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Revolt World is happening in Atlanta, Georgia, this weekend. The dates for the star-studded event are from Friday, September 20 – Sunday, September 22.
Revolt World bills itself as a one-of-a-kind event celebrating the intersection of culture, creativity, and community.
This year’s event, themed “We Are the Future,” is set to return to Atlanta, GA at Pangaea Studios from Friday, September 20th – Sunday, September 22nd. Presented by Walmart, the event will feature a dynamic talent lineup of today’s biggest names including Boosie, Key Glock, Cash Cobain, Mariah The Scientist, Offset, Byron Messia, Lay Bankz, Lady London, Law Roach, Speedy Morman and more.
Participants can also look forward to exclusive live tapings of popular REVOLT shows like “Caresha Please,” “Drink Champs,” “The Blackprint,” “Baller Alert Live,” and “Big Facts.” The event will include specially curated spaces for gamers, podcasters, creators, along with unparalleled career-building programs, furthering REVOLT’s mission to empower and inspire the Black community.
“REVOLT is home for the next generation of creators and cultural leaders actively shaping Hip Hop and youth culture globally,” said Detavio Samuels, CEO of REVOLT. “We believe in creating the future we want to see by providing our community access to experiences like REVOLT World that introduces a new category of cultural events that not only entertains and informs, but truly changes lives.”
Friday’s Schedule
- 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm | The Future of Podcasting w/ Rodney Rikai, Ray Daniels, Lalaa Shepard, Stacey Ike & Aaliyah Duah | Creator Studio
- 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm | DJ Tori Brixx Performance | WORLD Stage
- 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm Ari Fletcher Cooking Show Live w/ Lil Duval | REVOLT Stage
- 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm Trap Karaoke Live Show w/ Mouse Jones & DJ Money
- 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm American SESH w/ Pinky Cole & Derrick Hayes | Creator Studio
- 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm Drink Champs Live w/ N.O.R.E., DJ EFN & Method Man |REVOLT Stage | 8:00 pm
- 10:00 pm Women Are The Future Performance w/ Flo Milli, BIA, Lady London, Coi Leray & DJ Tori Brixx
Saturday’s Schedule
- 11:00 am – 1:30 pm | DJ Domo Performance |WORLD Stage
- 11:00 am – 11:30 am | Executive Chat #1 w/ Selena Hill & Josh J1 Radford
- 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | Executive Chat #2 w/ Selena Hill & Will Moss
- 11:30 am – 12:00 pm | Soulful Soundbath w/ Shabazz Larkin
- 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Free Play
- 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm Office Hours
- 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm DJ Era Performance THE BLOCK
- 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Izzy the DJ Performance
- 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm Head Shot Studio
- 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm.Guided Breathwork & Movement w/ Christine Campbell
- 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Tekken Tournament & Cosplay Competition
- 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm Creativity Is Inclusive Conversation w/ Malik Brown, Saucy Santana, Dyllón Burnside & Dominique Morgan 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Receipts Live w/ LaLa Milan
- 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm BeenBlackin Performance
- 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm Metta Meditation w/ Shabazz Larkin
- 1:45 pm – 5:00 pm DJ Tone Performance
- 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm The Business Of Beauty Conversation w/ Brii Renee, Maya Smith & Brian Smith
- 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Next GEN Performances w/ TravQue, Justice Baiden, Bangladesh, Dina Marto & Norva Denton
- 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm S-T-A-R-R-Y Basketball Tournament w/ Mariah Rose
- 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Baller Alert Show Live w/ Ferrari Simmons, You Know BT, Octavia March & Sukihana
- 2:30 pm – 3:10 pm Wellness Panel w/ Elena Brown, Ashley Larkin, Elena Lakay & Danny Fluke Jr.
