Tag Archive for: things to do in atlanta

THE CHICK-FIL-A COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME PUTS FANS DIRECTLY INTO THE GAME WITH ITS NEW AI EXPERIENCE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/26/24

In Partnership with Creative Principals and HyperCinema, GAME ON! Delivers Never Before Seen Artificial Intelligence Integrations

Set, Hike! The College Football Hall of Fame is setting a new industry milestone with its new GAME ON! AI Experience. This deeply engaging, personalized storytelling experience inserts fans into the rich history of college football. The introduction of GAME ON! and overall renovation mark a new era for the Hall of Fame as it celebrates 10 years in Atlanta and cements its impact in the Capital of College Football.

While museums and entertainment destinations have experimented with artificial intelligence since 2017, GAME ON! uses generative AI for the first time to make guests the hero of the college football story. Guests step up to a photographic face scan kiosk, prompting a series of questions about their favorite team, biggest rivals and their dream position they’d take on the field. The technology leverages this information to tailor their experience, spanning 14 fan-specific AI experiences throughout the Hall. Guests will see their likeness, preferences and personality through curated images and video with customized captions. Here are just a few examples: 

  • The Super Fan: Guests are transported to a college football stadium where they find themselves cheering in the stands and wearing their favorite team’s colors. Simultaneously, they can read about their own game day rituals.
  • The Weight Room: This existing exhibit is being enhanced by GAME ON! AI so guests can both see themselves pumping iron and read about how they can reach maximum strength. 
  • The Coaches: The existing coaches exhibit has been updated with a video called “The Greatest Coaches That Never Were,” where guests are shown as a fictitious historic college coach who inspired their team through some unusual methods.
  • The Champions & Contenders: Guests can pose with the Heisman and College Football Championship trophies, next to a display case featuring the real-life hardware.
  • The Field JumboTron: As guests enter the College Football Hall of Fame’s famous field to kick, pass and run, they’ll find a video of themselves as their favorite team’s most recent college recruit with a personalized voice-over playing on the field’s large LED screen.

“As a leading attraction in sports and a symbol of College Football at the highest level, we were looking for a modern way to pay homage to the sport we love,” said Kimberly Beaudin, President and CEO of the College Football Hall of Fame. “GAME ON! is our mission in action: an experience that connects fans to college football through education, inspiration and entertainment, while honoring the sport’s excellence through every artifact and AI touchpoint.”

GAME ON! is the result of a ground-breaking, international collaboration between the College Football Hall of Fame, Georgia’s Creative Principals, New Zealand tech startup HyperCinema and The Producers Group from Los Angeles. “When the College Football Hall of Fame enlisted our help to reimagine its exhibits and experiences, we had the vision to help guests become part of the story, rather than just witness it,” said Geoff Thatcher, founder and chief creative officer of Creative Principals, the creative firm behind the development of GAME ON!. 

HyperCinema’s groundbreaking technology and team has brought Creative Principals’ vision to life. “For the last two years, our team of skilled experts has been developing and refining this hyper-personalized storytelling technology. We’re honored to collaborate with Creative Principals to create this remarkable experience for the College Football Hall of Fame. Now every guest can become the hero of their own story, ushering in a new age for creative guest experiences,” said Dr. Miles Gregory, co-founder and creative director of HyperCinema, the company responsible for the patented technology that powers GAME ON!.

The upgrades to the Hall of Fame’s guest experience aren’t stopping with GAME ON!. 

The Hall and Aflac partnered to create an all-new exhibit celebrating the rich shared history between the US Military and College Football. The fitting tribute honors our U.S. Service Academies, Senior Military Academies and Hall of Fame Inductees who served. The exhibit will showcase priceless artifacts, uniform displays and an 18ft x 12ft video wall of stadium flyovers. The new “Military and Football” exhibit also includes a GAME ON! AI experience putting guests in the cockpit of a plane or helicopter during a stadium flyover.

Additional upgrades include an expanded exhibit on the game’s biggest rivalries, a high-intensity walk-in tunnel, specially curated display honoring a decade in Atlanta and a reimagined retail experience in the Team Store.

The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame will reopen to the public on Saturday, August 24 with a 10th Anniversary Celebration and Kickoff Game Football Fest. For more information on the grand reopening or visiting the Hall in Atlanta, visit the College Football Hall of Fame website. 

