Tag Archive for: things to do in atlanta

SWEETWATER 420 FEST 2026 PHOTO DUMP

Posted by John and Liz Attaway, 4/30/26

Ambiance and Sweetwater Beer

Chromeo

The Heavy Heavy

Little Stranger

Thievery Corporation

Umphrey’s McGee

F1 ARCADE MIAMI GRAND PRIX WATCH PARTY & BEACH POP-UP

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/29/26

F1 Arcade Atlanta is bringing Miami Grand Prix energy to West Midtown this weekend with a five-day activation from May 1–5, culminating in an official Miami Watch Party on race day.

For the week, the venue’s patio will transform into a beach resort-style pop-up with sand, lounge seating, DJs, cocktails, and race content playing throughout the day. It’s designed to give Atlanta audiences a way to tap into Miami race week without leaving the city.

Key details:

  • May 1–5: Beach resort-style patio activation (opens daily at 1 PM)
  • May 3: Official F1® Arcade Miami Watch Party (Doors at 12 PM | Race at 4:00 PM | Open Sim Racing 3-6 PM + DJ themed cocktails, and shareable dishes)
    • For an elevated experience, F1® Arcade Atlanta is collaborating with The Retreat to host a VIP poolside pre-race event, featuring resort-style amenities including floats, poolside DJs, complimentary beverages, and optional massage services. Guests transition to F1® Arcade for the race viewing, combining luxury leisure with high-speed excitement.
    • Tickets are limited and available to guests 21+. Secure yours here (select “Grandstand Ticket” to add The Retreat experience). 
  • May 5: Cinco de Mayo celebration across the patio and Interlock green space

OFFICE BAR SADDLES UP FOR DERBY DAY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/29/26

Saturday, May 2nd

The big race is right around the corner, so saddle up and enjoy the Kentucky Derby at The Office Bar! The Office Bar is hosting a viewing party on Saturday, May 2, for one of the South’s most beloved traditions with food favorites and a drink special that’s a spin on a Churchill Downs favorite! 

Drink specials include the Kentucky Derby Oaks (Grey Goose, lemon juice, simple syrup, naranja liqueur and cranberry juice) and the Brown Derby (Buffalo Trace Bourbon, grapefruit juice and honey syrup).

Food specials feature deviled eggs topped with pimento cheese, bacon and garlic aioli; fried curry cauliflower; and the Big Race Dog with brisket chili and fried shallots.

For more information, visit the event page.

UPTOWN ATLANTA MARKET LAUNCHES SATURDAY ON THE LAWN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/29/26

Weekly market will run each Saturday from May 2 to Nov. 14, featuring over 20 diverse food vendors, artisanal crafts, live music and kid-friendly activities

Calling all intown foodies! Uptown Atlanta Market debuts this Saturday on The Lawn at Uptown. Hosted from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m, the weekly event will be held every Saturday through Nov. 14 and feature over 20 diverse food vendors, as well as a lineup of local artisans selling handmade goods, crafts and one-of-a-kind gifts.

Beyond the market, guests will also enjoy live music during the day, nighttime DJ sets and kids activities including inflatables, face painting and games. Sponsor activations, giveaways and seasonal themed experiences will complete the programming, with a rotating lineup of food vendors ensuring that there is something new to discover each week.

Uptown Market will take place on The Lawn, Uptown’s expansive community park adjacent to Market Street. The event series is free and open to all ages. Convenient parking is located in the Uptown City Center Deck and will cost $5 for the first two hours. Free parking is also available in the Garson and City Center decks with a valid MARTA ticket.

Coinciding with Uptown Market is Uptown’s Movies on The Lawn, a weekly Thursday night screening featuring popular films, themed activations and special offerings from Uptown tenants. Movies on The Lawn kicks off with a screening of “Clueless” on May 7.

For more information and a lineup of vendors, visit uptownmarketatl.com. For more information about events at Uptown Atlanta, visit uptownatlanta.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

THE INTERLOCK UNVEILS CULTURE HAUS, A FIVE-WEEK CELEBRATION OF SOCCER AND COMMUNITY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/29/26

The series brings watch parties, wellness activations, live music and global programming to West Midtown

The Interlock in West Midtown is launching Culture Haus, a 30-day campaign designed to transform the property into Atlanta’s premier destination for all things soccer this summer. Developed in collaboration with Holiday Bar, the series will run from June 11 through July 19 and feature more than 100 events from sunrise to sunset centered around the themes of sport, lifestyle and entertainment, including soccer watch parties, wellness programming, live music and interactive fan experiences.

