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The Amplify Decatur Music Festival is happening this weekend. The annual outdoor concert takes place each year in downtown Decatur, Georgia. If you’re looking for some cool Atlanta weekend events, this is one you don’t want to miss.
The event is set to take place the night of April 25-27, 2025. Check out the Amplify Decatur performers. The Amplify Decatur Music Festival is one of Atlanta’s best festivals.
The signature Amplify Decatur Music Festival ticketed event highlights the weekend. It takes place at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26 on the Decatur Square. The line-up features The Last Waltz Ensemble, Hope for a Goldensummer, Andrew Holley and more.
Amplify Decatur Music Festival: What To Know Before You Go
Saturday April 26’s event will be held from 5-11 p.m. on the Decatur Square starring headliners The Last Waltz Ensemble, who will perform the greatest hits of Bob Dylan and The Band. The group is named after The Band’s famous farewell concert, The Last Waltz. The audience can enjoy and sing along to timeless Dylan classics including “Like a Rolling Stone,” “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” “Blowing in the Wind,” “All Along the Watchtower,” and more. Songs from The Band will include “The Weight,” “Up on Cripple Creek,” “I Shall Be Released,” among others
Who’s Performing At The Amplify Decatur Music Festival This Year?
Rounding out the line-up are Hope for Agoldensummer, Andrew Holley, Eric Toledo of Quiet Hounds, and Polly Holliday.
Friday and Saturday will also feature free, pop-up performances at venues and restaurants throughout downtown Decatur, including The Marlay House, Brick Store Pub, Trackside Tavern, O’Sullivan’s Irish Pub, and The Reading Room
Where Is The Amplify Decatur Music Festival Taking Place?
The Amplify Decatur Festival is happening at the Decatur Square, corner of Church Street and E. Ponce De Leon Avenue, Decatur. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
Amplify co-board chair Drew Robinson said, “We’re excited to offer a different format and experience this year and grateful to all of our wonderful sponsors, especially our presenting sponsor, Lenz. We’re looking forward to seeing the Decatur community come together to celebrate and assist in the missions of our beneficiaries, Decatur Cooperative Ministry and Decatur Education Foundation.”
For more information, visit AmplifyDecatur.org.
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Parking rates at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) are increasing, effective May 1, 2025, the airport says.
The new rates will significantly raise costs, in some cases nearly tripling them. For example:
- South/North Hourly Decks: From $3/hour ($36/day max) to $10/hour ($50/day max on Day 1, $75/day thereafter).
- International Hourly Deck: From $3/hour ($36/day max) to $10 for the first hour, $15/hour thereafter ($70/day max on Day 1, $100/day thereafter).
- Daily Parking: From $19/day to $30/day.
- Economy Parking: From $14/day to $20/day.
- International Park-Ride: From $14/day to $30/day.
ATL’s assistant general manager, Tyronia Smith, stated that even with planned parking rate increases, ATL’s parking rates would remain “one of the lowest in the country” for daily parking compared to similarly sized airports.Reasons for the Increase:
- Economic Conditions: Airport officials cite a 34% rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Atlanta metropolitan area since the last rate adjustment in 2017, necessitating updates to align with inflation.
- Operational Costs: Parking-related operational expenses have increased significantly.
- Infrastructure Investments: The airport has taken on new debt to fund parking facility modernization and construction, with annual debt service projected at $25.5 million in fiscal year 2025 and expected to grow. Projects include replacing North and South parking decks and adding facilities like the ATL West Deck and Sullivan Road Park-Ride lot.
- Maintaining Competitiveness: Despite the hikes, ATL claims its rates remain competitive compared to other major U.S. airports and off-site parking providers, aiming to ensure a safe, convenient, and reliable experience.
Why Are Parking Rates Going Up at Hartsfield?
Parking rates at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are increasing due to several factors outlined by airport officials.
The primary reasons include rising operational costs and significant investments in parking infrastructure. Since the last rate adjustment in 2017, the Consumer Price Index for the Atlanta area has risen by approximately 30%, and parking-related operational expenses have grown.