NETHERWORLD HAUNTED HOUSE BRINGING FRIGHT AND FUN TO DRAGON CON LABOR DAY WEEKEND

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/26/24

DATES YOU NEED TO KNOW…
Thursday, Aug. 29 – Monday, Sept. 2 | Dragon Con Weekend
Saturday, Aug. 31, 10 a.m. | Dragon Con Parade on Peachtree Street;
broadcast on WUPA Atlanta 69 at 10 a.m. EST
Friday, Sept. 20 + Saturday, Sept. 21 I NETHERWORLD Haunted House Opening Weekend

Dragon Con fans are in for a serious fright this Labor Day Weekend, courtesy of NETHERWORLD Haunted House! With haunt season on the horizon, NETHERWORLD once again returns to Dragon Con, bringing its cast of ghoulish creatures, realistic costumes, Halloween spirit, and an elaborate float for the convention’s annual parade.
 
NETHERWORLD Haunted House is proud to participate in Dragon Con’s horror track, the convention’s home for twisted tales and dark fantasy, featuring a nightmarish lineup of panels, topics, and guests. The haunted house team will have a booth set up on the Marquis level of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis for the entire weekend where they will be recruiting actors, taking photos with attendees, offering discounts for Escape the Netherworld, and sharing additional information about this year’s terrifying haunts.
 
NETHERWORLD will also feature multiple vehicles in the iconic parade, including an over-the-top float. Parade onlookers will be the first to see some of the creepy new characters debuting with this year’s haunt themes, WAKE THE DEAD and MR. GRENDEL’S BIRTHDAY PARTY OF HORRORS, in addition to NETHERWORLD’s iconic classic characters.
 
“Dragon Con weekend is always our favorite way to kick off the official start of haunt season,” said NETHERWORLD Haunted House Co-Creator Billy Messina. “It’s a great way to introduce our new themes and characters to the public and get them excited for the haunts. We’re grateful to participate in Dragon Con each year, and excited for this year’s convention.”
 
A few short weeks after Dragon Con, scare fans can look forward to NETHERWORLD’s official opening weekend on Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21. General Admission and Speed Pass tickets for expedited entry are on sale now at FearWorld.com. 

IDLES PLAYING THE TABERNACLE ATLANTA – SUNDAY SEPT 15

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Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/23/24, photo: Tom Ham

NEW ALBUM TANGK

OUT FEBRUARY 16, 2024 VIA PARTISAN RECORDS

PRODUCED BY NIGEL GODRICH, KENNY BEATS & MARK BOWEN

Playing Tabernacle Atlanta, Sunday, 9/15!

Today, IDLES have announced a huge run of new 2024 tour dates, including a North American tour with stops across the US, Canada and Mexico. Known for one of the most life affirming live shows of any band out there, they’ll kick off the first leg in Vancouver, BC at PNE Forum on May 3rd. The second leg begins September 14th at Asheville, NC’s Rabbit Rabbit and finishes in Mexico City. These are some of the biggest North American shows the band have played to date. Tickets go on-sale next Friday, December 8th. Visit Idlesband.com to pre-order the record and gain access to presale tickets. 

Last month, the band announced their highly anticipated new album TANGK, out February 16th via Partisan Records, and shared the propulsive first single “Dancer,” which features backing vocals from LCD Soundsytem’s James Murphy and Nancy Whang. Listen to the song HERE, and watch the video below. The band are also prepping another single release for next month, watch this space for more details… 

TANGK is the band’s forthcoming 5th album and follow up to their Grammy-nominated CRAWLER. Co-produced by Nigel Godrich (Radiohead, The Smile, Beck), Kenny Beats (Denzel Curry, Vince Staples, Rico Nasty), and the band’s Mark Bowen. In an explosive run of unerringly stirring albums, TANGK—pronounced “tank” with a whiff of the “g” and an onomatopoeic reference to the lashing way the band imagined the guitars sounding that has grown into a sort of sigil for living in love – is this band’s most ambitious and striking record yet. 
IDLES are one of rock’s most powerful units for the last decade. Godrich, Beats and Bowen made for an excellent tandem of foils to IDLES, too, pushing them into new terrain and then pulling the reins as needed. TANGK is at once sprawling and focused, imaginative and immediate.

