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The Sip & Swine BBQ Festival is set to make its mouthwatering return to Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, bringing Georgia’s top BBQ competition vibes right to Gwinnett County.
This is one of the best metro Atlanta festivals of 2026.
This beloved annual event, now in its 11th year, is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, March 6-7, 2026, with the main public day on Saturday, March 7, running from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Note: The original invitation referenced March 7 as the Saturday focus—full details confirm the two-day format.)
Sip & Swine Fest: What To Know
Admission and parking are both completely free, making it an easy, family-friendly outing for Atlanta-area residents.
Attendees can look forward to fierce competition BBQ action—featuring pro and backyard teams battling it out in categories like chicken, pork, ribs, brisket, and more—plus a popular People’s Choice BBQ Tasting (Saturday 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m., with taster kits available for attendee judging), a Kid’s Q Competition for young pitmasters ages 6-15, nonstop live music throughout both days, food vendors, craft booths, and plenty of fun for all ages.
At its core, Sip & Swine is a major fundraiser benefiting Home of Hope at Gwinnett Children’s Shelter, which supports homeless children and their mothers on the path to independence. The event has already raised over $1 million to date for this vital cause, with all proceeds continuing to go directly to the shelter.
Past festivals have delivered that perfect mix of smoky aromas, lively crowds, great tunes, and community spirit—captured in the photos shared from previous years.
Whether you’re a BBQ fanatic, looking for a fun weekend outing, or want to support a great local charity, mark your calendar and head to Coolray Field. For more details, ticket options (if any special tastings or add-ons apply), or updates, visit sipandswine.com.
Questions? Reach out to event organizer Chrissy Keheley (contact info available on the site or in official releases). We’d love to see you there—come hungry and ready to enjoy one of metro Atlanta’s tastiest traditions!
Final Word
There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.
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Atlanta, GA – February 19, 2026 – Shoppers in metro Atlanta have exciting news: Nordstrom Rack, the popular off-price division of Seattle-based Nordstrom, Inc., is expanding its presence with a brand-new location opening at Atlantic Station in fall 2026.
The 28,000-square-foot store will take over the former DSW space in the vibrant Midtown lifestyle center, known for its mix of retail, dining, entertainment, and residential options—including anchors like IKEA, H&M, Regal Cinemas, and Sephora.
Nordstrom Rack Coming To Atlantic Station
“We look forward to being a part of the Atlanta community and serving our customers with an amazing offering of great brands at great prices,” said Gemma Lionello, president of Nordstrom Rack. “We’re excited to grow our footprint in the Atlanta market and introduce new customers to the Nordstrom experience.”
Lionello highlighted key conveniences shoppers can expect, including easy online order pickup from both Nordstrom.com and NordstromRack.com, as well as simple returns.
Managed and leased by Hines, Atlantic Station welcomed the announcement as a boost to its evolving retail lineup.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Nordstrom Rack to Atlantic Station. The brand is a natural fit for our retail mix, offering the value-driven fashion and home selections our shoppers want,” said Vikram Mehra, senior managing director at Hines. “This addition further underscores the strong leasing momentum and the continued evolution of Atlantic Station’s retail experience.”
As Nordstrom’s off-price arm, Nordstrom Rack delivers up to 70% off on-trend apparel, accessories, beauty products, home decor, and shoes from many of the top brands found at full-line Nordstrom stores.
Additional perks include online order pickup, easy returns, and alterations at select locations. The division serves as the largest source of new customers to the broader Nordstrom brand.
This new Midtown spot marks the eighth Nordstrom Rack in metro Atlanta and the second inside the Perimeter (the other being in Buckhead). It joins two full-line Nordstrom stores and seven existing Rack locations across Georgia, where the company already supports more than 700 jobs statewide.
The opening comes amid recent changes at Atlantic Station, including the closures of DSW (announced in December 2025) and Publix, but the addition of Nordstrom Rack signals continued investment in the development’s retail future.
Fashion lovers and deal hunters, mark your calendars—fall 2026 brings more accessible luxury shopping right in the heart of Midtown. Stay tuned for exact opening dates and grand opening details as they’re announced.
For more on Atlanta retail news, business developments, and community updates, keep reading your local source.
