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The Big Shanty Festival is an annual event that brings out the best of Cobb County’s most vibrant cities.
In downtown Kennesaw, this free festival features over 250 arts and crafts vendors, food stalls, live music, a parade, and children’s activities. Aside from being one of the best Atlanta-area festivals, the Big Shanty Festival is a classic community event with broad appeal.
The Big Shanty Festival: What To Know
The Big Shanty Festival, officially known as the Superior Plumbing Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival, is an annual event held in downtown Kennesaw, Georgia, that’s been running for nearly five decades.
The vibe’s a mix of small-town heritage and modern fun—Kennesaw’s old nickname “Big Shanty” ties it to its Civil War-era roots, but today it’s about community and commerce. It draws over 60,000 people, boosting local businesses and tourism.
Here’s what you should know if you’re planning to check it out or just want the rundown:
What is The Big Shanty Festival?
It’s happening on April 12-13, 2025, for its 49th year. The festival kicks off Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., after a parade that’s been canceled this year due to low participation—usually it’d start at 9:30 a.m. with kids, sports teams, and marching bands.
Sunday runs from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free, so you won’t need to shell out just to walk in.
Big Shanty Festival: What To Expect
Expect a big setup: over 250 arts and crafts booths, 25 food vendors slinging fair classics like turkey legs and funnel cakes, and a beer garden for those looking to sip something cold.
It’s family-friendly with a kid’s zone featuring activities, plus live entertainment all weekend—think acoustic sets at the food court, puppet shows by Peter Hart of Atlanta Puppetry, and a new Ready Go Dog Show with frisbee-catching dogs at the United Bankshares Amphitheater.
The Georgia Grown Member Village is back too, spotlighting local Georgia-made goods.
Location-wise, it’s smack in downtown Kennesaw near the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History. If you’re driving up I-75 north, take Exit 273 (Wade Green Road), head west for about two miles, and you’ll hit it.
Parking’s available at Adams Park, Kennesaw First Baptist Church, and Swift-Cantrell Park, with free shuttles running from Swift-Cantrell to the festival both days. Main Street gets closed off, making it safer to roam between spots like City Hall and the museum area.
Final Word
Heads-up: it’s pet-friendly—lots of folks bring dogs—but the crowds and hot pavement can be rough on pups, so plan accordingly. Weather’s not a dealbreaker; it’s rain or shine. For more details, you can call JRM Management at (770) 423-1330. That’s the gist—big, busy, and a slice of North Georgia life.
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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America is having a tariff-ic time these days as countries respond to fees tacked onto products exported to the United States. What the ordinary American consumer may not realize is that tariffs will affect some household goods they use daily.
But what items will tariffs specifically affect? And what do the price increases mean for you and I? Let’s get into it.
What Products Are Going To Increase in Price Due To Tariffs?
Tariffs are likely to raise prices on a variety of consumer goods in the United States by increasing the cost of imported products, which is often passed on to consumers. Based on current economic analyses and the types of goods commonly imported, here are five consumer goods that are particularly vulnerable to price increases due to tariffs:
Electronics (Smartphones, Laptops)
Photo credit: Daria Shevtsova / Pexels.com A significant portion of electronics, such as iPhones and laptops, are manufactured in countries like China, which has been subject to tariffs as high as 20% (with proposals up to 60% or more). These tariffs directly increase the cost for importers, and studies indicate that much of this cost is passed onto consumers, potentially raising prices by 10% or more depending on the tariff rate and company pricing decisions.
Automobiles and Auto Parts
The U.S. relies heavily on imported auto parts and vehicles, especially from Canada and Mexico, which face 25% tariffs, and other countries subject to a baseline 10% tariff. This could add thousands of dollars to the price of cars—estimates suggest an increase of $2,500 to $5,000 for lower-cost models— impacting both new car buyers and those needing repairs with imported parts.
Fresh Produce (Avocados, Strawberries, etc.)
Agricultural products like fruits and vegetables, particularly from Mexico (which supplies about 90% of U.S. avocados), are hit with 25% tariffs. Since these are perishable goods with limited domestic substitution in the short term, prices are expected to rise quickly, potentially by 2.9% or more, affecting grocery bills.
