Tag Archive for: festival

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. 

BARBECUE MEETS BAJA AT SMOKE AND SPICE BLOCK PARTY JUNE 28

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/24/25

Chichería Mexican Kitchen and Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q Host a Flavor-Packed Outdoor Bash
with Live Music and Cold Drinks Benefitting Hogs for a Cause       

Chichería Mexican Kitchen and Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q are teaming up to host the Smoke and Spice Block Party on Saturday, June 28, from 3-7 p.m. on Camp Street. This vibrant summer celebration will take over their shared space with bold flavors, live entertainment and ice-cold drinks.

Guests can enjoy a mix of music with a live band and DJ spinning, plus access to two bars and four food stations, including whole hog and chicken from Fox Bros and signature margaritas and sangrias from Chichería. A portion of proceeds—15% of profits—will benefit Hogs for the Cause, supporting families facing pediatric brain cancer.

Tickets are $35 for entry and three food tickets or $60 for an all-inclusive package covering food and non-alcoholic beverages. Additional food tickets are $6, and drink tickets are $7 in advance or $8 at the event. All ticket prices include an 18% tip. Purchase tickets online.

TIO LUCHO’S PERU ON PONCE PARTY RETURNS FOR YEAR THREE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/22/25

An Anniversary Patio Party Stacked with Ceviche, Peruvian Skewers, Refreshing Drinks, and Cumbia Beats

Reservations Now Available for Saturday, June 28, 2025


 Perfectly timed with National Ceviche Day, Tio Lucho’s brings back its annual Peru on Ponce celebration for the restaurant’s third anniversary on Saturday, June 28, 2025. This all-day patio party brings the vibrant spirit of coastal Peru to Poncey-Highland with seafood, skewers, cocktails, and more.


The celebration kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with a special midday edition of Ceviche Sessions, the restaurant’s interactive, chef-led seafood experience. Guests who secure a ticket will enjoy a guided, three-course tasting featuring fresh ceviche, a live tiradito demo, and a glass of chilled wine—all served on the patio in a breezy, laid-back setting. Spots are limited for this hands-on ceviche experience. Tickets are now available at www.tioluchos.com. For those craving something more low-key, regular lunch service will also be available throughout the day.


To set the tone for the coastal-inspired celebration, the first 50 guests of the day will be welcomed with a complimentary Caravedo Pisco Champagne Cocktail—a sparkling nod to three years of hospitality and heart.


As afternoon rolls in, the heat turns up with Anticuchos on the Patio for Happy Hour from 4 to 7 p.m. The Big Green Egg grill will be fired up outside, filling the air with irresistible smoky aromas as anticuchos — juicy skewers of beef sirloin, beef heart, chicken thigh, pork belly, fresh fish loin, and even cauliflower — hit the grill. Each skewer comes with house-made parrillera salsa that is sure to keep everyone coming back for more. Alongside the skewers, $10 cocktails from the happy hour menu will keep the buzz alive, perfectly balanced to cool off both the heat from the grill and the Atlanta summer air. For those looking to indulge, the $50 Patio Platter for two offers a mouthwatering mix: two beef skewers, two chicken skewers, smoked fish dip crostinis on sourdough, crispy fry bread topped with cream cheese and pepper jelly, and sweet corn mini cobs finished with crema de aji and Grana Padano cheese, all served with parrillera and aji verde sauces for dipping.


DJ Franklin will bring the patio to life with infectious Peruvian Cumbia beats, setting the soundtrack for an evening that’s equal parts delicious, lively, and unforgettable. Join Tio Lucho’s in celebrating this milestone at 675 N. Highland Ave. NE #6000, Atlanta, GA 30306. For more information or to book a reservation, call (404) 343-0278 or visit www.tioluchos.com. Stay connected on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tioluchosatl and on Instagram at @tioluchos.

TASTE OF ATLANTA PRESENTS GRAND TASTING ALPHARETTA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/20/25

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Subscribe to Taste of Atlanta Bite of News and save $30!

Tickets on Sale Now

Get ready, Alpharetta! Taste of Atlanta is bringing the flavor, flair, and fun back for summer 2025 with Grand Tasting Alpharetta on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the ever-stylish The Hotel at Avalon, 9000 Avalon Boulevard, Alpharetta, GA 30009. This exclusive, all-inclusive event will showcase a curated line-up of more than 20 of Alpharetta’s most talked-about restaurants, offering attendees a unique opportunity to indulge in local culinary bites, spirited sips, and energetic entertainment all in Alpharetta’s most premier destination.