- 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm Content To Cashflow Masterclass w/ NéAndré Broussard
- 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Women at the Intersection Of Music, Anime, and Gaming
- 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm Izzy the DJ Performance
- 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm Soulful Soundbath w/ Shabazz Larkin
- 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm BHEN Block Party Curated By Yams w/ Brian Henry, Yams, Lay Bankz, Mariah the Scientist & Durand Bernarr
- 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm Smart Money Masterclass w/ Ian Dunlap
- 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm Mixology Competition w/ The Bar Keys & DJ Domo
- 5:45 pm – 6:30 pm The Blackprint w/ Detavio Samuels & Cam Newton
- 6:30 pm – 7:15 pm Building A Lifestyle Brand w/ Walter J. Tucker & Pusha T
- 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Big Facts Live Show w/ DJ Scream, Baby Jade, Big Bank & Skilla Baby
- 7:00 pm – 10:15 pm Future Of Hip Hop Show w/ Offset, Key Glock, Cash Cobain, 42 Dugg & Rob49
- 7:30 pm – 8:30 p m Black Women in Tech Talk DEI w/ Tiffany Cross
Sunday’s Schedule
- 11:00 am – 1:00 pm BeenBlackin Performance
- 11:00 am – 11:30 am Executive Chat #4 w/ Selena Hill & Eshena Roman
- 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Free Play
- 11:30 am – 12:00 pm Executive Chat #5 w/ Selena Hill & Sylvia Brownlee
- 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm DJ Era Performance
- 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Black Women Talk Tech
- 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm NCAA 25 Tournament
- 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm Embodied Movement w/ Malaika Floyd
- 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm Head Shot Studio
- 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm The Black Debate w/ Tezlyn Figaro & Gary Chambers
- 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Sunday Service w/ Pastor Mike Jr.
- 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Career Fair
- :00 pm – 4:30 pm EA Sports College Football 25 Tournament & Madden 25 Tournament
- 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Izzy the DJ Performance
- 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm A Parking Lot Pimpin Special w/ Lynae Vanee & Jasmine Crockett
- 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm Sound Bath Meditation w/ LeNaya Crawford
- 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm New Era Of Entertainment Masterclass w/ Speedy Morman & Cam’Ron
- 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm Madden 25 Tournament
- 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm Mindfulness Meditation w/ Ashley Larkin
- 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Caresha Please Live w/ Boosie Badazz
- 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm BeenBlackin Performance
- 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm Jerk X Jollof Global Show w/ Byron Messia
- 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm The Future Of Fashion Fireside Conversation w/ Domo Wells, Law Roach & Kollin Carter
- 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm Future State Of Hip Hop Gaming w/ Ms. Basketball & ScHoolBoy Q
- 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Free Play
Walmart returns as the presenting partner, joined by major sponsors including PepsiCo’s portfolio of brands, McDonald’s, and State Farm. PepsiCo’s supporting brands include Starry™, who will complete the Starry FizzFest™ Competition – awarding HBCU student finalists and one grand prize winner, Doritos,®, who will help bold creators unleash their full potential at the Creator Studio, and Mountain Dew™, who will continue to support the gaming and streaming community through the Gaming Zone. McDonald’s will debut a space at REVOLT WORLD to engage fashion contributors, highlighting participants’ unique styles and McDonald’s investment in Black fashion designers, along with the return of the beloved fry truck.
Last year’s event attracted over 30,000 participants throughout the weekend and delivered endless viral moments and learning opportunities, and this year promises to bring an even greater impact.
Immerse Yourself In Your AtlantaAtlanta 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!
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
- Check Out These Hidden Gems In Atlanta
- Cool Places and Things for Couples To Do In Atlanta
- Awesome Atlanta Food Specials You Don’t Know About
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In a raid on the Miami and Los Angeles mansions of Sean “Diddy” Combs earlier this year, law enforcement officials confiscated narcotics and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant. Officials allege that the drugs and baby oil were used during his “freak off” orgy sessions, which he forced women to join.
Officials made the claims public one day after arresting Diddy in Manhattan. Currently, Diddy is trying to post bail and has offered $50 million — his mansion on Miami’s Star Island (worth $48 million) and his mother’s Miami home ($2 million).
