Tag Archive for: things to do in atlanta

EXPLORE GWINNETT ANNOUNCES RETURN OF GWINNETT BEER WEEK, SEPT 7-14

Fourth Annual Event Celebrates Thriving Local

Craft Beer Scene with Full Week of Festivities, Giveaways & More

Explore Gwinnett, the official tourism organization of Gwinnett County, today announced the fourth annual Gwinnett Beer Week, a highly anticipated celebration of the county’s local breweries and flourishing craft beer scene. Taking place Saturday, September 7 through September 14, the weeklong event welcomes beer connoisseurs and novices alike to enjoy a delightful blend of flavor and fun, featuring local craft brews, ale-centric activities, giveaways and more. This year, for the first time, Gwinnett Beer Week will conclude with Les Bon Festival, a unique beer festival highlighting small batch, Saison-style beers hosted at Gwinnett’s Good Word Brewing & Public House.

“Gwinnett’s beer scene is thriving, and there are opportunities to experience it all year long, but we do look forward to this very special annual celebration, as it gives us the chance to shine a spotlight on the true creativity and passion of our talented local brewers,” said Lisa Anders, chief operating officer of Explore Gwinnett. “Whether you’re drawn to the brews themselves or simply looking for a good time, our exciting and jam-packed line-up has something for everyone, from line dancing to a fun-filled dog Olympics. With the spectacular Les Bon Festival ending the week with a bang, this is going to be an unforgettable experience brimming with community spirit, exceptional tastings and unique activities.”

In addition to a multitude of brewery events with live music, trivia, bingo, dancing, karaoke nights and more, official Gwinnett Beer Week activations include:

Saturday, September 7 (4 – 7 p.m.) – Brews, Boots & BBQ @ Elixir Brewing:  Gwinnett Beer Week festivities kick off at Buford’s first brewery with line dancing, a mechanical bull, delicious barbecue and the launch of a brand-new American pale ale.

·       Thursday, September 12 (6 – 8 p.m.) – Barks & Brews: Dog Olympics Edition @ StillFire Brewing: Owners are invited to bring their furry athletes to this Olympic-themed event, where pups will compete in an obstacle course for the chance to bring home the gold. Zoom Room Dog Training in Sandy Springs will handle the activation of the obstacle course. This dog-friendly event will feature contests for best costume, best trick and best dog look-alike, with treats, bandanas and more available for purchase from local vendor Four-Legged Foodie.

·       Saturday, September 14 (1 – 5 p.m.) – Les Bon Festival @ Good Word Brewing & Public House: Gwinnett Beer Week wraps up with an artist and makers market, fresh oysters from Mera Brothers & Shiny Dimes and a wide selection of mixed fermentation beers, ciders and natural wines from brewers nationwide. Participating vendors include Barrique Brewing & Blending, Blackberry Farm Brewery, Keeping Together, Odd Colony Brewing Company and Schilling Beer Company. This event is free to attend, with oysters and beer available for sampling through $4 tickets, each redeemable for a 5-ounce pour or two oysters.

Launching during Gwinnett Beer Week, the Sippin’ in the Suburbs Mobile Beer Pass lets participants earn points redeemable for prizes by checking in at Gwinnett County’s craft beer and spirits locations. Each check-in garners points, which can then be spent on fun and collectible prizes from Explore Gwinnett, including posters, trucker hats, bottle openers, t-shirts and more. Participants who track their experience at all 15 locations throughout the week will be inducted into the Sippin’ in the Suburbs Wall of Fame, with their name cemented in history.

Available through 2025, the Sippin’ in the Suburbs Mobile Beer Pass is free, requires no app download and automatically checks users in upon arrival. Those who wish to participate can sign up at www.ExploreGwinnett.org/SippinInTheSuburbs. Participants are encouraged to share their experience on social media using the hashtag #ExploreGwinnett.

Explore Gwinnett’s beer map can be found here and serves as a helpful resource for navigating the county’s numerous breweries.

For more details on all brewery events or to participate in the Gwinnett Beer Week festivities, visit ExploreGwinnett.org/Gwinnett-Beer-Week. Those who attend the events are encouraged to share their experience on social media by using the hashtag #GwinnettBeerWeek.

For more information on Explore Gwinnett, visit ExploreGwinnett.org. Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following @ExploreGwinnett on Instagram or ExploreGwinnett on Facebook.  