Clothing and Footwear
A large percentage of apparel and shoes sold in the U.S. is imported from countries like China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, facing tariffs ranging from 34% to 46%. Retailers often pass these costs to consumers, which could lead to noticeable price hikes for everyday items like sneakers and jeans.
Household Appliances (Washing Machines, Refrigerators, etc.)
Many appliances are imported from China and other nations, and past tariffs (e.g., on washing machines in 2018) have shown price increases of over 11%, adding roughly $86 per unit. With new tariffs in place, similar or greater increases are likely as manufacturers and retailers adjust to higher import costs.
Are Tariffs All Bad? Not Necessarily
One lesser-discussed aspect of tariffs is their potential to act as a strategic tool for economic development, beyond just protecting domestic industries or raising revenue. Economists often focus on the inefficiencies tariffs introduce—like higher consumer prices or trade wars—but rarely highlight how they can be used to foster long-term industrial growth in specific contexts.
Historically, countries like the United States, Germany, and Japan used tariffs in their early development phases to shield nascent industries from foreign competition. This allowed them to build domestic capabilities, achieve economies of scale, and eventually compete globally. The “infant industry” argument is acknowledged in economic theory, but it’s often downplayed because it’s hard to implement without corruption or inefficiency creeping in. Success requires precise timing—knowing when to phase out protection so industries don’t become permanently dependent.
Another secret is the bargaining power tariffs create. By threatening or imposing tariffs, a country can negotiate better trade deals, extract concessions, or deter unfair practices like dumping. This isn’t just about economics; it’s geopolitics masquerading as trade policy. Few economists emphasize this because it blurs the line between their field and political strategy.
The catch? Tariffs are a double-edged sword. They can backfire if other nations retaliate, or if domestic firms get lazy behind the protective wall. Data from the World Bank shows that countries with prolonged high tariffs—like India pre-1990s—often stagnated compared to those that liberalized strategically. So, the real secret is less about tariffs themselves and more about how they’re wielded: as a scalpel, not a sledgehammer.
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Grocery prices are reacting to tariffs by going up and up, and that’s not good for our wallets. The good news is that you can still save on food prices if you take some key steps.
This article will show you how to trim your grocery bill to save more of what you earn.
Not everyone can buy their eggs wholesale. What can you do to keep as much as your money as possible at checkout?
You can save money on groceries if you use some of the strategies in this article.
Save On Groceries By Following This 7 Steps
Your food bill is one of the most important expenses you have. You can’t wipe it out, but you can lower it. This article is going to show you how to do that.
1. Use Coupons
The next time you see the crazy coupon lady on aisle 7, ask if she’ll teach you a thing or two. Coupons are the easiest way to save money at the grocery store.
You can clip coupons from sales flyers in the store or go online; either way you save money.
2. Use Your Grocery Store Loyalty Card
Do you use your Kroger Plus card to save? You should.
Many grocery stores have loyalty cards that take real money off your bill during checkout. Some grocers may even print a coupon along with your receipt.
3. Follow The Sales
For starters, you need to see the sales that the local stores in your area. For a city like Atlanta, here are the national chains and their sale pages:
4. Don’t Shop Hungry
One of the main ways people put things in their basket that they have no business is because they’re hungry when they shop.
Always eat a full meal before you go to the grocery store. This way, the temptation won’t be so great to buy whatever you see.
5. Choose Generic Brands
If you’re one of those people that shop only for name-brand items, that you’re going to go broke fast. The way to save is to buy generic brands.
If you like Raisin Brand cereal, you can bet that you can find a cheaper brand that has those same raisins in it. In some cases, you’ll find that generic brands are cheaper.
6. Buy In Bulk
Believe it or not if you buy in bulk, you’ll get a better price than if you bought food wrapped individually.
That means places like Sam’s and Costco will get your grocery dollars, but it’ll be worth it.
Some area stores that allow you to buy in bulk include:
7. Use Cashback Apps
You’ll be surprised how much money you can put back into your wallet by downloading some cashback apps. Here are the best ones:
Last Words
The price of a gallon of milk, bacon and other food staples is skyrocketing right now. You need to save money on your groceries.
The key to it all is that you want to find what’s on sale. The way you do that is you look for items on the end of the display cases and the bigger signs in the store. That’s what’s on sale!
You can save even more if you’re an Amazon Prime member. Here’s what to know.
