Georgia Philharmonic Orchestra Presents:
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Where: Hyatt Regency Centennial Ballroom
Dragon Con, the largest fan-backed popular culture convention, is back in Atlanta, Georgia, this weekend. There’s a full slate of fun-filled events in store so if you’re into comics, movies, manga, anime, cosplay and more, you won’t want to miss this.
Dragon Con 2024 takes place from Friday, August 29 to Monday, September 2 this year. There is a full schedule of events you won’t want to miss, just keep reading!
There will also be workshops, panels, discussions and parties starting from the first day of activities until Labor Day.
The main Dragon Con festivities will mainly take place at the following host hotels: the Hyatt Regency Atlanta along with the legendary Atlanta Marriott Marquis, the Hilton Atlanta, Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, and the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel. The Hyatt, Marriott, and Hilton are connected by tube-ways to make trekking between the two that much more easier.
Bonus: Dragon Con TV will be available in all five host hotels.
Dragon Con’s Pin-Ups by the Pool Party
When: Friday, 8:30pm
Where: Courtland Grand Hotel, Grand Ballroom
Georgia Philharmonic Orchestra Presents:
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Where: Hyatt Regency Centennial Ballroom
Dragon Con Night at the Aquarium
When: Saturday, 7pm – 11pm
The Palmetto Knights Tournaments
When: Saturday
Where: Courtland Grand Hotel, Grand Ballroom
Dragon Con Burlesque: A Glamour Geek Revue
When: Sunday, midnight
Where: Courtland Grand Hotel, Grand Ballroom
The Late Night Puppet Slam
When: Monday, 12am (Midnight)
Where: Westin Peachtree Ballroom
Reading Sessions
Where: Various Locations
Offering readings by authors from their own works (and usually some discussion with the audience afterward).
Dragon Con scheduled autographs (signings
Where: Westin Overlook
To make the most out of your DragonCon experience in Atlanta, consider the following tips:
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!
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:
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
Did someone say something about delicious food and cool atmospheres for brunch? It’s time to check out some of the best black-owned brunch spots in Atlanta, Georgia.
No matter if you’re into one of those all-day breakfast spots, or brunch-centric weekend restaurants, Georgia’s largest city has what you need. Many of the best brunch spots in Atlanta also happen to be owned by celebrities.
As you browse through our curated list of black brunch spots, you’ll notice a trend of high-end dishes like salmon and grits, lobster tail eggs and honey biscuits — all that good stuff!
349 Decatur St. SE Unit A1, Atlanta, GA 30312| (404) 549-6042
Here’s what one reviewer says about Breakfast At Barney’s. “Cute trendy spot. I loved the different wallpapers and I would definitely take this design in my own place. The fresh flowers on the table add class. Our waitress was super nice and then I had the summer spritz. I can’t remember the name of it and then we ordered the fried green tomatoes, the yard bird and the shrimp and grits. Between my boyfriend and I we did finish all of it, but that was the goal. It was delicious and would recommend.”
2770 Lenox Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 | (404) 748-4594
Here’s what one reviewer says about Toast on Lenox. “Marquis was an AMAZING waiter! This was our first time here, and it was amazing. We have reservations tomorrow morning to go back! We ordered the blackened salmon and shrimp and the GA honey hot chicken with greens and candied yams and Mac n cheese. We drank sweet tea and it was nap inducing and delish!”
327 Peters St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 404-941-7907
Esco Restaurant & Tapas Bar is owned by rapper and entrepreneur 2 Chainz and is known for its lavish brunch.
Here is what one reviewer says about Esco Tapas Bar. “Came in for Brunch, loved the atmosphere, food, plus the Service was A1. For Brunch I had 2 entress… Peach Cobbler French Toast, Eggs, grits, turkey sausage, plus hashbrowns. Enjoyed Unlimited Mimosas while the Atmosphere was Lit, the Bartender possibly popped about 10 bottles of Champagne bubbly with Music and other guests rolling. Definitely a Go To Spot!”
