Tag Archive for: this weekend in atlanta

THE WORKS TO HOST 4TH ANNUAL UPPER WESTSIDE PUPFEST – SATURDAY, SEPT 7

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/5/24

The Upper Westside community is invited to celebrate The Works’ annual PUPFEST, benefitting the Atlanta Humane Society

Calling all pups and pawrents to The Works’ 4th annual PUPFEST, an event that’s sure to make your tail wag. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, the Upper Westside community is invited to bring their four-legged friends and enjoy a live DJ, pup-friendly vendors, cooling stations, giveaways, exciting new surprises and more. No pup? No problem! There will be plenty of photo ops and ways to support a great cause throughout the event.

Guests at PUPFEST can expect live entertainment from DJ Steve, exciting giveaways, and pup-themed cocktails from Chattahoochee Food Works, Dr. Scofflaw’s and Chicheria Mexican Kitchen. Tickets purchased will help raise money for the Atlanta Humane Society and allow guests to win amazing prizes throughout the day, including three chances to win P!NK concert tickets, a $200 gift card to AYA Medical Spa, a free VIP room experience at American Axes, a free sPAW day at Woof Gang Bakery and so much more! 

Stop by The Camp to snap a cute Polaroid of your pup and enter the Best-Dressed Camper contest! Prizes will be awarded for Judge’s Choice and the People’s Choice. Additionally, there will be five camp-themed dog toys hidden around the event for guests to seek out for the chance to win the exciting giveaways above. Finally, guests who visit all five designated badge stations, complete the assigned activities and earn their stamps will be entered to win a free one-year membership to Fetch Park! 

The stations are as follows: 

Ruff & Tumble Agility Course

Scotty Dog

The Swag Spot

Adventure Paws Splash Park

The Basic Bus

Throughout the event, there are many ways to unwind and relax at participating tenants’ designated PUPFEST patio seating including Taste Wine Bar & Market, Chattahoochee Food Works, Chicheria Mexican Kitchen, Dr. Scofflaw’s, and Fox Bros BBQ. Also, enjoy open-air dog tents at Woof Gang Paws & Post Rest Area located on The Spur. Get your paws on discounted tickets for just $12 until Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. General admission tickets are $16 and can be purchased HERE. For updates and future announcements, follow @theworksatl on Instagram or visit online at https://theworksatl.com/.

STONE MOUNTAIN PARK HOSTS 56TH ANNUAL YELLOW DAISY FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/3/24

South’s largest outdoor arts and crafts show Sept. 5 – 8

Featuring over 400 artists from across the United States, Stone Mountain Park’s 56th annual Yellow Daisy Festival will take place Sept. 5 – 8.  Voted one of the top arts and crafts shows in the nation by Sunshine Artist Magazine, a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event, and winner of multiple awards by the Southeast Festival and Events Association, the event is a tradition for multi-generational shoppers searching for unique handcrafted works of art.

Returning for the third year is the Yellow Daisy Vintage Village! Located within the lower meadow of the Yellow Daisy Festival, this highly curated village of vendors will showcase antiques, vintage collectibles, and amazing farmhouse chic home goods, furniture, and décor.

Festival crafters and artists are selected from a pool of applicants by the Yellow Daisy Festival jury to display their distinctive handmade work in categories including pottery, fabric, painting, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, photography, fine arts, and traditional arts and crafts.

During all four days of the festival, guests can watch live entertainment on the main stage including Rock, Pop, Country, Gospel, DJs, and more. A beer garden will offer a place to rest, relax, and refresh before venturing out to discover more hand-crafted wares. Food trucks and festival food will also be on hand to satisfy any cravings.

Returning to the Yellow Daisy Festival this year is the highly anticipated featured artist. Meet Jodi Hatfield, the featured artist for 2024. “Growing up on a ranch in Arizona, I always enjoyed the outdoors and animals around me. They always brought me happiness. Water coloring was the perfect medium for me to create. I wanted these paintings whimsical and fun, yet believable too. I hope these images can remind you of a happy memory, or maybe the trait of a friend, or reflection of a loved one. If they’ve made you smile, I’m grateful.”