Metro Atlanta has a hot economy and that means employers are hiring at a rapid pace. We currently have job articles that show you high-paying jobs, those close to downtown and even side hustles you might like.If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job.Up Next: How To Shop At Your Local Farmers Market
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The Spring Wine Festival is back once again at historic Fourth Ward Park this weekend with wine, beer, music and more.
The event is one of Atlanta’s best festivals. this year, so you don’t want to miss it. If you’re planning on going, you’ll no doubt enjoy the selection of 50+ wines, beer and mimosas as well as live music from Davis and the Love, DJ QTip and more.
Atlanta Spring Wine Festival: What To Know
The Atlanta Spring Wine Festival takes place on Saturday, April 12, 2025. There will be two sessions:
- Session 1: from 12 to 4 p.m.
- Session 2: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Atlanta Spring Wine Festival is a 21 and up event and there will be no kids, no babies, no pets. Chairs, blankets, and small bags are okay. No outside food or beverage. Rain or shine event, no refunds. We will not have Designated Driver Tickets. Free bottled water available.
The Spring Wine Festival won’t have Designated Driver Tickets. Free bottled water available. Beer and Wine will be cut off at 4:45pm. Do Not Drink and Drive.
They reserve the right to cut off anyone who has had enough alcohol.
BUY TICKETS HERE
The address of Old Fourth Ward Park is Historic 4th Ward Park 665 North Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30308.
$45 advance, $50 after April 6, $60 day of event
Final Word
The Atlanta Spring Wine Festival is one of the city’s best free outdoors events, but there are some associated ticketed events
You can expect beautiful weather, great food and live music just like it’s been in years past. The Dogwood Festival will have a VIP Experience includes Food and Beer Tasting, Access to VIP tent, Private Restroom Trailers and Seating.
Explore Atlanta At Your Own Pace
There are so many fun things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown often has something cool going on!
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One of Atlanta’s most iconic establishments is Magic City, a strip club that made a name for itself in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now, a major production is set to tell the story.
“Magic City: An American Fantasy,” a docuseries about the iconic Atlanta strip club Magic City, which has already completed casting, filming and is now in post-production or distribution phases.
The docuseries that premiered on Starz on August 15, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET/PT in the U.S. and 11 p.m. ET/PT in Canada, with subsequent episodes airing weekly on Fridays.
Directed by Charles Todd and created by Cole Brown, the series explores the history and cultural impact of Magic City, the iconic Atlanta strip club founded in 1985 by Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney.
What It’s About
The docuseries dives into Magic City’s role as a cultural hub and launchpad for Southern hip-hop, often called the “Black Studio 54.” It covers the club’s influence on artists like OutKast, Future, Migos, T.I., and Gucci Mane, whose careers were shaped by the club’s DJs and its reputation as a music tastemaker. The series also examines broader themes like Black entrepreneurship, women’s sexuality, crime, and socio-economic politics, featuring exclusive interviews with founder Michael Barney, dancers, and celebrity patrons including Drake, Shaquille O’Neal, 2 Chainz, Nelly, Quavo, Killer Mike, and Big Boi. It highlights the women who built the club’s mystique and its significance as a meeting point for music, sports, and politics, including its association with figures like Stacey Abrams and the B.M.F. drug gang.
Production Details
- Executive Producers: Cole Brown, Drake (via DreamCrew Entertainment), Jermaine Dupri, and Jami Gertz (Atlanta Hawks co-owner).
- Production Company: Scheme Engine, with showrunner Bayan Joonam and producers Devin Amar, Alex Kaplan, Ashley Brooke, and Marlowe Blue.
- Filming: Shot in Atlanta, with behind-the-scenes footage captured at Magic City. Filming wrapped in 2023, and the series premiered to acclaim at SXSW in March 2024.
How to WatchThe series is available on the Starz streaming platform, with new episodes dropping weekly on Fridays. A standard Starz subscription costs $10.99/month, but a promotional offer reduces it to $4.99/month for the first three months. Starz can also be bundled with Sling TV ($5.50/month initially, then $11), Hulu ($10.99/month), or Prime Video ($3.99/month for three months).
Key Highlights
- The docuseries offers rare insider access, blending personal testimonies from dancers, DJs, and celebrities with cultural history, showcasing Magic City’s nearly 40-year legacy.