UPCOMING ATLANTA BEER FESTIVAL AND ATLANTA WINE FESTIVAL EVENTS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/2/24

Acworth Mimosa Festival (new event!)

  • Location: Logan Farm Park in Historic Downtown Acworth
  • Date/time: Saturday, September 14, 2024, 1pm-5pm
  • Featuring our favorite brunch drink, mimosas! We will also have specialty mimosa flavors, Brunch Punch, wine, seltzer and beer. Great food, live music, and college football.
  • Your ticket includes entry, all alcohol samples, and entertainment. Food will cost extra.
  • Tickets: HERE. $45 advance, $50 after Sept. 5, and $60 at the gate; First 500 tickets bought online are just $35!

Atlanta Mimosa Festival

  • Location: Atlantic Station Event Space
  • Date/time: Saturday, October 19, 2024, 1pm to 5pm
  • Mimosas, Extra mimosa flavors, Brunch Punch, wine, beer & White Claw; Live Music, College Football, and DJ Qtip
  • Tickets include: entry, entertainment, souvenir cup, and all mimosa and other alcohol samples, food will cost extra
  • Tickets. On Sale 9/4. $50 Advance, $55 after Oct. 10, $65 at the gate* Unless sold out; First 500 of each session just $40

HARVEST DINNER WITH LE BON NOSH’S CHEF-FOUNDER FOROUGH VAKILI & CHEF PHILIPPE HADDAD

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/2/24

Le Bon Nosh Chef-Founder Forough Vakili is teaming up with Chef Philippe Haddad to host a Harvest Dinner on Thursday, September 19. Beginning at 6:30pm, the intimate dinner will feature a first-time collaboration with five courses celebrating the rich flavors of fall alongside wine pairings. Chef Philippe, whose background includes The Ritz St. Thomas and The Beverly Hills Hotel, will bring his unique flair to complement Chef Forough’s farm-to-table approach. Tickets are available here, and the full menu is below. 


“When we started planning our fall wine dinner at Le Bon Nosh, Chef Philippe approached me with the idea to collaborate,” said Vakili. “It felt serendipitous, as we both bring different techniques to the table. We thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to showcase our skills with the bounty of fall produce and create something truly special for our guests.”


Le Bon Nosh is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday beginning at 5:30pm. Come evening, the elegant and beautiful restaurant is set to welcome guests to connect over an intimate full-service dinner with starters such as Caviar & Chips, Beausoleil Oysters, Local Mushroom Tartine served on housemade sourdough and organic Beef Tartare. Mains include options like Whole Lobster, Steak au Poivre, Duck Confit, Lamb Meatballs, Spaghetti Pesto and more. To pair, the restaurant offers a wine list featuring over 500 wines sourced exclusively from French producers, and is one of very few U.S. restaurants with an all-French wine program to be a Wine Spectator 2024 Best of Award of Excellence winner. In tandem with the restaurant’s culinary program, the wine program offers diligently sourced wine from unique and small producers, and seeks to demystify French wine by giving guests a first-hand tour of all the varying terroirs the country has to offer.

Harvest Dinner Menu

September 19, 2024

Chefs Forough Vakili & Phillipe Haddad

Light Bites

sourdough, radish and butter

foie gras custard, truffles

crudo of scallops

lobster roll

Legras & Haas ‘Intuition’ Brut (nv)

First Course

chicory salad – reblochon en croute, champagne vinaigrette

Château d’Épiré ‘Cuvée Spéciale’ Savennières 2021

Second Course

creamy polenta with cured egg yolk – wild mushrooms, tomato chutney, truffles, port reduction

Domaine Fournier Grande Cuvée Sancerre 2020

Third Course

seared Mallard duck breast – celery root gratin, duck jus au poivre

Charles Père et Fille ‘La Combotte’ Hautes-Côtes de Beaune 2022

Fourth Course

coffee rubbed venison loin – cippolini onion compote, orange scented butternut squash, parsnip puree, juniper berry venison reduction

Château Maris ‘Natural Selection’ Minervois La Livinière 2020

Fifth Course

Tarte Tatin – creme fraiche

Domaine Migot Méthode Traditionnelle Brut Rosé

HAVE A SUPERB SEPTEMBER AT THE INTERLOCK

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/2/24

Enjoy a month full of events at the West Midtown mixed-use destination

Sprint into fall at The Interlock with a superb event lineup that does not disappoint. From Labor Day festivities, football watch parties, the launch of Taste Kurvee, goat yoga and an ice cream social, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month at The Interlock!

