair

Curated Lineup Brings Metro Atlanta, Southeast, and International Artists Together at Grant Park’s Enspire Mercantile Oct. 1–4

‘New Futures’ Program Elevates Emerging Atlanta Talent and Eliminates Barriers

General Admission Tickets on Sale Now, Including Opening Night Preview Party

and Premium Experience For Collectors

As Atlanta’s fall arts season gets underway, a new addition is joining the city’s cultural calendar. The Other Art Fair Atlanta, presented by Saatchi Art, today shared a preview of the emerging and independent artists who will exhibit at the Fair’s inaugural Atlanta edition, Oct. 1–4 at Enspire Mercantile in Grant Park.

Bringing together artists from Metro Atlanta and across Georgia and the Southeast, alongside national and international talent, The Other Art Fair will showcase more than 1,000 works of original art available to discover and purchase during the four-day event. The Atlanta debut also brings the global Fair’s signature “art reframed” approach to the Southeast, inviting attendees to experience original art outside the traditional gallery setting and connect directly with the artists behind the work. 

“We had an overwhelming response to our open call, and the caliber and diversity of talent coming to Atlanta is impressive,” said Nicole Garton, Global Fair Director of The Other Art Fair. “What sets us apart is our inverted, artist-first model. While traditional fairs center around galleries, we put artists at the forefront, giving attendees the opportunity to meet them in person and discover the stories behind their work. Together with our immersive vibe — complete with live DJs, site-specific installations, and interactive pop-ups — we are offering Atlanta an accessible, high-energy environment where acquiring original art starts at just $100.” 

Tickets are now on sale for Opening Night, general admission, and premium collecting experiences. The Other Art Fair opens Thursday, Oct. 1 with an Opening Night preview party featuring first access to the art and artists, live DJs, interactive installations, local food trucks and a well-stocked bar before continuing through Sunday, Oct. 4. Attendees can browse ticket tiers and secure their spot online at www.theotherartfair.com/atlanta/tickets.

Local Roots and Global Reach

The Other Art Fair Atlanta’s inaugural edition features more than 100 hand-picked independent artists from across Metro Atlanta, the broader Southeast, and major global creative capitals. Through Saatchi Art’s year-round digital marketplace, exhibiting local artists gain continuous international visibility alongside world-class cross-market talent. 

A preview of 30 artworks by 15 artists (including Georgia artists) can be found HERE. The full artist roster will be announced, including:

  • Atlanta, Georgia, and Southeast Spotlight: The Other Art Fair Atlanta is proud to showcase an incredible roster of regional talent defining the area’s creative boom. 
  • New Futures Program Recipients: Elevating the next generation of local talent, the Other Art Fair will underwrite exhibition space and a tailored mentorship program for one, Atlanta-based artist to join the New Futures Class of 2026. The recipient will be announced soon.
  • Featured International & Cross-Market Artists: Bringing a global perspective to Atlanta, the lineup includes other independent U.S. and international artists.

The Other Art Fair Atlanta

October 1–4, 2026

Enspire Mercantile (Grant Park) | 259 Milton Ave SE | Atlanta, Ga.  30315 

Opening Night — Thursday, Oct 1: 6–10:00 p.m. 

Friday, Oct 2: 5–10:00 p.m. 

Saturday, Oct 3: 11:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. 

Sunday, Oct 4: 11:00 a.m. –6:00 p.m.

Located adjacent to the Atlanta BeltLine at Enspire Mercantile, the four-day event kicks off with a high-energy Opening Night party featuring live DJ sets, interactive art installations, food trucks and a bar offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments. 

Ticket Information

Tickets start at $20 and are available at www.theotherartfair.com/atlanta/tickets.

  • Opening Night Tickets ($30 Advance / $45 On-Site)
    • Thursday, Oct. 1: Offering attendees “first dibs” on original artworks before general admission days, live entertainment, and complimentary re-entry Friday through Sunday. 
    • Free drink tickets will be given out to the first 500 guests arriving at the Opening Night event.
  • General Admission Tickets ($20 Advance / $26 On-Site)
    • Friday, Oct. 1 – Sunday, Oct. 4: Group savings bundles are also available. 
  • Art Insider Collecting Experience Tickets ($100 Premium Offer)
    • Thursday, Oct. 1 – Sunday, Oct. 4: Includes one admissions with weekend re-entry, two drink tokens, and a $50 art purchase credit to spend directly with exhibiting artists during the fair. 
  • Art Lovers Guided Collecting Experience for two Tickets ($375 Premium Offer)
    • Thursday, Oct. 1 – Sunday, Oct. 4: A luxury curated package for two including admission, 4 drink tokens, pre-fair curator recommendations, and a $200 art purchase credit. 