- It addresses controversies, such as a recent lawsuit by a former dancer, Gorgeous Doll, alleging tip misappropriation and an altercation with a prominent female rapper.
- Jermaine Dupri, an executive producer, created an accompanying album with Atlanta artists, inspired by the project.
‘Magic City: An American Fantasy’: Here’s What We Know So Far
“Magic City: An American Fantasy” is a five-part docuseries that explores the history and cultural impact of Magic City, a legendary strip club in Atlanta founded in 1985 by Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney.
Filming for this docuseries wrapped in 2023, with production led by Drake’s DreamCrew Entertainment, Jermaine Dupri, Cole Brown, and Jami Gertz (actress and Atlanta Hawks co-owner), among others.
Directed by Charles Todd and produced by Scheme Engine, the project was shot in Atlanta, capturing behind-the-scenes footage at the club itself.
It premiered to critical acclaim at SXSW in March 2024 and was recently acquired by Starz for a summer 2025 debut, though an exact date hasn’t been set as of now.
Who Is Michael ‘Magic’ Barney?
Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney is a prominent figure in Atlanta, best known as the founder and former owner of Magic City, one of the most iconic strip clubs in the United States. Born and raised in Atlanta, Barney opened Magic City on October 2, 1985, at the age of 26, transforming a small bar called the Jolly Fox Lounge on Forsyth Street into a cultural powerhouse.
With just $25,000 and a vision, he created a venue that became synonymous with Atlanta’s nightlife and a cornerstone of the city’s hip-hop scene.
Photo credit: Instagram
Barney’s influence extends far beyond running a club. Magic City, under his leadership, evolved into a launchpad for Southern rap artists, earning a reputation as a place where careers were made.
Acts like Outkast, Future, Migos, T.I., and Gucci Mane either performed early gigs there, shot music videos (e.g., Jeezy’s “Put On”), or had their songs tested by the club’s legendary DJs like DJ Nabs or DJ Esco.
The phrase “If it bang at Magic City, it’s a hit” became a litmus test for rap success, cementing Barney’s role in shaping Atlanta’s music identity, often dubbed the “Black Motown.”
As a Black entrepreneur, Barney navigated a gritty industry—strip clubs in the ‘80s and ‘90s weren’t always glamorous—and turned Magic City into a multimillion-dollar enterprise.
He sold the club in 2018 to an unnamed buyer for a reported $8–10 million but remains its public face and a consultant. His story reflects hustle and resilience, from dodging crime-related stereotypes (despite occasional brushes with law enforcement scrutiny) to building a legacy tied to Black empowerment and nightlife innovation.
Barney’s personal life is less public—he’s known to be private despite his outsized persona—but he’s a father and has been married, with his family occasionally mentioned in profiles.
Now in his early 60s (born around 1959), he’s still an Atlanta legend, featured prominently in the upcoming docuseries “Magic City: An American Fantasy,” set to air on Starz in summer 2025. The series, co-produced by Drake and Jermaine Dupri, showcases his journey and Magic City’s cultural footprint.
What Is ‘Magic City: An American Fantasy’ About?
“Magic City: An American Fantasy” dives into the club’s decades-long influence on hip-hop, its role as a launchpad for artists like Future, Migos, and Outkast, and its reputation as the “Black Studio 54.”
It also covers broader themes like Black entrepreneurship, women’s sexuality, crime, and socio-economic politics, featuring exclusive access to Barney, the dancers, and a roster of celebrity patrons including 2 Chainz, Nelly, Shaquille O’Neal, Quavo, Killer Mike, and Big Boi.
The series readies for release as a former dancer of the club files a lawsuit alleging that her tips were misappropriated while she worked there. The former strip club worker, who goes by the name Gorgeous Doll, says that a run-in with a prominent female rapper at the place exploded into legal action.
Final Word
Magic City is one of the top strip clubs in the city, but it’s not the only one. Our best Atlanta strip clubs guide takes you through the ATL’s night scene.
Cool events are year-round in the city. Every Atlanta weekend has something cool to do. The city has a thriving cultural, food, sports and music scene, with venues like the Tabernacle and the Fox Theatre hosting concerts and shows throughout the year.
The city is also home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera, offering world-class performances for music lovers.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.
