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.
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Update from the organizers: Due to the high chance of thunderstorms and strong winds, we’ve made the tough decision to postpone Saturday’s Amp it Up Athens event at Avalon. Your safety is our top priority!
Looking for something cool to do in metro Atlanta this weekend? Athens, Georgia is known as the home to The University of Georgia, but there is so much more to the Classic City. To experience all that Athens has to offer, the destination is hosting Amp It Up Athens at Avalon in Alpharetta on Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Athens will come to life in the Plaza, offering a taste of the vibrant culture of the destination. From pop-ups of local businesses like Condor Chocolates to fun, family-friendly activities with the State Botanical Garden of Georgia to live music featuring the Athens-based indie rock band taking TikTok by storm, the event is a taste of what Athens has to offer and will offer endless photo opps, activities and more.
Additional event activities throughout the day include:
- A sampling of Athens’ renowned craft beer from noon to 7:30 p.m.
- A live, interactive art mural where anyone can paint on a canvas and an Athens artist will create a unique art piece from everyone’s contributions
- Chocolate samples from Condor Chocolates
- Trivia with prize giveaways
- Live music concert in the evening (AD Blanco and Hotel Fiction)
Explore Atlanta This Weekend
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Legendary Atlanta rap group OutKast have been memorialized with a huge mural on the side of a building in Atlanta. If you want to know where the mural is located, here is the address.
Where Is The Outkast Mural Located?
The mural is located in Atlanta’s Little Five Points neighborhood behind the WISH fashion boutique at 447 Moreland Ave NE #1562, Atlanta, GA 30307. Here is a map to help you find it.
The 30-foot mural was created by North Carolina-based artist JEKS, who painted it freehand. The mural is part of the Outer Space Project, an annual international event aimed at beautifying public spaces.The artwork is based on a picture shot by Jonathan Mannion, who is known in the entertainment industry as a hip-hop photographer.
About OutKast
OutKast is the greatest music group to come out of Atlanta. That is not a question. What is also not arguable is the fact that André “André 3000” Benjamin and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton are largely responsible for the mainstream acceptance of Southern hip-hop.
Since the founding of OutKast on the corner of Headland and Delowe Drive in East Point, Georgia, the rappers have shaped the culture like no other.
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.
Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!
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The Flying Biscuit, one of the best breakfast spots in Atlanta, is celebrating its relocation with some specials for one day only.
The eatery is opening on Monday, May 13 in the space formerly occupied by Lazy Betty. To kick off the festivities, The Flying Biscuit is offering some $1 specials on some of the restaurant’s most popular menu items.
- Monday: $1 Flying Biscuit Breakfast and $1 Sausage Dog
- Tuesday: $1 Hangover Hash and $1 Wake Up Burger
- Wednesday: $1 Biscuit Eggs & Gravy and $1 Fried Green Tomato BLT
- Thursday: $1 Stuffed French Toast Breakfast and $1 Chicken Club Wrap
- Friday: $1 Shrimp & Grits Entree and $1 Hot-Lanta Sandwich
The new Flying Biscuit is located at at 1530 DeKalb Ave, SE. Here is a map to help you find it.
Did somebody say food specials? Here are the latest happy hours and food specials in Atlanta.
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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So, you didn’t quite get to see the purplish aurora illuminating across the Georgia night sky for past few nights. Do you still have time to see the northern lights in Atlanta and elsewhere in Georgia? Yes.
Auroras illuminating the night skies across the United States are an ongoing festival for the eyes that will continue into May 13 and May 14, 2024, according to federal forecasters.
Apart from the U.S., there have been reports of sightings in Germany, Switzerland, China, England, and Spain. The timing is convenient for viewers, although those keen on spotting auroras may need to stay up late to catch the best views.
Forecasters from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predict that the geomagnetic storm activity that have given Georgians beautiful displays of northern lights will likely peak again on Monday and Tuesday, although there is a possibility of cloud cover on Monday night.
The latest updates from the center suggest that Earth may experience geomagnetic storm activity on Monday, potentially extending into Tuesday.
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“The two maps show the aurora and viewline tonight (Sunday, May 12) and tomorrow night (Monday, May 13). The brightness and location of the aurora is typically shown as a green oval centered on Earth’s magnetic pole. The green ovals turn red when the aurora is forecasted to be more intense. Aurora can often be observed somewhere on Earth from just after sunset or just before sunrise. The aurora is not visible during daylight hours. The aurora does not need to be directly overhead but can be observed from as much as a 1000 km away when the aurora is bright and if conditions are right,” the NOAA says.
How To See The Northern Lights Aurora In Atlanta, Georgia
It’s likely that you can’t see the northern lights with the naked eye in Georgia, but you can with your phone. Your cell phone does a much better job of capturing light, so video some footage of the night sky and take some photos and examine them.
