Tag Archive for: festival

FIRST ANNUAL VALDOSTA BLUESBERRY FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/4/23

Valdosta Hosts First-Ever Bluesberry Festival

The two-day festival features a variety of blues music, blueberries and brews at Unity Park Amphitheater in Downtown Valdosta

FREE!

The first annual Valdosta Bluesberry Festival will take place in the heart of Downtown Valdosta this spring. On April 14 and 15, guests of all ages are invited to attend the blueberries, brews and blues festival at Unity Park Amphitheater, complete with a lineup of live entertainment, family friendly activities, blueberry-themed food and drinks, and even the Blueberry Olympics.

The two-day festival features the following musical performances and activities:

·       Blues musical acts include Dirty Bird and the Flu, Tom “Bones” Malone and Lou Marini, The Page Brothers and many others

·       In the Blueberry Olympics, participants will compete in a series of events including a blueberry pie eating contest, blueberry throwing game and more for a first place prize of $150 Downtown Dollars, second place prize of $100 Downtown Dollars and third place prize of $60 Downtown Dollars. Downtown Dollars are accepted at most Downtown Valdosta merchants. Learn more at ValdostaBluesberry.com

·       Calling all bakers! The Blueberry Bake Off is looking for the best blueberry pies, cakes, muffins and other baked goods. Learn more about prizes and how to enter at ValdostaBluesberry.com

·       Farmers market featuring local vendors with special blueberry themed merchandise

·       Kids’ zone with bounce houses, basketball, rock climbing wall and more  

·       Food trucks offering BBQ, funnel cakes, seafood and more

“Hosting the inaugural Valdosta Bluesberry Festival is a momentous occasion for our city,” said Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson. “It has been an honor to see the hard work of so many people in our community come together to bring this idea to life. This is the beginning of a new tradition here in Valdosta for everyone around the south to enjoy.”

General admission to the Valdosta Bluesberry Festival is free. Guests should bring a blanket or lawn chair and find a comfortable spot on the lawn for a weekend jam-packed with live music and entertainment. For guests wanting to get closer to the action, VIP tickets with a hotel room, upgraded seating and access to exclusive after-hours events are available for purchase.

“The Valdosta Bluesberry Festival will not only be a great weekend of entertainment for the whole family, but it also allows our local businesses and destinations to share their unique offerings with each other and out of town visitors,” said David DiSalvo, Executive Director of Visit Valdosta.

The inaugural Valdosta Bluesberry Festival is made possible with the support of Visit Valdosta, Valdosta Main Street, the City of Valdosta, Coleman Talley, South Georgia Medical Center, The McKey, Pepsi and others.  

To purchase VIP tickets, view the full lineup, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, please visit www.valdostabluesberry.com. 

35TH ANNUAL STEAMHOUSE LOUNGE OYSTERFEST

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/5/23

Saturday, February 25 and Sunday, February 26

Atlanta’s Original Oysterfest Returns to Midtown for Two Days of Live Music, Cold Brews, Fresh Seafood and More Tickets Now Available; Benefiting Atlanta Leadership Club and Shells to Shore

Get ready for a shucking good time as the original Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest returns to Midtown Atlanta for its 35th year on Saturday, February 25th, and Sunday, February 26th. Produced by Rival Entertainment, seafood lovers can indulge in heaping buckets of roasted oysters, chargrilled oysters on the half-shell with garlic and butter, Steamhouse’s legendary lobster bisque, fried oyster po’boys, ice-cold beer, cocktails, and much more.

Located just two blocks from the Steamhouse Lounge’s iconic beach house on the corner of 11th and West Peachtree, Atlanta’s original Oysterfest will showcase musical talent from across the country in perfect tune with the vibe and soul of Atlanta’s favorite street party. Featured artists include, Saturday: Magnolia Express; Moontower; CoHost; Them Dirty Roses, and Funk You. Sunday gets started with Francisco Vidal; Kind Hearted Strangers; Sam Burchfield & the Scoundrels, and Frankly Scarlet (A Tribute to the Grateful Dead).