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The Atlanta Braves are kicking off the 2026 season with a meaningful community initiative, launching the first Braves Home Plate Project presented by Chick-fil-A of the year. This ongoing program, led by the Atlanta Braves Foundation, continues its mission to combat food insecurity and promote food sovereignty throughout Braves Country.
In partnership with Chick-fil-A, Columbia Drive United Methodist Church, Urban Recipe, and Concrete Jungle, the Braves hosted a community food distribution event at Columbia Drive United Methodist Church, located at 2067 Columbia Drive in Decatur, DeKalb County.
Braves Launch Food Initiative in Metro Atlanta
The event provided essential resources to 300 households, offering a variety of quality food items completely free of charge and open to all neighbors in need.
Families received:
- Fresh produce sourced from local farms
- Boxes of frozen food and protein
- Hot Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches and chips
The distribution reflects the collaborative spirit of the Home Plate Project, which brings together local organizations, volunteers, and corporate partners to address hunger in Metro Atlanta’s diverse communities.
A Legacy of Support Since 2020
The Braves Home Plate Project first launched in April 2020 in response to heightened food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, initially partnering with Braves concessionaire Delaware North. Since then, it has grown into a staple community effort.
In 2025 alone, the program—presented by Chick-fil-A and supported by dedicated community partners—distributed more than 80,000 pounds of food resources across eight events, reaching an estimated 2,189 households in need.
Braves front office staff, gameday personnel, and volunteers regularly participate in these distributions, helping deliver not just food but also a sense of community support.
As the 2026 baseball season gets underway, the Atlanta Braves remain committed to stepping up beyond the diamond.
Initiatives like the Home Plate Project demonstrate how the organization is working to make a lasting impact on families facing food challenges across Metro Atlanta.
Neighbors interested in future distributions or ways to get involved can visit the Atlanta Braves community page at mlb.com/braves/community for updates.
The Braves Foundation encourages all eligible residents to take advantage of these no-cost resources whenever available. Together, we’re building a stronger, more nourished Braves Country—one plate at a time.
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Downtown Atlanta’s iconic landmark, The Center (CTR) —formerly known as the CNN Center—is gearing up for a highly anticipated reopening in May, AtlantaFi.com has learned.
The project will transform the historic property into a vibrant, inclusive hub for community, culture, dining, and connection.
The CTR To Open In Downtown Atlanta
After extensive renovations and community input, the reimagined space aims to once again serve as a welcoming gathering place for Atlantans and visitors alike.
The project, led by owner-operator CP Group, marks a major revival for the downtown staple, which has long been a recognizable part of the city’s skyline and identity.
The refreshed Common Ground vision emphasizes openness and accessibility, moving away from its past as a more enclosed, single-tenant-focused building.
Highlights include a fully revamped central atrium serving as the property’s lively heart, plus a brand-new 24,000-square-foot food hall called CTR Food Works featuring 12 diverse dining concepts—anchored by popular steakhouse and seafood options—and what organizers say will be the city’s largest bar.
“We’re thrilled to welcome back this beloved Atlanta landmark under its new identity as Common Ground,” a spokesperson for The Center shared. “This is more than a reopening—it’s a commitment to creating a dynamic space where people from all walks of life can connect, create, learn, and celebrate together.”
The May launch will coincide with the building’s 50th anniversary and come just ahead of Atlanta hosting 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, adding extra excitement to the area’s momentum.
Expect a grand opening celebration packed with live performances, local food vendors, family-friendly interactive activities, and showcases of partnerships with organizations focused on social impact, youth development, and economic opportunity.
With millions invested in exterior upgrades, a new arrival experience, and interior enhancements, The Center is poised to draw crowds and help energize downtown Atlanta as a true neighborhood destination for work, dining, entertainment, and community events.
Stay tuned for more details on the opening schedule and programming as May approaches—Atlanta’s Common Ground is ready to reclaim its spot as a cornerstone of the city.
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President Donald Trump suggested Wednesday that Atlanta could soon receive federal assistance to address crime, urging local leaders to “call me” and claiming his administration could “take care of Atlanta so fast.”
The comments came during a Black History Month reception in the White House’s East Room, an event intended to highlight Black American achievements and support.
