Tag Archive for: festival

SMORGASBURG ATLANTA ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY AT SMORGASBURG & 2025 SEASON WRAP-UP

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/23/25

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Smorgasburg Atlanta will kick off Holiday at Smorgasburg with festive experiences, holiday-inspired retail vendors, and a visit from Santa as the market prepares for the holiday season. 

Smorgasburg Atlanta is a weekly open-air food festival that brings a dynamic mix of flavors to South Downtown every Saturday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Holiday at Smorgasburg will take place on Saturday, December 6, from 11 AM–6 PM, featuring:

  • Guests can snap complimentary photos with Santa from 11:00 am – 2:30 pm
  • Holiday-focused retail vendors offering seasonal goods and gifts
  • A holiday-featured cocktail available exclusively on December 6

The festival will then celebrate its final day of the 2025 season on Saturday, December 20, from 11 AM–6 PM (new hours). This closing day marks the official wrap-up before Smorgasburg Atlanta takes its annual winter break.

Smorgasburg Atlanta will reopen in March 2026 and run through December 2026. An exact reopening date will be announced early next year –keep your eyes on @smorgasburgatlanta Instagram and Tik Tok.

WHERE

140 Forsyth Street SW & Trinity Ave SW                                              Open every Saturday, rain or shine, through December 20, 2025, 11:00 am to 6:00 pm                                            

Everyone is welcome – including furry friends!

ABOUT

Founded in Brooklyn in May 2011, Smorgasburg has grown into a beloved nationwide tradition, drawing tens of thousands of weekly visitors to its flagship locations in Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City. With a mission to support food entrepreneurs and foster community, each location offers an evolving lineup of vendors and experiences that reflect the local culture.

Parking is available in various surrounding paid parking lots with the primary lot across from Smorgasburg Atlanta 140 Forsyth Street SW and only $2 per hour every Saturday. It is an easy 10-minute walk from Mercedes-Benz Stadium and between both Garnett and the Five Points MARTA stations.

ATLANTA HALAL FALL FESTIVAL DEBUTS THIS NOVEMBER 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/6/25

Cultural Celebration Launches Late Fall Experience Just in Time for the Season of Gathering, Giving, + Gratitude


WHAT:
Atlanta Halal Fall Festival
WHEN:
Saturday, Nov. 22 + Sunday, Nov. 23 | 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHERE:
Grant Park I 840 Cherokee Ave. SE, Atlanta, GA
TICKETS:
FREE tickets available on Eventbrite
INFO:
Please visit the website + Instagram page (@atlhalalfallfest)

This fall, families, friends, and food lovers are invited to join a lively new celebration of halal flavors, culture, and connection at the first-ever Atlanta Halal Fall Festival. The two-day event will feature a wide range of food vendors serving authentic halal cuisine, an artisan market with various types of goods, and plenty of family fun, including a dedicated kids’ zone.

The Atlanta Halal Fall Festival is hosted by the Atlanta Muslim Festival Collective, an organization dedicated to hosting events that bring Muslims and non-Muslims together to celebrate the richness of Muslim culture and identity. Everyone is welcome and invited to learn more about, participate in, and enjoy the cultural elements showcased at AMFC events, which also include the Atlanta Ramadan Food Festival, which took place in March of this year, and Atlanta’s first official halal food festival, the Atlanta Summer Halal Food Festival that was at Atlantic Station.

“We’re incredibly excited to introduce the Atlanta Halal Fall Festival to the city, especially after the overwhelming positive response we received from our previous events this year,” said Hasnain Lakhani, Co-Founder of AMFC, Atlanta restaurateur, and entrepreneur. “It’s truly a passion for our team to continue bringing authentic cultural experiences to the city, and with tons of delicious food options, retail vendors, and family activities, we’ve made sure the Atlanta Halal Fall Festival will be an unforgettable event for all who attend.”

This year, admission to the 2025 Fall Festival is completely free to the public in the spirit of giving, providing a fun space for community gathering and the opportunity for attendees to purchase clothing, jewelry, fragrances, and other gifts from the festival’s artisan market vendors, especially with holidays like Thanksgiving and shopping holidays like Black Friday taking place only a few days after the festival.