Weekend tickets to the 35th annual Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest are on sale now for $25, plus fees, and include two days of sun-soaking, live music, and fresh seafood from the Louisiana Gulf Coast. For revelers who can’t make it on Saturday, single-day tickets are available for Sunday at $15, plus fees. Advance tickets allow for express entry lanes and are available at www.steamhouselounge.com. The event is for ages 21 and up. Festival goers under 21 are permitted when accompanied by an adult. Oysterfest is cashless, and all transactions at the gates, bars, and restaurants will only accept credit or debit cards. Oysterfest encourages its patrons to be responsible and take MARTA to the 10th Street Midtown Station for maximum fun.

The 35th Annual Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest benefits the Atlanta Leadership Club, which empowers strong leaders from underserved Atlanta communities, and Shells to Shore, an Athens-based oyster shell recycling project.

$25 for Satruday and Sunday

$10 for Sunday-Only

Tickets are available at www.steamhouselounge.com.

ATLANTA BRUNCH FESTIVAL 2023

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/5/23

Two dates: Saturday, 3/4 & 3/11

Atlantic Station

On Saturday, March 4th and Saturday, March 11 at Atlantic Station. Atlanta loves brunch, so we are putting together a festival to celebrate some of the best restaurants in the brunch game serving up tasting size portions of the brunch items they do best.  We will also feature the brunch beverages we all love – Bloody Marys, Mimosas, Brunch Punch, beer, wine and seltzer.  A full list of participating restaurants will be announced soon.  We will also have live music with Davis and the Love and DJ  Qtip. Brunch samples will be $4 each paid directly to each restaurant.  

Tickets here.

Early Entry Tickets include:

  • Early entry at 11am
  • All drinks 11am-3:45pm
  • 3 Food tickets for any restaurant (must be used between 11am and 1pm)

$65 Advance, $70 after Feb. 23, $80 day of event

Bottomless Drinks Tickets

  • Include Entry, Entertainment, and all drinks 12pm-3:45pm
  • Food will cost extra

$45 advance, $50 after Feb. 23, $60 day of event. 

ATLANTIC STATION’S FEBRUARY EVENTS LINEUP WILL WARM YOUR HEART

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/2/23

The intown destination invites the community to experience a variety of outdoor events

Atlantic Station has a variety of events planned throughout February that are sure to warm your heart. Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit as Atlantic Station continues to honor the Lunar New Year with a spectacular display of Lunar New Year decor and traditions along with a magnificent fire breathing dragon. Treat your taste buds to one of the many flavorful food and beverage festivals happening throughout the month in the Pinnacle Lot, such as the Atlanta Oyster Festival, the Atlanta Winter Beer Festival and the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival. Celebrate Black History Month with an outdoor movie series on Atlantic Green. The month may be short, but there’s plenty to do at Atlantic Station throughout February.

The full February events lineup is outlined below:

Lunar New Year

Now through Sunday, Feb. 5 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. daily

Visit Atlantic Green to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit and experience mesmerizing Lunar New Year decor. At the top of the hour nightly from 5 – 9 p.m., an impressive “fog” breathing 90-foot-long dragon with over 25,000 lights, known as the Chinese symbol of good fortune, will blow fog out in the plaza to surprise guests. Also happening at the top of the hour every night, over 450 beautifully decorated red lanterns will illuminate Atlantic Green for a glistening lantern show. For more information, visit https://atlanticstation.com/event/lunar-new-year-2023/. 

Black History Month Movie Series

Monday, Feb 13 at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15 and 22 at 7 p.m.

Celebrate Black History Month with an epic and educational movie series on Atlantic Green! Bring your family or friends and a cozy blanket while enjoying the film. Stop by at one of Atlantic Station’s restaurants for a delicious meal before or after the movie. This event is free to the public. See below for the movie series lineup or for more information, visit https://atlanticstation.com/events/list/. 

Monday, Feb 13 at 5 p.m. featuring Cinderella (1997) | Rated G 

Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. featuring The Great Debaters (2007) | Rated PG-13

Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. featuring 42 (2013) | Rated PG-13

Atlanta Oyster Festival

Saturday, Feb. 4 from 1 – 5 p.m.

Oh shucks! Atlanta’s favorite oyster festival returns to the Pinnacle Lot for oyster shucking and lots of entertainment. Guests can enjoy a selection of fresh oysters accompanied with beer, wine, mimosas and brunch punch; live music; and tunes spun by DJ Qtip. The festival is 21+ and general admission tickets include entry, entertainment, a souvenir cup and all alcohol samples. Food will be available at an additional cost. To purchase tickets or to learn more, visit https://atlanticstation.com/event/atlanta-oyster-fest-2023/. 