Trump Teases Federal Help — Possibly National Guard Troops in Atlanta
In video footage from the event that quickly spread on social media, Trump repeatedly invoked the city while addressing the crowd:
“Atlanta. Atlanta. We could take care of Atlanta. I’ll tell you what, you oughta get them to call me. We could take care of Atlanta so fast. They don’t want to call. Don’t forget — we move people out.”
He framed the offer as help for a city that “needs” it, drawing applause from attendees. The remarks align with the administration’s broader push to deploy federal resources, including the National Guard, in high-crime Democratic-led cities.
The clip, first posted by journalist Aaron Rupar, has drawn sharp reactions in Atlanta. Some residents and officials view the comments as a welcome signal of support against persistent crime issues. Others see it as political posturing and potential federal overreach into a majority-Black, Democratic-led city just months before midterm elections.
Atlanta’s skyline at dusk — a city Trump now says needs urgent federal help.
The president’s reference to “we move people out” appears to echo his administration’s ongoing mass deportation efforts and use of federal agents to remove criminal illegal immigrants and repeat offenders from sanctuary jurisdictions.19
No formal request for National Guard assistance has been made by Georgia or Atlanta officials, and the White House has not announced any immediate deployment plans.
What’s next for Atlanta?
City leaders have not yet issued a public response. Residents on both sides of the aisle are watching closely to see whether this is campaign rhetoric ahead of the midterms — or the start of real federal involvement on Atlanta’s streets.Stay with Atlanta News for updates as this story develops. Have thoughts on Trump’s comments? Let us know below.
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Dunwoody, GA – Mark your calendars for a spicy celebration of community and giving back! Chili for the Children marks its 20th anniversary with its beloved annual chili cook-off on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Bar{n} in Dunwoody Village (5521 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta, GA 30338).
This cherished Atlanta tradition brings together fun things to do with kids, friends, neighbors, and local culinary talents for an afternoon filled with chili tastings, live music, raffles, and a silent auction.
Chili for the Children Celebrates 20 Years with Annual Chili Cook-Off Benefiting Make-A-Wish Georgia
All proceeds from the event will support Make-A-Wish® Georgia, helping grant life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses.
Founded by Jany Brown two decades ago as a modest grassroots gathering in a small office, Chili for the Children has evolved into one of the city’s most enduring fundraisers.
Over the years, the event has raised more than $450,000 for nonprofits dedicated to children’s health, education, and wellbeing.
Past beneficiaries include Make-A-Wish® Georgia, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Ferst Readers, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Literacy Action, Literacy Alliance of Metro Atlanta, and Literacy Volunteers of Atlanta.
This milestone year spotlights Make-A-Wish® Georgia once again, with funds helping fulfill wishes like that of 19-year-old Luke, who is fighting leukemia and dreams of traveling to Japan with his family.
“Even at the 20-year mark, I’m still amazed that what started as a small office gathering has grown into a lasting legacy of generosity and shared purpose,” said Brown. “This milestone belongs to everyone who has shown up year after year to give back. Every ticket purchased, bid placed, and raffle entry helps bring hope to children and families when they need it most.”
The 2026 competition brings back the cook-off spirit, with past winners and new teams returning to create their best chilis for a cause.
Each participating team will donate a portion of proceeds to a charity of their choice, and attendees will taste samples and vote for the People’s Choice award. An additional donation will go to the charity selected by the winning chili team.
Raffle and silent auction items promise exciting prizes, including a trip package currently in the works—details to be announced soon.
“A wish can be a powerful source of hope for children and families navigating some of life’s toughest moments,” said Justice French, director of development for Make-A-Wish® Georgia. “Chili for the Children’s continued dedication and generosity help ensure we can reach more children battling critical illnesses with life-changing wishes and support families during incredibly challenging times.”
Don’t miss this heartwarming afternoon of great food, music, and giving.
Tickets and more information are available at chiliforthechildren.com. Come hungry, bring your friends, and help make wishes come true—one bowl of chili at a time!
Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.
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This event is a family-friendly fundraiser supporting our community’s youngest and most vulnerable. Join the celebration and be part of 20 years of impact in Atlanta.
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The team behind popular Downtown Atlanta staples Red Phone Booth and Amalfi Cucina + Mercato is expanding its footprint with an ambitious new project: 207 Peachtree, a 45,000-square-foot entertainment, dining, and events campus set to open this spring in the heart of the city.