Users on social media platform X showed off their northern lights photos all weekend. Here are a few faves:
Final Word
Lights are one thing, sights and sounds are another. 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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Mother’s Day is special every year, but especially this year in Atlanta and elsewhere. There’s a lot of things going on, but that doesn’t mean we won’t take Momma out to eat. So where can you eat in Atlanta for Mother’s Day?
Many families will take the matriarch out on the town, feasting downtown, Midtown in Buckhead and all over. There are a number of specials on tap for Mama as well. Here are some of the best ones we’ve seen.
Here Are The Best Brunch Restaurants For Mother’s Day
Let’s take a culinary tour around Atlanta to see what’s on tap for restaurants on Mother’s Day.
Aria
490 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 233-7673
Aria is opening especially for mom to offer a delicious meal in an elegant setting on Mother’s Day. The Buckhead restaurant welcomes guests starting at 5 p.m. and will be serving its regular menu in the dining room and a special wine pack for takeout. Make reservations online.
Persian Basket Kitchen & Bar
2100 Ray Moss Connector, Johns Creek, GA 30022 | (770) 674-2779
Persian Basket Kitchen & Bar in Johns Creek will have a special brunch on Mother’s Day.
Dish to try: The Persian Brunch Tray offers one of their signature omelets as well as an array of traditional Persian accoutrements including jams, honey, dates, grape molasses, walnuts, olives, kaymak, butter, beef jamon, herbs, feta and warm Naan.
5Church Atlanta
1197 Peachtree St NE #528, Atlanta, GA 30361 | (404) 400-3669
Treat mom to something special this Mother’s Day at 5Church Atlanta. Guests are invited to enjoy chef Mark Alba’s delicious sunrise (10 a.m.-4 p.m.) and sunset (4-8 p.m.) Mother’s Day buffets with server-attended stations.
Dish to try: Brunch highlights include seared Scottish salmon with creamed spinach, an omelet station and fried chicken with cayenne honey. Among the dinner features are prime rib with veal jus, baked ziti pasta, seared crab cakes and bacon-braised collard greens.
Cost is $45 for adults and $20 for children, and reservations can be made online.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
224 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 876-1800
Takeout X Curbside Pickup √ Dine-In √ 
Mary Mac’s is the quintessential downhome Southern eatery and a must-stop for visitors looking for a great Georgia dining experience.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Mary Mac’s. “Delicious and affordable southern food. The service was super friendly as well. Come hungry because the portion sizes are huge. Got the fried chicken and was not disappointed. While the green tomatoes were good, I’d recommend getting a different side. Just some better options on there that I wish I’d chosen!”
The Colonnade
1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 | (404) 874-5642
Curbside Takeout √ No-Contact DeliveryX Dine-In √ 
Since 1927, this discreet-looking place has served the masses a simple plate typical of two pieces of chicken, some cornbread and green beans. And it’s been a hit ever since.
Here’s what one reviewer says about The Colonnade: “The Colonnade is a main stay when you’re going out to eat. This was my first time dining (out). I ordered to go. The restaurant hostess was so kindhearted and friendly. The food is so delicious. Great food, family atmosphere and real community. The Colonnade is a great comfort food living room.”
Gypsy Kitchen
3035 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 939-9840
Gypsy Kitchen is rolling out all the stops for Mother’s Day. The Buckhead eatery’s chef will features such dishes as peekytoe crab Louie with butter lettuce, French beans, soft-boiled eggs, chervil and summer citronette; sorghum-glazed pork belly with white corn johnny cake, poached eggs, home fries and tasso ham Bearnaise;
What to Try: White Lily biscuits with house-made accoutrements; and ricotta cardamom fritters with orange blossom honey syrup and toasted pistachios. At 4 p.m., bring mom back for “Basque in the Sun,” the restaurant’s afternoon culinary adventure on the patio with live music and food and drinks specials.
Make reservations at Gypsy Kitchen online.
Marlow’s Tavern
Atlanta Locations
- 950 W Peachtree St NW #215, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 815-0323
- 2355 Cumberland Pkwy SE Suite 10, Atlanta, GA 30339 | (770) 432-2526
- 3575 Durden Dr NE # 301, Atlanta, GA 30319 | (770) 557-1649
- 5600 Roswell Rd Suite 160, Atlanta, GA 30342 | (404) 255-8890
Marlow’s Tavern is welcoming guests on Mother’s Day, serving its regular menu of favorites including firecracker shrimp, Asian ahi tuna salad, “Infamous” fish tacos, Tavern burger, grilled Atlantic salmon and more. Call a convenient location to make a reservation.