IDLES WORLD TOUR:

2023

Dec 1 – Hong Kong, CN @ Clockenflap

Dec 2 – Bangkok, TH @ Maho Rasop Festival

2024

Feb 29 – Porto, PT @ Super Bock Arena

March 1 – Madrid, ES @ Wizinik

March 2 – Barcelona, ES @ Sant Jordi Club

March 5 – Milan, IT @ Alcatraz

March 7 – Paris, FR @ Zenith

March 8 – Amsterdam, NL @ AFAS

March 9 – Antwerp, BE @ Lotto Arena

March 11 – Prague, CZ @ SaSaZu

March 12 – Luxembourg, LU @ Rockhal

March 14 – Zurich, CH @ Halle 622

March 15 – Berlin, DE @ Max-Schmeling-Halle

March 16 – Hamburg, DE @ Sporthalle

March 18 – Stockholm, SE @ Annexet

March 19 – Copenhagen, DK @ KB Hallen

March 21 – Cologne, DE @ Palladium

March 22 – München, DE @ Zenith

March 23 – Frankfurt, DE @ Jahrhunderthalle

May 03 – Vancouver, BC @ PNE Forum

May 04 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater

May 07 – Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre

May 10 – Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater

May 11 – San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield

May 13 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium

May 18 – Denver, CO @ The Mission Ballroom

May 21 – Austin, TX @ Moody Amphitheater

May 22 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall

May 23 – Dallas, TX @ South Side Ballroom

Jun 10 – Ft Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution Live

Jun 11 – Orlando, FL @ House of Blues

Jun 13 – New Orleans, LA @ The Fillmore

July 12 – Cardiff, UK @ Cardiff Castle

July 13 – Halifax, UK @ The Piece Hall

July 20 – Margate, UK @ Margate Summer Series

July 21 – Cornwall, UK @ The Wyldes

Sep 14 – Asheville, NC @ Rabbit Rabbit

Sep 15 – Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle

Sep 18 – Chicago, IL @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

Sept 20 – Toronto, ON @ Coca-Cola Coliseum

Sep 21 – Montreal, QC @ MTELUS

Sep 24 – Boston, MA @ Roadrunner

Oct 01 – Guadalajara, MX @ Guanamor Teatro Estudio

Oct 02 – Monterrey, MX @ Showcenter Complex

Oct 04 – Mexico City, MX @ Pepsi Centre

Nov 17 – Belfast, UK @ The Telegraph Building

Nov 19 – Dublin, IE @ 3Olympia Theatre 

Nov 23 – Glasgow, UK @ Hydro

Nov 24 – Newcastle, UK @ City Hall

Nov 25 – Nottingham, UK @ Rock City

Nov 29 – London, UK @ Alexandra Palace

Dec 01 – Brighton, UK @ The Brighton Centre

Dec 03 – Birmingham, UK @ O2 Academy Birmingham

Dec 06 – Manchester, UK @ Manchester Apollo

Dec 07 – Manchester, UK @ Manchester Apollo

AN EVENING WITH VICTORIA EADY BUTLER AT THOMPSON ATLANTA – BUCKHEAD

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/23/24

Join us for a distinguished event at Thompson Atlanta-Buckhead’s Tesserae rooftop lounge on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. We are honored to host Victoria Eady Butler, Master Blender at Uncle Nearest and great-great-granddaughter of the legendary Nearest Green, for a captivating evening of spirits and stories.

Event Details: Private Dinner

  • Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  • Location: The Study, Thompson Atlanta-Buckhead
  • Tickets: $150 (includes dinner and entrance to the meet & greet)

Event Details: Meet & Greet

  • Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Location: Tesserae, Rooftop Lounge, Thompson Atlanta-Buckhead
  • Tickets: $25 (Entry fee only, does not include copy of the book)

Exclusive Book Signing:
Enhance your experience by securing a copy of Love & Whiskey, penned by Fawn Weaver, the founder of Uncle Nearest. This compelling book, available for an additional $25, provides a deep dive into the history and legacy of Uncle Nearest.

Event Highlights:

  • Private Dinner: Experience a unique three-course meal infused with Uncle Nearest Whiskey in an intimate setting with Victoria Eady Butler and other tastemakers.
  • Meet & Greet: Engage personally with Victoria Eady Butler, exploring her journey and the legacy of Uncle Nearest.
  • Book Purchase: Obtain a signed copy of Love & Whiskey and delve into the rich history behind one of America’s most renowned whiskeys.

Additional Information:

  • Must be 21 years or older to attend.
  • For questions or more details, please contact us.

Secure your tickets today and be part of an unforgettable evening celebrating heritage, whiskey, and the remarkable story of Victoria Eady Butler. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with a living link to a storied tradition.

FOGÓN AND LIONS KICKS OFF HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH WITH 2ND ANNUAL RUM-BA FEST 

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/21/24

Downtown Alpharetta Spanish-Latin Restaurant Presents Spirited Celebration Sponsored by Don Q Rum to Celebrate the Start of Hispanic Heritage Month

Alpharetta locals and visitors alike are invited to join Chef Julio Delgado and the Fogón and Lions team for the Spanish-Latin restaurant’s 2nd annual Rum-Ba Fest sponsored by Don Q Rum on Sunday, September 15 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., featuring live music, thematic decor, delicious fare and craft rum cocktails to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15). 