Located at the corner of Peachtree Street and Andrew Young International Boulevard, the development occupies a beautifully restored 1920s building that originally housed Regenstein’s Department Store.
207 Peachtree Opening This Spring in Atlanta
The multi-level destination will bring six distinct concepts under one roof, including four brand-new venues alongside the group’s existing locations of the Prohibition-era speakeasy Red Phone Booth and Italian eatery Amalfi Cucina + Mercato (both of which opened in Downtown in 2016 and remain in the same historic building).
Guests will be able to hop between immersive restaurants, bars, and venues across four floors, each offering its own vibe, menu, and experience — perfect for everything from casual hangouts to game-day excitement, rooftop evenings, and large celebrations. The new additions, all slated to debut in spring 2026, include:
American Dive — A classic, high-energy dive bar on the building’s historic lower level (accessed via a street-level entry that leads down into what was once a storage vault during the Regenstein era). By day, a jukebox spins blues, jazz, country, and rock classics; by night, live music takes over.
The menu highlights Southern BBQ, ice-cold beers on tap and in cans/bottles, wines, cocktails, and casual games like pool, darts, and arcade machines.
The space channels pure roadside Americana with vintage signs, neon lights, bold murals, and nods to music and movies — evoking that late-night highway bar where you end up staying for hours.
Peachtree Sporting Club — An upscale, experiential sports bar on the third floor, blending mid-century modern design (think green tones and warm wood finishes) with high-energy game-day vibes.
A massive 20-foot panoramic TV wall will broadcast football, baseball, soccer, hockey, tennis, and more, complemented by seven tournament-grade simulator bays (each seating about 14 guests) for virtual golf, soccer, skeet shooting, and other games.
The chef-driven menu features shareable platters, sandwiches, entrées, an extensive beer selection, signature cocktails, wine, and premium spirits.
Standouts include the Grand Sampler Trio (wings, pretzel bites, and fried pickles) and the Peach-Bourbon NY Strip with garlic mash and seasonal vegetables.
Aire Rooftop Lounge — The building’s first-ever public rooftop activation, offering stunning city skyline views in an indoor-outdoor setup. Expect plush white lounge seating, sleek fire pits, a large pergola for shade, and glowing illuminated trees at night.
The lounge shifts from relaxed golden-hour handcrafted cocktails and elevated shareable plates with tableside service to a buzzing late-night scene featuring live DJ sets, celebratory vibes, and VIP tableside experiences.
Grand Ballroom — A versatile 10,000-square-foot event space on the second floor, ideal for weddings, galas, corporate gatherings, and large celebrations accommodating 300+ guests.
The historic-luxury design includes white, gold, and tan tones, exposed brick walls, 14-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, crystal chandeliers, and expansive windows with sweeping Downtown views.
State-of-the-art amenities feature full AV capabilities, lighting packages, a catering warming kitchen, customizable bar setups, and professional staffing.
With Red Phone Booth’s signature speakeasy charm and Amalfi Cucina’s authentic Italian offerings already anchoring the building, 207 Peachtree promises to become a one-stop destination for locals, visitors, conventioneers, and sports fans — especially with major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.
Final Word
Stay tuned for exact opening dates and more details as spring approaches.
Want to know what’s happening in Atlanta? First, to find all the cool things happening in Atlanta this weekend, all you have to do is take a look at downtown area. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown Atlanta often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
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Midtown residents and businesses can breathe a little easier when it comes to emergency response times.
The Atlanta City Council has approved an amended intergovernmental agreement that paves the way for a temporary fire station to keep operations running smoothly while the neighborhood’s long-planned Fire Station 15 redevelopment moves forward.
Midtown’s Fire Protection Gets a Temporary Upgrade
The ordinance, 26-O-1117, authorizes the city to partner with the Atlanta Urban Development Corporation (AUDC) to develop an interim Fire Station 15 on city-owned property at 1531 Piedmont Road, NE.
This stopgap facility will house Atlanta Fire Rescue Department apparatus, personnel, and daily operations during construction of the permanent, modernized station — which is part of a larger mixed-use project stacking hundreds of residential units (including affordable housing) atop a new ground-floor fire station at the current 10th Street site near Piedmont Park.
The move comes as no surprise to those following Midtown’s rapid growth.
Read up on renting in Midtown Atlanta.