PIEDMONT PARK ARTS FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR A WEEKEND OF ART, MUSIC, FOOD AND MORE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/11/26

Award-Winning, Two-Day Festival Brings 200 Artists, Food, Drinks, Live DJs and More to the Heart of Midtown

Free to Attend for All ages on Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16, 2026

Recognized as one of Atlanta’s top outdoor festivals, the 17th annual Piedmont Park Arts Festival returns to the heart of Midtown on Saturday, August 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, the award-winning festival brings more than 200 artists together with music, food, family-friendly activities and more for a full weekend in Piedmont Park.

The two-day festival will showcase painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalworkers, glass blowers, jewelers and crafters from across the country. Festival goers can meet the artists, explore original works across a wide range of mediums and catch artist demonstrations throughout the weekend. For the fifth year, Captains of Revelry returns with Feelgood in the Park, bringing two days of house and disco, DJs, dance, wellness and community to the festival. The popular addition gives festival goers another way to enjoy the weekend, with music and programming running alongside the more than 200 artists exhibiting throughout Piedmont Park. Guests can also enjoy a variety of food and beverage options throughout the festival, plus a children’s play area for families. Piedmont Park Arts Festival is free to attend, open to all ages and leashed dogs are welcome.

For more information, visit piedmontparkartsfestival.com or affps.com. Stay connected on Instagram at @affps_festivals.

ATLANTA SUMMER HALAL FOOD FESTIVAL EXPANDSTO TWO DAYS + MOVES TO ATLANTA BELTLINE – NOW JULY 18TH AND 19TH

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/3/26

2026 Festival Sets Up at Historic Old Fourth Ward Skatepark July 18-19 | Tickets On Sale Now
 

WHAT:
Atlanta Summer Halal Food Festival

WHEN:
Saturday, July 18 + Sunday, July 19 | 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

WHERE:
Historic Old Fourth Ward Skatepark Eastside Trail BeltLine

TICKETS:
Tickets are available here. Ticket options include Saturday or Sunday General Admission ($15), 2-Day General Admission ($25), Saturday or Sunday Family Packs ($50), and 2-Day Family Packs ($85). Children ages 7 and under receive free entry.

INFO:
Please visit the festival website here and @atlsummerhalalfoodfest on Instagram.

Following a highly successful debut in 2025, the Atlanta Summer Halal Food Festival returns this summer with a brand-new location and expanded two-day format. Taking place Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19 at the Historic Old Fourth Ward Skatepark Eastside Trail BeltLine, the second annual festival will once again bring together halal cuisine, culture, entertainment, and community for an inclusive weekend celebration in the heart of Atlanta.
 
Hosted by the Atlanta Muslim Festival Collective (AMFC), the organization behind Atlanta’s growing lineup of halal food and cultural festivals including the Atlanta Ramadan Food Festival and Atlanta Halal Fall Festival, the Atlanta Summer Halal Food Festival has quickly become one of the city’s most anticipated multicultural food events. Following strong attendance and community support during its inaugural year, the festival’s expansion reflects AMFC’s continued mission to create large-scale cultural experiences that celebrate diversity, connection, and small businesses throughout metro Atlanta.
 
Located along one of Atlanta’s premier trails with easy access, ample nearby parking, and walkable connectivity to surrounding neighborhoods and businesses, the Historic Old Fourth Ward Skatepark Eastside Trail BeltLine offers an energetic backdrop for the festival experience. Guests can expect a lively outdoor atmosphere featuring an extensive lineup of halal food vendors from across the Southeast, artisan merchants, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, cultural experiences, and more throughout the weekend.
 
“We were truly overwhelmed by the response to our first Atlanta Summer Halal Food Festival and the incredible support from both Muslim and non-Muslim communities across metro Atlanta,” said Hasnain Lakhani, Founder of the Atlanta Muslim Festival Collective, Atlanta restaurateur, and entrepreneur. “Expanding to two days and moving to the BeltLine allows us to continue growing the experience in an even more accessible and vibrant location while creating additional opportunities for small businesses, food vendors, and community partners to participate. Our goal has always been to create welcoming events where everyone can gather, discover incredible food, and celebrate the diversity that makes Atlanta so special.”
 
A longtime metro Atlanta entrepreneur and business owner, Lakhani has helped launch and operate multiple restaurants, hospitality, and community-centered ventures throughout the region. Through AMFC, he has focused on creating large-scale events that not only spotlight halal cuisine and Muslim culture but also provide meaningful opportunities for local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and first-time vendors to connect with new audiences and grow their brands.
 