“Soccer has a unique ability to bring different cultures together, and that’s what Culture Haus is all about,” said Adriana Bibbs, Community Manager at AH Realty Trust. “We’re creating a space where fans can show up for the matches, but stay for the broader experience centered around wellness, music and community. The Interlock has always been a hub for creativity and connection, and this series is a natural extension of that, bringing something new to West Midtown.”

Fans can gather at The Interlock for weekly match screenings on large-format LED screens along Beeline Blvd. and at various locations, including Holiday Bar, F1 Arcade and Puttshack. Guests can also expect themed match days, food and beverage specials from The Interlock restaurants and branded giveaways, including jerseys and other merchandise. 

Additionally, Culture Haus guests are invited to train like an athlete while celebrating like a fan with daytime and pre-match wellness experiences. The Interlock is partnering with leading fitness and wellness brands, including Hills 4 ATL, Sunrei Wellness, Orangetheory Fitness, Lululemon, Bach Fitness, Striv Performance, along with local yoga instructors, mobility coaches and wellness vendors. Daily programming will include yoga sessions, group runs, pop-up HIIT classes, circuit workouts, smoothie and recovery bars, dedicated stretching zones and more.

Culture Haus will also feature a rotating lineup of local DJs and artist collectives with live music performances before and after matches, cultural nights highlighting international music and cuisine tied to competing teams. The series also introduces interactive fan experiences such as drum lines, street performers, fan zones and opportunities to learn global dance traditions, such as flamenco, tango and West African styles.

The full lineup of events and more information is located on the dedicated Culture Haus webpage at theinterlockatl.com/what-is-cultural-haus. Follow along on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more leading up to the series.  

CASA NUOVA COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY 2026

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

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant Hosts Annual Community Block Party to

Thank Alpharetta for 28 Years of Support

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

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

When:

Sunday, May 3rd

2:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Rain or Shine

Where:

Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant

5670 Atlanta Hwy A1, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Why:

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

THE ROOF AT PONCE CITY MARKET UNVEILS ALL-NEW MINIATURE GOLF COURSE, PLUS REIMAGINED GUEST EXPERIENCE

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

Adventures Await with The Roof’s 18-Hole Mini Golf Course, Weekday Tee Time Happy Hour, SK8 The Roof, Nightly Laser Show, Boardwalk Games & Rides, & More

The Roof at Ponce City Market announced today the opening of its new, 18-hole miniature golf course, plus new ticket options, allowing guests general admission access with the chance to “choose your experience” by adding mini golf. Opened in 2016, The Roof at Ponce City Market sits 10 stories above the iconic community hub’s historic main building and features classic boardwalk games and rides at Skyline Park, elevated American dining at 9 Mile Station, world-class cocktails at 12 Cocktail Bar, a multi-tiered bar, gaming parlor, and private events space at RFD Social, and a rooftop roller skating rink, SK8 The Roof.

Set against the iconic Atlanta skyline, The Roof continues to offer a one-of-a-kind destination for dining, drinks, play, and events. The new mini golf experience was completely redesigned from the ground up by legendary golf course architect Bobby Cupp, known for his work on iconic Atlanta courses like Druid Hills Golf Club and Bobby Jones Golf Course, and brings the same thoughtful design principles to a playful, rooftop setting. The course introduces a more dynamic, elevated style of play with enhanced contours, new challenges, and a modern aesthetic inspired by today’s most engaging golf experiences. Whether guests are visiting for a casual round, a competitive group outing, or a date night with a view, the new course delivers a fresh take on a classic favorite. 

New this season, The Roof is also introducing Tee Time, a weekday happy hour. Offered Monday through Friday from 3-5pm, Tee Time features half-price mini golf and three-dollar Lucky One Lemonade or Tea, creating the perfect midweek moment to step away from the day, grab a cocktail, and get a round in with friends, coworkers, or out-of-town guests. 

Guests can pair their visit to The Roof with food and beverage offerings at 9 Mile Station or stop by 12 Cocktail Bar, which now hosts a monthly dinner series, Speakeasy Supper Club. The experience begins with cocktails at 12 Cocktail Bar before moving to the Roebuck Room for a family-style dinner. Plus, RFD Social, a 16,000-square-foot multi-level destination equal parts speakeasy, parlor, and rooftop hideaway, offers cocktails poured with precision, parlor games, and gatherings full of vintage glamour.

Back again this spring and summer is SK8 The Roof, the rooftop roller rink with high-energy vibes and skyline views with a nostalgic twist, and the nightly, high-energy Laser Light Show at 9:15pm. This unforgettable visual experience under the stars is projected directly onto Ponce City Market’s iconic tower and paired with lively music for the ultimate vibes. The show is included with admission to The Roof, so every guest can get a view of the action.