The Fogón and Lions team will create dishes inspired by Latin American cuisine, representing fare from Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, the Caribbean and beyond during the festival at four free sampling stations. The talented bar team has crafted four specialty cocktails for the event, including the Sunbreeze featuring Don Q Naranja Orange Rum and a non-smoked Old Fashioned with Don Q Gran Reserva Añejo XO Aged Rum. Bucket and pouch sizes will be available for select libations, and sister restaurant Minnie Olivia Pizzeria, located right next door, will offer these cocktails at the same price.

Guests can dance to the rhythm of live music, with Latin band Arena Sound performing inside the restaurant and High Latin, an Atlanta-based group, livening up the patio. During Rum-Ba Fest, all tables will be first-come-first-served with no reservations available. 

Chef Delgado looks forward to commemorating this special month alongside the Alpharetta community. Join Fogón and Lions for a colorful evening brimming with international cuisine and culture.

For more information and to make a reservation, please visit Resy. Reservations can also be made by calling (770) 676-9133. Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates. 

https://www.fogonandlions.com

WALDORF ASTORIA ATLANTA BUCKHEAD DEBUTS QUEEN OF HEARTS HIGH TEA SERVICE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/15/24

Luxury Buckhead Hotel to Host Tea Party Series Inspired by the Fantastical Tales of Alice in Wonderland

The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead invites guests to step through the looking glass and into a world of whimsy at the hotel’s inaugural Queen of Hearts High Tea inspired by Alice in Wonderland. From August 17 through September 29, guests can reserve this magical tea experience every Saturday and Sunday from 12:30-3:00 p.m., featuring dazzling live entertainment and themed high tea fare fit for royalty.

Guests can indulge in a specially crafted signature cocktail fit for the affair and bright, aromatic teas like the Lady Blue Earl Grey and the Velvet Vanilla Spiced Chai alongside elevated high tea delights, like a White Rabbit’s Cucumber Sandwich, Alice Roast Turkey, Red Queen Egg Salad, and Passion Fruit and Berry Mousse Entremet. For guests seeking an even more luxurious outing, the Royal Caviar Experience add-on is available for an additional $45 per person. To view the full tea service menu, please click here.

In the whimsical spirit of Alice in Wonderland, kings and queens of all ages are invited and encouraged to don their most imaginative royal attire. A live musician will perform during the tea experience, enhancing the hotel’s already-enchanting ambiance and transporting guests to wonderland. Reservations for the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead’s Queen of Hearts High Tea are available via OpenTable, costing $108 per guest and $78 per child aged 11 years or younger plus tax and gratuity.

For more information and to book a hotel stay, please visit Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead. 

SIP THE NIGHT AWAY AT KITTY DARE’S WINDERLEA WINE DINNER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/15/24

Exclusive Six Course Dinner with Wine Pairings from Winderlea Vineyard & Winery 

Wednesday, August 28, 2024 6:30 pm

Nestled in the heart of Inman Park, Kitty Dare, renowned for its extensive wine program, is hosting a six-course wine dinner in collaboration with Winderlea Vineyard & Winery on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. Winderlea Winery, an Oregon-based winery specializing in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines, will provide six pairings to complement Chef Guiseppe Esposito’s vibrant Mediterranean fare including dishes such as harissa and red pepper risotto with seared scallops and dill, swordfish steak with lemon capers and shallot butter, freshly made focaccia and much more. Winery owners Bill Sweat and Donna Morris will be in attendance to guide guests through each pairing and showcase Winderlea’s exceptional selection. With the first glass being poured at 6:30 p.m., guests will be greeted with a 2020 Sparkling Blanc des Noirs, followed by an evening of silky Pinots and buttery Chardonnay. Kitty Dare’s Winderlea Wine Dinner is $100 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Guests can reserve their spot by calling Kitty Dare at (404) 228-1566. Kitty Dare is located at 1029 Edgewood Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.kittydare.com or call (404) 228-1566. Stay connected on Instagram at @kittydareatl. 

MEET BOSTON MUSIC FEST ROCKS ATLANTA THIS SEPTEMBER WITH BOSTON-BELOVED GUSTER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/15/24

Globally-celebrated indie rock band headlines inaugural music festival, joined by Boston local favorites

Friday, Sept 6

Old 4th Ward Skate Park from 5-10pm

FREE!