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So, you’re looking for money like all the rest of us. Have you tried the state? You may have some unclaimed property waiting on you.
Let’s clear something up first: When we talk about unclaimed property in this article, we’re talking about money: Bank accounts held by financial institutions and other businesses who have lost contact with you.
Searching for your own money won’t cost you a thing and we’ll touch on that a bit more later.
Search To Find Unclaimed Property In Georgia For FREE
Some types of unclaimed property include:
- Wages
- Savings accounts
- Customer refunds
- Accounts payable
- Insurance payments
- Shares of stock
- Escrow funds
- Royalties and contents from safe deposit boxes.
In Georgia, the overwhelming majority of personal property is referred to the state after five years of inactivity — of course there may be exemptions.
To find out if you have some unclaimed property in Georgia, you can go to the Georgia Department of Revenue website. But before you do, there’s two things you need to know:
- You will need to have the decedent’s name, Social Security Number and/or the estate’s Federal Employer Identification Number begin the search.
- You will be required to submit a printed Claim Form.
To find out if you have some unclaimed property in Georgia, click the link below:
These funds may be in the form of cash, stocks, bonds, securities, insurance benefits etc.
To make sure that you don’t lose track of your funds or property, it’s good to maintain accurate records for important documents like contracts, insurance policies, bank account numbers, stock certificates and more.
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Complete the Claim Form: Fill out the form with your personal details, such as your name, current address, and any relevant information about the property. You may need to prove your identity and ownership, so gather supporting documents like:
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A government-issued ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport)
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Proof of address (e.g., utility bill)
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Evidence linking you to the property (e.g., old bank statements, tax records, or Social Security number if applicable) If claiming on behalf of someone else (like a deceased relative or business), additional documents like a death certificate, will, or legal authorization may be required.
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Submit the Claim: Upload your completed form and documents online through the portal. Double-check everything to avoid delays.
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Wait for Processing: Once submitted, the Georgia Department of Revenue will review your claim. This typically takes 30 to 90 days, depending on the complexity and volume of claims. You can check your claim status online using the same website.
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Receive Payment: If approved, you’ll get a paper check mailed to the address you provided. Electronic payments aren’t available.
Final Word
There’s no time limit to claim most unclaimed money in Georgia (except for excess funds from abandoned vehicle sales, which have a one-year limit).Be cautious of scams—never pay a third party to find or claim your money, as the state offers this service for free.If you’ve lived in other states, check their unclaimed property databases too, as you might have money elsewhere.Up next: How to find your unclaimed money in Georgia for FREE
Are you trying to become more financially literate? Check out Money Mondays at AtlantaFi.com, where we’ll share strategies to save and make cash.
If saving money is something you’re serious about, AtlantaFi.com has a lot of resources to help you.Read more: -
The 2024 Dogwood Festival returns in Atlanta’s best park this weekend. Are you ready for some outdoors fun in the sun with live music, good food and vendors from all over?
There’s no doubt about it. The Dogwood Festival is one of Atlanta’s best festivals.
After 82 years, the Dogwood Festival still aims to inspire as thousands of people continue to converge to see artisans, eat authentic foods, listen to great music and have a good time. This year will be no different.
Dogwood Festival 2025: Everything You Need To Know
Along with an artists market, attendees will be treated to music from the Coca-Cola stage, international stage and a Party in the Park VIP experience with all the trimmings.
The second weekend of April, the Dogwood Festival is happening again in Midtown Atlanta and it’s free to the public. There will also be a Kids Village featuring arts & crafts, interactive make and take activities, face painting and more for all ages.
When Is The Dogwood Festival This Year?