Atlanta Winter Beer Festival

Saturday, Feb. 11 from 1 – 5 p.m.

Grab your friends and sip on boozy drinks in the Pinnacle Lot at the Atlanta Winter Beer Festival! Sample a wide selection of over 150 beers, wines and seltzers from homegrown Georgia brewers and other breweries from across the country. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks on site and enjoy tunes spun by DJ Qtip under a heated tent. Tickets include entry, a souvenir cup, entertainment and all beer, wine and seltzer samples. Food will be available at an additional cost. This is a 21+ event. To purchase tickets or to learn more, visit https://atlanticstation.com/event/atlanta-winter-beer-festival-2023/. 

Tiny Doors ATL Studio Open

Saturday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Stop in and meet Atlantic Station’s artist-in-residence, Karen Anderson Singer of Tiny Doors ATL, when she opens her studio for a behind-the-scenes peek into how her public art comes to life. See Tiny Doors in progress, shop exclusive merchandise, view the retired door gallery and learn how she has become one of Atlanta’s most popular and well known artists. The studio will be open on the third Saturday of every month. For more information, visit https://atlanticstation.com/event/tiny-doors-atl-open-studio-2/2023-02-18/. 

Hello Kitty Café Truck

Saturday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. while supplies last

We’re saying hello again to Hello Kitty! The crowd-favorite Hello Kitty Café Truck will be returning to Atlantic Station on Atlantic Green this month. Visit the truck to pick up adorable exclusive Hello Kitty treats and merchandise. Please note the Hello Kitty Café Truck only accepts credit and debit card payments. For more information, visit https://atlanticstation.com/event/hello-kitty-cafe-truck-2023/. 

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival

Saturday, Feb. 25 from 2 – 6 p.m.

Have a barbeque feast at the 11th Annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival in the Pinnacle Lot! Spend your Saturday outdoors with friends and family while treating your tastebuds to all the pleasures true southerners live by: beer, bourbon, barbeque, bacon and biscuits. The VIP early entry begins at noon, while general admission starts at 2 p.m. Tickets include a souvenir glass and most importantly, all you can taste samples. To purchase tickets or to learn more, visit https://atlanticstation.com/event/beer-bourbon-bbq-festival-2023/. 

Overtime Elite Games

Throughout February

Dribble on down to the Overtime Elite arena to watch some of the nation’s best basketball players battle in rigorous matchups! Throughout the season there are exciting activities planned, including special performances, celebrity guests, surprise giveaways and more! See below for the full February schedule or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.overtimeelite.com/.

Friday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 18 at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

RESTRICTIONS: 

Please keep in mind the Code of Conduct when choosing to visit Atlantic Station. All youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian after 3:00 p.m. No individuals under 21 are permitted on property after 9:00 p.m. All guests may be subject to presenting ID to verify age. To stay up-to-date on event happenings and details, visit  atlanticstation.com and engage with Atlantic Station on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

WESTSIDE FOOD, BOOZE, & BEER FEST 2023

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/27/23

Saturday, 2/18 at 2pm

Chattahoochee Food Hall

Welcome to The Westside Food, Booze & Brews Fest featuring some of the best spirits, beers, and food at The Chattahoochee Food Works!

Regular Ticket Includes:

🍸 3 Beer Tokens (1 beer token= 5 oz pour)

🍸 1 Liquor Sample

🍸 2 food samples from Chattahoochee Food Works food stalls

🍸 Featuring local beers, ciders, and spirits

🍸 DJ entertainment

🍸 The Chattahoochee Food Works food stalls and full bar available for purchase on own

Lover of all Ticket Includes:

🍸 5 Beer Tokens (1 beer token= 5 oz pour)

🍸 2 Liquor Samples

🍸 2 food samples from Chattahoochee Food Works food stalls

🍸 Featuring local beers, ciders, and spirits

🍸 DJ entertainment

🍸 The Chattahoochee Food Works food stalls and full bar available for purchase on own

VIP Ticket Includes:

🍸 8 Beer Tokens (1 token= 5 oz beer pour)

🍸 4 Liquor Samples

🍸 4 food samples from Chattahoochee Food Works food stalls

🍸 Separate VIP area

🍸 Hour early entry

🍸 Featuring local beers, ciders, and spirits

🍸 DJ entertainment

🍸 The Chattahoochee Food Works food stalls and full bar available for purchase on own

Participating Breweries & Liquor Brands:

🍺 Scofflaw Brewing Co.