The original Fire Station 15, a key responder in one of Atlanta’s densest, most transit-rich neighborhoods, has been eyed for redevelopment since at least 2023 under AUDC’s innovative public-asset strategy.
That flagship project — backed by tax-exempt bonds, public-private joint ventures, and AUDC’s focus on mixed-income housing — aims to deliver a state-of-the-art fire facility at street level while adding significant housing supply above it.
Recent proposed updates from 2025 pegged the tower at around 21–26 stories, with 200–280+ units (roughly one-third affordable), a podium parking deck, and enhanced fire bay access.
But building a new station while tearing down the old one can’t happen overnight.
Response times in Midtown — already challenged by traffic, events at Piedmont Park, and booming residential and office density — could suffer without continuity.
Enter the Piedmont Road interim site: a city-owned parcel that allows firefighters to stay operational in roughly the same response zone.
Why this matters to Midtown and beyond
- Faster emergency response continuity — No downtime means quicker arrival for structure fires, medical calls, and rescues in a corridor that includes Piedmont Park, Ansley Mall, residential high-rises, and major employers.
- Supports bigger housing goals — By keeping fire services humming, the interim fix clears the path for AUDC’s broader mission: turning underutilized public land into mixed-income developments without traditional federal subsidies like LIHTC. Atlanta aims for 20,000 affordable/preserved units by 2030; Fire Station 15 is a marquee example.
- Neighborhood peace of mind — Piedmont Road’s location (north of 10th Street, still central to Midtown) minimizes service-area gaps compared to a farther relocation.
Council members advanced the item during yesterday’s meeting as part of a consent agenda heavy on public safety and housing-adjacent wins. No major opposition surfaced in public comments or committee review, reflecting broad support for keeping Midtown protected amid its transformation.
What’s next?
Construction timelines for the interim station weren’t detailed in the ordinance summary, but city officials have indicated the temporary facility is designed to bridge the gap efficiently. The full Midtown redevelopment (with the tower component) has targeted delivery around 2028, though entitlements, financing, and construction can shift those dates.
Atlanta Fire Rescue has not yet released specifics on staffing or apparatus moves, but the department emphasized in past statements that any interim setup would maintain full operational capacity — three-bay apparatus, living quarters, and fitness facilities.
For Midtown Alliance, Invest Atlanta, and AUDC partners, this is one more piece clicking into place for a project that balances public safety with Atlanta’s urgent need for housing near jobs, transit, and parks.
AtlantaFi.com will continue tracking progress on both the interim Piedmont site and the flagship 10th Street redevelopment
Got questions about how this affects your block, response times, or the housing mix? Tip us at cj@atlantafi.com.
Stay safe out there, Atlanta.
– The AtlantFi.com Team
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Spirit Airlines is marking a major milestone in Atlanta with a sweet deal for local travelers: 20% off base fares on flights departing from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
The ultra-low-cost carrier is celebrating its 20th anniversary of service at the world’s busiest airport, which began in 2006.
Southwest Launches Cheap Atlanta Fares
To commemorate the occasion, Spirit — which offers cheap fares frequently — is offering this limited-time discount to help Peach State residents score even better value on getaways across the U.S. and Caribbean.
Key details of the promotion:
- Booking window: Today, February 17, through tomorrow, February 18, 2026 (from 12:01 a.m. ET today until 11:59 p.m. ET tomorrow).
- Travel dates: March 15 through May 20, 2026.
- How to get the discount: Book directly on spirit.com or the Spirit Airlines app and enter promo code 20PCT (no spaces) in the promotion code field.
- What it covers: The 20% off applies only to the base fare for one-way flights originating from ATL (including the ATL leg of connecting or round-trip itineraries, or flight portions of vacation packages). Additional fees may apply for options like Premium Economy or Spirit First seating.
- Important restrictions:
- Blackout dates: April 2–13, 2026.
- Valid only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from March 15–April 14, 2026.
- Not valid on Fridays and Sundays from April 15–May 20, 2026.
- Does not apply to the highest fare classes (Y, B, or H), which may be the only options on some flights.
- Cannot be combined with other promo codes; not valid through travel agencies.
- Subject to availability—fares can change quickly, and lower options may sometimes be found at the airport.