Event Highlights:

  • All-Inclusive Tastings: Enjoy unlimited food and dessert tastings from Alpharetta’s top restaurants, featuring a diverse array of cuisines and signature dishes.
  • Beverage Experiences: Savor various wine, beer, craft cocktails, and nonalcoholic tastings curated to complement the evening’s culinary offerings.
  • Live Entertainment: Groove out with your fellow guests to a live band who are sure to create an energetic atmosphere throughout the evening.
  • Publix Cooking Stage: Local chefs and mixologists present live demonstrations for attendees

Ticket Information:

  • Become a Taste of Atlanta: Bite of News subscriber and automatically save $30 off of one General Admission ticket! Tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 18.
  • VIP Ticket $125Early entry at 6:00 PM includes a VIP Swag Bag (limit one per household), VIP seating area, all-inclusive food and dessert tastings, multiple bars featuring local beers, wine, and craft cocktail tastings, live chef and mixology demonstrations.
  • General Admission Ticket $95 Entry starts at 7:00 pm. All-inclusive food and dessert tastings, multiple bars featuring local beers, wine, and craft cocktail tastings, live chef and mixology demonstrations.

Participating Restaurants:

Cattle Shed Wine & Steak Bar, Colletta, Fogón and Lions, Foundation Social Eatery, Jinya Ramen Bar, Jim N Nicks BBQ, Melting Pot, Minnie Olivia Pizzeria, Nahm Fine Thai Cuisine, Oak, Ocean & Acre, Rumi’s Kitchen, Secreto Kitchen & Bar, Shake Shack, Snooze Alpharetta, Nothing Bundt Cakes and more!

Participating Sponsors:

Grand Tasting Alpharetta is made possible through the generous support and energy of our dedicated sponsors; The Hotel at Avalon, Publix, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, United BMW, Smart Water, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Society Insurance, Mary Dowling Whisky, Aperol, Fizzy Jane’s, Herb & Bloom, Altos Tequila, Absolut Vodka, Aplomo Tea, Solomon Brothers Jewelers, Deep Eddy Vodka, Lunazul Tequila, Jamaica tourism, Delta Vacations, Mate Beverage, Mom Water, Diplomático Rum, Savannah Distributing Company, Classic Tents & Events, and Prima Flyers.

This year, Grand Tasting Alpharetta has partnered with Second Helpings Atlanta, a nonprofit organization dedicated to diverting surplus food from landfills and delivering thousands of prepared meals weekly to those in need. Their mission to fight hunger and reduce food waste aligns with the values of the Grand Tasting event. A portion of the event proceeds will support their initiatives.

OYE FEST 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/18/25

Lineup Includes: Álvaro Diaz, Alexis y Fido, Snow tha Product, Macario Martinez, pablopablo, and more GA and VIP Tickets Options On Sale Now

A

With all the robust energy, excitement, and flavor you’ve come to expect from the cultural movement known as OYE Fest, organizers are excited to announce details for this year’s event, taking place on October 04 in the heart of the city at Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s most well-known pre-game tailgating spot- ‘Lot 432.’ Featuring top-level production across multiple stages, the lineup will showcase a full spectrum of Latinx performers, including local, regional, and emerging talent. Returning to its indie-based urban roots that began in 2018, headliners for OYE Fest 2025 include Puerto Rican rapper Álvaro Diaz; reggaeton duo Alexis y Fido returning to Atlanta for the first time in ten years; Mexican-American singer, rapper, and activist Snow tha Product; street sweeper turned TikTok phenom musician Macario Martinez and Latin GRAMMY-winning sensation pablopablo.  

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By intentionally curating a platform for local and emerging Latinx artists, encouraging community cohesion and cultural pride- De Atlanta Pa’ Atlanta, OYE Fest has further expanded its lineup to reflect this inclusivity, with such artists as Grupo Rye; Calderoky; Uriel U.M.C.; DJ EU; Lilly Yan; Butch Vega; Felicita; B.Bruja; Jui; Dzuan Fresh; Rob Session; Montsy; Lizion; Eduardo Franco; Venez; Maria Ferreira; El Colmillo; El Cézar; Markez; Johnny Juelz; Gente de Noche; Ruthless Geo; DJ Noise, and Julio Van Bustos.  Luis Trevino and Julio Angel will host the one-day event.

Curated by co-founders Randall Ruiz and Margarita Rios, OYE Fest is more than just a music festival, blending music with art, culture, and progressive activism to provide representation and pride for Latinx creatives. Passionate about supporting causes vital to the Latin community, the festival gives immigrant advocacy efforts, such as DACA and organizations like United We Dream, a platform to be heard by a wider audience. It builds environments that are welcoming, inclusive, and safe for all — particularly emphasizing the voices of Afro-Latinx, queer, and women-identifying individuals. Additional details on represented programs, artists, vendors, and food will be announced in the coming weeks.