Alongside the mini golf renovation, The Roof has introduced “choose your experience” ticket options, allowing all guests to enjoy general admission access ($15+ for adults, $7+ for kids 12 and under) to The Roof’s boardwalk games, rides, and SK8 The Roof, with the option to add mini golf ($12 for adults, $7 for kids 12 and under). Kids ages three and under are free to visit The Roof and play mini golf, and The Roof is open to all ages all the time. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets and more information about admission to The Roof are available here.

“We’ve always believed The Roof should feel like a place you can come back to again and again,” said Mandy Slater, owner of Slater Hospitality. “Not every visit looks the same, and now it doesn’t have to with our new flexible tickets. You can come up for the views, grab a drink, meet friends, and when you’re ready, jump into a round of mini golf that feels new each time you play it.”

EL SUPER PAN AT PONCE CITY MARKET AND THE BATTERY UPCOMING EVENTS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/23/26

Events going on at El Super Pan – photo: Imprints

El Super Pan at The Battery

P

Second & Fourth Sunday of Each Month (NEXT: April 26) – Despechá Sing-Along

DJ Kiya Lacey sets the vibe, and guests can sing their hearts out to classics in English and Spanish every other Sunday. No RSVP is needed and entry is free. Guests can order from the regular food & beverage menus, and the full schedule with timing is below. 

  • April 26, 4-7pm
  • May 10, 5:30-8:30pm
  • May 24, 5:30-8:30pm
  • June 14, 5:30-8:30pm
  • June 28, 5:30-8:30pm

First & Third Sunday of Each Month (NEXT: May 3) – Salsa Classes with Clahvay Dance Collective

Clahvay Dance Collective hosts free salsa classes at El Super Pan The Battery every other Sunday. No RSVP is needed and entry is free. Guests can order from the regular food & beverage menus before and after salsa! 

  • May 3, 6:30-9:30pm
  • May 17, 4:30-7:30pm
  • June 7, 4:30-7:30pm
  • June 21, 4:30-7:30pm

Every Friday & Saturday, 11pm-2am – Noche Tropical 

El Super Pan offers a high-energy experience where guests can dance, have fun and enjoy salsa, bachata, reggaeton and Latin classics spun by great DJs. On Fridays, DJ Luis Trevino has a residency at El Super Pan, while DJ Luii Alva plays on Saturdays. The late night menu is available HERE. No RSVP is necessary, and entry is free.

Every Monday-Friday, 11am-3pm – Prix Fixe Lunch

El Super Pan’s three-course prix fixe lunch option includes several choices so guests can enjoy a full meal for $19. Every plate is made fresh each day and served with the same friendly energy that defines their kitchen. The menu includes:

  • FIRST COURSE (choice of):
    • Soup of the Day
    • Tropical Salad
    • Two Empanadas 
  • SECOND COURSE (choice of):
    • Rice & Bean Bowl (Pick a protein: sofrito chicken, roasted pork OR ropa vieja)
    • ½ Cuban Sandwich (Served with tropical chips)
    • ½ Media Noche Sandwich (Served with tropical chips)
  • THIRD COURSE (choice of):
    • Cinnamon Churros 
    • Guava & Cheese Pastelito

Daily, 4-7pm – Happy Hour

Guests are invited to enjoy $5 beers and $6 rum punch every day. *Happy hour is not available on game days.

Daily, all day – Super Café

Coffee lovers can indulge in Cuban-style coffee for $3-5 – all day, every day! Guests can ask the restaurant about receiving a punch card, which they can use to receive a tenth coffee for free. 

Every Sat. & Sun., 11am-3pm – Refreshed Brunch Menu 

El Super Pan offers a variety of new brunch options alongside bottomless mimosas on the weekends. Highlights include Buttermilk Pancakes with tropical fruit & coconut whipped cream, Dominican Breakfast with mangú, Dominican salami, fried cheese & fried eggs served with avocado & pickled shallot and Mallorca Completa with fried eggs, bacon, Swiss cheese & American cheese on Puerto Rican brioche bun dusted with powdered sugar. The full menu is available HERE. *Drink specials vary on game days.

Sun., May 31, 4-8pm – Arena Sound Band Plays Live

Live band, Arena Sound, will play at El Super Pan at the Battery on May 31. 

…

El Super Pan at Ponce City Market

Daily, All Day – Cuban Sandwich Super Pack

Available for pick-up or dine-in, the Cuban Sandwich Super Pack feeds around four to six people and includes four Cuban sandwiches, rice & beans and a salad – all for $39! Orders may be placed HERE.