The Interlock’s full September events lineup is outlined below:

Bellyard Backyard BBQ

Sunday, Sept. 1 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Celebrate Labor Day weekend at The Interlock with festivities in the Garden Courtyard at the Bellyard. Enjoy a day filled with a variety of games on the lawn, refreshing cocktails, live music and an all-you-can-eat menu. For more information and to purchase your ticket, visit the Bellyard’s events page.

Line Dancing on the Plaza

Sept. 6 & 20 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Put on your boots and learn how to line dance at The Interlock! Join us for the opportunity to learn step-by-step before becoming a pro and taking over the dance floor. Located on the Plaza level between Holiday Bar and Velvet Taco,  dance the night away with music, lessons, specials and more.  Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Gurl to Girl Women’s Makers Market

Sept. 7, 14 & 28 from 2 to 7 p.m.

Shop local and empower women entrepreneurs at the weekly Gurl 2 Girl for Women’s Makers Market on The Highline at The Interlock. Explore handmade goods by talented woman-owned businesses in the community while you network with like-minded individuals. Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Watch Party at Pour Taproom

Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m.

Kick off the official start of NFL Football with Pour Taproom at The Interlock for an epic watch party. Come cheer on your favorite team on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. for a day full of good food, drinks, football and more. Enjoy food and drink specials throughout the game. For more information follow Pour on Instagram. 

Westside Market

Sept. 8 & 21 from noon to 8 p.m.

Support local businesses at the West Side Market this month on The Highline at The Interlock! Connect with the West Midtown community by shopping vintage goods, jewelry, clothing and more, featuring entertainment from local artists and DJs.  Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Hillz 4 Atl. HIIT Class

Sept. 12 and 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Join us for Hillz 4 Atlanta and Lululemon’s complimentary High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Class on Sept. 9 and 26 at 6:30 p.m. at Highline Park. Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Taste Boutique Launches New Line: Taste Kurvee

Thursday, Sept. 12 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Taste Boutique is officially launching its new line, Taste Kurvee. The Kurvee collection was carefully curated to flatter and empower curvy women. Don’t miss a night full of fashion, fun, drinks, light bites and a live DJ. Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Ladies Athletic Club of Atlanta Sips and Strengthen Pilates

Sept. 15 & 28 from noon to 1 p.m.

Join the Ladies Athletic Club and The Interlock for a free refreshing mat pilates class led by Karrington Ballenger from Oseko Pilates. The 45-minute class at the Bellyard is designed to enhance flexibility, core strength and overall well-being. After the session, unwind and take advantage of an exclusive discount at Drawbar, Bellyard’s stylish bar and lounge. Whether you’re new to Pilates or experienced, this class is tailored for all levels. Come for the workout, stay for the relaxation! Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Goat Yoga at The Interlock

Thursday, Sept. 19 at 7 p.m.

Did you know goats are considered one of the best emotional support animals? Try something new this month with goat yoga at The Interlock! Enjoy the peaceful tranquility of yoga and the joyful presence of goats. Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Open Mic Night at Drawbar

Thursday, Sept. 19 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Get ready for a night filled with sugar and spice as Drawbar brings you an exciting Open Mic Night! Join Drawbar for an evening of incredible performances and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-timer, this event is the perfect platform to showcase your talent. Share your passion for music, poetry, comedy, or any other form of expression. The stage is yours! Expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone’s creativity is celebrated. So, bring your friends, grab a seat and get ready to be amazed. For more information, follow the Bellyard on Instagram and Facebook.

Ice Cream Social

Saturday, Sept. 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Say goodbye to summer in the sweetest way with an ice cream social at The Interlock! Join us at the corner of 14th Street and Howell Mill for sweet treats, music and fun! Bring your four-legged friends along to cool off with Cool Pups Creamery. Stay tuned on The Interlock’s Instagram and Facebook for more details. 

Pitch-A-Friend at Pour Taproom

Thursday, Sept. 26 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Are you single and ready to mingle? Join the Pour Taproom on Sept. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. to pitch your

single friends! Participants can prepare a three-to-five-minute presentation to highlight their friends

who are on the market. For more information follow Pour on Instagram. 

& JULIET FOX THEATRE ATLANTA TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, 9/13

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/2/24

Performances at Fox Theatre Jan. 7 – 12

Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta is delighted to announce that tickets for & Juliet will go on sale Friday, Sept. 13 for eight performances at the Fox Theatre from Jan. 7 – 12. Tickets start at $35 and will be available for purchase at the Fox Theatre box office at 660 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30308, and by visiting foxtheatre.org/andjuliet or by calling (855)-285-8499. Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling the Fox Theatre at (855)-285-8499.