The multimillionaire’s most recent troubles stem from an ongoing lawsuit alleging sexual assault and abuse filed by singer and his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura, which led to significant media attention.
These incidents reflect a mix of criminal, civil, and personal disputes that have involved Diddy, illustrating the complexities and challenges he has navigated throughout his career.
Diddy’s Ties To Atlanta
Through the years, Atlanta has been like a second home to Diddy.
Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs, also known as Diddy, has several ties to Atlanta, Georgia, that extend across various facets of his career and influence in the music industry:
Justin’s the Restaurant
Justin’s, an upscale restaurant named after Diddy’s son, opened in 1997 on Peachtree Street in Buckhead. The restaurant was positioned to serve upscale Southern and soul food cuisine, aiming to capture both the local and celebrity clientele.
Justin’s was designed to be a vibrant and stylish establishment, featuring a mix of modern decor with an intimate atmosphere. It quickly became a popular spot for both locals and celebrities
Music and Collaborations
Atlanta has been a significant hub for hip-hop and R&B, genres in which Diddy has been deeply involved. He has collaborated with several Atlanta-based artists, including artists from the famed labels like LaFace Records and So So Def, helping to bridge connections within the music scene.
Events and Shows
Diddy has hosted and participated in various events and concerts in Atlanta, recognizing the city as a vital market for his music and business ventures.
Cultural Influence
Atlanta’s rich culture in hip-hop and the music scene has influenced Diddy’s work as a producer and entrepreneur, leading to collaborations that expand his reach and impact on the genre. 4. **Business Ventures**: Diddy has shown interest in the Atlanta market through business ventures, including his involvement in establishments that cater to music and entertainment.
Final Word
This crisis may be too much for Combs, who has also participated in community and philanthropic efforts in Atlanta, to overcome. Overall, while he is primarily associated with New York, particularly through Bad Boy Records, Diddy’s connections to Atlanta are significant due to the city’s role in shaping hip-hop culture and music.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:Here are the REALLY FUN things to do in AtlantaCheck out these FREE events in AtlantaFeeling adventurous? Here are some outdoorsy things to do in ATL -
The Athlete’s Foot held a grand opening for its new corporate headquarters, flagship location and community center in Midtown Atlanta on Friday, September 13, 2024.
The Athlete’s Foot Opens in Atlanta
“We are thrilled to unveil our new US headquarters, flagship store, and community center in the heart of Midtown Atlanta,” said Matt Lafone, President and GM of Americas at The Athlete’s Foot. “This location is the first of its kind on Atlanta’s iconic BeltLine and will serve as a cultural hub for community engagement and deeper connectivity. We look forward to welcoming everyone to experience what The Athlete’s Foot has to offer, from the neighborhood, for the neighborhood.”
Speaking exclusively to AtlantaFi.com, Lafone says the vision for the store is firmly routed in Atlanta’s place in the culture.
“We actually have our corporate headquarters above and the intent is a couple of things,” he said. “No. 1, we want to be closer to the consumer. We get 3 million people passing by us right here on the Beltline and so we get that street customer. Because of the school across the street, we also get that sneaker kid, but you also get a more elevated woman who’s getting her nails down and doing yoga,” he said. “Also this is like a community center. For example, on Tuesdays there might be a tutor that tutors local kids. We might have a local entrepreneur taking about how they got their start. We might have a sneaker customization class. The point is to be a part of the community.”
The Athlete’s Foot has proudly partnered with Black-owned businesses to develop the flagship location, enlisting T. Dallas Smith & Co., the largest black African American-owned commercial real estate firm in the country, to continue its standing collaboration with The Athlete’s Foot on finding locations for new stores focused on underserved black and minority communities. J.M. Lee Construction Co., founded by Morehouse graduate Justin Lee, served as the general contractor, while Atlanta artist Aysha Pennerman will be contributing vibrant murals celebrating local culture. These partnerships reflect The Athlete’s Foot’s commitment to diversity and community and supporting Black entrepreneurship in its growth strategy.
