Atlantafi.com is bringing you the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, which has the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta under a state of emergency.
-
One of city’s most iconic restaurants, The Varsity in Midtown Atlanta, is celebrating its 90th anniversary this month. If you stop by the family-owned eatery, you’ll see an abundance of commemorative merchandise and limited-edition cups ($5.99) where you can get unlimited refills on soft drinks and $0.90 refills on Frosted Orange, vanilla and chocolate milkshakes through the end of the year.
And best of all, on Saturday, August 18. All menu items will be priced at $0.90 at all five The Varsity locations (Atlanta, Athens, Dawsonville, Kennesaw and Norcross).
The restaurant is also pledging $90,000 to Shepherd’s Men, a group that raises money for military initiatives at Shepherd Center in Atlanta.
The Varsity In Midtown Atlanta Celebrates 90th Anniversary With Deals, Merch, Party & More
Anniversary events officially kicked off on Memorial Day weekend with the Shepherd’s Men run (from The Varsity to the Shepherd Center in Midtown) to raise awareness for veterans with TBIs and PTSD. Now it’s all going to culminate with an anniversary party on Saturday, August 18.
In addition to the $0.90 price menu, the Midtown location will feature special events from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“For nine decades, we’ve had the opportunity to bring great food to our loyal guests in Atlanta,” The Varsity President Gordon Muir said. “We’re excited to celebrate this milestone in a fun and meaningful way that includes giving back to the community that has given so much to us.”
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
-
Thousands are expected in downtown Atlanta this weekend for the kickoff of BronzeLens Film Festival 2018, a gathering of some of emerging and veteran African-American movie professionals. The festival runs from August 22-26 at various locales around the city, including a hub at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Ave. NE.
As an incubator for new films and talent, BronzeLens received submissions from 23 countries around the world this year. Eighty-five films will be screened and juried films include the work of some the world’s most talented filmmakers. Narrative fiction, documentary, webisode, music video and short film screenings coupled with the who’s who of the film industry
There will be a special kickoff screening on Sunday, Aug. 19 will focus on Nollywood.
The BronzeLens Awards Show (Saturday, August 25, 2018): The awards show will honors the best of the festival’s filmmakers as well as other noteworthy industry leaders. Categories include the best in Features, Documentaries and International films, Shorts, Student Films, Web Series, Actress and Actor.
Women’s Superstar Lunch (Friday, August 24, 2018): The Women Superstars Luncheon will celebrate women of color in front of and behind the bronze lens. BronzeLens honors female luminaries in the film and television world.
Sunday Brunch with the Brothers (Sunday, August 26, 2018) will feature a panel of men of color who work in the television and film industry as well as on the stage and in radio. Along with a moderator, the brothers share what it takes to be successful and how each has learned to overcome adversity. There will also be a question-and-answer session for the audience.
Here is the full schedule for BronzeLens Film Festival 2018 in Atlanta
3:00pm – 7:00pmA Nollywood Screening ExperienceFestival Registration3:00pm – 6:00pmMedia Registration5:30pm – 9:00pmBronzeLens Kick-off Event at Off the Set Film Industry Mixer8:00pm – 11:00pmAll Shorts, All Night sponsored by BET Networks (Location: A601)Festival Registration8:00am – 6:00pmMedia Registration10:00am – 7:00pmAll Shorts, All Day sponsored by BET Networks (Location: L504)10:00am – 7:00pmAll Shorts, All Day sponsored by BET Networks (Location: A601)10:00am – 6:00pmThe Filmmaker’s Lounge @BronzeLens10:15am – 11:30amThe Legal Angle @BronzeLens: The Business of Film and TV12:30pm – 1:45pmThe Legal Angle @BronzeLens: Making It, Shopping It and Closing with a Deal2:00pm – 3:15pmThe Legal Angle @BronzeLens: How Do I Market and Distribute the Project?3:00pm – 4:00pmNollywood in the Digital Era6:00pm – 7:00pmBronze Carpet – Opening Night7:00pm – 9:00pmBronzeLens Opening Night Screening – “Jinn”Festival Registration8:00am – 6:00pmMedia Registration10:00am – 7:00pmFilm Screenings (Locattion: A601)10:00am – 7:00pmFilm Screenings (Location: L504)10:00am – 11:15amStatus of Production in Georgia: What’s in it for Me?10:00am – 6:00pmThe Filmmaker’s Lounge @BronzeLens10:30am – 11:45amBronze Carpet – 9th Annual BronzeLens Women SuperStars Luncheon Presented by BETHer12:00pm – 2:00pm9th Annual BronzeLens Women SuperStars Luncheon Presented by BETHer2:30pm – 4:00pmMature-ish: Never Too Late for a Career in Film or Television4:30pm – 5:30pmTaking Advantage of the Music and Tax Incentives4:30pm – 5:30pmThe Business Side of Indie Filmmaking7:00pm – 8:30pmFirst Glance Friday Screening – “The Bobby Brown Story”8:00am – 6:00pmMedia Registration9:00am – 5:45pmStudent Track 201810:00am – 7:00pmFilm Screenings (Location: A601)10:00am – 6:00pmFilm Screenings (Location: L504)10:00am – 11:30amKiller Creativity: A New Breed sponsored by BET Networks10:00am – 6:00pmThe Filmmaker’s Lounge @BronzeLens10:00am – 11:00amThe Hollywood Way: How to compete on a pro level – What is the industry standard?11:30am – 12:30pmHot Shots: Local Producers and Directors Making Headway in Atlanta12:00pm – 1:00pmStudent Luncheon Program12:30pm – 1:00pmFamily Day 2018 at BronzeLens Film Festival1:00pm – 2:30pmFrom Script to Screen1:00pm – 6:30pmStudent Film Screenings2:45pm – 4:00pmUpClose and through The BronzeLens: Opportunities for Filmmakers in Digital and Short Form Content2:45pm – 4:00pmFinishing Your Film – Not Fixing It: Color Correction and Audio Sweetening4:30pm – 5:45pmUpClose and through The BronzeLens: Making Jinn: A Case Study from Writing, Financing to Completion7:00pm – 8:00pmBronze Carpet – 9th Annual BronzeLens Awards Show8:30pm – 10:00pm9th Annual BronzeLens Awards Show9:00am – 7:00pmFestival Registration9:00am – 12:00pmMedia Registration10:00am – 1:00pmSunday Brunch with the Brothers2:00pm – 6:00pmCinema and Social Justice Sunday Screenings7:00pm – 8:00pmBronze Carpet – Closing Night8:00pm – 10:00pmBronzeLens Closing Night Film Screening – “CANAL STREET”This event is just one among many Atlanta happenings going on weekly in the city. See all the Atlanta festivals this year.
-
If you remember the social app called Yik Yak, you’ll recall that when it debuted in 2013 it took the tech world by storm. It was also made in Atlanta.
Made in Atlanta is a monthly event at Switchyards Downtown Cluba that highlights the best brands made right here in Atlanta. The newest iteration Edition 020 of Made in Atlanta and it will be held on Thursday, August 16, 2018.
Drinks will start at 6 PM, and at 7 PM, the founders of Yik Yak, Brooks Buffington and Tyler Droll, will take the Switchyards stage.
Yik Yak became the biggest and most well-known Atlanta consumer tech startup over the last decade raising $73 million from top VCs across the country and growing to millions of users with their viral social app.
As with with every edition, the first 100 people to RSVP here **and show up to the event** will get a unique shirt never to be printed again. The shirt is printed on a buttery soft Alternative Apparel unisex shirt. Make sure to specify your size.
-
A new restaurant equipped with a sizable event space is coming to Atlanta’s historic Healey Building. The Pantry and Impress Events will open at 57 Forsyth Street, according to What Now Atlanta.
The eatery will resurrect the former Loaf & Kettle space and open its doors in late 2018. Downtown’s Fairlie-Poplar district is undergoing a bit of a revitalization. Some of the stalwart eateries such as Dua’s and Ruben’s Sandwiches continue to thrive, but other restaurants have given away to chain fast-food restaurants such as Moe’s and Arby’s.
Let’s hope The Pantry can draw a crowd. The site will feature a chefs counter and kitchen which leads to an atrium, What Now reports.
The menu will consist of breakfast and lunch fare of the healthy variety: salads, protein-rich sandwiches and breads. Dinner cuisine will feature charcuterie, cheese, and wine at the chefs counter.
If you’re looking for some of the most essential Atlanta restaurants, check out these soul food spots.
-
A journey of self-discovery and affirmation, the “I Am Not My Hair” documentary is coming to Atlanta on August 11, 2018. The film was made by @Niathelight.
Filmed in London, the project is in the midst of a three-state documentary screening tour around America.
Nia The Light filmed the movie about her hair journey that culminates in her cutting it. The doc promises to be an affirmation and celebration of #DiscoveringYourLight, meeting new people, dancing to music and so much more.
‘I Am Not My Hair’ Documentary Screening – Atlanta
The Atlanta screening is slated for Sat 11 August 2018 2 to 5 p.m. ET. at WeWork Tower Place 3340 Peachtree Rd NE Suite 1010 Georgia 30326
Your ticket will include a gift bag from @BumbleandBumble and @Aerie as well as many games to win a gift card to shop at @Aerie! We’ll have a Bumble Bar to try their amazing products and some of my favorites too as well as capture some life memories with our amazing team of photographers. We’ll have some food and drinks to try.