Mom deserves a special day out, and Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails has a delicious prix fixe Mother’s Day meal planned. Executive chef Derek Dollar’s menu options include piquillo crab bisque, sticky peanut butter-toffee beignets, shrimp and lump crab pasta, pastrami-rubbed wagyu flank steak, hummingbird cake and more. Cost is $45 for adults and $22.50 for children. The historic Crabapple restaurant will be open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on May 9; make reservations online.
The Southern Gentleman
3035 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 939-9845
The Southern Gentleman has an excellent Mother’s Day meal planned in Buckhead.
What to Try: Avocado deviled eggs, duck confit eggs Benedict, brioche French toast, hot chicken sandwich, wagyu skirt steak frites, butter-poached lobster tail and sweet endings of chocolate bombe, spring berry tart and orange and grapefruit upside-down cake.
The Southern Gentleman opens at 10 a.m.; make reservations online.
Gocha’s Breakfast Bar
Atlanta Locations:
- 695 Cascade Rd SW STE 440 Atlanta, GA 30331 | (678) 927-9166
- 834 Glynn St S suite 244,248, Fayetteville, GA 30214 | (770) 629-7443
Gocha Hawkins opened Gocha’s Breakfast Bar in January 2019 in the Cascade area of Atlanta. Since then, the eatery has expanded to Fayette County and become one of metro Atlanta’s top brunch spots.
Get there about 11 a.m. to beat the crowd and treat Mom to a good meal!
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
1133 Huff Rd NW #D, Atlanta, GA 30318
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours is a top Atlanta brunch spot run by Executive Chef and Owner Deborah VanTrece. And don’t forget her other Atlanta restaurant, Oreatha’s at the Point!
What Is The Best Thing To Do On Mother’s Day?
Mom will love you if you go all out with brunch, gifts and big hugs, but she may be an active woman. Take her out on the town. Take her to one of Atlanta’s malls and get her what she wants.
If she wants to live on the wild side a bit, take her on an Atlanta culinary adventure! Does she like barbecue? See our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants. Is she a beer drinker? Take her to visit a craft brewery in the city.
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The largest celebration of carnival in the Southeast is once again taking place in Atlanta. The Atlanta official Caribbean Carnival is taking place soon.
The event, now in its 37th year, will begin with a street parade and culminate at the festival village at Central Park in downtown Atlanta.
When Is The Atanta Caribbean Festival Taking Place?
The main festivities take place Saturday, May 25, 2924, in downtown Atlanta. That’s where you’ll be able to see dancers and floats as part of the annual parade.
The festivities will take place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Westside Park in Atlanta, Ga.
There will also be a Jouvert event on May 24 from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. at 1090 Donald Lee Howell Parkway, featuring performances by Pumpa and Motto with more surprise artists to be added.
2024 Atlanta Caribbean Carnival: Everything You Need To Know
There will be live music, food, arts and crafts and of course, a feast of the senses as it pertains to Caribbean heritage and culture. Musical artists from all over the world will be performing on the main state and more.
Where:
Saturday, May 25 · 10am – 10pm EDT
Where:
Westside Park, 1660 Johnson Road Northwest Atlanta, GA 30318
The Caribbean influence has been think in metro Atlanta and has exploded since the mid-1980s. Especially has the influx of Jamaicans been apparent in DeKalb County around Stone Mountain, Decatur, Lithonia and Snellville.
But the diaspora can be found in College Park, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Duluth, Austell, Riverdale, Loganville, Marietta, Jonesboro, Stockbridge, Fayetteville and Fairburn, to name a few.
Where Is Westside Park?
Westside Park is located at 1660 Johnson Rd, NW Atlanta, Ga. 30318. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Explore Atlanta At Your Own Pace
First, to find all the good 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!
While it’s warm, take advantage of the outdoors. Don’t miss these awesome festivals.
The fun is just starting. Are you a beer drinker? You also may want to visit a craft brewery in the city.
Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
- For a month’s view: The Official Atlanta Events Calendar
- For a more immediate look, check Things to do in Atlanta This Week
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Atlanta’s College Football Hall of Fame will host its Mother’s Day event built by The Home Depot on Sunday, May 12.
The Hall welcomes moms for a day of deserved pampering and relaxation, including free admission to the Hall of Fame with the purchase of any general admission ticket, thanks to the Hall’s partnership with The Home Depot.
Moms also will get a complimentary mimosa and mini-massage on the Playing Field between 11am and 3pm ET, helping mom relax and enjoy the rest of her special day. The first 100 mothers through the door will also receive a $25 gift card to The Home Depot.College Football Hall of Fame To Host Moms
Time:
Sunday, May 12, 2024, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location:
The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, 250 Marietta St., N.W. Atlanta, GA 30313
After the festivities, moms and guests are encouraged to explore the Hall of Fame’s 95,000 square feet of interactive space.
