Tag Archive for: grant park

MARKET IN THE PARK DEBUTS IN GRANT PARK EARTH DAY WEEKEND 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/22/26

A New Monthly Gathering Presented by the Grant Park Conservancy Brings Food, Music, Makers and Community to Atlanta’s Oldest Park

Kicking Off Sunday, April 19 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

The Grant Park Conservancy is launching Market in the Park, a new monthly gathering designed to bring neighbors, food, music, and local makers together in Grant Park, Atlanta’s oldest public park. Debuting on Sunday, April 19 and continuing May 17 and June 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the new series will transform the Boulevard Green at Grant Park Gateway into a lively community hub filled with chef-driven bites, local vendors, music, and programming, with free admission for all ages, inviting people from across the city to spend the day in the park.

Produced by the Conservancy as part of its ongoing work to activate and enhance Grant Park, Market in the Park creates a fresh reason to gather in the heart of the park. Building on the same thoughtful curation that has made the Conservancy’s Summer Shade Festival a beloved neighborhood tradition, each market will feature a mix of prepared foods from local chefs, seasonal produce from regional growers, artisan and vintage vendors, live music, free yoga, workshops, and family-friendly programming throughout the day.

The series also arrives as several Conservancy-led improvements continue to take shape across the park. Just steps from the market lawn, the historic Milledge Fountain area is being transformed into the Milledge Fountain Outdoor Classroom and Theatre, a new space designed for performances, educational programming, and community gatherings. Along with ongoing improvements at the Boulevard Green and Gateway entrance, these projects reflect the Conservancy’s broader effort to make Grant Park an even more welcoming place to gather, learn, and connect.

“Grant Park has always been a place where Atlanta comes together,” said Michelle Blackmon, Executive Director of the Grant Park Conservancy. “Through our community survey and ongoing conversations with neighbors, we heard a clear desire for more opportunities to gather in the park and support local vendors. Market in the Park is our way of bringing that idea to life while continuing the Conservancy’s work to invest in spaces that help the park serve the community for years to come.”

The inaugural Earth Day edition is already shaping up with a lively mix of participants. Big Softie will make its first-ever appearance at a neighborhood market, while Sweet Auburn Barbecue and Tio Lucho’s Hermanita will bring chef-driven bites to the lawn. Zoo Atlanta will host educational programming for families, The Little Gym of Grant Park will offer free gymnastics activities for kids, and CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials) will share ways residents can recycle responsibly and reduce waste at home. More vendors and programming will be revealed in the coming weeks, with a growing mix of artisans, farmers, plant vendors, vintage sellers, and community organizations joining the market throughout the season.

The Grant Park Conservancy’s new Market in the Park is designed around a simple idea: goods and gatherings for all. Parking is available at the Grant Park Gateway parking facility at 759 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30315. For additional information, including vendor and programming lineups, visit www.gpconservancy.org. Stay connected via Instagram at @grantpark.atlanta. 

GRANT PARK CONSERVANCY’S CANOPY SOIRÉE RETURNS FOR A NIGHT OUT IN SUPPORT OF ATLANTA’S OLDEST PARK

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

An Evening of Music, Dancing, Cocktails and Community at Savanna Hall at Zoo Atlanta

Friday, March 27, 2026 | 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Spring in Atlanta comes with a certain energy. Windows open. Music gets louder. And on Friday, March 27, the sixth annual Canopy Soirée brings that energy straight to Savanna Hall at Zoo Atlanta for a night dedicated to Grant Park, the city’s oldest public park and a cornerstone of the community.

Hosted by the Grant Park Conservancy, the 21+ celebration is equal parts dance floor, cocktail party, and community love letter. Expect music that keeps the room moving, an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a raffle that raises the stakes, all while overlooking the zoo’s popular African Savanna.

Behind the music and celebration is a clear purpose: ensuring the park continues to thrive long after the last song ends. In the past year alone, the Conservancy has delivered meaningful improvements across Grant Park, from a new playground and signature Southeast Quadrant entrance to the reclaimed Abana Courtyard and expanded greenspace at Erskine Fountain. Athletic spaces have been revitalized with resurfaced basketball courts and a vibrant plaza serving basketball, pickleball, and tennis players. Native gardens now flourish at Constitution Spring and Loomis Plaza, while habitat restoration continues at the Cherokee Wetlands and the Pond. Newly installed interpretive signage shares deeper stories about the park’s layered history.