People know the city of Boston most for its amazing seafood, championship trophies, revolutionary spirit and innovation, but this summer, that’s about to evolve. Meet Boston, the region’s primary private sector destination marketing and visitor services organization, is bringing the unique, eclectic sounds of the city south to the Peach State with its inaugural Meet Boston Music Fest, a free concert experience that will be held on Friday, September 6th at Atlanta’s Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark. The show will introduce a diverse lineup of Boston-originated artists, headlined by the renowned rock band Guster, to a whole new region of fans. 

Meet Boston Music Fest kicks off at 5 p.m., inviting music fans of all ages to enjoy the dynamic, electrifying sounds and performances that consistently land Boston as one of the top-ranked music cities in the country. Fans are sure to recognize Guster, the indie alternative rock band from Somerville, Massachusetts, famously known for their appearances at the neighborhood “Porchfest.” Now Atlanta natives and visitors alike will have the opportunity to experience their own southern take on those live shows, while also discovering new artists integral to the culture of Boston.

Joining Guster are some of Boston’s most popular and up-and-coming musical artists:

  • STL GLD: Formed in 2014, STL GLD (pronounced “Still Gold”) is a genre-blending band that combines elements of hip-hop, rap, punk, and cinematic orchestra for an unforgettable experience. Named “Live Artist of the Year” at the 2018 Boston Music Awards and “Boston’s Best Band” by Improper Bostonian, STL GLD’s powerful message and exhilarating live show have quickly earned them the reputation as one the most exciting bands to come out of Boston. Find out more about STL GLD here.
  • Sofia Villarreal: Sofia is an upright and electric bassist, producer, composer, and current student at Berklee College of Music. She’s best known for leveraging music as a catalyst for positive change and healing. Sofia founded the Start Where We Are Earth Music Festival, from which all proceeds benefited environmental organizations fighting climate change. Find out more about Sofia and the band here.
  • Rilla Force: Known for his signature sound coined RBDM — a blend of future bass infused with electronic, hip-hop, and RnB — Rilla Force is an artist, producer, and DJ that has performed across Boston’s premier music venues, and is dedicated to building relationships with other diverse artists and giving back to the music community. Find out more about Rilla Force here.


“There’s a vibrancy to Atlanta that makes it one of our favorite places to visit and to welcome visitors from,” said Martha J. Sheridan, Meet Boston President & CEO. “Many travelers don’t realize that our two cities have much in common, including a shared love of music and celebration of local artistry. We are actually more alike than different. We can’t wait to make new friends in Atlanta and come together for an incredible night of live music by our favorite Boston headliner and hometown heroes.”

In addition to the musical performances, concert-goers can enjoy a variety of food and beverage concessions that blend the best flavors of Boston and Atlanta.

Photo credit: Alysse_Gafkjen

LABOR DAY WEEKEND IN ATLANTA 2024

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/15/24

A Labor Day Round-up of all things Labor Day

Cheers to Labor Day Weekend with Sips, Sports, and Specials at Dantanna’s

This Labor Day weekend, Dantanna’s is serving up sips, sports, and specials with fans in mind. The official start of college football season kicks off on Saturday, August 31, when UGA and Clemson go head-to-head and the upscale sports bar and restaurant is offering a must-try College Game Day Special featuring 20 wings paired with a bucket of five domestic beers for $45. For those looking for a more elevated option, the special Surf n Turf Platter promises to impress with a mix of fresh scallops, shrimp skewers, and tender flank steak for $40. On Labor Day, Monday, September 2, Dantanna’s is clocking into the business of fun with an all-day happy hour guaranteed to keep spirits high and worries low. Starting at 11 a.m., $8 cocktails such as the fan-favorite Lychee Martini and zesty Pear Margarita will be flowing. Beer enthusiasts can enjoy $6 drafts, including Stella, Tropicalia, and SweetWater 420, along with $1 off bottled beers. Wine lovers will find red and white wines available for just $6 per glass. An array of sharable small plates like the signature Cajun Chicken Egg Rolls, fresh oysters and Sesame Steak Skewers  will be available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Located at the Shops Around Lenox, Dantanna’s has been serving sports, substance, and sips for two decades. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.dantannas.com or call 404-760-8873. Stay connected on Facebook at Facebook.com/dantannas and on Twitter and Instagram @dantannas.