“OYE Fest creates spaces where Latin culture is celebrated and uplifted — because visibility leads to representation, and representation leads to change,” says Margarita Rios, co-founder of OYE Fest. “Since we began this in 2018, it’s always been more than just a music festival — it’s a cultural movement rooting Latinx identity firmly into Atlanta’s creative and social landscape.”

All ticket options for OYE Fest go on sale Wednesday, June 18 at 12p EST, starting at $65 before fees. General Admission tickets include access to the festival grounds, vendor market, and installations. VIP passes- 21+ include express entry, main stage VIP viewing area with first-come-first-served seating options, VIP bar, and air-conditioned restrooms. For full details and all ticket options, visit www.OYEFest.com. A ticket-carrying adult must accompany guests 16 years or younger, and children under 9 are free. OYE Fest is an All Ages event. 

Visit www.OYEFest.com to sign up and for the most up-to-date information on OYE Fest and all related events. Stay connected on Instagram and TikTok at @OYE.Fest and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OYE.Festival. 

THE GRANT PARK CONSERVANCY SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL RETURNS AUGUST 23-24, 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/2/25


A Free End of Summer Celebration Filled with Art, Eats, Vintage Finds, Live Music, Deep South Wrestling, and Family Fun in Atlanta’s Oldest Park

Now in its 23rd year, the Summer Shade Festival has become one of Atlanta’s most anticipated end-of-summer traditions. Presented by and benefiting the Grant Park Conservancy, the free, two-day festival returns Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24, 2025, with live music, a curated artist and vintage market, family-friendly fun, and some of the city’s best bites and sips—set in one of Atlanta’s most historic and storied green spaces. 

Running 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, this year’s festival brings something for everyone—from families and art lovers to vintage collectors, music fans, and weekend wanderers. The Main Stage and the Gazebo Stage will host a full lineup of live performances all weekend long. Around the restored Milledge Fountain, a curated vintage experience by GVG Events (formerly Georgia Vintage Goods) will join 140+ regional artists around the park, turning this vibrant space into a can’t-miss hub of sound, style, and creativity.

Additional highlights include two daily performances by Deep South Wrestling near the Gazebo, plus free family programming like the Kids’ Bouncy House Village, face painting, and the Sunday morning Move & Groove activation hosted by the Grant Park Parents Network. From yoga in the grass to dancing under the trees and a bike valet for cyclists, surprises and discoveries await around every corner. Whether it’s the twenty-third visit or the very first, this is where summer goes out in style.

What began as a small neighborhood gathering has grown into one of Atlanta’s most beloved traditions. The Summer Shade Festival is more than a party in the park—it’s a celebration of creativity, connection, and the mission of the Grant Park Conservancy, the nonprofit dedicated to preserving and enhancing the park’s 131 acres. From ecological care to major restoration projects, the Conservancy works year-round to preserve, maintain, and beautify this vital green space for everyone to enjoy. 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. 

Festivities officially kick off Saturday at 8 a.m. with the Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K, a neighborhood run and community fundraiser that winds through Grant Park’s historic streets and directly supports the Conservancy’s year-round work. Runners, walkers, and strollers are all welcome. Registration is now open at summershadefestival.org. 

To learn more, donate, or get involved, visit www.gpconservancy.org. Forupdates on the festival, visit www.summershadefestival.org or follow along at @grantpark.atlanta on Instagram and Facebook.com/SummerShadeFestival.

Photo credit: Mimi Leake

MEALS ON WHEELS ATLANTA PRESENTS TASTE 2025 ON MAY 30 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/28/25

Signature Culinary Event Returns with Star Chefs, Tastemakers and  
a Mission to End Senior Hunger 

WHAT: Meals On Wheels Atlanta invites the community to join TASTE 2025 on Friday, May 30—a dynamic evening of food, culture and purpose to support Atlanta’s seniors. This highly-anticipated culinary celebration at 1705WEST brings together more than 15 food pop-ups featuring Atlanta’s hottest restaurants, chefs and food trucks, along with signature cocktails, immersive brand activations, exclusive auction items and curated DJ sets. 

The event also honors 12 Atlanta Tastemakers—rising leaders from food, fashion, media, business and tech—who are shaping the future of our city and acting as event ambassadors. 