Located in the park’s Special Events Meadow, admission to the festival is FREE with paid parking

Festival dates are September 5 – 8

Festival hours are Thursday & Sunday | 8 AM – 5 PM, Friday & Saturday | 8 AM – 6 PM

For more information about the Yellow Daisy Festival, please visit the Yellow Daisy Festival Frequently Asked Questions website. Listed in Frommer’s 500 Places to Visit with Your Kids Before They Grow Up and cited by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as one of “35 Natural Wonders in Georgia You Must See Before You Die,” Stone Mountain Park is located 15 miles east of downtown Atlanta. For directions, information about attractions, and hours of operation, please call 1-800-401-2407 or visit  www.stonemountainpark.com.

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.  

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

THE GEORGIA CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL MS SOCIETY PRESENTS: 2024 TASTE OF GENEROSITY: BOURBON + BOTANICALS

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

Experience an Evening of Exceptional Spirits and Fundraising for a Cure: Tickets On Sale Now
Celebrate This Year’s Honorary Chair Dr. Ben Thrower Alongside 2024 Honorees Téa Hayes
and the Late Barry Bailey


Friday, Aug. 16 | Doors Open at 6 p.m., Official programming begins at 8:15 p.m. 
The Stave Room and ASW Whiskey Exchange | 199 Armour Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
VIP + General Tickets are on sale now. Visit the website for details + full event schedule. 



 The National MS Society is thrilled to present the 2024 Taste of Generosity: Bourbon + Botanicals in partnership with the beautiful and unique Stave Room and ASW Whiskey Exchange. Scheduled for Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, the event invites beverage lovers to gather and savor a wide range of distinct bourbons, botanical liquors, wines, beers and innovative zero-proof options. Taste of Generosity: Atlanta is not just a celebration of fine spirits – it’s a gathering with a purpose. Every dollar spent at the event will go towards powering cutting-edge research, advocating for change, and providing essential programs to enhance the lives of those affected by multiple sclerosis.

As ticketholders step into the Stave Room, they will be greeted by 18-foot ceilings and polished concrete floors that contribute to an ambiance of refined yet rustic urban charm. Inside, guests can explore the fully functioning, award-winning distillery while indulging in a full-service tasting room brimming with a variety of spirits and meticulously crafted cocktails and mocktails. Along the tasting trails, attendees can savor delicious, Southern-inspired food pairings designed to elevate their tasting experience. The event will also feature a bottle pull with the chance to win exclusive wines and liquors, exciting silent and live auctions with offerings from Atlanta United, local distilleries and more, all to support the Georgia Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

The event is co-chaired by Tara Murphy, an inspiring leader living with MS and the owner of the award-winning PR firm 360 Media and publisher of The Atlanta 100 who brings her passion and expertise to ensure a memorable evening. Beginning at 8:15 p.m., guests will gather to celebrate this year’s Honorary Chair, Dr. Ben Thrower, a renowned neurologist and Medical Director at the Andrew C. Carlos MS Institute at Shepherd Center. The evening will also honor Téa Hayes, a vibrant former Atlanta Falcons cheerleader living with MS, and the late Barry Bailey, the former lead guitarist for Atlanta Rhythm Section who lived with MS.

“I am honored and humbled to serve as the Honorary Chair for this event,” said Thrower. “For decades, the Andrew C. Carlos MS Institute at Shepherd Center has partnered with the Georgia Chapter of the National MS Society in serving our MS community. Through events like this, we will continue to improve the lives of those living with MS and move one step closer to a cure. Doing so through an evening of bourbon, food and music is the perfect blend of flavor and philanthropy.”

Guests attending the event can choose from various ticket levels, including ASW VIP+, VIP and Classic Admission, each offering different perks for early entry and access to unique tasting trails. With Classic Admission, guests will experience an unforgettable night on the Classic Tasting Trail, with the opportunity to sample a diverse selection of exceptional bourbons, wines and liquors from distinguished partners such as Longleaf distillery, Four Roses Bourbon, Wyoming Whiskey and more. For beer enthusiasts craft brews from Monday Night Brewing will be available to savor. VIP guests will enjoy all the delights of the Classic Tasting Trail, with the added privilege of sampling rare and special pours from distinguished partners like World Whiskey Society, Palm Bay International, Shortbarrel and Old Fourth Distillery. Plus, all ticketholders will receive a souvenir branded tasting cup to commemorate the experience.

The Barrel Proof presenting sponsors, Accenture and RNDC, have provided generous support instrumental in making this event possible. Visit the website for more information and to purchase tickets today.  

About The National Multiple Sclerosis Society: The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: NationalMSsociety.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube or call 800-344-4867.