“As we round out the year, we really wanted to give back with not only a wonderful event for the community to connect and gather,” said Lakhani. “We really wanted to spotlight our artist market and vendors as they move into the holiday season and traditional festivals wrap up for the season.”

Over 50 food vendors will offer dishes from across the Middle East and beyond at the Atlanta Fall Halal Festival, allowing guests to explore a rich mix of global cuisines. Returning vendor favorites from the Atlanta Summer Halal Festival include Yemini coffee shop 967 Coffee Co., Pakistani cuisine-centered Khaana By Saima, Indonesian restaurant Dragon Delite, Uzbekistani eatery Laghman Express, and Mediterranean restaurant Shawarma Factory. New local picks include Jay’s Deli, Ponko Chicken, and Yaba’s Bagels. From sizzling kabobs and savory rice dishes to indulgent desserts, fresh baked goods, and refreshing drinks, all cuisine served at the Atlanta Halal Fall Festival will be prepared in accordance with halal values, meaning made with care, integrity, and respect for halal dietary values. With its bold flavors and wide variety, halal cuisine offers something for every palate, from comforting, familiar favorites to exciting new dishes waiting to be discovered.

Along with an exciting mix of delicious dishes, the festival will offer complimentary water, live entertainment featuring Atlanta performers and cultural acts, a dedicated kids’ zone, and a vibrant artisan market featuring art, clothing, fragrance, and jewelry merchants, along with handmade goods from local businesses. The festival’s convenient Grant Park location also makes it easy for families and other attendees to visit Zoo Atlanta before or after the event.

Admission to the Atlanta Halal Fall Festival is free, with complimentary tickets available on Eventbrite for estimated event attendance. Atlantans of all backgrounds are encouraged to show up, enjoy the festival, and participate in the community experience. For more information on the event, please visit the website here. Follow along on Instagram (@atlhalalfallfest) for all the latest details, including vendor announcements, entertainment schedule details, and more. Photos and interviews with Atlanta Halal Fall Festival Co-Founder Hasnain Lakhani are available upon request.

The Atlanta Halal Fall Festival is sponsored by (Gold): Cenvi, Cravova, Islamic Relief USA and (Silver): BurgerFi, Shah’s Halal Food, The Phone Doctor.

SHAKY KNEES 2025 DAY 3: WE’RE NIRVANA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/22/25

Photo: Pooneh Ghana, Shaky Knees

Now that Shaky Knees day three has wrapped, it’s time to reminisce about our favorite moments from the final day of the festival. Our legs hurt, we’ve walked over 13,000 steps each day, and all of it was totally worth it. From seeing Weird Al for the first time to taking a trip down memory lane with Devo, we ended Shaky Knees 2025 on a high note.

I want to go straight for the jugular today and hit it off with my favorite performance of the day, Weird Al! I didn’t ever think I would be saying that but, he really is animated and puts on a great show. It has you rolling laughing! My friend even cried a little he was thought it was so funny. He started out with We’re Nirvana (Smells Like Teen Spirit) and dressed like Kurt Kobain in the original video, and we found out online that he used the same set, janitor, and extras. He then moved on to a Devo parody, literally wearing the same outfit that Devo, who played right before him wore!

After that, Weird Al did a compilation singing everything from Eat It (Beat It), Like a Surgeon (Like a Virgin), and so many more all rolled together. Moving on to White & Nerdy riding a segway on the stage to Amish Paradise (Gangstas Paradise). Finally, doing a whole ending about Star Wars, the Yoda song, and the oddest set of mixed together chanting I have ever heard. I can’t imagine getting everyone in sync acapella on this song!