Festival attendees will once again have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of halal cuisine ranging from global street foods and authentic cultural dishes to desserts, specialty beverages, and modern halal culinary concepts. Like kosher or plant-based cuisine, halal food is something anyone can enjoy, and the festival remains committed to creating an environment that is educational, welcoming, and inclusive for guests of all backgrounds.
 
In addition to food offerings, the Atlanta Summer Halal Food Festival will feature a live DJ, family-friendly games and activities, park access, a dedicated kids’ area, complimentary water stations, photo opportunities, and a vibrant artisan market showcasing local businesses, handmade goods, clothing, art, jewelry, fragrances, and more.

Tickets are now available here. Guests will receive a special festival passport allowing attendees to collect global cuisine stamps inspired by the different countries and cultures represented throughout the festival. Tickets also include customized paper hand fans and RFID wristbands featuring scannable QR codes linked to a complimentary digital photo gallery, serving as both a practical keepsake and memorable souvenir from the event. Final ticket prices will include taxes and fees.
 
The Atlanta Summer Halal Food Festival is proudly supported by community partners, including HUM TV, Cravova, Zakat Foundation of America, and Islamic Relief USA, organizations committed to humanitarian relief, charitable engagement, and strengthening local communities.
 
Additional event programming, vendor announcements, sponsors, and entertainment details will be announced in the coming weeks. The Atlanta Summer Halal Food Festival is a rain-or-shine event unless severe weather conditions require cancellation. For more information on the event, please visit the website here.

TWENTY ONE PILOTS, THE STROKES, GORILLAZ TO HEADLINE SHAKY KNEES 2026

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/18/26

LINEUP INCLUDES LCD SOUNDSYSTEM, PIERCE THE VEIL, 

TURNSTILE, WU-TANG CLAN, THE PRODIGY, 

FONTAINES D.C., PAVEMENT, GEESE, KNOCKED LOOSE, 

DANNY ELFMAN, MODEST MOUSE AND MANY MORE 

SEPTEMBER 18-20, 2026

PIEDMONT PARK

ATLANTA, GA 

PRESALE BEGINS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 AT 9AM ET

Twenty One Pilots, The Strokes and Gorillaz will headline the 13th edition of Shaky Knees Music Festival, returning September 18-20 to Atlanta’s crown jewel, Piedmont Park. The stacked lineup will bring over 50 performances across four stages including LCD Soundsystem, Pierce The Veil, Turnstile, Wu-Tang Clan, The Prodigy, Fontaines D.C., Pavement, Geese, Knocked Loose, Danny Elfman, Modest Mouse,Blood Orange, Jimmy Eat World, Hot Mulligan and many more. Fans can sign up now for the festival SMS list at ShakyKneesFestival.com to receive a passcode to the presale beginning Thursday, February 26 at 9am ET with access to the guaranteed lowest-priced tickets from 9am to 10am ET. 1-Day, 2-Day and 3-Day ticket types will be available including GA, GA+, VIP, Platinum and Ultimate, plus 3-Day group Cabanas and Bungalows. Any remaining tickets will go on sale to the public following the presale.

GA+ tickets provide unlimited access to the centrally located GA+ Lounge with views of both Peachtree and Piedmont Stages, shade, relaxing seating, air-conditioned restrooms, lawn games, a private bar with drinks for purchase, plus dedicated GA+ hospitality staff for all your festival needs. VIP offers unlimited access to the VIP Lounges at Peachtree, Piedmont and Ponce de Leon Stages with direct access to premium on-field viewing areas, air-conditioned restrooms, lockers and mobile charging units for rent, dedicated festival merch store, a dedicated VIP entrance lane at the main festival entrance and more. Platinum tickets offer all GA+ and VIP amenities plus exclusive front-of-stage viewing at Peachtree, Piedmont and Ponce de Leon Stages with complimentary beer, seltzer and water, access into the air-conditioned Platinum Lounge located inside Park Tavern restaurant with a daily acoustic performance by a Shaky Knees artist, complimentary all-day dining, full-service bar and coffee service, exclusive festival gift and more. The one-person Ultimate package includes all GA+, VIP and Platinum amenities, plus exclusive on-stage viewing available at Peachtree and Piedmont Stages, golf cart transportation, one ticket per person to an Official Shaky Knees Late-Night Show of your choice, and more. 

For the full list of amenities and all ticket types, visit ShakyKneesFestival.com/Tickets. Layaway plans are available starting at $25 down for a limited time. 