Additionally, the airport has taken on new debt to fund modernization projects, with annual debt service projected to reach $25.5 million in fiscal year 2025 and expected to increase further over the next decade.
A key project is the $530 million South parking deck, which will add about 7,700 spaces and is set to be completed by summer 2026 to accommodate events like the World Cup.
These rate hikes, effective May 1, 2025, are intended to align pricing with economic conditions, support ongoing and future infrastructure improvements, and maintain competitiveness with other major U.S. airports and off-site parking providers, airport officials said.
Final Word
Airport parking aside, travel to and from Atlanta is booming. Boutique shops, unique galleries, and retail options add to Midtown Atlanta’s charm for those looking to shop local or find unique items.Downtown Atlanta is a hub for tech companies, startups, and corporate offices, giving it an energetic, innovative vibe.
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Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe recently opened its newest boutique at Phipps Plaza and first location in Georgia, featuring a full collection of women’s ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, small leather goods, eyewear and other accessories.
If you’re looking for things to do in Buckhead, this shop is a must-stop.
The 1,237-square-foot location houses a full, highly sought-after collection of women’s ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, small leather goods, eyewear and other accessories.
Nodding to the brand’s Spanish roots, the space draws inspiration from the CASA LOEWE concept and intersperses LOEWE products with art, craft, and design pieces. Ceramic tiles in peach and silver envelop the façade and interiors, while glass, wood and concrete surfaces complement the space’s warmer textures, such as ceramic, brass and turned iron.
Reflecting Loewe’s commitment to blending traditional styles with modern accents, the boutique features a selection of contemporary furniture, including Utrecht armchairs, signature iron martini tables and a tufted leather puffer bench, as well as three black-and-white reproductions of British textile artist John Allen’s Pink House Cumbria.
Hand-selected artworks from LOEWE’s global art collection can be found throughout the space, illustrating the luxury brand’s devotion to craftmanship and artistry. These pieces include The Thuringer (2021) by Belgian-born artist Caragh Thuring and Pouch on a bent branch (2020) by Irish basket maker Joe Hogan, a finalist of the 2018 edition of the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize.
Final Word
If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
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What’s better than a hoagie? A “voagie!” At least that’s the idea behind Atlanta restaurateur Pinky Cole-Hays.
On social media, Cole-Hays recently announced the opening of her sandwich shop, Voagies.
I know what you’re thinking: What in the world is a voagie?
It looks like a voagie is a vegan hoagie? We’re not entirely clear yet. Although Cole-Hays said that the sandwiches will have multiple types of meat and bread baked fresh daily?
In her social media post, Cole-Hays said that the eatery, which she described as “Slutty Vegan 2.0,” was created “Because I got tired of going to Subway and Jersey Mike’s and just getting veggies on bread.”
Why a Hoagie Business?
At first glance, you may say, Out of all the food businesses out there, why hoagies? But Cole-Hays is a savvy entrepreneur. Opening a hoagie shop can make sense depending on your market, resources, and strategy. Here’s a concise breakdown of why it could be a solid choice:
1. Demand and Appeal: Hoagies (or subs, grinders, etc.) are popular, versatile, and appeal to a wide audience—lunch crowds, students, workers, and families. They’re customizable, which suits diverse tastes and dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options).
2. Low Barrier to Entry: Compared to other food businesses, a hoagie shop requires relatively low startup costs. You need basic equipment (slicers, refrigeration, prep tables), a simple menu, and a small space. This makes it more manageable than a full-service restaurant.
3. Operational Simplicity: Hoagies are quick to prepare, allowing for high customer turnover, especially during peak hours. A focused menu reduces inventory complexity and waste, streamlining operations.
4. Market Fit: If you’re in an area with foot traffic (near offices, schools, or urban centers), a hoagie shop can thrive. Research local competitors—few direct competitors or a lack of quality sandwich options could signal opportunity. For example, in 2023, the U.S. fast-casual sandwich market was valued at ~$20 billion, with steady growth projected due to demand for quick, affordable meals.
Where Is Voagies Located?