Where Is The Athlete’s Foot in Midtown Located?
The Athlete’s Foot in Midtown is located at 931 Monroe Drive, Suite 113E, Atlanta, GA 30308. Here is a map to help you find it.
Nestled in the heart of Midtown, this new establishment promises to be a cornerstone for retail excellence and community engagement.
Strategically located on the iconic Atlanta Beltline and Piedmont Park, the new location aims to integrate seamlessly into the fabric of the neighborhood. The Athlete’s Foot plans to implement community enrichment, sponsorships, educational programming underscoring their commitment to supporting local communities and fostering meaningful connections. Grand opening events and ribbon-cutting festivities took place from September 12th through September 14th.
Immerse Yourself In Your Atlanta
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!
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
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Atlanta rapper Rich Homie Quan’s funeral was held Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, just outside Atlanta. A bevy of Atlanta celebrities, including rappers and other luminaries came out to pay their respects. Comedian Young DC Fly spoke passionately about Quan as did Killer Mike.
Quan, whose real name was Dequantes Lamar, was found unresponsive lying on a couch on Sept. 5, by his girlfriend, Amber Williams, with whom he shared a home, reported TMZ.
In an audio recording of the 911 call, Williams can be heard saying, he “was not breathing” and, “I don’t feel a heartbeat. I don’t see him breathing,” she’s heard saying. She says he “foamed at the mouth” when she turned him over.
Because of the funeral, several roads in South Fulton will be closed.
Getting around the City of South Fulton will be a task on Tuesday as a very popular Atlanta rapper is prepared to be laid to rest.
Rich Homie Quan’s funeral is set to be a true celebration of life. While the service at World Changers Church International on Burdett Road is free, fans were sold tickets to attend three separate viewings ahead of it. Each one has sold out.
Here are the funeral details:
- Date and Time: Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024
- Public Viewing: 7 a.m.
- Location: World Changers Church International
- Address: 2500 Burdett Rd, College Park, Ga. 30349
To gain entry inside the service, attendees must RSVP via richhomiequan.com. A public viewing will begin at 7 a.m.
A massive turnout is expected, which will affect traffic in the area.
Traffic Impact for South Fulton
From 10 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., and then again between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., the following intersections of Old National will be shut down:
- Burdett Road
- Pleasant Hill
- Road Surrey Trail
- Jerome Road
- Jolly Road
- Old Bill Cook Road
South Fulton drivers should expect to experience delays. There will also be an increased South Fulton presence with officers patrolling throughout the city and along the Old National Corridor to be able to respond to any incidents. The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office and College Park Police Department will assist.
Who Was Rich Homie Quan?
Rich Homie Quan was born on October 4, 1989. The rapper and songwriter was from Atlanta, Georgia. He gained popularity in the early 2010s with his breakout mixtape Still Going In (2012) and singles like “Type of Way” and “Flex (Ooh, Ooh, Ooh).” Quan was known for his melodic style, blending hip-hop with elements of R&B.
He was part of the Rich Gang collective, collaborating with artists like Young Thug and Birdman. The group’s mixtape Rich Gang: Tha Tour Pt. 1 (2014) was widely acclaimed, and Quan’s career took off with several commercial successes.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
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If you’re from Atlanta or a longtime resident, you’ve heard of Big Oomp Records, which is responsible for the success of many rappers in the city. Korey “Big Oomp” Roberson is the name behind the music brand and now he can add the title “restaurateur.”
On Friday, September 6, 2024, Roberson opened Big Oomp Studio Kitchen (BOSK), a smashburger restaurant, in southwest Atlanta. It also has chicken wings, hot dogs, salads and eggrolls, making it one of the more interesting new Atlanta restaurants you want to check out.
What’s On the Menu at Big Oomp Studio Kitchen?
The menu at Big Oomp Studio Kitchen features a variety of smashburgers — huge burgers oozing with melted cheese and stacked with the trimmings. You’ll love the names of them too, which pay homage to to Atlanta like no other. There’s the Big Oomp Burger, the Cascade Burger, the SWATS Burger, AUC Burger and more.