The dates for this year’s festival are Friday, April 11 through Sunday, April 13, 2025. The times will be:
- Friday, April 11: noon to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, April 12: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sunday, April 13: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Music Lineup
Friday, April 11
FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025 – MAIN STAGE HEADLINERS
TIME PERFORMANCE MUSIC GENRE 4:00 – 6:00 PM HOUSE MUSIC Various Artists 6:00 – 7:00 PM NERO SIMON and the SUNSETTERS Coastal Americana 7:30 – 9:00 PM GIMME HENDRIX Jimi Hendrix Tribute Saturday, April 12
SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2025 – MAIN STAGE HEADLINERS
TIME BAND/ARTIST MUSIC GENRE 7:00 – 10:00 AM MIMOSA 5K – DJ CHOPS Party Band 2:30 – 3:15 PM GUITAR SHED Student Showcase 3:35 – 4:20 PM BRANDON MARSOLO & FRIENDS Guitar/Singer/Songwriter 4:40 – 5:40 PM THE JESSE WILLIAMS BAND Presented by Georgia Public Broadcasting Soul/Blues 6:00 – 7:00 PM TYLER NEAL Blues Guitar 7:30 – 9:00 PM VOX BRITANNIA British Rock Tribute Sunday, April 13
SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2025 – MAIN STAGE HEADLINERS
TIME BAND/ARTIST MUSIC GENRE 1:15 – 2:00 PM JULIE GRIBBLE BAND Americana 2:20 – 3:05 PM LEFT ON BLUE Jazz/Blues 3:30 – 4:30 PM BOOM! TRIO ft LAVAHI Funk Soul 5:00 – 6:00 PM HUGHES TAYLOR Blues Rock The Dogwood Festival will have several music artists slated to perform every year. When we hear more, we will update you. On Saturday morning, there is a Mimosa 5K race as part of the event.
Is The Dogwood Festival Free?
The Dogwood Festival is typically a free event. But if you want to experience VIP treatment, there are tiers you can pay for.
$40 Standard VIP admission includes craft beer & wine tasting, access to VIP area overlooking the Coca-Cola Main Stage, private restroom trailer and a discounted cash bar. First come, first open seating (no holding seats). Lunch is NOT included.
$55 VIP Upgrade admission w/ Lunch includes ticket for lunch entree and side from Loaded Taco or Loaded Burger food truck, craft beer & wine tasting, access to VIP area overlooking the Coca-Cola Main Stage, private restroom trailer and a discounted cash bar.
$80 Platinum VIP Access w/ Lunch includes ticket for lunch entree and side from Loaded Taco or Loaded Burger food truck, craft beer & wine tasting, access to VIP area overlooking the Coca-Cola Main Stage, private restroom trailer PLUS 4 drink tickets from cash bar.
Buy VIP Dogwood Festival tickets.
Final Word
The Dogwood Festival is one of the city’s best free outdoors events, but there are some associated ticketed events
You can expect beautiful weather, great food and live music just like it’s been in years past. The Dogwood Festival will have a VIP Experience includes Food and Beer Tasting, Access to VIP tent, Private Restroom Trailers and Seating.
Explore Atlanta At Your Own Pace
There are so many fun things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown often has something cool going on!
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Who doesn’t love fresh fresh, both fried and baked as well as other delicacies from the sea? Well, there’s a festival happening in the heart of Atlanta that you won’t want to miss.
The Atlanta Seafood Festival is coming up this spring and it is one of the best festivals in Atlanta.
When Is the Atlanta Seafood Festival?
The culinary extravaganza known as the Atlanta Seafood Festival is happening on Saturday, April 26 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Atlantic Station in Midtown.
You can expect freshly prepared seafood delights complemented perfectly by a selection of beer, wine and refreshing mimosas.
With more than 10 popular local restaurants, a souvenir cup and entertainment, the festival promises a feast for the senses like no other.
How To Get There
By Car: To access the Pinnacle Lot event entrance, park on the P2 level of the parking deck and exit straight ahead near Stairwell 2 out onto 20th street.
Walking: Take Stairwells 1, 2, 3 or 4 down to the P2 level of the parking deck. Exit out straight ahead onto 20th Street
Rideshare: Taking Lyft or Uber? Use this drop off location for the Pinnacle Lot:
241 20th Street Atlanta, GA 30363Is Atlanta a Festival City?
Atlanta is known as a festival city because of its vibrant and diverse lineup of events that celebrate music, culture, food, and the arts throughout the year. Here are a few key reasons why the city has earned this reputation:
Atlanta hosts festivals in every season, with something happening almost every weekend. From major music festivals to niche cultural events, the city’s festival calendar is always packed.
Atlanta has a rich musical heritage, and its festivals reflect that. Events like Music Midtown, ONE Musicfest, Shaky Knees, and the Atlanta Jazz Festival draw crowds from all over the country.
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Hooters, a sports bar known for its chicken wings and scantily clad waitresses, is in financial trouble.