Voagies is located at 1542 Ralph David Abernathy BLVD, Atlanta GA 30310. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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It’s been said that without good credit, you won’t have good borrowing power — and that’s true to an extent.  Many people think you have to have a lot of money to do it, but that’s not true. Actually and it’s pretty easy to do — and we’ll show you how.  Millions of Americans struggle to raise their credit scores because of unwise financial decisions, but you can be different. You can build credit fast by taking a few simple steps.  Let’s go over the ways so that you can begin to get financially sound. Here’s what you need to do:1. Get Added As An Authorized User On A Credit Card
Ask someone to add you to their credit card as an authorized user. Obviously this will likely be a family member, spouse or close friend. Really close friend!
You don’t even ever have to use the credit card so there’s no risk to them.
On the other hand, you will benefit from the authorized user’s wise use of credit. Over time, this will improve your credit as well.
2. Apply For A Secured Credit Card
The benefit of getting a secured credit card is that you have to pay upfront. As you wipe away your monthly debt, you begin to boost your credit history.
The key to getting fast credit is to pay for whatever you swipe at the end of the month. Pay it in full. That way, you’ll get credited with a zero balance after 30 days, which is an A1 credit practice.
3. Get Credit For Paying Your Bills
A relatively new financial product is the rise of rent-reporting services. These services report your bill payments to the credit bureaus.
That means you can get credit for psyching your light bill or other utilities.
How Long Does It Take To Build Credit?
A lot of consumers may need to build credit quickly because of a big purchase, like a house, car or even a TV.
But it’s going to take several months — figure about six months — for your credit score numbers to rise.
The reason it takes so long for your credit score to rise is because the credit agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, need to build a report on your credit history.
Also, FICO requires that at least one of your credit accounts be open for six months, so the credit bureaus like to use those six months to monitor your financial decisions.
Final Word
It’s always a good idea to get request your credit report to see where you are credit-wise. By law, you get one free credit report from each credit reporting agency.
Up Next: How To Dispute Your Credit Report
https://atlantafi.com/how-to-dispute-your-credit-score-really-easily/
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From time to time, we still need that weekend getaway even if it’s simply a trip to a nearby state. All you need is some flexibility and yes, some money.
5 Steps To Save Money On Your Next Trip
This article is going to show you how to save money on travel so that you can spend your cash how you please.
1. Get A Travel Rewards Credit Card
The first thing you want to do — perhaps a year in advance — is to see if you can get a travel credit card. These cards unlock savings that you can’t get anywhere else.
A travel credit card with a rewards program can save you big bucks because what you spend can be redeemed for points. Points can be transferred into miles or money toward your trip.
2. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates
When it comes to saving money on travel, knowing when and the best time to book your trip is half the battle.
Travel experts say that if you book a flight between 21 and 30 days out, you should be able to get a deal.
But no matter what, it pays to be flexible with your travel dates. Use Google Flights to find wiggle room in the days you plan to travel. You’ll be thankful for the money you save.
3. Fly On A Budget Airline
If you really want to just get there, avoid the United and Deltas of the world by flying on a budget airline. You can save up to 60% on your airfare by choosing low-cost airlines that fly in smaller or regional airports.
Don’t know of any budget airlines? Check out WhichBudget.com to research some carriers.
4. Don’t Rent A Car
When you arrive at your destination, don’t rent a vehicle. Plan ahead so that you can use public transportation to get where you need to go.
Oftentimes, that may even mean staying at a hotel closer to the action. Rental cars eat up huge parts of your travel budget. And you may even have to pay for parking at the hotel or other places.
5. Eat Like A Local
One of the surest ways to go broke on vacation, especially overseas, is to eat exclusively at tourist traps. These restaurants will have you paying $8 for a bottle of water!
To really maximize your savings (and enjoy choice food), choose to eat where the locals eat. That way, you’ll pay what they pay, which is refreshingly affordable prices.
Final Word
Believe it or not, traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. Although, we want to have a good time, it can be done for less.Once you get your passport, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale.
To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interesting in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
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Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
One of the city’s best hotels, the Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead, recently hired a new executive chef: Brian Martin will helm the hotel’s kitchen as well as the event space Dirty Rascal Room and Tesserae, the rooftop restaurant.