Slide Into Labor Day Weekend With Sweet Auburn Barbecue 

Labor Day celebrations are set to sizzle with Sweet Auburn Barbecue’s Build Your Own BBQ Slider Kit Catering Package. Available for pickup on Monday, September 2nd, the Poncey-Highland barbecue spot has crafted a feast that is designed to impress. Serving six, this end-of-summer spread consists of a build-your-own slider kit including buns, barbecue sauce, choice of smoked pork or chicken, pickles, cole slaw, and side of mac & cheese. That’s not all— the Labor Day catering package is completed with a whole rack of baby back ribs, Texas toast, a bottle of barbecue sauce, and a gallon of refreshing sweet tea to round out the meal. Combining savory goodness with convenience, Sweet Auburn’s Build Your Own BBQ Slider Kit promises a day brimming with flavor and fun. Sweet Auburn Barbecue is located in Poncey-Highland at 656 N. Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. For more information, visit www.sweetauburnbbq.com. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook at @sweetauburnbbq. 

Score Big with Sugar Shane’s Labor Day Weekend 

College football is back, and Sugar Shane’s is ready to kick off the season with unbeatable treats, starting with the return of the Bulldog cookie just in time for Labor Day weekend. Dawgs fans will be barking with joy over this UGA-inspired favorite, featuring a rich red velvet base packed with indulgent white chocolate chips and generously filled with creamy American Oreo buttercream. But the deliciousness doesn’t end there—Sugar Shane’s offers a rotating selection of cookie flavors, moist bundt cakes, gooey brownies, house-made ice cream, and more. A box of Sugar Shane’s treats is the perfect way to score big at any tailgate. For more information and nationwide shipping, visit sugarshanes.com. Visit Sugar Shane’s in Atlanta at Midtown (398 14th Street Atlanta, GA 30318), Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE N 145 Atlanta, GA 30308), Sandy Springs (1110 Hammond Drive Suite 30 Atlanta, GA 30328), and Kennesaw (1635 Old 41 Hwy Ste 107 in Kennesaw, GA 30152). Stay connected on Instagram at @sugar_shanes and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sugarshanesatl. 

Countdown to the Aflac Kickoff Game at Follywood Fan at Fest  Westside Motor Lounge

Calling all UGA and Clemson fans! Follywood Fan Fest is coming to Westside Motor Lounge in Atlanta, GA, on Friday, August 30, 2024, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Kicking off pre-game activities during college football’s opening weekend, sports enthusiasts from near and far are invited to a high-energy event featuring food, drinks, live music, special guests, and performances. Open to all ages, party-goers are invited to sip, eat, and celebrate college football’s official return while listening to live sets from Athens-based The Pink Stones, Clemson’s DAZR, and an unforgettable headline performance from Jupiter Coyote. Guests can expect surprise appearances by Clemson and UGA celebrities, special guests, art and apparel vendors, kids’ activities, and more. A family-friendly event, tickets to Fan Fest: Clemson vs. UGA are $25 per person and available at www.westsidemotorlounge.com and www.bigtickets.com/events/west-side-motor-lounge/fanfest. The event is free for kids ages 10 and under. Within walking distance to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Westside Motor Lounge spans nearly three acres and features a full-service restaurant, two bars, a private event space, and a spacious outdoor courtyard. A local favorite, the courtyard boasts a stage for bands and DJs, a beer garden, shuffleboard courts, fire pits, ample seating, and a vintage Airstream travel bar and food trailer. Westside Motor Lounge is located at the corner of Northside Drive and Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway at 725 Echo Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318. For more information, visit www.westsidemotorlounge.com and stay connected on Instagram @Westside_Motor_Lounge. Fan Fest is a Follywood Productions event. Follow them on Instagram at @follywoodfanfest. 

Flight Club Serves Bottomless Brunch, Bubbles, and Bullseyes Labor Day Weekend

Brunching in Atlanta over Labor Day weekend? Make your way to Flight Club in West Midtown for three days of bottomless bubbles, bites, and flights. From Saturday, August 31st through Monday, September 2nd, brunch-goers are invited to enjoy friendly competition alongside specialty brunch menu items and eye-catching bottomless mimosa towers. Dive into a playful spin on classic breakfast dishes with shareable bites and options for both a la carte and bottomless indulgence, including smoked salmon, four cheese, garden vegetable, and breakfast flatbreads, breakfast sliders, avocado toast, and more. Whether booking a 90-minute reservation to enjoy one of the experience packages or simply dropping by, Flight Club’s vibrant atmosphere is the perfect place to celebrate the long weekend. While reservations are encouraged, they’re not required, and guests are welcome to dine without booking gameplay. Flight Club Atlanta is open on Labor Day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with regular weekend hours. Flight Club is located at 1055 Howell Mill Rd Suite 140, Atlanta, GA 30318. For more information or to book a reservation, visit  flightclubdartsusa.com. Stay connected on Instagram at www.instagram.com/flightclubdartsusa and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/flightclubdarts. 