“This year’s TASTE is more than a celebration of Atlanta’s vibrant culinary community—it’s a vital fundraiser that supports our mission to serve the city’s most vulnerable seniors,” said Charlene Crusoe-Ingram, CEO of Meals On Wheels Atlanta. “With an unprecedented number of seniors on our waitlist, every ticket sold brings us one step closer to ensuring that no senior in Atlanta goes hungry.” 

Auction items include experiences and dinners from Avize, Southern Belle + Georgia Boy, Heirloom Market, Little Tart/Big Softie, Carmel and more. 

All proceeds from TASTE 2025 directly support MOWA’s meal services program, helping ensure no senior has to wait for the nourishment they deserve. 

Tickets are available online for purchase.  

WHO: 2025 Tastemaker Honorees: 

  • Kirk Andre, Ron Clark Academy 
  • Portia Benbow, Atlanta Hawks 
  • Monica Bowie, Salesforce / I Work In Tech 
  • Micaela Binion, Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead 
  • Allie Eaton, ATL Peachy Eats 
  • Anika Jeffrey, Nurse Practitioner 
  • Hannah Kheireddine, SCAD 
  • El Lewis, Creative Director 
  • Freddy Money, Atlas and The Garden Room 
  • Kelsey Russell, First Stop News 
  • Kaelan Sharperson, Christian Dior Couture 
  • Josh Summey, Business Consultant 

Among the participating restaurants are: 

  • Auburn Angel 
  • Arrivato Imports 
  • Bodega Bar ATL 
  • Canoe 
  • Chef Christian Evans 
  • Chef Shawn Osbey 
  • MCK Restaurant and Bar 
  • Munster Cravings 
  • NaanStop 
  • NALA Kitchen and Cocktails 
  • Oreatha’s  
  • Southern National 
  • Talat Market 
  • Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen 
  • Your 3rd Spot 
     

WHEN: Friday, May 30, 2025 
6 p.m. 

WHERE: 1705WEST 
1705 Commerce Drive NW 
Atlanta, GA 

404-351-3889 

PEACHFEST MAKES ITS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RETURN TO DOWNTOWN ATLANTA THIS SUMMER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/22/25

Atlanta’s Premier Peach-Powered Culinary Event Partners with Pearson Farm Peach Week, Pairing Innovation with Philanthropy in a Can’t-Miss Summer Celebration

Tickets Now on Sale for July 27, 2025

PeachFest, Atlanta’s signature summer tasting event, returns to Peachtree Center Plaza on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., bringing with it an all-inclusive afternoon of peach-forward dishes, craft cocktails, and community-driven flavor. Now in its 11th year, the festival continues to spotlight Georgia’s most iconic fruit with an expanded footprint, a curated lineup of top culinary talent, and a renewed focus on connection, creativity, and giving back.

Presented by Taste Network, PeachFest brings together more than 65 top chefs, bartenders, artisans, and farmers for an immersive, open-air celebration of the season. Guests can expect peak-season dishes starring fresh Pearson Farm Georgia peaches, peach-infused cocktails, crisp beers, and premium wines—all served with purpose. Proceeds benefit CURE Childhood Cancer and Piggy Bank, a nonprofit that supports small and sustainable farms through disaster relief, business planning, and education.

To further spotlight Georgia’s peach culture, PeachFest is partnering for the first time with Pearson Farm Peach Week—a weeklong celebration of the state’s signature fruit taking place July 21–26. Created by Pearson Farm, the initiative features limited-time, peach-centric dishes and drinks at top restaurants across metro Atlanta. With peaches donated by the fifth-generation Fort Valley orchard, a portion of proceeds from each restaurant will benefit CURE Childhood Cancer, deepening the festival’s commitment to food, community, and purpose.

“PeachFest has always been about more than just celebrating peaches through incredible food and drink,” says Brady Lowe, founder of Taste Network. “It’s about honoring the people and places behind the ingredients, from farmers and chefs to winemakers and distillers—and creating a space where guests can taste something that feels both exciting and meaningful.”

The 2025 festival will feature tasting stations, curated pairings, immersive brand activations, an impressive silent auction, and exclusive VIP experiences, including early access and entry into the VinoTeca Luxe Wine Lounge. A full chef and beverage lineup for both PeachFest and Peach Week will be released in the coming weeks.

Tickets for PeachFest are on sale now at www.peachfest.org. The event takes place at Peachtree Center Plaza (225 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA), with VIP entry beginning at 3 p.m. and general admission at 4 p.m. The all-inclusive experience runs through 7:30 p.m. Tickets are priced at $95 for General Admission and $130 for VIP, which includes early access and entry to a private lounge. Guests can receive $30 off any ticket with promo code “peachlove” through June 1, 2025. For the latest updates, follow along on Instagram at @atlpeachfest.