Best of the rest, included getting to hear Devo sing Whip It live. We loved watching all of their really funny graphic like a donut and a french fry. Plus, they work their iconic red hats. They threw some out into the audience, but I was too far back. The Stereophonics did their main song, Dakota and it was fun to hear it live. We caught Vampire Weekend and my friend exclaimed, “They sound like the Jonas Brothers.” Do they? I’ve never heard the Jonas Brothers. As we walked out, a couple was getting married on stage of the Lucy Dacus show. I’ve never seen anything like that before, so we stopped and watched!

Oops, I did it again. Our ride was leaving before Blink 182, so we didn’t stay. How much did we miss?

With Shaky Knees in the rear view, my favorite performances in this order included Deftones at the top. Then Cage the Elephant came in second for me. Then, rounding out the top three is Cage the Elephant. What was yours?

SHAKY KNEES 2025 DAY 2: MESS AROUND

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/21/25

Photo: Roger Ho, Shaky Knees

With day 2 in the Shaky Knees book, yesterday was a whirl wind of bands and music. We call it the mess around, a nod to my favorite Cage the Elephant Song. We saw as many bands as we could from Radio City Alice to kick it off to Public Enemy to end the night. Here are some of our thoughts on them.

Starting with Radio Free Alice, they had a solid sound and vocals and were impressed with them for such young men. Next, we joined our friends to watch Johnny Marr. I should know who he is as he is the guitarist from the Smiths, but I had no idea until my writer and photographer friend, Reece told me, so I had to go. They didn’t disappoint playing greats like my favorite of theirs, How is Soon Now? and The Charming Man. Morrisey who?

We walked over to Highly Suspect but it was more a chat fest for our group. We agreed they were like a folky Cage the Elephant. Returning back to the Peachtree stage, we caught TV On the Radio. I have always wanted to see Wolf Like Me live since falling in love with the cover by Local H. They turned me on to the song.

Now on to Cage the Elephant, the best show of the day. I have so many stories about their music, like my niece, Katherine, was a huge fan in her teens and I took her to their concert as her birthday present and really enjoyed it. Shultz is so animated and seems to really enjoy his own music. When we covered Shaky back in 2016 at Centennial Park, the group was in the media room doing interviews, so we listened in and caught the show there and were impressed. This one was just as good, maybe better. We were on the hill, and the light show and pyrotechnics were fun, the energy high. They played all of their hits from my favorite Mess Around to Trouble, their first hit Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked, and ending with Cigarette Dreams.

We ended our night seeing a few songs from The Black Keys and heard the iconic Lonely Boy to open. But we really wanted to catch Public Enemy because we love old school rap. They are so engaging, really talk to the crowd, and want the crowd to be in it. They actually have new music that was good!! It was a nice reprieve from all the rock we’d heard all day and a great way to end the night.

I know, we didn’t stay for My Chemical Romance. I liked their first album but was disappointed in a concert I saw before the pandemic. To be honest, I was just so tired by then, I hit a wall.

Pro tip: bring a flashlight!

ATLANTA CHILI COOK OFF 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/1/25

Get Ready to Spice Up Your Fall at the Atlanta Chili Cook Off
“Where the Competition is Hot and the Chili is Hotter!”

The Atlanta Chili Cook Off is back to “Cook and Compete or Just Come to Eat!” Join us on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody for an afternoon of delicious food, fierce competition, and family-friendly fun.

Get ready for an unlimited chili feast! You’ll sample over 50 delicious recipes from talented amateur chefs, local restaurants, and caterers. Make sure to cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award!

Competitors are vying for bragging rights and a share of $5,000 in cash and prizes. Trophies and awards will be given to the top teams in four categories:

  • Best Amateur
  • Best Restaurant
  • Most Spirited Team
  • People’s Choice

Whether you’re a die-hard chili fan or just looking for a fun outdoor activity, the Atlanta Chili Cook Off is the perfect way to spend a fall day.Event Details & Tickets
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025 
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM 
Location: Brook Run Park – 4770 N Peachtree Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338

General Admission and VIP tickets are available now. Kids 12 and under get in for FREE. To compete, the deadline to register a team is October 1, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this spicy competition!

For tickets, team registration, and more information, visit the official website at www.AtlantaChiliCookOff.com.