Chef Brian, a seasoned culinary professional, has honed his craft in various acclaimed kitchens over the past two decades.
His expertise spans banquets and event catering to upscale dining, menu development, and team leadership. Now stepping into his first executive chef role, he brings a fresh perspective, creativity, and a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences to one of Atlanta’s most vibrant hospitality destinations.
“We are excited to welcome Chef Brian to the Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead family,” said Donte Johnson, General Manager of Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead. “His passion for culinary excellence and innovative approach to modern dining align perfectly with our vision for creating unforgettable guest experiences. We look forward to seeing his creativity shine on our rooftop and elevating Tesserae as a must-visit destination in Atlanta.”
After earning a business degree from Penn State University, Chef Brian began his culinary journey as a dishwasher at Morton’s Steakhouse. He then trained at the Pittsburgh Culinary institute, where he earned a Le Cordon Bleu certification and advanced to lead line cook within a year.He launched his hotel career at the former Omni CNN Center in downtown Atlanta, where he discovered a passion for hospitality and rose to the roll of executive chef with accolades such as 2022 Department of the Year (Culinary) and 2019 Leader of the Year along the way.
“I am thrilled to be back in Atlanta, a city where food, culture, community, and heritage are so deeply woven together,” said Chef Brian. “Returning in this new role at Thompson Atlanta – Buckhead feels like a full-circle moment. At Tesserae, our premier dining destination, we blend modern American cuisine with a balance of tradition and innovation. Our team is committed to honoring local farmers, butchers, and artisans by crafting bold, rich flavors with the freshest regional ingredients. Every dish is an opportunity to deliver an elevated, interactive experience that celebrates Atlanta’s vibrant culinary scene.”
As he steps into his new role, guests can look forward to an inspired dining experience featuring dishes highlighting Chef Brian’s contemporary cuisine expertise, blending classic techniques with modern interpretations. His vision extends beyond traditional hotel cuisine – he aims to introduce exciting updates to Tesserae’s menu, creating an interactive food experience that redefines the old-school approach.From colorful plates with bold flavors to innovative chef stations, Chef Brian envisions an environment that surprises and delights throughout the hotel’s offerings.
Final Word
Tesserae is open for breakfast (Monday-Friday, 7 to 11 a.m.), lunch (Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), dinner (Sunday-Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m. + Friday-Saturday 5 to 10 p.m.), and weekend brunch services (Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
Tax day can be stressful for Americans, especially if they owe Uncle Sam money. Thankfully, there are several restaurants giving away free food for Tax Day in Atlanta.
Hungry much? Check out these generous eateries and go pick up your free meal as you file your taxes before Tuesday’s deadline.
Eat For Free on Tax Day in Atlanta
Several restaurants are offering free or discounted food for Tax Day 2025 (April 15). Here’s a roundup based on available information:
Krispy Kreme
Photo credit: Krispy Kreme Buy any dozen doughnuts (Original Glazed or assorted) in-store and get a second Original Glazed dozen for just the price of your state’s sales tax. Online orders for pickup or delivery can use the code TAXBREAK to get a second Original Glazed dozen free (limit one per customer).
Burger King
Royal Perks members can get a cheeseburger for 1 cent with any purchase of $1 or more via the BK app or website. Not available in Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories.
Fazoli’s
Buy one, get one free Classic Baked Spaghetti with the code TAX25 at participating locations, available for digital orders via their site or app.
Great American Cookies
Buy one Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake slice, get one free at participating stores nationwide.
- Kona Ice: Offering free cups of shaved ice on April 15 at participating trucks, no purchase required, as part of their “National Chill Out Day” promotion.
- Paris Baguette: PB Rewards members get a free pastry with any beverage purchase on April 15.
- Potbelly: Buy one Original or Big sandwich and get one Original sandwich free using the code BOGO on their app or website (not available in-store).
- California Tortilla: Get a free small order of chips and queso or chips and salsa with any purchase by saying “1040” in-store or using the code 1040 online or on the app.
- Casey’s: Rewards members who buy any large pizza on April 15 get a “Pizza Refund” (a free large one-topping pizza credited to their account), redeemable until May 6.