281 Peters St. SW, Atlanta, GA. 30313 | (404) 963-5495
Atlanta Locations:
Gocha Hawkins has a hit on her hands with Gocha’s Breakfast Bar in the Cascade area of Atlanta. There’s also another one in Fayetteville.
Here’s what one reviewer says about the brunch. “In town for the weekend and needed some breakfast and Gotcha’s was everything we needed to sum up our trip. We had the Grit cakes, pancakes, salmon, salmon croquettes and the shrimp skillet. Everythign was cooked to perfection and we will surely be back when we stop in town again ! Thanks Mija your service was impeccable, great menu recommendations and you were attentive and friendly !”
3725 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337
Atlanta celebrities Ne-Yo and wife, Chef Crystal Smith, along with reality TV star Karlie Redd have teamed for College Park: Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles. Another location opened on Crescent Avenue in Midtown.
Here’s what one reviewer says about the spot. “The best waffles I have ever had. I ordered the grits with lobster & shrimp. The food was delicious & the service was superb. The waiter whose name escapes me & was from Brooklyn was the nicest waiter I’ve experienced. The chef also came out & greeted us & made a fresh batch of grits when the first was a little salty. The grits were delicious. I absolutely recommend this restaurant & the grits with Lobster. I will be back when I’m in town.”
See what’s on the menu at Johny’s Chicken and Waffles.
3387 Main St, Atlanta, GA 30337 | (470) 312-2108
Atlanta restaurateur Lorenzo Wyche recently opened The Breakfast Boys, an all-day breakfast spot in College Park. The eatery is a partnership between Wyche and the proprietors of Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen, Juan and Gee Smalls.
3752 Cascade Rd Ste 110, Atlanta, GA 30331 | (404) 907-4700
Atlanta reality TV star couple and entrepreneurs Todd Tucker and Kandi Burruss of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” fame already have a hit with their Old Lady Gang restaurants. Now, they’ve opened Blaze Steak & Seafood, an upscale restaurant in Cascade.
Learn more about Blaze Steak & Seafood.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Blaze Steak & Seafood: “COVID-19 measures are in place. The decor inside is on point. Bar is huge and great selection of liquor and wine. Great menu selections as well. I had the seafood omelette and we had a peach mimosa carafe. This is the soft opening so a few kinks have to be worked out. I will say that customer service is pretty good as well.”
3719 Main St, College Park, GA 30337 | (404) 458-2883
Here’s what one reviewer says about The Real Milk & Honey. “Once we arrived, we were greeted… Well looked at by a young lady near the door. I guest she was the hostess. She wasn’t that friendly…. She escorted us to our table and we sat down. Our waitress was really nice. The honey butter biscuits were absolutely amazing!! I got the steak and eggs. The steak was a bit chewy. However everything else was great. My daughter got the cookies and cream waffle with eggs and bacon. She enjoyed her meal. They also have great coffee and the mimosas are decent. This was our first visit but I would definitely try this restaurant again.”
Atlanta continues to be a place with plentiful things to do, see and eat! If you like that part of town, don’t sleep on College Park either.
If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.
Downtown Atlanta is a pretty large area, and so getting from one point to another can be a challenge.
The good news is that when you consider the historic landmarks, cool restaurants and other venues, it’s well worth exploring. But how do you get around?
We’re going to show you how you can get around downtown Atlanta (actually this works for Midtown, too).
If you’re driving into downtown Atlanta, you’re going to have to pay for parking. Here’s where you can park and how much it costs and for how long.
Getting around downtown Atlanta is fairly easy, thanks to various transportation options:
MARTA offers both bus and rail services. The rail system has several stations downtown, including Peachtree Center, Five Points (a central hub), and Civic Center. The trains can take you to key areas, including the airport, Midtown, and Buckhead.
You may also wish to take MARTA. Rail prices are $2.50 for a one-way trip. Here are fare prices for trains and buses.
The Atlanta Streetcar runs a 2.7-mile loop through downtown, connecting major attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, and Georgia State University.
Downtown Atlanta is pedestrian-friendly with wide sidewalks and plenty of crosswalks. Popular attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and State Farm Arena are within walking distance of each other.
E-scooters and bikes from companies like Lime and Bird are available for short trips. They’re a quick option for navigating crowded areas.