Check out Big Oomp Studio Kitchen’s menu.
During the grand opening, BOSK had Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens to stop by and try the food. In a statement, he said, “Atlanta, we have a new spot for you to check out! We just celebrated the grand opening of BOSK in Southwest Atlanta. Congrats to Korey “Big Oomp” Roberson and his family for bringing their vision to life. BOSK isn’t just a burger joint; it’s a cultural experience, blending food, art, and music in a way that reflects the heart of Atlanta. Here’s to the next chapter in Southwest Atlanta!”
Roberson isn’t done yet. He reportedly has plans to expand BOSK into a neighboring space to add a hookah and cigar lounge, and to open additional locations around the metro Atlanta.
Where Is BOSK Located?
BOSK is located at 510 Fairburn Road, Suite 400, Atlanta. Here is a map to help you find it.
Final Word
In 1996, Big Oomp co-founded Big Oomp Records along with DJ Jelly and MC Assault. Roberson is the president and co-founder of the label. Now, he’s building a food empire as his eatery joins a stable of other celebrity-owned restaurants in Atlanta.
The largest city in the Southeast – Atlanta – has a few things to do as well. An Atlanta weekend is one to remember.
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- Where to Enjoy a Live Jazz Brunch In Atlanta
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Something delicious has been happening in Sandy Springs for the summer of 2024, specifically in July. That’s when SocialBites Food Hub opened its doors.
The establishment’s first floor has four different food concepts to eat from, all of them with different menus. There’s also a bar upstairs with evenings of live music and Trivia Night.
SocialBites founder Aziz Hashim insists that the place is not a food hall, which Atlanta has a few of.
Now Serving in Sandy Springs: SocialBites Food Hub
“SocialBites is not a food hall, but a food hub, where people can enjoy the convenience of ordering from all of our restaurants at one point of purchase and receiving tableside service instead of standing or waiting near a counter,” Hashim told Eater Atlanta. “Paired with engaging games and programming, SocialBites offers an enhanced experience from that of a food hall or fast casual dining.”
Wondering what the vibe is like? Here’s what one reviewer says about SocialBites Food Hub:
“Cool little “food hub” which is basically a restaurant where you can pick from 4 different types of food- Fried Chicken, Pizza, Burgers, and Tacos! The variety is fun. In terms of cost, prices are reasonable, but portions are relatively small- if you’re an average man, you won’t be going home with leftovers. The staff is still learning, but they’re friendly and determined to make things right- when our order of cauliflower came out insanely spicy, the manager made it right with another order and a free set of onion rings! That’s the kind of service that will help this place succeed.
In terms of flavor- I think that another pass needs to be done on the food to upgrade the flavor level- the sharables were great, but the birria tacos didn’t have that delicious flavor that you get from other spots. The food was definitely good, just lacking flavor. I’ll be coming back later to see if the flavor improves!
I’d also recommend that this store owner develop their “showstopper” for the restaurant. Right now, they need something that is SUPER shareable and very aesthetic for social media. I’d recommend something like a crazy Bloody Mary, like the other viral ones- or wacky food combos that could use the varieties of food there. Or, upgrade the look of your shakes to really make people want to take pictures.
Atmosphere feels a little empty at the moment. The store needs a bit more character and fun- maybe more games, arcade games, or some neon vibes. Two different music speakers were playing different songs inside the store- one per each level- which was a bit strange at times.”
Where Is SocialBites Food Hub Located?
SocialBites Food Hub is located at 6650 Roswell Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Bite
Food hubs and food halls proliferate around Georgia’s largest city, but so do standalone restaurants. This is the most fun food scene outside of the Northeast. Not only can you take advantage of the plethora of cool food places on Atlanta’s southside, but the north side is where it’s at when it comes to fine dining and authentic ethnic food of all sorts.
Want more food suggestions? Check out the best restaurants in Sandy Springs.
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Are you ready to “Rise Up” for the 2024 Atlanta Falcons? Don red and black and join the party.