Guests can test out their kicking skills on the Playing Field or check out the newest specialty exhibit, Once Upon a Time in College Football, which illustrates the never-ending story of the game and explores the five elements of the storytelling tradition to inspire fans and highlight the value of the game.
Final Word
In addition to checking out the College Football Hall of Fame, Atlanta has some great landmarks you should explore.
If you’re hungry, there are plenty of new Atlanta restaurants to dive into and don’t sleep on the city’s free and cheap things to do.
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The Music Midtown festival has been canceled, its organizers announced on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.There was no definitive reason given for the event’s cancellation. On the festival website, it said the event was going “on hiatus.”A statement on the festival’s website says:
“After producing legendary festivals over the last 3 decades that drew music fans from across the globe, we want to share that Music Midtown is going on hiatus this year. We encourage you to continue supporting live music in Atlanta and stay tuned here for future updates.”
This marks the second time in two years that Music Midtown has been canceled.In 2022, in the culmination of a simmering battle over the Second Amendment in Georgia, Atlanta’s Music Midtown festival was been canceled. The festival’s longstanding policy to ban weapons was at odds with the state’s gun laws.Canceled: Music Midtown 2024
If the festival were to continue, its anti-gun policy would have been superseded by Georgia law.Back then, Live Nation, the festival’s organizer, announced that the festival was canceled, although it didn’t explicitly state a reason.
Calling it “circumstances beyond our control,” Live Nation said, “Music Midtown will no longer be taking place this year. We are looking forward to reuniting in September and hope we can get back to enjoying the festival together again soon.”
Many experts have pointed out that music artists typically have a “no weapons” clause in their riders, which they require the venue to agree to before they sign up to perform.
The festival routinely attracts from 20,000 to 50,000 a year. This year, it would have been held at Piedmont Park.
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There’s new Atlanta restaurant that you may need to check out: V12, a new venture from Atlanta restaurateurs Kelan and Vinny Watson, who also own Sovereign Sweets in Buckhead.
Atlanta native, rapper and entrepreneur Quavo is also a partner of the establishment, AtlantaFi.com has learned.
In a Shoutout Atlanta interview, Kelan explained, “It is situated in the heart of Midtown, high in the sky, leaving one of the last unobstructed views in our dear city. V12 is a high end Sports bar that accommodates a five star kitchen that covers 7500sqft of pure eloquence. V12 offers an elevated experience from the Lamborghini suspended in the air to our retractable “Mercedes Benz” like rooftop terrace. V12 will be a staple in Atlanta when we open Spring 2024.”
Where Is V12 Located in Atlanta?
What makes the restaurant and sports bar unique is that V12 is connected to a BP gas station across from Georgia Tech. The 7,500 square foot club has been getting a lot of attention because of its club-like atmosphere next to a gas station.
V12 is at 610 Spring St. NW, in the same strip as a BP gas station and drive-thru Tim Horton’s. Here is a map to help you find it.
When is V12 Opening in Atlanta?
V12 is opening on Saturday, May 4, 2024, to the public. The eatery represents yet another stellar restaurant in Midtown Atlanta and is oepn from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Reserve a table through Resy.com.
Interested in dining outside? Here are the best Atlanta restaurants for outdoor eating and here are those with great patios.
If you want to take your dog to the park, here are the best Atlanta parks for Fido.
More From AtlantaFi.com:
- What You Need To Know About Ice-Skating At Ponce City Market
- How Many Food Halls Are In Atlanta?
- Cool Things To Do In Midtown Atlanta
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Springtime has the best weather, which is perfect for the outdoor fun of an Atlanta, Georgia festival.
No matter if you’re just in Atlanta for the weekend or you live here, these spring events are perfect for your friends, family and kids.
Shaky Knees Festival
Photo credit: Shaky Knees Festival The Shaky Knees Festival takes place this weekend with a full slate of live music and more. Get tickets to Saturday’s music
Roswell Mimosa Festival
The Roswell Mimosa Festival is happening Saturday, Saturday, May 18, 2024, 1pm-5pm at Ameris Bank Amphitheater. Get the details.
Taste of Alpharetta
Photo credit: Taste of Alpharetta
The Taste of Alpharetta is happening Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 5 to 10 p.m. in downtown Alpharetta.
Chastain Arts Festival
The Chastain Park Arts Festival is happening this weekend and it’s going to be fun! The festival is slated for Saturday, May 11, and Sunday, May 12, 2024, in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. Learn more.
Sweet Auburn Springfest
The historic neighborhood of “Sweet” Auburn will be crowded on Saturday, May 11, 2024, as the Sweet Auburn Springfest returns with music, food and more.
Final Word
Read our Ultimate Atlanta Festival Guide.
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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