There are some rules you need to know before you ride. Lime and Bird are the two most prevalent scooters you’ll along downtown and Midtown streets.
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in downtown Atlanta and offer a convenient way to get around.
Uber & Lyft: If you want to take advantage of a ridesharing service, you can do that too. Here are the peak times for ridesharing in Atlanta:
Weekdays
Morning Commute Hours, 6am-9am
Weeknights
Some hotels and attractions offer free or paid shuttle services that circulate within downtown or nearby neighborhoods.
You can also get around by using the Atlanta Streetcar. Call 404-848-5000 for help with the latest schedule updates or you can click here to login the Mobility Reservation System.
If you’re driving, there are multiple parking decks and lots, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours. Apps like ParkMobile can help you find parking spots.
Tuk Tuks are small electric vehicles that provide a unique and eco-friendly way to explore downtown. They usually operate on a tip basis.
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. Centennial Park is often has something cool going on! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
Atlanta Restaurateur extraordinaire Pinky Cole-Hayes recently announced that she has taken over The Boujee Southerner, a black-owned vegan restaurant that recently closed its doors.
Cole-Hayes, the owner of Slutty Vegan and Bar Vegan, has plans to turn the restaurant into her second Bar Vegan location.
“When I heard about everything that they [The Boujee Southerner] were going through, I felt the need to step in,” says Cole-Hayes. “Their foundation is built on being a completely plant-based Southern Fusion concept that provides comfort food, which is right up our alley.”
In March 2024, The Boujee Southerner, owned by Tara Gilbert, announced it was reducing its hours of operation to Friday through Sunday after one year in business. Eight days later, the business shared that it had closed.
Gilbert, who has been a raw vegan for several years, will now serve as Executive Chef at Bar Vegan Lawrenceville. This is a full-circle moment as Gilbert looked to Cole-Hayes for inspiration when becoming a vegan and opening her restaurant.
“This is a part of my Restaurant Takeover initiative, where Slutty Vegan or Bar Vegan will take over the lease for existing restaurants that are looking to increase their foot traffic and awareness to the public,” adds Cole-Hayes. “It’s all about collaboration and empowering one another.”
Food featured on the menu includes General Tso Chik’n, White Spaghetti, maple glazed brussels sprouts, loaded steak fries, corn ribs, jerk kabobs and Lemon Pepper Chik’n salad.
“With the menu, we plan to make it leaner, healthier and sexier,” says Gilbert. “We plan to make the food extremely yummy but also appealing to the eyes – so get prepared to snap your photos for social media,” she adds.
Bar Vegan Lawrenceville is officially opened for business.
Cole’s current business portfolio includes 12 Slutty Vegan locations across Georgia, New York, Alabama and Texas, a cookbook and Slutty Vegan products on metro Atlanta Target shelves. In 2022, Cole raised a $25 million Series A funding round for Slutty Vegan that at the time valued her business at $100 million, according to Forbes.
We were there when Cole-Hayes opened her first brick-and-mortar Slutty Vegan in the Westview neighborhood of Atlanta in 2019. Since then, she’s been on an amazing expansion plan.
Slutty Vegan is one of the best black restaurants in Atlanta, and there are several more. If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.
As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.
The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a bar explosion in recent years.
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.
Hometown legendary rapper Antwan “Big Boi” Patton will take the stage at the College Football Hall of Fame for the 10th anniversary Celebration and Kickoff Game Football Fest.
The event is set for Saturday, August 23, 2024 and features a free concert from Big Boi, one half of the famous musical duo Outkast.
Football Fest runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the Big Boi concert kicking off at 4:30 p.m. Join us for a day of entertainment. Enjoy live DJs, the Home Depot GameDay Bus, local team mascots, cheerleaders, inflatables, prize giveaways, and more.
The event is free as part of “Coca-Cola Free Admission Day” and provides the perfect opportunity to see Big Boi perform, along with the unveiling of new exhibits, clinics with Atlanta Falcons players and cheerleaders, the famed Home Depot GameDay Bus, inflatables, prize giveaways, and much more, all free-of-charge.