Get ready for the return of Falcons football with a free kickoff party featuring special appearances, musical performers and giveaways. Be a part of the excitement as we celebrate the start of the 2024 season with current Falcons players and a lineup of special guests!
This event will be emceed by announcers Ryan Cameron and Chelsea Phillips Tafoya and will feature:
- Appearances by current Falcons players including Grady Jarrett, Bijan Robinson and Younghoe Koo
- Performances by Falcons Cheerleaders and Freddie Falcon
- Giveaways and more!
Plus, rep your Dirty Birds all season long and shop our new Kickoff Collection in-person at the Atlantic Station Team Store, located across from the Atlantic Green.
Date: Friday, September 6 // Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Outdoors in the Atlantic Green at Atlantic Station, near HOBNOB (245 18*th* St NW, Atlanta, GA 30363)
Immerse Yourself In Your Atlanta
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!
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
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Things in Callaway Gardens are looking up, up. Hot air balloons are going to be up in the air this weekend.
If you can make it down to Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, you’ll be glad to know that the annual event known as the “Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival” is on and poppin’!
Hot Air Balloon Festival at Callaway Garden: What To Know
This festival typically takes place over Labor Day Weekend and is a celebration of hot air balloons and various related activities. Here are some key features of the festival:
Hot Air Balloon Flights: The highlight of the festival is, of course, the hot air balloons. Visitors can witness a colorful display of balloons taking flight in the morning and evening, with some balloons often illuminated at night, creating a magical sight.
Balloon Glow: One of the most popular events at the festival is the “Balloon Glow,” where hot air balloons are tethered to the ground and lit up in sync with music, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle.
Entertainment: In addition to hot air balloon activities, the festival typically includes live music, family-friendly entertainment, and attractions. There may be performances, games, and activities for children and adults alike.
Food and Beverage: Various food vendors and options are usually available, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of delicious meals and snacks throughout the festival.
Waterfront Activities: Callaway Gardens often features beautiful lakes and water bodies, providing opportunities for water-based activities like paddle boating or simply relaxing by the water.
Nature and Gardens: Callaway Gardens itself is renowned for its stunning gardens and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the gardens and enjoy the lush landscapes, which may also be a part of the festival experience.
This event may be postponed if it rains.
Atlanta has so much to do that you need a curated guide to help you sort through it all. Make sure you subscribe to our #ATLHaps newsletter that gives you a weekly tab of Atlanta events you don’t want to miss.
Explore Atlanta The Cool Way
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. CNN Center often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
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The Final Four is coming to Atlanta in the upcoming years. Atlanta has been selected to host the 2031 NCAA Division I Men’s Final Four at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
For Georgia’s largest city, the event’s return is a long time coming. It was originally selected host the 2020 NCAA Men’s Final Four at the newly built Mercedes-Benz Stadium. However, the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Atlanta Chosen for Final Four
“Time and again, Atlanta has proved itself as the best city in America to host global sporting events. We thank the NCAA for selecting us to host this incredible event. The eyes of the sporting world will be on Atlanta, and we know that we will be up to the task once again as a champion is crowned and One Shining Moment is played in 2031.”
Atlanta has hosted the NCAA Men’s Final Four multiple times. The city hosted the tournament in the following years:
- 1977: The first time Atlanta hosted the Final Four was in 1977 at the Omni Coliseum.
- 2002: The Final Four returned to Atlanta, held at the Georgia Dome.
- 2007: The Georgia Dome again hosted the event.
- 2013: Atlanta hosted the Final Four at the Georgia Dome, marking the last time the event was held there before the Dome was demolished
Final Word
Atlanta is a sports paradise, although it’s not reflected in the number of championship banners that reside here. Our Things You Didn’t Know About Atlanta guide will tell you that and more.
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Restaurant chain Red Lobster continues to hemorrhage money due to several bad financial decisions and factors. Now, the restaurant announced that it is set to close 23 more of its locations across the United States.