Sign up for official Shaky Knees SMS and email lists to be the first to receive new information

and follow along on social media to stay in the loop for all festival announcements and updates.

CASA NUOVA COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY 2026

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/27/26

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant Hosts Annual Community Block Party to

Thank Alpharetta for 28 Years of Support

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant host its annual Community Block Party—a celebration of gratitude for 28 years of friendship, loyalty, and support from the Alpharetta community. This festive event is open to all and promises an afternoon full of joy, including a complimentary buffet, live music, family-friendly games, and so much more.

In addition to the festivities, the Block Party also serves a higher purpose: supporting ongoing efforts in the fight against pancreatic cancer, a cause close to the heart of Casa Nuova owner Maria Fundora, founder of the nonprofit Purple Pansies.

When:

Sunday, May 3rd

2:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Rain or Shine

Where:

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

5670 Atlanta Hwy A1, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Why:

This annual gathering is more than just a party—it’s a heartfelt thank-you to the community that has become part of the Casa Nuova family. “Our customers are not just guests—they’re family,” says Maria Fundora. “This Block Party is our way of celebrating them and giving back to the people who have supported us since day one.”

SWEET AUBURN BARBECUE BRINGS BACK GOOD LUCK SMOKE SHOW THIS MAY WITH AN AWARD-WINNING LINEUP OF CHEFS WORTH TRAVELING FOR

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/22/26

The Second Annual Street Party Meets Tasting Event Returns to Poncey-Highland with an Expanded Chef Lineup, Cocktails, and Live Entertainment

Tickets Now Available for Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Atlanta-based Sweet Auburn Barbecue brings back Good Luck Smoke Show on Wednesday, May 20, a one-night celebration timed with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month that brings together an award-winning mix of chefs for an evening of food, music, culture, and block party energy.

Now in its second year, Good Luck Smoke Show expands with more than 15 chef tasting stations, alongside cocktails from Minhwa Spirits, plus beer and wine, with lion dancers, live music, a rooftop DJ, and local artists shaping the night into a food-driven block party. A portion of proceeds benefits We Love BuHi, supporting small businesses and cultural vibrancy along Buford Highway, one of Atlanta’s most diverse corridors.

Led by Anita and Howard Hsu, the siblings behind Sweet Auburn Barbecue, Tio Lucho’s, Gezzo’s and Lazy Betty, who have built their reputation by approaching Southern barbecue through the lens of their Chinese American upbringing. Good Luck Smoke Show continues that approach, bringing together a dynamic lineup of chefs whose work reflects their own backgrounds and experiences.

The 2026 lineup includes Michelin-recognized and James Beard–nominated chefs, alongside a mix of local and visiting talent. Eric Huang (Pecking House, New York, NY), Doron Wong (Cha Cha Tang, New York, NY), and Vish Mayekar (ELEM, Vancouver, BC) are joined by Ron Hsu (Lazy Betty) and Howard Hsu (Sweet Auburn Barbecue, Tio Lucho’s, Lazy Betty), as well as Brian So (Spring, Marietta, GA), Viv Lee (Leftie Lee’s), and Jiyeon Lee and Cody Taylor (Heirloom Market BBQ), alongside Jay Patel (Dhaba BBQ), Pete Amadhanirundr (Puma Yu’s, Athens, GA), Parnass Savang (Talat Market), Henryk Kumar (Dank’s Deli), Zheng Li (Concept Luna), Andy Xia (Xi’an Gourmet House), and GULA Indonesian Desserts & Snacks. Minhwa Spirits will feature food tastings led by Lino Yi, paired with cocktails from James Sung.

“Food has always been how we tell our story,” says Howard Hsu. “For a lot of us, it’s tied to family, culture, and where we come from, but it’s also about where we are now. Good Luck Smoke Show is about bringing those voices together, chefs cooking from experience, not expectation, and giving them a place to share that in Atlanta.”

Good Luck Smoke Show takes place Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sweet Auburn Barbecue, 656 N. Highland Avenue NE. General admission tickets start at $85, with VIP options up to $115, including a signed copy of Chef Ron Hsu’s new cookbook, DOWN SOUTH + EAST. All tickets include unlimited select food and beverages. Tickets are available for purchase at sweetauburnbbq.com. For updates, stay connected on Instagram at @sweetauburnbbq. 

A special thanks to 2026 sponsors Minhwa Spirits, True Gas, Pure Chilean, Señorita THC, Rhythm THC, The Peters Team, Coca-Cola, and Topo Chico.