Read more: Grant Park Summer Shade Festival: Everything you need to know
-
The Imagine Music Festival comes to Atlanta on September 21-23, 2018 to offer some of the hottest artists on four main stages. The event takes place at the camping grounds of Atlanta Motor Speedway from early morning to late in the evening.
Imagine Music Festival 2018 Lineup
The 2018 performer lineup includes: Headliners: Armin Van Buuren; Bassnectar; Kaskade; Alesso; Galantis; RL Grime, Zeds Dead and special guests: Adventure Club; Getter; The Glitch Mob. Oceania Stage: 12th Planet; Bear Grillz: Leah Culver; Liquid Stranger; Riot Ten; Zaxx; Eddie Gold; Kevin Flum; Midnite Panda; Ra; and Sunday Service.
Other acts include Amazonia Stage: GRiZ; ZHU; Cashmere Cat; Jai Wolf; Shpongle (Simon Posford DJ set); Ekali; Eoto; Lotus; Levitation Jones; Protohype; Yheti B2B Toadface and Ployd. Disco Inferno Stage: Green Velvet; Oliver Heldens; Boogie3 T; Squnto; Chocolate Puma; EDX; Joker; Koan Sound; Latmun; special guest: Noisia; Shlump; Tiga; Walker & Royce; and Wax Motif. Aeria Stage: Paul Oakenfold; Gabriel Dresden; DJ Dara; IVY Lab; DJ SS and over 70 local and regional acts.
The three-day music festival is partnering with Surreal, a fundraising platform that offers fans experiences with proceeds going to local charities. Two exclusive artist-based experiences include a VIP ticket to Imagine Music Festival for themselves and a friend, roundtrip airfare courtesy of Orbitz, onsite VIP Glamping by Unity Travel.
The experiences will feature a meet and greet with Armin Van Buuren; a side stage performance viewing with Kaskade; golf cart escort ride with Alesso; a side stage performance viewing with RL Grime and signed merch pack; hanging with Getter backstage; trailer hangout with The Glitch Mob; trailer hangout with 12th Planet; eat and greet with Bear Grillz and a signed merch pack from GRiZ.
Fans can visit www.givesurreal.com for full details. The music festival is an 18 and over event.
Tickets to Imagine are available now starting at $219 for a 3-day pass and $285 for a 3-day pass with camping
. VIP passes with express entry into festival, exclusive viewing areas, VIP bars and lounges, and private air-conditioned VIP trailer restrooms start at $360 for a 3-day pass and $479 with a 3-day pass with camping.Several lodging packages are available, including GA Camping, VIP Camping, RV Camping, Unity Travel Qube village and Hotels. Payment plans are available for a downpayment as low as $66.55, where fans can elect for four low monthly installments.Read more: Grant Park Summer Shade Festival: Everything you need to know
-
The first annual OYE Fest is invading Atlanta on Friday, August 10 – Sunday, August 12, 2018. It’s a historical event because this is the first-ever latinx festival in the Southeast.
The three-day festival in the heart of Atlanta that represents the diversity within our community; fusing music, art, culture, and progressive activism.
The schedule of Oye Fest 2018 is as follows:
Friday, August 10:
- Somos Estrellas / We Are Stars opening reception – The Gallery – 6 p.m.
- Including artists Martin Ferreyra and Pablo Gnecco
Saturday, August 11:
- Somos Estrellas / We Are Stars – Artist Talk – The Gallery – 12 – 2 p.m.
Sunday, August 12:
- Panel: Talking Up Space: What it means to be Latinx today — American Sushi Recording – 2 to 5 p.m.
- Including moderator Muriel Vega and performances by Sanguine, Nestor Ruiz, Yehimi Cambron and Maricela Vega.
Atlanta has turned into quite a festival city, with new annual events popping up by the week it seems.
Read more: Grant Park Summer Shade Festival: Everything you need to know
- Somos Estrellas / We Are Stars opening reception – The Gallery – 6 p.m.
-
Book and literature lovers are set to converge on DeKalb County’s largest city this week for the 2018 AJC Decatur Book Festival. This year’s festival is a page-turner for several reasons, but scroll below to find out the schedule of events.
Always a Labor Day festivity, the Decatur Book Festival will take place August 31 – September 2, 2018. It is one of the largest independent book festivals in the country and features authors, demos, discussions, kids activities, and more.
2018 AJC Decatur Book Festival Highlights from Friday, August 31 include:
Kidnote: A Celebration of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Becky Albertalli
Laurel Snyder
Tony DiTerlizzi
Adam Gidwitz
Nic Stone
Angie ThomasThis will be held at Presser Hall at Agnes Scott College from 5 to 7 p.m.