Spirit currently offers nonstop service from ATL to several popular spots, with even more coming soon. Starting in April 2026, the airline plans to ramp up to 18 peak-day departures, including:
- Resumed nonstop flights to Chicago (ORD) (1–2x daily) and Philadelphia (PHL) (daily).
- Increased frequency to Orlando (MCO) (up to 3x daily starting April 15).
- Ongoing service to destinations like Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Houston (IAH), Miami (MIA), Newark (EWR), and San Juan (SJU).
“Spirit has delivered unmatched value to ATL travelers since 2006, and we continue to play an important role in driving competition at the world’s busiest airport,” said Andrea Lusso, Vice President of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines. “We’re dedicated to serving the Atlanta community with reliable service and exceptional value, and we thank the ATL airport team for their support over the years.”
Ricky Smith, General Manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, added: “Spirit Airlines has been a valued partner at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for 20 years, expanding service and providing more travel options for our passengers. We appreciate Spirit’s continued investment in Atlanta and look forward to growing our partnership in the years ahead.”
This deal comes as Spirit continues to earn praise for affordability and performance, including strong on-time rankings, and awards for its frequent flier program and maintenance excellence.
Final Word
Atlanta flyers looking to plan a spring escape—whether to sunny beaches in Florida or Puerto Rico, family-friendly spots in the Midwest, or quick business hops—have just a short window to lock in these savings. Head to spirit.com soon, as seats are limited and this offer ends tomorrow night! Safe travels from all of us here in the ATL.
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The Atlanta Black Expo (ABE) is making a powerful return to the Georgia World Congress Center this weekend from February 20–22, 2026, establishing itself as the Southeast’s premier and largest non-industry-specific showcase for Black-owned businesses.
Now in its fourth year, the event represents a significant milestone with a nearly doubled exhibition space—expanding from 105,000 to 196,000 square feet—to host more than 300 Black-owned businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations.
Read up on all the Black History Month events in Atlanta.
Atlanta Black Expo: What To Know
Organizers anticipate welcoming over 5,000 attendees across the full three-day weekend format, transforming it into a major hub for economic empowerment, networking, and cultural celebration.”This isn’t just an expo; it’s a monumental economic shift,” said Corey “NetworKing” Moore, who relaunched the Atlanta Black Expo in 2023.
As CEO and President of ProNetworker—a company he founded 16 years ago to support entrepreneurs and sales professionals through strategic networking—Moore describes the event as the “Super Bowl” for Black-owned businesses.
“By expanding to three days and bringing 300-plus Black-owned businesses under one roof at the Georgia World Congress Center, we are formally establishing the Atlanta Black Expo as the undisputed epicenter for Black enterprise and consumer engagement in the Southeast. We’re not just growing in size, we’re growing in impact.”
The Expo goes beyond a traditional marketplace, serving as a catalyst for meaningful change. In collaboration with partners like the Urban League and Atlanta Black Chambers, it addresses critical topics through high-level policy discussions on “The State of Black Business.”
Highlights of the three-day schedule include:
- Friday, February 20: Education Day (10:00 AM–5:00 PM) with workshops on small business growth and health/wellness, followed by the popular Black Foodie Friday (5:00 PM–9:00 PM)—a tasting competition featuring local Black-owned food and beverage vendors vying for the 2026 ATL Best of Award.
- Saturday, February 21: The main Exhibitor Showcase (10:00 AM–5:00 PM) offers a vibrant marketplace of local Black-owned businesses. The evening features the “Back on the Yard” after-party (5:00 PM–9:00 PM), celebrating HBCU and Divine 9 communities with old-school music, classic hits, and competitive games.
- Sunday, February 22: The Exhibitor Showcase continues (10:00 AM–5:00 PM) alongside the Kids Business Expo, spotlighting and educating the city’s youngest entrepreneurs. Additional programming includes panels on franchising and “The State of Black Business,” speed networking sessions, a health fair, and the Black Art Expo—a gallery showcasing the richness of Black art and culture.
This year’s event will honor Pastor Jamal Bryant with the ABE Trailblazer Award, building on last year’s recognition of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
The Atlanta Black Expo stands at the intersection of economic opportunity, generational empowerment, and Atlanta’s vibrant cultural identity—making it a must-attend event for anyone invested in supporting and elevating Black enterprise.
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