The tour will star Broadway’s Rachel Simone Webb as ‘Juliet’, alongside Paul-Jordan Jansen as ‘Lance,’ Teal Wicks as ‘Anne Hathaway,’ Corey Mach as ‘Shakespeare,’ Nick Drake as ‘May,’ Kathryn Allison as ‘Angélique,’ Michael Canu as ‘Romeo’ and Mateus Leite Cardoso as ‘François.’ The ensemble includes Naima Alakham, Camille Brooks, Nella Cole, Lois Ellise, Ishmael Gonzalez, Kenneth Onesimus Goubran, Shelby Griswold, Christopher Robert Hanford, Jourdan Ibe, Josh Jordan, Nicole Lamb, Yoshi Maysonet, Usman Ali Mughal, Jaydon Nget, Kyra Smith and Francisco Thurston.

Featuring songs by the legendary Grammy-winning songwriter/producer Max Martin, a book by the Emmy-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek,” David West Read, direction by Luke Sheppard and choreography by Emmy-Award winner Jennifer Weber, & Julietopened on Broadway in November 2022, where it continues playing to sold-out crowds and breaking box office records. 

The hilarious new musical & Juliet ​ flips the script on the greatest love story ever told and asks: what would happen if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love—her way. 

Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including “Since U Been Gone‚” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life‚” “That’s The Way It Is,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”—all from the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century— Max Martin. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it. 

The full creative team for the Broadway production of & Juliet includes David West Read (Book), Max  Martin & Friends (Music & Lyrics), Luke Sheppard (Direction), Jennifer Weber (Choreography), Bill Sherman (Musical Supervision, Orchestrations and Arrangements), Soutra Gilmour (Scenic Design), Paloma Young  (Costume Design), Howard Hudson (Lighting Design), Gareth Owen (Sound Design), Andrzej Goulding  (Video & Projection Design) and J. Jared Janas (Hair, Wig & Makeup Design) and Dominic Fallacaro  (Music Director, Additional Orchestrations and Arrangements). US Casting is by Stephen Kopel and Carrie Gardner, CSA. & Juliet is Executive Produced on Broadway and tour by Eva Price.

& Juliet is produced on Broadway by Max Martin, Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, Jenny Petersson, Martin Dodd and Eva Price. 

& Juliet has now been performed on four continents since its World Premiere in September 2019. It began at the Manchester Opera House in England, before moving to London’s West End, where it won three Olivier Awards, and 6 WhatsOnStage Awards before playing its final performance at the Shaftesbury Theatre in March 2023. The show had its North American premiere in July 2022 in Toronto, where it broke box office records and played to standing-room-only audiences, before heading to Broadway, where it again broke box office records and plays nightly to sold-out crowds. An Australian production of & Juliet premiered in February 2023 at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre and will soon launch a UK Tour (July 2024) and German production (October 2024). The German production marks the show’s first production with a book translated into a different language, and will also be the sixth country to welcome & Julietin less than five years. More information for all productions can be found at andjulietthemusical.com

The Original Broadway Cast Recording of & JULIET was released in October 2022 on Atlantic Records and is available wherever streaming music is played.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

& Juliet will play for a one-week limited engagement in Atlanta from Jan. 7 -12. The performance schedule is as follows:

Tuesday – Thursday ​ ​ 7:30 p.m.
​Friday ​ ​ ​ ​ 8 p.m.
​Saturday ​ ​ ​ 2 p.m., 8 p.m.
​Sunday ​ ​ ​ ​ 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m.

GET TORCHED AT TWO URBAN LICKS DURING GASTRO GARAGE POP-UP

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/30/24

Fiery Dinner Series Featuring Eight Deconstructed Courses Cooked by Gastro Mechanics Wielding Blowtorches

Tickets on Sale for September 18th & 27th and October 5th; Seatings Available at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Known for its wood-fired cuisine, TWO urban licks is turning up the heat this fall with the help of Gastro Garage, the acclaimed experiential dining pop-up that has been captivating minds and mouths from L.A. to Abu Dhabi. Descending upon the beloved BeltLine dining institution for three high-energy nights and six shows this September and October, adventurous guests will be treated to an eight-course, deconstructed dinner prepared by Gastro Mechanics wielding blowtorches.