Funds raised at the 2026 Canopy Soirée will support the Milledge Fountain Outdoor Classroom and Theatre, the new GPC Park Care Center, year-round ecological care, and the beloved Summer Shade Festival. Community fundraising events like this make transformative projects possible while ensuring that Atlanta’s oldest public park remains vibrant, welcoming, and resilient.

Individual tickets, Host Committee packages, and VIP tables to the 2026 Canopy Soirée are now available for guests ages 21 and older. Tickets and sponsorship information are available at www.gpconservancy.org/events-programs/canopy-soiree. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Nikki Zimmerman at nzimmerman@gpconservancy.org.

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.

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/.

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

CHEERS TO FIVE YEARS OF FIREPIT PIZZA TAVERN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/21/23

A High-Energy Celebration Featuring All-You-Can-Eat Barbecue and All-You-Can-Drink Bubbly

Sunday, June 25, 2023 From 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.


Located in historic Grant Park across from Oakland Cemetery, Firepit Pizza Tavern will be popping bottles on Sunday, June 25, 2023 in honor of its 5th anniversary. From 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., owner Leslie Cohen, celebrity chef and winner of Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen”, Executive Chef Shaun Whitmer, and the entire Firepit team is welcoming revelers to join them for a high-energy “Cheers to 5 Years” celebration featuring an all-you-can-eat barbecue menu and all-you-can-drink champagne. Wristbands to the anniversary bash are available for purchase for $20 upon arrival. Firepit is open daily for lunch, dinner, delivery and pick-up and is located at 519 Memorial Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30312. For more information, visit firepitatl.com or call 404-995-4777. 

CHEERS TO 21 YEARS OF THE GRANT PARK CONSERVANCY SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/9/23

Free, Family-Friendly Festival With Live Music, an Artist Market, Food Trucks, Bouncy House Village, 5K Run, and Much More

Saturday, August 26 and Sunday, August 27, 2023

For two decades, the Grant Park Conservancy Summer Shade Festival has welcomed music, art, and event enthusiasts to close out summer during two fun-filled two days celebrating Atlanta’s oldest park. The 21st annual Summer Shade Festival will take place on Saturday, August 26, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, August 27, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Featuring an impressive lineup of live music, an expansive artist market, bouncy houses for the kids, a 5K run, family-friendly activities, local food trucks and vendors, cocktails, beer and more, the festival is free to attend and welcomes all ages.

“I am so proud of the work the Conservancy and the Summer Shade committee do to bring this festival to the community. Their hard work and volunteer efforts are what make this festival a beloved southeast Atlanta tradition. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the park this August for great music, food, and art,” says Michelle Blackmon, Executive Director of the Grant Park Conservancy. 

On Saturday morning at 8 am, runners, walkers and strollers are invited to kick off the festival at the annual Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K. Raising funds to support the Grant Park Conservancy, the race starts and finishes at the main entrance of Zoo Atlanta. Register for the race today: www.tinyurl.com/runforthepark

To celebrate Grant Park’s 140th birthday, make a $140 donation and become a Summer Shade Festival Sustaining Supporter! In addition to supporting your favorite park and festival, you’ll get a cool Summer Shade themed 6-pack cooler. It takes a lot of resources to produce a free festival, so please consider donating today at gpconservancy.org/get-involved/support/

The 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. Additional details about the 2023 festival including the full performer lineup will be announced in the coming months. For the most up to date information, visit www.summershadefestival.org. 

CELEBRATE THE RETURN OF SUMMER SHADE AT EVENTIDE BREWING

August 19th 

4-10 p.m.

Come raise a glass at Eventide Brewing to celebrate the return of their beloved Summer Shade Pale Ale on August 19 from 4-10 p.m.! In addition to Eventide’s brews, guests will also be able to enjoy live entertainment from local musician Alex Cavanaugh and smashburgers for purchase from Sugar Loaf. Admission is free and 10% of all Summer Shade package sales will go toward the Grant Park Conservancy, a nonprofit that focuses on preserving and enhancing the Grant Park community.