Final Word
The largest city in the Southeast – Atlanta – has a few things to do as well. An Atlanta weekend is one to remember.
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If you’re looking for cheap plane tickets right now, you should know that Atlanta typically can be expensive when it comes to flying in or out of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. But there’s one airline that can give more cheap fares than others based off costs per mile.
Researchers at CashNetUSA analyzed data from the FAA, TripAdvisor, and Air Miles Calculator to compare flight prices from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) to every other major U.S. airport, identifying which airlines provide the most affordable fares for travelers departing from ATL.
Check out this airfare pricing map, which shows the cheapest airline costs per mile. As you can see, in Georgia, you’ll fly for 11 cents per mile.
Determining the absolute cheapest airline flying out of Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) right now depends on your destination, travel dates, and booking time. However, based on current trends and available data, low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines consistently offer some of the lowest fares from ATL.
Read up on how to get cheap fares from Atlanta.
- Spirit Airlines: Known for ultra-low base fares, often starting as low as $20-$40 one-way to destinations like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or Philadelphia. However, additional fees for baggage, seat selection, and other services can increase the total cost, so review their policies carefully.
- Frontier Airlines: Similarly budget-friendly, with one-way tickets frequently in the $27-$48 range to cities like Denver, Orlando, or New York. Like Spirit, Frontier operates a low-cost model with optional add-ons.
For example, recent data shows Spirit offering flights to Fort Lauderdale for as low as $39 round-trip and Frontier to Denver starting around $48 round-trip, though these prices are for specific dates in May 2025 and subject to change.
Tips to Find the Cheapest Flights:
- Check fare comparison sites like Kayak, Skyscanner, or Expedia for real-time deals.
- Be flexible with travel dates—midweek flights (Tuesday/Wednesday) are often cheaper.
- Book at least 53 days in advance for the best rates, as prices rise closer to departure.
- Consider nearby destinations or smaller airports for potential savings.
Since prices fluctuate hourly, I recommend checking directly on Spirit’s or Frontier’s websites or a platform like Kayak for the latest deals from ATL.
The lounge life just got sweeter in Atlanta. The new Delta Sky Club at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) opened its doors on April 8, 2025, marking the first entirely new Sky Club in Atlanta since 2016.
Located in Concourse D-Center Point near the food court, close to gates D18 and D21, this is the eighth Sky Club at ATL and reflects Delta’s efforts to enhance the passenger experience at its largest hub during its centennial year.
Delta Sky Club: What To Know
Spanning 24,000 square feet, it’s the second-largest Sky Club in Atlanta but offers the most seating, with capacity for 506 guests, making it a major draw for passengers as well as employees.
The design draws inspiration from Atlanta’s Southern hospitality and urban sophistication, featuring elements like a brick entryway, shutter screens, coffered ceilings, and lighting reminiscent of outdoor ceiling fans, creating a welcoming, home-like atmosphere.
The lounge includes Southern-inspired artwork by local Atlanta artists, such as a vibrant green tile mural behind the buffet that nods to Atlanta’s nickname, “City in a Forest.”
Amenities cater to both business and leisure travelers, including a large central bar, two additional beverage stations, a buffet with regionally inspired food, six private Framery phone booths (one accessible), a theater-style media wall, and a business area with a high-top coworking table.
Seating options range from recliners and couches to bar-style seats, with airfield views enhancing the experience. While it lacks an outdoor terrace or shower suites, the focus on functional space and seating capacity addresses the high traffic at Delta’s busiest hub.
This opening aligns with ongoing renovations at Concourse D to accommodate more passengers and larger aircraft, with plans to refresh Sky Clubs in Concourses A and C by the end of 2025. It’s considered Delta’s nicest lounge in Atlanta yet, blending modern design with practical features to elevate the travel experience.
Final Word
Atlanta is for tourists, but it’s also for locals. If you want to explore Georgia’s largest city, do it on your terms and check out the fun, cool and new things happening in Atlanta this weekend and even on the weekday. You can start downtown, and get it crackin’ in Buckhead. Check out the newest Atlanta restaurants, beautiful parks and unexplored spots you’ve only heard about. AtlantaFi your experience!
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