FOX BROS. BAR-B-Q AND WILD HEAVEN BRING HATCH CHILE FEST TO TOCO HILLS IN SUPPORT OF PEDIATRIC CANCER FAMILIES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/20/25

Saturday, August 23rd

 Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q is proud to bring the flavors of Hatch Chile season to the North Druid Hills community with one of their most meaningful annual traditions, Hatch Chile Fest, taking place Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Wild Heaven Beer and Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q at Toco Hill Shopping Center. This one day, block party style celebration is more than just a fiery good time—it is one of the Fox Bros. team’s largest fundraising events of the year, raising critical cost of living grants for Georgia families facing pediatric brain cancer.

In partnership with longtime friends and industry collaborators Wild Heaven Beer, the event will feature Hatch Chile inspired dishes and the release of a limited-edition Hatch Chile collaboration beer, brewed with freshly roasted chiles and available in small batch cans and on draft.

Two ticket tiers are currently on sale, with special early bird pricing available through August 15, for unlimited tastes of the Fox Bros. team’s Hatch Chile inspired menu. Dishes will include a New Mexico-Style Smash Cheeseburger, Smoked Carnita Taco with Hatch Chile Salsa, Hatch Chile Corn Dog, Peach Pork and Chile Bun, and an Apple and Hatch Chile Spice Cake for dessert. VIP tickets ($85; $95 after August 15) include early access beginning at 12 PM, with an extra hour to soak up the flavors plus two drink tickets. General admission ($45; $55 after August 15) begins at 1 PM and includes unlimited tastes of all menu offerings. In addition to food stations, guests can enjoy three bars and live music throughout the afternoon. Children eight and under may attend free with a ticketed adult.

All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Hogs for the Cause, a nonprofit that, through a partnership with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, provides cost of living grants to families in Atlanta and North Georgia navigating the challenges of pediatric cancer.

To purchase tickets, please follow the link here.

AFFPS ANNOUNCES FALL & HOLIDAY ARTS FESTIVAL LINEUP ACROSS METRO ATLANTA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/4/25

Art, Festivals & Weekend Plans: AFFPS Drops Fall + Holiday Lineup

The city’s most walkable parks and vibrant neighborhoods set the stage for this year’s AFFPS fall and holiday arts festivals, featuring hundreds of artists, local bites, and festive vibes from August through November.

Countdown to Fall at the Piedmont Park Arts Festival – August 16-17

Recognized as one of the best outdoor festivals in Atlanta, the Piedmont Park Arts Festival returns to the heart of Midtown on Saturday, August 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, August 17, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces and held in picturesque Piedmont Park, the festival will feature approximately 200 artists including painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalworkers, glass blowers, jewelers, and crafters. Festival enthusiasts are also invited to enjoy Feelgood in the Park, a two-day inclusive house and disco dance party presented by Captains of Revelry, featuring DJs from across the city. Additional offerings include a children’s play area and a variety of festival food and drinks for all tastes. Free to attend, the event is open to all ages and leashed dogs are welcome. For more information on the Piedmont Park Arts Festival (1071 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, GA 30309), visit piedmontparkartsfestival.com or www.affps.com. Stay connected on Instagram at @affps_festivals and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PiedmontArtFest.

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Celebrate Creativity at Sandy Springs Fall Arts Festival – September 13-14

Sandy Springs Fall Arts Festival  returns on Saturday, September 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring more than 125 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 a live DJ. 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 Arts Festival (6100 Lake Forrest Dr. NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328), please visit  www.affps.com.  Stay connected on Instagram at @affps_festivals and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/affps.

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Sip, Shop and Stroll at the Buckhead Arts Festival – September 20-21

Held in the heart of Buckhead, the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces will once again present the Buckhead Arts Festival on Saturday, September 20 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 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 a live DJ. 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 (3035 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30305) is open to all ages, and leashed dogs are welcome. For more information, visit buckheadartsfestival.com or www.affps.com. Stay connected on Instagram at @affps_festivals and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/affps. 