🍺 Second Self

🍺 Reformation

🍺 Firemaker

🍺 Monday Night

🍺 Urban Tree Cidery

🍺 Liquor Brands coming soon!

Tickets run $30- $50

Tickets here.

ATLANTA WINTER BEER FESTIVAL 2023

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/28/22

Saturday, February 11 at 1pm

Atlantic Station

We are back again to celebrate the Atlanta Winter Beer Festival at the Atlantic Station event space on Saturday, February 11, 2023, 1pm-5pm.  The event space will give us plenty of room for lots of beer, wine and seltzer, great food trucks and a big heated tent with live music and DJ Qtip.

We will have over 150 beers, featuring Atlanta and Georgia Breweries, as well as a few breweries from around the country.

There will be live music and DJ Qtip will be running the dance party under the DJ tent.

Tickets are $45 advance, $50 after Feb. 2, and $60 day of event. First 500 tickets will be just $35.

Your ticket price includes entry, a souvenir cup, entertainment, and all of your beer, wine, and seltzer samples. Food will cost extra.
This event has sold out many times, so get your tickets early.

This is a 21 and up event, no exceptions, no kids, no babies, no pets. Rain or Shine, no refunds. Beer will cut off at 4:45pm. We will have FREE bottled water available. We will not have Designated Driver tickets.

There is plenty of parking at the venue, but we encourage other forms of getting to the event, like Uber, Lyft a cab, or walking. Safe Ride America will be on site if you do need to get you and your car home safely. Marta is also a short walk away, via the Arts Center Station and Atlantic Station has a shuttle from there.

Tickets here.

ATLANTA OYSTER FEST 2023

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 12/28/22

Atlantic Station

Saturday, February, 4 at 1 pm

Enjoy a great selection of Oysters, beer, wine, mimosas, brunch punch, seltzer, live music and DJ Qtip. Tickets include entry and entertainment, souvenir cup, and all alcohol samples. Food costs extra. Tickets are $45 Advance, $50 after Jan. 26, $60 day of event. First 500 are $35.

Early Entry Tickets include entry at 12pm, entertainment, souvenir cup, 1 Free Oyster Entrée, and all alcohol samples. Additional Food (after first Oyster Entrée) costs extra. Tickets are $70 Advance, $75 after Jan. 26, $85 day of event. First 500 are $60.

21 and up event, no kids, no babies, no pets. Rain or shine, no refunds. We will not have Designated Driver tickets. No outside food or beverages; included alcohol will cut off at 4:45pm.

Tickets here.

GEORGIA FESTIVAL OF TREES 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/7/22

GEORGIA FESTIVAL OF TREES PRESENTED BY ATLANTA GAS LIGHT KICKS OFF
CHRISTMAS IN ATLANTA WITH PREMIER HOLIDAY EVENT


Atlanta Nonprofit Hosts Eight-Day Festival At Georgia World Congress Center With Forest Of
Holiday Trees For Auction, Live Entertainment And More


Georgia Festival of Trees presented by Atlanta Gas Light will kick off the holiday season with an eight-day festival Saturday, Nov. 19-Sunday, Nov. 27 at the Georgia World Congress Center that features a dazzling display of Christmas trees, wreaths, centerpieces and nativities for auction, live music and entertainment, a gingerbread contest, Christmas brick challenge, kids’ activities and games, boutique gift shops, food carts and more.


As one of the first holiday events of the season in Atlanta, proceeds from the event and holiday tree sales will benefit Wellspring Living, a local nonprofit organization that supports and serves survivors of human trafficking in metro Atlanta. The festival remains true to its aim to strengthen the community through charitable engagement and holiday spirit. Georgia Festival of Trees

President and CEO Angie Ulibarri says she is thrilled for the exciting new additions to this year’s festival. “It’s an honor to officially kick off the Christmas season in Atlanta through the Georgia Festival of Trees,” said Ulibarri. “We want this event to unify the community, spread joy and light, and continue to be a memorable experience for families in Atlanta, which is why we’ve added a few new experiences this year. The Christmas brick challenge and gingerbread contest are just two more ways families can connect with each other at the Georgia Festival of Trees while celebrating the season and giving back to those in need.”