The restaurant’s parent company, Hooters of America, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 31, 2025.
The company is using this process to restructure its $376 million debt and has plans to sell its 151 company-owned restaurants to a franchise group backed by its original founders.
While the bankruptcy process unfolds, Hooters intends to keep its restaurants operational, expecting to complete the deal and emerge from bankruptcy in three to four months with $35 million in financing from its existing lenders.
“With over 30 years of hands-on experience across the Hooters ecosystem, we have a profound understanding of our customers and what it takes to not only meet, but consistently exceed their expectations,” said Neil Kiefer, CEO of Hooters Inc., on behalf of the Buyer Group. “As we look toward the future, we are committed to restoring the Hooters brand back to its roots and simplifying HOA’s operations by adopting a pure franchise model that will maximize the potential for sustainable, long-term growth.”
Is Hooters Closing Any U.S. Locations?
No specific announcements have been made about permanent closures tied to this filing. However, the situation could evolve depending on the outcome of the sale and financial restructuring.
The bankruptcy filing follows months of speculation and preparations reported earlier this year, driven by challenges like declining foot traffic, rising costs, and a significant debt load, including $300 million in asset-backed bonds from 2021.
What Is the History of Hooters?
Hooters, the restaurant chain known for its casual dining and sports bar atmosphere, was founded on October 4, 1983, in Clearwater, Florida.
The concept was the brainchild of six businessmen: Lynn D. Stewart, Gil DiGiannantonio, Ed Droste, Billy Ranieri, Ken Wimmer, and Dennis Johnson.
The group aimed to create a place where they could enjoy good food, cold beer, and a fun, laid-back vibe—essentially, a spot they’d want to hang out at themselves.
The name “Hooters” came from a mix of playful inspiration and branding savvy. It’s a nod to the owl logo (with “hooters” being slang for an owl’s call) and a cheeky wink at the chain’s focus on attractive, scantily clad waitresses—later dubbed “Hooters Girls.”
The founders reportedly tossed around hundreds of name ideas before settling on this one, knowing it would stick in people’s minds. They weren’t wrong.
The first Hooters opened its doors with a simple menu: wings, burgers, sandwiches, and seafood, paired with a beachy, Florida vibe.
The wings, in particular, became a signature item, served with a variety of sauces that remain a draw today. The original location was a modest spot, but it quickly gained traction, fueled by its unapologetic blend of sex appeal and comfort food.
The founders had no grand franchise plans at first—they just wanted a successful local joint—but the concept took off.
By 1984, the chain started expanding through franchising, with new locations popping up across the U.S. The Hooters Girls became central to the brand, wearing the now-iconic uniform of white tank tops and orange shorts.
The chain peaked in the U.S. with over 400 locations by the early 2000s, though it’s since scaled back to around 300 domestically as of recent years.
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If you’re a last-minute person, filing your taxes can be a chore. The good news is that you can file an extension on your taxes and avoid paying a penalty. Keep reading to learn how to do it.
When Is Tax Day 2025?
Tax day is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. That’s the last day to file. But what if you need an extension? We’re going to show you how to do it. Never pay someone to file an extension for you, it’s free to do.
Millions of Americans fail to file their taxes annually, subjecting themselves to huge penalties that accrue interest. You don’t want to be like that.
If you need to file a last-minute extension, here’s what you need to do.
How To File Your Tax Extension Form for Free
Individual tax filers, regardless of income, can use Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension.
- Filing this form gives you until Oct. 15 to file a return.
- To get the extension, you must estimate your tax liability on this form and should also pay any amount due.
Get An Extension When You Pay On Your Taxes
If you can only pay part of your tax bill, you can indicate that the payment is for an extension using Direct Pay, the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), or a credit or debit card. This way you won’t have to file a separate extension form and you will receive a confirmation number for your records.
Extension Forms by Filing Status
Individuals
Special rules may apply if you are:
- Serving in the U.S. military in a combat zone or a qualified hazardous duty area
- Living outside the United States
Business and Corporations
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Final Word
Tax season is one of many times of the year when you need to be especially careful about your money moves. File an extension on your taxes to save your cash.
If you’re interested in making extra income, don’t miss How To Make Money At Home and How To Quarantine And Make Cash.
Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:
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