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Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival Returns September 27–28

The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces invites Atlantans to celebrate creativity along the BeltLine with the return of the Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival on Saturday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Set in Historic Fourth Ward Park, just steps from Ponce City Market and the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, this two-day, community-driven festival reflects the artistic spirit of one of the city’s most walkable and vibrant neighborhoods. Guests can explore a curated selection of work from 100+ local and regional artists, including painting, photography, ceramics, glass, jewelry, woodwork, and handcrafted goods. The festival also features live art demonstrations, food and drinks from local vendors, and a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Free to attend, the event is open to all ages, and leashed dogs are welcome. For more information, visit www.oldfourthwardparkartsfestival.com or www.affps.com. Stay connected on Instagram at @affps_festivals and on Facebook at facebook.com/OldFourthWardParkArtsFestival.

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Live Artfully at the Fall Festival on Ponce – October 11-12 

Presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, the Fall Festival on Ponce will be held on Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in historic Olmsted Linear Park.  The two-day festival will feature 125 displays of local and regional fine art and crafts and folk 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, a live DJ spinning feel-good tunes, and much more.  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 leashed dogs are welcome.  For more information about the festival, please visit  www.festivalonponce.com or www.affps.com. Stay connected on Instagram at @affps_festivals and on  Facebook at  www.facebook.com/festivalonponce.  

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Kickstart Holiday Shopping at Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival – November 1-2

The Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival will return to the beautiful Chastain Park in Buckhead on Saturday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, November 2, 2025, 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 155 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 enjoying music from a live DJ. 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 Instagram at @affps_festivals and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChastainArtFest.

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Celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend at Piedmont Holiday Gift Market – November 29-30 

Get into the holiday spirit at the third 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 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, November 30, 2025, 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 more than 100 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. Stay connected on Instagram at @affps_festivals and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/affps.

ADAMS REALTORS RUN FOR THE PARK 5K SETS THE PACE FOR SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL WEEKEND

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/19/25

Featuring a 5K and Free Kid’s Tot Trot for Ages 5 and Under 

Through Historic Grant Park to Benefit the Grant Park Conservancy

Beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025

The 23rd annual Summer Shade Festival returns to Grant Park on Saturday, August 23, and Sunday, August 24, 2025, kicking off with the annual Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K. Hosted by Grant Park’s premier real estate firm, Adams Realtors, the scenic neighborhood race sets the pace for a weekend of music, art, food, and fun—all benefiting the Grant Park Conservancy. Open to runners, walkers, and strollers alike, the race begins at 8 a.m., followed by the Tot Trot for kids five and under at 8:45 a.m.  

Race day kicks off at 7 a.m. with registration and check-in at Zoo Atlanta’s main entrance (800 Cherokee Ave), welcoming participants of all ages to support the Grant Park Conservancy’s mission to preserve, maintain, and enhance the park for future generations. The morning continues with a guided stretch led by René of Challenge Aerial at 7:30 a.m., followed by the National Anthem at 7:55 a.m. The certified 5K race begins at 8 a.m., winding through the heart of the historic Grant Park neighborhood and serving as a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. At 8:45 a.m., little ones can take part in the Tot Trot for kids five and under, and an awards ceremony will follow at 9 a.m. After crossing the finish line, participants 21 and older can show their race shirt—featuring original artwork by acclaimed Atlanta artist Greg Mike—along with valid ID to enjoy a complimentary draft beer at Dakota Blue, courtesy of Bill Adams and Adams Realtors. Registration is now open at summershadefestival.org.

Once the race wraps, the momentum carries into the Grant Park Conservancy Summer Shade Festival beginning at 10 a.m. Browse curated artist and vintage markets set to the sounds of a live DJ, treat taste buds to local food truck favorites, and let the little ones burn off energy in the vibrant Bouncy House Village. Festival highlights also include action-packed Deep South Wrestling matches, a rejuvenating Move & Groove session led by the Grant Park Parents Network, a complimentary bike valet for cyclists, live music, and plenty more surprises waiting to be discovered, making for a weekend full of fun for festival-goers of every kind.