Each tree, wreath, centerpiece and nativity at the festival is designed, decorated and donated by individuals and organizations in metro Atlanta, providing a variety of options for those looking to take home holiday decor. Small trees five feet or less can be picked up at the festival on Nov. 27 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Nov. 28 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Large trees six feet or higher will be delivered and set up at the buyer’s home or office on Nov. 28 and Nov. 29.

This year’s Georgia Festival of Trees presenting sponsor is Atlanta Gas Light who provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas delivery service to approximately 1.7 million customers in Georgia. “Atlanta Gas Light is proud to partner with Georgia Festival of Trees to support the critical mission of Wellspring Living for the second consecutive year,” said Atlanta Gas Light President and CEO Pedro Cherry. “Because of the nature of our business, our employees are in a unique position to help identify suspected human trafficking and assist authorities. This event allows us to help spread holiday cheer while fueling change in the communities we serve.”


Wellspring Living provides specialized recovery services for domestic sex trafficking survivors and those at risk through residential and community-based programs. These programs provide therapeutic services, life training skills, professional development and other resources to provide a path to a successful life. “There is no cookie cutter example of trafficking or exploitation since each individual we serve has their own story and a unique set of needs,” said Mary Frances Bowley, executive director of Wellspring Living. “It’s our focus to meet survivors where they are and create a safe place for
them to heal and thrive.”

Georgia Festival of Trees is sponsored by Atlanta Gas Light, Elavon, Amerimed, Well Care, Ambetter Health, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, doTERRA and many more. Tickets to the Georgia Festival of Trees start at $12.95 for children ages 4-12 and $17.95 for adults. The Georgia

World Congress Center is located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. Northwest, Atlanta, Ga. 30313.

For a schedule of events, to purchase tickets, sign up to volunteer or learn more about the Georgia Festival of Trees visit gafestivaloftrees.org.

ATLANTA BOURBON FESTIVAL 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/22/22

Atlanta Beer Festivals hosts

Atlanta Bourbon Festival
November 19, 2022, 2pm-5pm, VIP 1pm
Guardian Works

Enjoy 50+ bourbon and whiskey options, cocktails, wine & beer, and live music.

General Admission Tickets include entry, entertainment, souvenir tasting glass and all of your drinks; food will cost extra. $55 advance, $60 after Nov. 10, $70 day of event. First 250 just $45.

VIP tickets will include early entry at 1pm, 15+ VIP only bourbons, souvenir tasting glass, and all of your drinks; finger food will be included until 3pm. $99 advance, $109 after Nov. 10, not available day of. First 100 just $85.

Tickets here.

THIRD ANNUAL DÍA DE MUERTOS FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/9/22

Celebrating the Day of the Dead With Live Entertainment, Mexican Cuisine, a Tequila and Margarita Tasting, Costume Contest and More

Saturday, October 29, 2022 From 2 p.m to 8 p.m.

For the third year, Día de Muertos Festival will return to the grounds of Roswell City Hall for a lively afternoon and evening filled with fun, community spirit, remembrance, food, beverages, live entertainment and much more. Welcoming all ages and free to attend, the event will take place on Saturday, October 29, 2022 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is presented by the City of Roswell in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico. 

Celebrating the vibrant and beloved Mexican tradition, festivalgoers are invited to enjoy Aztec dancers, an Oaxaca group, and a mariachi band along with free candy sugar skull face painting and an array of Mexican cuisine from authentic tamales to savory empanadas.  For those ages 21 and up, a tequila and margarita tasting experience showcasing the unique flavors Mexico will be available for $35. Tequila lovers will receive eight tokens that can be used to taste any combination of six types of specialty margaritas and four types of tequila.  At 5 p.m., attendees wearing their best Day of the Dead costumes can compete in the Catrina and Catrin costume contest for their chance to win cash prizes. The festival will also have an ofrenda, a traditional altar honoring friends and family that have passed, for guests that would like to bring a small memento or photo of a loved one.

For more information about the third annual Día de Muertos Festival, to register for the costume contents, and to purchase tickets to the tequila and margarita tasting, visit www.RoswellGov.com/DayoftheDead.