Daily, 9am-Noon – Breakfast

For guests on the go, El Super Pan’s breakfast is available from 9am-noon daily at Ponce City Market! The line-up includes:

  • Mallorca Sandwich – fried eggs, bacon, butter, swiss & American cheeses on a sweet, fluffy Puerto Rican brioche bun & finished with powdered sugar. The Mallorca bread or “Pan de Mallorca” is the star of the show here; the sweet, fluffy bread originated in Spain and became a popular staple in Puerto Rico. See HERE for Chef Hector making a Mallorca Sandwich from start to finish! 
  • Pastelitos (Guava & Cheese or Seasonal Savory options) – flaky puff pastry stuffed with guava & cheese or seasonal savory fillings. Pastelitos were born from Spanish pastry traditions married with Cuban flavors – especially guava, which is a common and favorite filling. At El Super Pan, the culinary team serves them both sweet and savory, always flaky and packed with flavor. 
  • Fried Egg Cubano – fried eggs, ham, salami, pickles, Swiss cheese, yellow mustard & mojo on pan Cubano; a classic Cuban sandwich with the addition of a fried egg.

Every Friday, 6pm – Placita at Ponce (plus free salsa classes every other week!)

El Super Pan invites guests to enjoy Puerto Rican vibes, music, dancing, $8 drinks, $5 snacks and good times every Friday at the Ponce City Market location. Plus, Clahvay Dance Collective will offer free salsa lessons starting at 8pm every second and fourth Friday. No RSVP is needed – open to the public & entry is free.

ATLANTA FRINGE FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR TWO-WEEK CITYWIDE CELEBRATION, MAY 27 – JUNE 7

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/23/26

Festival unites artists and community with more than 245+ live performances across seven venues

The Atlanta Fringe Festival returns for its 14th annual celebration this summer, delivering an expansive lineup of bold, original performances across the city. Building on last year’s success, the 2026 festival will again host a two-week run, featuring more than 245 live acts from May 27-June 7 at seven venues throughout Atlanta. This year’s lineup includes 49 distinct shows from a diverse roster of artists: 27 local performers, 18 touring artists representing 13 states, and an international act from Scotland. Altogether, the festival showcases more than 400 individual performances, offering audiences an immersive, citywide arts experience.

“The Atlanta Fringe Festival is a celebration of fearless creativity and the artists who bring it to life,” said Executive Director Diana Brown. “From local talent to international voices, this year’s festival invites audiences to discover work that is unexpected, unforgettable and uniquely Atlanta.”

Known for its genre-defying programming, the festival spans the full spectrum of live performance – from improv and burlesque to stand-up comedy, spoken word, puppetry and magic. As part of the global Fringe movement, the Atlanta Fringe Festival operates as an open-access platform, empowering artists to present original, unconventional work while retaining 100% of their ticket revenue.

In keeping with Fringe tradition, participating artists were selected through an unjuried lottery from approximately 150 submissions worldwide, ensuring a dynamic mix of voices, disciplines and experience levels.

Festival Highlights Include:

  • Kids Fringe (Free Family Programming): Presented in partnership with East Atlanta Kids Club, this interactive series returns May 30-31 and June 6-7 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., featuring puppet shows, crafts, games, a “Baby Rave” and more for children ages 0-12.
  • Atlanta Street Fringe (Free Outdoor Festival): In partnership with the Little 5 Points Cultural District, this outdoor celebration takes place May 29-31 and June 5-7 throughout Little 5 Points Village.
  • Five/5ths of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: Back by popular demand after two consecutive sell-outs, this variety benefit returns Monday, June 1 at 7:30 p.m. Five performance groups each reinterpret one segment of the classic film, resulting in a wildly inventive, one-night-only mashup featuring puppetry, burlesque, clowning and more.

In addition to live performances, the festival will once again present Fringe Audio, a first-of-its-kind podcast network within the Fringe circuit. Launching May 20 at AtlantaFringe.org, the platform will stream original storytelling and radio theater—many of them world premieres—from local and national artists. A $200 cash prize will be awarded to the Critics’ Choice winner for excellence in podcast production.

Multi-show passes will go on sale April 20, with single tickets going on sale April 27. Tickets will be available at atlantafringe.org. 

For new announcements, volunteer opportunities and information on upcoming exclusive performances, visit atlantafringe.org, or follow Atlanta Fringe Festival on Instagram and Facebook.

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

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

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

Tickets Now Available for Wednesday, May 20, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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