Summer Shade Festival is produced by and benefits the Grant Park Conservancy, the non-profit organization committed to the restoration, maintenance, and beautification of historic Grant Park’s 131 acres. From trail maintenance to major restoration projects, the Conservancy works year-round to protect, improve, and activate this vital green space for everyone who enjoys it. Summer Shade is its biggest fundraiser of the year and one unforgettable way to give back to the park that gives so much to Atlanta. 

Additional details about the 2025 festival, including the full performer lineup, will be announced in the coming weeks. For the most up-to-date information, visit www.summershadefestival.org. Stay connected on Instagram at @grantpark.atlanta and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SummerShadeFestival/.

PANDA FEST: PANDA-MONIUM IN ATLANTA EARNS THE CITY AN ENCORE – TWO FESTS, ONE UNFORGETTABLE YEAR!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/8/25

Update: FROM STREET EATS TO SWEET TREATS: PANDA FEST ANNOUNCES VENDOR LINEUP
FOR SECOND ATLANTA FESTIVAL I SEPT. 5-7, 2025

 Panda Fest is making its way back to the Peach State, and with its return only a few weeks away, the festival has unveiled its official lineup of vendors! This Sept. 5-7, Atlantic Station’s Pinnacle Lot will transform into a bustling street market, where over 70 food vendors, artisan merchants, and cultural performers will come together for an incredible celebration and display of AAPI culture. Brimming with flavor and panda-themed fun, the selection of vendors participating in the second installation of Panda Fest in Atlanta promises delights to suit every taste.

Panda Fest made its debut in Atlanta back in April of this year, and the city will mark another first for Panda Fest with the September event, as the first city to welcome Panda Fest back for the second time in 2025. With its return, Panda Fest is introducing several enhancements to create an even better experience for festivalgoers who attended the first event, and for those joining Panda Fest for the first time. A few of the most popular vendors from the last festival will now have more than one station, allowing guests to enjoy more of their popular offerings. Food vendors will also offer dishes in two portion sizes at different price points, allowing attendees to enjoy more dishes at a lower cost. In addition, there will be additional seating areas and more drink stations helping to allow guests to enjoy more of their water and other drinks from any location at the festival.

Attendees can expect both new and returning vendors from the first Panda Fest, including beloved local eateries and food offerings from across the country, including states like California, New York, and more.

“The vendors are such an important part of the festival, and we have really focused on finding and selecting restaurants and shops that truly represent the best parts of Asian cuisine and culture,” said BiuBiu Xu, Founder of Panda Fest. “They help to create an experience where people connect with each other while sharing a meal, learning about a tradition, and sometimes even learning a vendor’s personal story. This helps Panda Fest truly feel like a celebration of the richness and diversity of AAPI culture.”

FOOD + BEVERAGE STREET STALLS
This September’s roster offers a bite for every appetite, from bao buns and sizzling skewers fresh off the grill to inventive desserts and refreshing bubble teas, allowing guests to savor flavors from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, and more. The full lineup of food vendors + where they are based includes:



ARTISAN MARKET
In addition to the food, Panda Fest’s artisan market will feature makers and merchants offering crafts, clothing, jewelry, home décor, and of course, panda-themed collectibles and gifts inspired by Asian cultures. The artisan vendor lineup includes:



*Indicates a vendor who also participated in the first Atlanta Panda Fest.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Alongside the food and shopping, Panda Fest Atlanta guests can also look forward to:

  • Live entertainment, including modern K-pop dance routines, lion dances, theatrical performances, and more
  • Traditional arts like calligraphy, sugar painting, and paper cutting
  • Family-friendly panda fun, including Instagram-worthy installations like a 15-foot inflatable panda, a panda bounce ring, and themed treats, souvenirs, and games galore

 
TICKET INFO
General Admission and VIP tickets are available on Eventbrite. General Admission includes entry to the festival and two complimentary gifts: a customized Atlanta festival pin and an inflatable panda headband. VIP tickets include upgraded perks such as shaded seating, VIP restrooms, exclusive experiences, a private bar, and a Panda Fest tote bag. Panda Fest encourages purchasing tickets only from the Eventbrite link on the Panda Fest website and avoiding third-party sellers.