“As we lead up to TWO’s official 20th anniversary in late October, we couldn’t think of a better partnership to get us fired up for this incredible milestone in more ways than one,” says Todd Rushing, Concentrics Restaurants Partner. “We cannot wait for our guests to experience this visually invigorating and immersive culinary experience that’s unlike anything we’ve ever hosted over the past two decades.”

Igniting the culinary scene, Gastro Garage will treat diners to a daring and delicious menu of torched and foam-infused creations, where molecular gastronomy transforms each dish into an explosion of textures and flavors. Diners can indulge in bold highlights like the Buffalo Blue Chips, the Piston Pizza Tank topped with mozzarella foam and a vibrant tomato basil purée, and the Gastro Burger Tank featuring rich cheddar foam and perfectly torched Wagyu beef. The adventure continues with the Short Ribs Drill Bit, boasting tender Japanese-marinated short rib, and extends to imaginative courses like the Carrot Pop with maple-glazed baby carrots kissed by flame, the Naked Salmon Drill Bit enhanced with sesame oil and Béarnaise foam, and the Pistol Peach Tank, a sweet and spicy symphony of cream cheese foam and black pepper peach purée. For a grand finale, the Princess Buttercup Tank delights with a decadent blend of double chocolate foam, torched sweet peanut purée, and a playful Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup twist.

The Gastro Garage pop-up at TWO urban licks will be held on Wednesday, September 18th, Friday, September 27th, and Saturday, October 5th, with seatings available at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Space is limited—reserve by calling TWO at 404-522-4622 or book online via OpenTable here. At $85 per person plus tax and gratuity, each ticket includes one shot, one cocktail, and an eight-course dinner.

TWO urban licks is located at 820 Ralph McGill Boulevard in Atlanta, Georgia and serves dinner seven nights per week and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. For reservations and more information, call 404.522.4622 or visit twourbanlicks.com. Stay connected on Instagram at @twourbanlicks, on Twitter at @twourbanlicks and on Facebook.com/TWOurbanlicks. 

JIMMY BUFFET DAY 2024: MARGARITAVILLE AT LANIER ISLANDS HOSTING DAY OF SERVICE IN SUPPORT OF LIFELINE ANIMAL PROJECT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/27/24

Friday, August 30, 2024

On Jimmy Buffett Day, Aug. 30, 2024, and Labor Day Weekend, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands is supporting LifeLine Animal Project, a local nonprofit providing lifesaving solutions to end euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals in county shelters, as part of the brand’s “Day of Service.”


To honor his incredible legacy, Margaritaville at Lanier Islands will host LifeLine Animal Project and its adoptable dogs at the Fins Up Water Park at Margaritaville at Lanier Islands for a ‘Dog Days of Summer’ event. Margaritaville at Lanier Islands will donate $1,500 and a portion of all souvenir cup sales directly to LifeLine Animal Project. Guests can also bring donated items from 4 to 6 p.m. to gain free entry at the Lanier Islands front gate. For more details on LifeLine Animal Project and the full donation wish list, visit LifeLineAnimal.org/wishlist.

All Margaritaville communities, properties, resorts, restaurants, destinations, hotels and cruises will conduct a brand-wide day of service on Jimmy Buffett Day, Aug. 30, and the following Labor Day Weekend. This initiative honors Jimmy, his legacy and his life and celebrates how he prioritized supporting others and focused on leaving the world a better place. The day of service will support Singing for Change, a nonprofit organization created by Jimmy in 1995, and other organizations worldwide.

ATLANTA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL DINNER AT ATRIUM WITH TREVOR SHIBUYA AND JARED HUCKS PRESENTED BY VERONI

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/27/24

Friday, September 13 | Atrium | 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Join us for a unique dining experience at Atrium, featuring a special multi-course dinner in partnership with acclaimed Chef Jared Hucks from the Michelin-recommended restaurant, The Alden. This exclusive event will highlight seasonal dishes, expertly paired with crafted cocktails and wines. The evening begins with a cocktail hour at Atrium’s Martini Bar, where local artist Janelle Martinez-Cruz will create live watercolor prints as a special gift for guests. Along with art, guests will be greeted with light bites and drinks, featuring premium Italian charcuterie from Veroni, an esteemed producer of fine cured meats from the renowned Emilia-Romagna region. Following, enjoy a four-course dinner in our whimsically adjusted dining room. $180 per person.

Tickets here.

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.