Fire Up the Flavor Labor Day Weekend at SsamJang Korean BBQ

Celebrate Labor Day weekend at SsamJang Korean BBQ, where bold flavors and a dynamic dining experience take center stage. From Friday, August 30th to Monday, September 2nd, SsamJang offers exclusive specials and limited-time offers that are sure to impress. Atlanta’s newest Korean BBQ destination, SsamJang specializes in premium cuts like brisket, short rib, prime ribeye, and lobster tail, all grilled tableside to perfection. The immersive experience features state-of-the-art grilling technology, ensuring every bite bursts with authentic Korean flavors. For Labor Day, all drinks are priced at $10 or less, including signature cocktails, beer buckets, and select wines. Guests indulging in any meat or veggie combo receive a complimentary bottle of Soju or Makgeolli. Additionally, each guest will receive a mystery tote bag with a gift certificate valued between $10 and $100, redeemable on the next visit. SsamJang is open from 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays. Serving only the finest beef accompanied by a diverse selection of authentic Korean cuisine, SsamJang Korean BBQ is located in Cumberland Mall at 2860 Cumberland Mall Ste 1109, Atlanta, GA 30339. For more information visit ssamjangbbq.com and stay connected on Instagram at @ssamjang_kbbq.

Swing into Puttshack Fore Labor Day Fun  

Experience the epitome of fun this Labor Day at Puttshack, the ideal destination to unwind and revel in the festivities as summer unofficially comes to a close. The only tech-infused mini-golf experience in Atlanta, guests can bring out their competitive spirit on one of Puttshack’s high-energy courses. Players and spectators who have worked up an appetite can nosh on globally-inspired cuisine including sharable plates, flatbreads, salads, sandwiches burgers and more and enjoy signature cocktails, beer, hard seltzers, wine, and mocktails. On Labor Day, Monday, September 2nd, players receive 50% of their second game all day. Puttshack Atlanta is located at 1115 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta, GA 30318. For more information, call 404.738.7888 or visit https://www.puttshack.com/. Stay connected on Instagram and Twitter at @Puttshack and on Facebook www.facebook.com/Puttshack.    

Vesper’s Labor Day Switch-Up: Bodega Bar Takes Over

Who says the holiday fun has to end when the sun goes down? This Labor Day, September 2nd, Vesper is welcoming back the beloved New York City-inspired Bodega Bar for a special pop-up takeover from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sip on playful concoctions like the absinthe-kissed Bodega Bois and tequila-based Luna Park After Dark, all while noshing on bodega staples like the classic Reuben, pizza bagels, falafel and more. With $6 industry shots fueling the fun, this pop-up promises to bring a slice of the Big Apple to Atlanta—making this Labor Day evening one to remember. Vesper is located on the Atlanta BeltLine in Glenwood Park at 924 Garrett St. Suite D, Atlanta, GA 30316. For more information, visit www.vesperatl.com or call 404.936.6902. Stay connected on Facebook and Instagram at @vesperatl. 

HORIZON THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS WILD WITH HAPPY AUG 16 – SEPT 15

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/15/24

A wild ride of love, loss and laughs from award-winning actor and playwright Colman Domingo

“Wonderfully joyous, sweet, funny adventure” -Broadway World

 Horizon Theatre continues its spectacular 40th season with the outrageously funny and immensely touching comedy Wild With Happy, playing Aug. 16 – Sept. 15 (press opening August 23). ​ This Off-Broadway hit from Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo follows the adventures of Gil, a man on a mission to find the perfect resting place for his mother. ​ When Gil’s beloved mom passes way, Gil returns home and decides to have her cremated – despite his opinionated Aunt Glo’s demands for a traditional funeral. Then his high-spirited best friend takes him on an unexpected road trip with his mother’s ashes as a furious Aunt Glo follows in hot pursuit with the sensitive funeral director in tow. ​ With bold twists and turns, an amazing Atlanta cast and a journey that might just lead to the happiest place on earth, Wild With Happy is a wild ride full of love, loss and lots of laughs.

“We’re so thrilled we get to bring Wild With Happy to Atlanta audiences.” said Horizon Theatre Co-Artistic/Producing Director Lisa Adler. “This comedy runs the gamut of emotions – joy, hilarity, grief, absurdity – and takes audience members on a whirlwind journey right along with the characters. ​ It’s deeply profound and impactful while also being absurdly funny.”