Visit www.pandafests.com for ticket information and more. Follow along at @pandafestatlanta on Instagram for festival updates, vendor spotlights, and sneak peeks. Panda Fest is a rain-or-shine event unless severe weather conditions require cancellation. 

Sept. 5–7 | Early Bird Tickets Go on Sale Friday, July 11 at 10 a.m. EST

WHAT:
Panda Fest

WHEN:
Friday, Sept. 5: 12:00–5:00 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 6: 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 7: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Atlantic Station | Pinnacle Lot | 221 20th St., Atlanta, GA 30363

TICKETS:
Daily Early Bird tickets go on sale on Friday, July 11, at 10 a.m. EST. General Admission and VIP tickets are also available. See below or visit www.pandafests.com for ticket details and pricing.

 Panda Fest, one of the nation’s fastest-growing outdoor Asian food and culture festivals, is thrilled to announce its return to Atlanta later this year. As the first city to host Panda Fest, Atlanta set the stage with a sold-out debut that created incredible momentum and excitement. From Sept. 5–7, Panda Fest will bring the panda-monium back to Atlantic Station’s Pinnacle Lot with a vibrant celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures. Guests can enjoy a weekend filled with delicious food, live performances, arts and crafts, and interactive panda-themed experiences designed for all ages.
 
Founded by BiuBiu Xu, the creator of New York City’s acclaimed Dragon Fest, Panda Fest began as a one-day pop-up and quickly grew into a multi-city, multi-day festival. It has sold out in cities including Atlanta, Boston, Philadelphia, and Seattle, with plans to return to all of them in 2026. Atlanta is the only city selected to host Panda Fest twice in one year.
 
“Atlanta holds a special place in Panda Fest’s story as the first city to welcome us,” said Xu. “We’re honored to bring the festival back for a second time in 2025. It’s a testament to Atlanta’s vibrant AAPI community and their appetite for cultural celebration. This September’s event promises even more food, art, and fun, and we can’t wait to see everyone back for this exciting weekend.”
 
Building on the success of the first Atlanta event, the Panda Fest team has listened carefully to attendee feedback to make this fall’s festival even better. Enhancements include smoother and faster entry with more staffing, additional timed ticketing options to provide greater flexibility, budget-friendly eats under $15 alongside larger portions, more drink stations to keep guests refreshed, shaded VIP seating, and increased signage to help guests navigate the festival grounds with ease.
 
WHAT TO EXPECT AT PANDA FEST ATLANTA
Guests can explore a culinary journey across Asia with more than 80+ food vendors and food trucks offering 300+ dishes from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond. From authentic street food to creative fusion bites, there’s something for every palate. In addition to the food, attendees can browse a curated marketplace of 25+ vendors offering crafts, clothing, accessories, and artisan goods inspired by Asian heritage. Traditional arts like calligraphy, sugar painting, and paper cutting will be featured alongside modern K-pop dance routines, lion dances, theatrical performances, and more. And of course, pandas take center stage – expect Instagram-worthy installations like a 15-foot inflatable panda, a panda bounce ring, and themed treats, souvenirs, and games galore.
 
TICKET INFO
Tickets go on sale Friday, July 11, with a limited number of Early Bird tickets available through Sunday, July 27 at 10 p.m. EST or until sold out. General Admission includes entry to the festival and two complimentary gifts: a customized Atlanta festival pin and an inflatable panda headband. VIP tickets include upgraded perks such as shaded seating, VIP restrooms, exclusive experiences, a private bar, and a Panda Fest tote bag.
 
Visit www.pandafests.com for ticket information, vendor applications, and more. Follow along at @pandafestatlantaon Instagram for festival updates, vendor spotlights, and sneak peeks. Panda Fest is a rain-or-shine event unless severe weather conditions require cancellation.