Friday 8:00 p.m. Take You Wherever You Go
Kenny Leon2018 AJC Decatur Book Festival Highlights from Saturday, September 1 include:
Who Even Am I?
T Cooper
Allison Glock-Cooper
Rachel Gold
Will WaltonYA Stage 10:00-10:45 The Best Cook in the World: Tales from My Momma’s Table
Rick BraggFirst Baptist Decatur Sanctuary presented by AJC 10:00-10:45 Travels with Foxfire: Stories of People, Passions, and Practices from Southern Appalachia
Phil Hudgins and Jessica PhillipsFirst Baptist Decatur Carreker Hall presented by MailChimp 10:00-10:45 Atlanta Writers Club – YA
Tabbatha Bella, Julane Fisher, Afolabi Ashiru, Kimberly SimmsDecatur City Hall presented by City of Decatur 10:00-10:45 Project Fire: Cutting-Edge Techniques and Sizzling Recipes from the Caveman Porterhouse to Salt Slab Brownie S’Mores
Steven RaichlenCulinary Stage presented by Springer Mountain Farms 10:00-10:45 The Legend of the Black Mecca: Politics and Class in the Making of Modern Atlanta
Maurice J. HobsonHistoric DeKalb Courthouse 10:00-10:45 2018 AJC Decatur Book Festival Highlights from Sunday, September 2 include:
Maxina Storibrook Emerging Writers Stage 12:00-12:05 Are You Scared, Darth Vader?
Adam RexChildren’s Stage at Decatur Recreation Center presented by Decatur Education Foundation 12:00-12:30 Agnes Scott College
Destiny (Briana) Barnett, Lyrik Courtney, Sigal Kahn, Acacia SalisburyLocal Poetry Stage presented by Java Monkey 12:00-12:30 Jason Reynolds and The Great American Read
Jason ReynoldsYA Stage 12:00-12:45 Flawed and Complicated Characters in Southern Stories
David Bottoms and David JoyFirst Baptist Decatur Carreker Hall presented by MailChimp 12:00-12:45 Atlanta Writers Club – Self Development
Susanne Fincher, Candace Long, Shala Nicely, Bethany RutledgeDecatur City Hall presented by City of Decatur 12:00-12:45 American Cookie
Anne ByrnCulinary Stage presented by Springer Mountain Farms 12:00-12:45 Longings, Passions, and Heartaches
Leesa Cross-Smith, Jamie Quatro, Kathryn SchwilleHistoric DeKalb Courthouse 12:00-12:45 Collision of Cultures in the Jim Crow South
Elaine Orr and Jonathan RabbDecatur Library presented by WABE 12:00-12:45 See the three-day schedule here.
Read more: Grant Park Summer Shade Festival: Everything you need to know
-
The Atlanta Falcons are trying to win it all this year, especially with the Super Bowl at home. Come out to the Falcons vs. Kansas City Chiefs preseason game for an epic tailgate party on Friday, August 17, 2018.
The Kansas City Chiefs were won of the hottest teams in the NFL last season and they are expected to compete again in 2018. Thousands of fans chanting “Rise Up” are expected around Mercedes Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta.
Even if you can’t make the game, a party is a party.
Mastermind Media Group / Tailgate Party Committee 2018 is hosting the event In The Gulch, a well-lit, paved parking lot under Centennial Olympic Boulevard.
It’s just a 5-minute walk to the Mercedes Benz Stadium and the Gulch provides an easy exit to the Marietta/Baker intersection and Alabama Street. Gates 2, 3, and 4, are the closest entry points into Mercedes Benz Stadium from this parking lot.
-
Tiffany Hayes hit six three-pointers on the way to season-high 28 points as the Atlanta Dream walloped the Minnesota Lynx 86-66 in Minneapolis.
Over the past month, the red-hot Atlanta Dream have been riding their young players to second place in the WNBA. With the Lynx trying to end a two-game skid Sunday night, it looked early on like Atlanta would be their remedy.
Atlanta Dream defeats Minnesota Lynx
McCoughtry hit a 3-pointer and Hayes added two more during a 16-1 run over the final four-plus minutes of the first half that made it 49-34 at the break.
But Angel McCoughtry and Tiffany Hayes both hit timely three-pointers, sparking a 16-1 run to make it 49-34 at halftime.
Sylvia Fowles scored 17 for the Lynx, who lost their third consecutive game. Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus added 15 points apiece.
The Dream have been getting balanced efforts from all of their starters, but their 10-game win streak is largely because of the consistent play of Hayes. It was Hayes who hit a game-winning buzzer beater two weeks ago.
See Tiffany Hayes buzzer beater
Hayes has been on fire over the summer. For her efforts, she was awarded WNBA Player of the Month for July. During that time, the Dream have gone 12-2 to boost their record to 18-10.
Dream whip Seattle 87-74 to extend streak