Where is The College Football Hall of Fame?
The College Football Hall of Fame is located in downtown Atlanta at 250 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
If you’re in the vicinity of downtown Atlanta, make sure you grab a bite at one of the top downtown restaurants. You’ll also find plenty to do there every Atlanta weekend.
More from AtlantaFi.com:
If you want to eat fancy, most of us will go for the shrimp and grits. Let’s just get that out of the way. Atlanta, Georgia has several great restaurants that can prepare the dish to perfection with various twists.
But let’s focus on shrimp and grits, which is a Southern delicacy. Grits has long been one of Georgia’s iconic dishes. The addition of the shrimp is likely an addition from that came much later.
This article is going to show you some of the best restaurants in Atlanta that serve shrimp and grits.
50 S Main St, Alpharetta, GA 30009 | (678) 691-8320
Here’s what one customer says about Restaurant Holmes. “The salmon dish was so delicious and presented beautifully. The wine we chose from Paso Robles “If You See Kay” was very good also. Wonderful sitting outside and waiter was really nice and attentive. Great job and highly recommend. Compliments to the chef!”
1001 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 874-8887
Here is what one reviewer says about the Flying Biscuit: “The grits here are amazing (and I usually don’t like grits) but they are the best thing that we had. The jelly is great tasting also but unfortunately the biscuits are hard and dry and I only used some of it to get the jelly in my mouth. The restaurant could use a thorough cleaning. Be aware that they do require masks and one of the staff was telling customers to get a mask on. That took a star off for me.”
Atlanta Locations:
Here is what one reviewer says about Louisiana Bixtreaux’s shrimp and grits:”A good place for a yummy meal! The chargrilled oysters are fantastic! I would also recommend the “Red fish ponch” and the shrimp and grits!”
Atlanta Locations:
Here is what one reviewer says about South City Kitchen: “If your looking for a great bowl of Shrimp & Grits on a cold rainy day or a sunny day you will not be disappointed at South City Kitchen- Best I have had- Comes with homemade Biscuits & Cornbread- Sweet tea to drink – Makes my mouth water just thinking about it- The help is ready to serve you with a smile- Go by and see them today- Your tummy will thank you!!”
171 Auburn Ave NE P, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (678) 974-5019
Here is what one reviewer says about Sweet Auburn Seafood: “The brunch at Sweet Auburn is great. I know that every place that offers brunch usually has shrimp and grits on the menu, but the shrimp and grits at Sweet Auburn is probably better than all of those places you’ve tried. Give it a try. You wont be disappointed. The service is good. Bottomless mimosas are available. Music is playing. Pretty nice spot.”
Atlanta is having a restaurant renaissance. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
Fast-casual is also the dining trend du jour around metro Atlanta restaurants. The concept involves mixing the quick accessibility of fast food with the casual dining experience. Food in Atlanta is also adapting to the various tastes of the migrants that come here to live.
Read more: 15+ Essential Soul Food Restaurants In Atlanta
The city has some good restaurants in each quadrant of the city: East, West, North, South. All you need to do is think about what you have a taste for. Italian? Soul food? Tex-Mex? Atlanta has it all.
For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com.
The Piedmont Park Arts Festival is happening this weekend in Midtown Atlanta. It’s one of the city’s top festivals for a reason.
They’ll be arts and crafts, food and more on site. The festival is free and brought to us by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces.
Bring the whole family out for a good time! There will be more than 250 artisans and craftsmen showing off a a wide variety of arts and crafts. As always, you can also expect plenty of local food and beverage concessions including “gourmet” food trucks.
There will also be live acoustic musical performances as well as a kids area for the little ones.
This year’s Piedmont Park Arts Festival is set for the following dates:
Music superstar Usher says he’s had to postpone the Atlanta dates of his Past, Present and Future tour due to injury.
“Earlier this week, I suffered an injury to my neck while rehearsing to provide my fans with the greatest USHER show of all time,” the singer said in a statement.