Wild With Happy tells the story of Gil (Enoch King, Horizon’s The Light, Suzi Award winner for Alliance’s Toni Stone), the Yale-educated, loving son, who’s just lost his beloved mother, Adelaide (Tonia Jackson, Horizon’s Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery, Theatrical Outfit Clyde’s), a joyous spirit who clings to hope and happy endings. ​ Gil returns home to Philadelphia with the intention of finding the right send-off for his mom on their limited budget, and not yet dealing with his loss. ​ A series of hilarious detours takes Gil and his flamboyant best friend Mo (Brad Raymond, Horizon’s Nobody Loves You, Alliance’s The Preacher’s Wife) on a multi-state escapade with an urn of ashes to bring his mother to her final resting place: the one place on earth that made her “wild with happy.”With Adelaide’s outrageous, strong-willed sister, Aunt Glo, (also played by Tonia Jackson, who takes a turn as both sisters), insisting on a proper burial and church service, she and Terry (Markell Williams, Horizon’s Sweet Water Taste), the charming funeral director who has fallen for Gil, chase after the getaway car, leading to an uproarious, deeply touching journey. ​ Along the way, Gil learns to embrace his grief, celebrate his mother’s memory and find his own path to happiness. ​ Wild With Happy is a joyful, whimsical tale that reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there’s always room for laughter, love and a bit of magic.

Based loosely around his own experiences, Wild With Happy is playwright and actor Colman Domingo’s fourth work. ​ It premiered at the Public Theatre in the NYC, was produced at regional theatres throughout the country and was recently released as an Audible podcast, performed by a cast including Colman himself and Oprah Winfrey. ​ Although best known as a Broadway and film actor, Oscar-nominated for his work in the title role of Rustin, his writing career has blossomed. ​ His plays and musicals include Dot (published by Samuel French), Wild with Happy (published by Dramatist Play Service), A Boy and His Soul (published by Oberon Books), the Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical Summer: The Donna Summer Musical and Geffen Playhouse’s groundbreaking musical Light’s Out: Nat King Cole. His plays have been produced by The Public Theater, Vineyard, La Jolla Playhouse, Humana Festival of New American Plays, New York Stage and Film, A.C.T, The Tricycle Theater in London and Brisbane Powerhouse in Australia, among others.

Back again for the 20th year is the award-winning director Thomas W. Jones II who has been at the helm of some of Horizon’s best-loved shows, including The House That Will Not Stand, Blackberry Daze, Da Kink in My Hair, Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery and so many more. Here, he assembles a cast of his favorite actors, all veterans of Horizon and other Atlanta stages, and now also all over the screen in the many TV series shooting in Atlanta. ​ Resident scenic designers Moriah and Isabel Curley-Clay, projection and sound designer Matt Reynolds (Actor’s Express’ Cabaret), co-lighting designers Mary Parker (Horizon resident designer) and Mike Morin (MFA in Lighting Design, U of Alabama), and long-time Horizon costume designer L. Nyrobi Moss (Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812) use their theatrical magic to move audiences swiftly and evocatively through the many locations.

Performances begin Aug. 16 at 8pm, with a Press Opening on Aug. 23 at 8pm. Performances are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m. ​ The play runs through Sept. 15. ​ No matinee on Aug 17.Seating is general admission with a reserved seating section for subscribers. ​ General admission tickets start at $30 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and $35 for all weekend performances. Prices rise as performances fill up, so patrons are encouraged to order early for the best prices and availability. ​ Full-time students under 25 can get $20 tickets with valid student ID by calling the box office or purchase Student Rush Tickets 30 minutes before show time if seats are available. There is limited accessible seating for those needing mobility accommodation, and it must be reserved by phone. For tickets and more information, visit horizontheatre.com or call the Box Office at 404.584.7450.

Horizon Theatre’s 40th season continues after Wild With Happy! The rest of the season line-up includes the critically acclaimed West End musical Amélie, the 2024 Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award-nominated I Carry Your Heart With Me and the caper-telenovela Laughs in Spanish. Also to come this season are the returns of Madeline’s Christmas during the holiday season and Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 in January 2025. More information on the 24/25 Season can be found at horizontheatre.com/plays/mainstage. Season Subscriptions are on sale now, with 5 and 6-Show Packages starting at $80. Subscriptions can be purchased by filling out the online form and mailing or e-mailing it in (boxoffice@horizontheatre.com), or by calling the Box Office at 404.584-7450 x100. More information on subscriptions can be found at horizontheatre.com/tickets/subscriptions.