A FEAST FOR ALL: ATLANTA’S INAUGURAL HALAL FOOD FESTIVAL ARRIVES THIS SUMMER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/26/25

A One-Day Celebration of Halal Cuisine, Live Entertainment, + Family Fun – Saturday, July 19, 2025 | Tickets On Sale Now


WHAT: Atlanta Summer Halal Food Festival
WHEN: Saturday, July 19 I Noon to 7 p.m.
WHERE: Atlantic Station Pinnacle Lot | 221 20th St., Atlanta, GA 30363
TICKETS: Tickets are available here. Details on ticket packages are below.
INFO: Please visit the website here and @atlsummerhalalfoodfest on Instagram
 

Get ready, food lovers: Atlanta’s first-ever halal food festival is firing up the city’s summer scene on Saturday, July 19 at Atlantic Station. The Atlanta Summer Halal Food Festival promises a full day of flavor, culture, and community, all centered around halal cuisine and inclusive celebration.
 
Created by the Atlanta Muslim Festival Collective (AMFC), the festival brings Atlantans of all backgrounds together to enjoy halal food, local culture, and shared experiences. With more than 50 mouthwatering food vendors from across the Southeast, guests can explore a rich mix of global cuisines, from sizzling kabobs and gourmet burgers to indulgent desserts and refreshing drinks, all prepared in accordance with halal values, meaning made with care, integrity, and respect for halal dietary values. Like the care behind kosher or plant-based dishes, halal cuisine is something that everyone is welcome to delight in, and many foodies have likely already enjoyed halal foods before, especially in the Atlanta food scene. With its bold flavors and wide variety, halal cuisine offers something for every palate, from comforting favorites to exciting new dishes waiting to be discovered. Through educational signage and short video content, the festival will explain what halal means and reinforce that it is welcoming to everyone.
 
“It feels incredible to introduce the first halal food festival to Atlanta,” said Hasnain Lakhani, Festival Co-Founder + Atlanta restauranteur and entrepreneur. “As a lifelong metro Atlanta resident, I’ve always felt deeply connected to this community—from planning smaller events like the Atlanta Ramadan Food Festival to running local culinary and real estate businesses. This festival is a natural extension of that work. It’s a chance for both Muslims and non-Muslims to come together, celebrate our city’s diversity, and experience the vibrant culture and flavor of halal cuisine. We’ve brought together an incredible lineup of small and first-time business vendors offering not just food, but unique goods and experiences for everyone to enjoy.”
 
In addition to food, the festival will offer complimentary water, live entertainment featuring Atlanta performers and cultural acts, family-friendly games, a petting zoo, a dedicated kids’ area and a vibrant artisan market featuring handmade goods from local businesses. A scenic photo booth will be set up for families and friends to capture special moments together, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit local charities and community initiatives.
 
TICKET DETAILS:
Tickets are now available here. Admission includes access to the full festival experience, including 50+ halal food vendors, live performances, games, interactive activities, and the artisan market. Tickets include customized paper hand fans and RFID wristbands with scannable QR codes linking to a free photo gallery, a memorable and functional souvenir for every attendee. Children ages 7 and under receive free entry. All other attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as this event is expected to sell out. Final ticket prices will include the pricing listed below with taxes and fees.
 

  • General Admission – $25
    Includes full access to the festival from noon to 7 p.m. Enjoy food vendors, live entertainment, kids’ activities, and more.
  • 2-for-1 Deal – $25 for two tickets (Limited time only)
    Bring a friend and save! This limited time offer includes two general admission tickets for the price of one.
  • Family Pack – Buy 4, Get 1 Free (Limited time only)
    Perfect for groups! Buy four general admission tickets and receive a fifth ticket at no extra cost.
  • Student Ticket – $13
    Discounted entry available with a valid student ID. Enjoy the full festival experience at nearly half the price.

 
For more information on the event, please visit the website here. A full schedule of entertainment programming and a complete list of vendors will be announced soon. Follow along on Instagram (@atlsummerhalalfoodfest) for all the latest details, including vendor announcements, schedule details, and more.