THE GPC CANOPY SOIRÉE RETURNS TO ZOO ATLANTA THIS MARCH

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/27/22

A Philanthropic Evening of Dinner, Cocktails, Dancing, Music, a Raffle and More Hosted by and Benefitting the Grant Park Conservancy, presented by The Rob Smith Team
Friday, March 11, 2022 From 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. 
 The second annual Canopy Soirée hosted by the Grant Park Conservancy (GPC) returns on Friday, March 11, 2022 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Held at Zoo Atlanta in Savanna Hall overlooking the mesmerizing African Savanna exhibit, the philanthropic fête benefiting the GPC is an exciting evening featuring dinner, dessert, cocktails, a DJ, dancing, raffle prizes and much more in a beautifully decorated ballroom.
A night to remember, funds raised during this year’s event, presented by The Rob Smith Team, will be used to plant over 100 trees to enhance historic Grant Park’s tree canopy, support gazebo-rebuilding, tackle crumbling stonework on the Milledge Fountain wall, and bring the 20th installment of the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival back this August.
The Canopy Soirée is for ages 21 and up and host committee tickets, individual tickets, and tables are on sale now starting at $125 at www.gpconservancy.org/events-programs/canopy-soiree. For more information about the Grant Park Conservancy visit www.gpconservancy.org. Proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 test required for entry.

Woodward & Park Brunch

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/19/20

Across from Oakland Cemetery in Grant Park, restaurants, bars, and housing are popping up like wildfire and adding to the appeal of the area.  Joining long standing staple Six Feet Under, Woodward & Park like newbies Full Commission and Firepit, have infiltrated and elevated Grant Park into a must-go destination in Atlanta for both food and site seeing. At Woodward & Park everything from the fabulous cocktails to the amazingly staple breakfast fare to the divine Croque Madame Burger to unique dishes like the Shakshuka and Grits, they have to have one of the best brunches in Atlanta right now. You’ll want to write this down and save it for later. Here we go.

Sipping on a few cocktails with brunch is one of the best ways to start your weekend and depending on what you like, you can either go classic Butterfly cocktail or brunchy Roc N Rec Shooter. Starting with the Butterfly, this one had a ton of sass with a melding of gin, tonic, elderflower, lime, and butterfly pea flower. She’s a floral based cocktail that balances between the sweet and tart of the ingredients. This one we’d argue is a great summer sipper for almost any occasion, not just brunch. On the other hand, the Roc N Rec Shooter is perfect for brunching because it reminds us of breakfast itself. You can just think of it as a PBJ milkshake or even reminiscent of the childhood sandwich with a glass of milk. One part peanut butter whiskey, one part blackberry, and a splash of cream, this drink is nutty, creamy, and sweet.  And since we love unique sips, this one is a must sample on our list.

Two of the brunch dishes we chose turned out to be so dynamic and delicious, we wanted to rave about them. The most unique had to be one that we’d never seen on another brunch menu, the Mediterranean inspired Shakshuka and grits. It has so many flavors and textures with the harissa spices, tender tomatoes, eggs, and grainy yet creamy grits. It’s a plethora of spicy, sweet, creamy, crunchy, and ends savory with the runny egg.  One simple, yet amazing bowl, but make sure to mix it up well and get all the ingredients in one bite. Perfect. Something even better than this is imaginable, but we found it, the Croque Madame Burger. Starting with tender and rich meat in the middle and expanding into crunchy and crusty toast and surrounded by tons of cheese and runny egg, this burger wasn’t much to look at really. One bite and you’re in love with the meatiness, richness of the bone marrow, creamy of the cheeses, and savory gooeyness of the egg. It begins with a crunch and ends with so much savor. Our tip is to get the egg all runny and let it sink in a little to the bread. Cannot stop thinking about it!

If you go with more traditional breakfast fare, say the English Muffin Sandwich, you have to get it with the fried chicken! The English muffin made in-house had the right amount of crunch on the outside and warm bread inside! Then, the fried chicken was tender and juicy, while the breading was crispy with a slight spice. You can get it plain or with cheese and eggs. Either way, you’re in for a treat. Why don’t we finishing this off a classic mimosa?

Remember when we said to write this down? If you could have anything at Woodward & Park, what would you have? Next time for us, brisket hash for brunch and at dinner, bone marrow!