And yes, the Tara Boulevard location in Jonesboro, Georgia is on the list.
Which Atlanta-Area Red Lobsters Will Stay Open (For Now)?
- 3360 Camp Creek Parkway, Atlanta, Ga. 30344
Why Is Red Lobster in Financial Trouble?
Red Lobster is facing financial trouble due to several factors, including declining customer traffic, inflation, and rising costs for key ingredients like seafood. The chain has struggled to maintain profitability amid higher food and labor costs, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, Red Lobster’s mid-range pricing strategy is being squeezed between cheaper fast-food options and higher-end dining experiences. This has made it harder for the brand to attract customers, especially as dining preferences shift and competitors emerge.
Moreover, Red Lobster has faced challenges in adapting to changing consumer preferences, including the growing demand for healthier, more sustainable, and diverse dining options. Its traditional menu and dining model may seem outdated to some consumers.
The financial strain has also been impacted by changes in ownership over the years, leading to inconsistent management strategies.
Which Red Lobster Locations Are Closing?
The following Red Lobster locations are set to shut their doors for good:
- Arizona — 1521 S. Yuma Palms Pkwy., Yuma
- Arkansas — 8407 W. Markham St., Little Rock
- California — 8703 Murray Drive, La Mesa
- Colorado — 4925 N. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs
- Florida — -326 Miracle Strip Pkwy., Fort Walton Beach
- 5110 N. 9th Ave., Pensacola
- 8909 U.S. Highway 19, Port Richey
- Georgia — 6550 Tara Blvd., Jonesboro
- Illinois — 1604 N. State Road 50, Bourbonnais
- 902 Commons Drive, Geneva
- 4625 N. Sterling Ave., Peoria
- Indiana — 4353 Franklin St., Michigan City
- Minnesota — 8900 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley
- 12515 Elm Creek Blvd. North, Maple Grove
- Missouri — 2381 Maplewood Commons Drive, Maplewood
- New York — 925 Hunts Point Ave., Bronx
- 750 Upper Glen St., Queensbury
- North Carolina — 304 A Western Blvd., Jacksonville
- Ohio —17227 Southpark Center, Strongsville
- South Carolina — 1270 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce
- Virginia –555 S. Van Dorn St., Alexandria
- 4415 S. Laburnum Ave., Richmond
- 709 Independence Blvd., Virginia Beach
What Is the History of Red Lobster?
Red Lobster was founded in 1968 by entrepreneur Bill Darden in Lakeland, Florida. The restaurant began as a single seafood restaurant aimed at making fresh seafood more accessible to middle-class families. It quickly gained popularity due to its affordable prices and high-quality seafood offerings, leading to rapid expansion.
In 1970, the company was acquired by General Mills, which helped fuel further expansion across the United States. By the 1980s, Red Lobster had become a well-known national chain with hundreds of locations, offering signature dishes like cheddar bay biscuits, shrimp scampi, and a variety of seafood platters.
In 1995, General Mills spun off its restaurant holdings, including Red Lobster, to create a new company called Darden Restaurants. Under Darden, Red Lobster continued to grow and remained a cornerstone of the casual dining industry. However, by the 2000s, the brand began experiencing challenges due to changing consumer preferences, economic downturns, and increased competition.
In 2014, Darden decided to sell Red Lobster to Golden Gate Capital, a private equity firm, for $2.1 billion. The sale was part of a broader strategy to refocus on Darden’s other brands like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. Under Golden Gate Capital, Red Lobster went through various management changes and attempts to revitalize the brand, including efforts to modernize its menu and restaurant design.
In 2020, Red Lobster was sold again, this time to a consortium led by Thai Union, a major seafood supplier, alongside other investors. Despite the ownership changes and rebranding efforts, Red Lobster has continued to face financial challenges in recent years, driven by rising costs, competition, and evolving dining trends.
Final Word
When it comes to seafood, Red Lobster has had a footprint in Atlanta for decades — but it’s not the only tuna in town. Check out our Atlanta Seafood Guide.