“My hope was that with physical therapy and medical treatment, I would be able to overcome the injury and be ready for opening night,” Usher posted on social media. “Unfortunately the injury has not healed yet and my doctors have instructed me not to perform any shows this week. The good news is that the doctors are saying that with appropriate rest and treatment, I should be ready to commence the tour in Washington DC on August 20th.”
The Atlanta dates have already been reached for:
See the complete dates of Usher’s tour.
Usher is one of the biggest music stars in the world right now. Who would think that a 20-year music vet would have his biggest year in 2024? That’s Usher, baby. Peace up, A-Town down.
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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Have you been to the barbershop in Atlanta? It’s an experience — in a good way. While finding a good barber can be quite the sport these days, it’s possible.
This article will show you the best barbers in Atlanta, Georgia. We’ve included the address and phone number so you can find your barber quickly and make an appointment.
That’s why we’ve included reviews of the best barbershops in Atlanta. But first, here are some related grooming articles you may enjoy:
Some of the best barbershops in Atlanta are located in different quadrants of the city, so no matter which side of town you live in, you can find a barber that is considered elite.
3830 Princeton Lakes Pkwy, Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30331 | (404) 254-2756
Atlanta’s Elite Barber Shop is one of the best barbershops on Atlanta’s southside. They take their time with the hair comb as well as the razor. This one is located in the Camp Creek area.
Here is what one reviewer says about Atlanta’s Elite Barber Shop: “Great barbershop. Take my grandson to get his hair cut all the time. I also send my friends to get their haircuts and beards trimmed. ASK FOR JESSE.”
264 19th St NW #2220, Atlanta, GA 30363 | (404) 228-6494
Located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, Tony’s Barber Studio offers a convenient spot to get a nice trimming in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Here’s what one Google reviewer says about Tony’s Barber Studio: “Got a cut by Rashad… Excellent quality. Would highly suggest to establish an appointment. But they take walk ins.”
I just moved to Atlanta and was in hopes of finding a great barber shop. And I DID!! I went with BYRD. AND HE HOOKED YA BOY UP! All I did was show him a picture and he made it happen. I will DAMN SURE BE BACK. probably in 2 weeks!! I Appreciate you! Thank you again Byrd!”
337 Elizabeth St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (470) 382-3799
PRKCHPS Social Club Barbershop is one of the best hidden secrets in the city when it comes to men’s grooming.
Here is what one reviewer says about PRKCHPS Social Club Barbershop: “I have been going to PRKCHPS for over a year now. Jason cuts my hair and he’s amazing. I have recommended lots of friends to try them out and everyone is super satisfied. The experience is grungy and laid back. Get a cocktail while you get trimmed. This place is the best.”
“A little caught off guard, I couldn’t quite get the barber terminology so one of the other barbers thankfully stepped in to translate for me…lol.”
Aside from personal grooming, the best barbershops also are located in communities that offer larger amenities. There are cool places to eat, stores to shop and other things to do in Atlanta.
The Atlanta hair industry is one of the largest in the Southeast, with more than 8 million people getting groomed each month.
But you can do it yourself. All you need are some quality shears and some high-performance clippers to get the job done. Check out these other grooming links to get shaped up in Atlanta.
Festival season continues in Atlanta this weekend with Funk Fest ATL. Keep reading to find out what to expect for a jamming good time.
The two-day event is one of the best festivals in Atlanta.
Funk Fest is an outdoor musical festival celebrating its 25th anniversary with events in Atlanta, Orlando, Florida, Louisville, and Kentucky.
Funk Fest ATL is set for Saturday August 10 and Sunday, August 11, 2024 at Wolfcreek Amphitheater in South Fulton, Georgia.
Performing at Funk Fest ATL is Erikah Badu, Big Boi, Goodie Mob, Stokely and the Isley Brothers.
Wolfcreek Amphitheater is located at 3025 Merk Rd, South Fulton, Georgia 30349. Here is a map to help you find it.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/3025+Merk+Rd+SW,+College+Park,+GA+30349/@33.6752807,-84.5672986,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x88f4e02a507f1e81:0xe4db7e4b097a2710!8m2!3d33.6752807!4d-84.5672986!16s%2Fg%2F11c3q3yn_xAtlanta 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!