• Aye Tea Elle closes down in College Park

    Aye Tea Elle in College Park to Close Down; Turnkey Space Listed for Sale

    3 Min Read

    Aye Tea Elle, the elevated tapas and craft cocktail spot in historic downtown College Park, will close its doors on Sept. 6, according to an announcement from co-owner Jovan Dais.

    The restaurant, located at 3755 College St. has operated as a vibe dining lounge offering small plates, seafood, and creative cocktails near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

    Aye Tea Elle Closes Down: What We Know

    It features a full commercial kitchen, two bars, two outdoor entertainment areas, seating for 75–100 guests, an active liquor license, and a tobacco license.

    In an Instagram reel posted Saturday, owner Jovan Dais wrote: “One dream is ending… but another could be just beginning. We’ve laughed, cried, celebrated, argued with vendors, survived inflation, egg prices, chicken wing prices, and people asking for ranch with everything… Closing Doors Sept 6th. Now it’s someone else’s turn.”

    With him was restaurant partner, Scott Corbin.

    The owners are marketing the space as a ready-to-go opportunity for a new operator interested in a restaurant, lounge, cigar bar, or event venue. “Skip years of construction, permitting, and build-out.

    Walk in with your vision and make it your own,” the post stated. Interested parties can inquire via the restaurant’s website (ayeteaelle.com/dream-restaurant) or email info@ayeteaelle.com. Serious inquiries only.

    Aye Tea Elle, whose name is a play on “ATL,” has been a popular destination on Atlanta’s south side for date nights, celebrations, and gatherings. It’s also been one of the best places to eat in College Park.

    Guests frequently praised its ambiance, dishes such as lamb lollipops, fried lobster bites, jumbo lump crab cakes, and smoked cocktails.

    It is a 21-and-up establishment known for private events and parties. Comments on the announcement referenced roughly six years of operation and shared memories of good food, happy hours, and community.

    College Park sits less than eight miles southwest of downtown Atlanta and just minutes from the airport. The closure adds to a series of restaurant transitions across metro Atlanta amid ongoing industry pressures.

    The space remains available for bookings and service until the final day. For more information or to inquire about taking over the location, visit the restaurant’s website or contact the owners directly.

    Up the street, East Point 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.

    As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.

    More Food Coverage:

    Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

    No Comment
  • orsha Williams and entrepreneur Simon Guobadia are officially husband and wife.

    Porsha Williams Secures Major Assets in Final Divorce Settlement with Simon Guobadia

    2 Min Read

    Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Williams has finalized key remaining issues in her divorce from businessman Simon Guobadia, walking away with significant assets according to court documents.

    Under the settlement agreement, Williams received the deed to the Atlanta mansion the couple once shared. Guobadia transferred his ownership interest in the property to her via a quitclaim deed. She is also entitled to more than $1.5 million—specifically $1,568,181.63—in reimbursement from his share of the property’s equity. In addition, she obtained clear title to a 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost.

    The agreement grants Williams full authority to refinance or sell the home in a commercially reasonable manner without needing involvement from Guobadia or an arbitrator. During an August 5, 2026, hearing, both parties confirmed the settlement terms under oath, stating that it resolved all remaining issues between them. Williams noted in her filing that Guobadia had already agreed to the terms of the consent order.

    The couple married in November 2022 after a relatively short courtship. Williams filed for divorce in February 2024 after about 15 months of marriage, describing the relationship as irretrievably broken. Earlier stages of the proceedings involved enforcement of their prenuptial agreement, which had already provided for monthly spousal support, retention of certain vehicles, and arrangements regarding the home’s equity and expenses. Guobadia, who was deported to Nigeria amid immigration issues, had contested aspects of the prenup, but courts largely upheld its terms.

    See Porsha Williams’ Buckhead estate.

    This latest resolution appears to close out the property and vehicle-related disputes that lingered after the initial rulings. The multimillion-dollar Atlanta residence—previously reported as valued around $7 million and featuring five bedrooms and eight bathrooms—had been a central point of contention. Williams had been awarded exclusive use for a period, with Guobadia responsible for certain carrying costs in the interim, before this full transfer of the deed.

    The settlement underscores the financial outcomes of a high-profile but brief marriage that played out partly in the public eye through reality television and subsequent legal filings. As with many celebrity divorces, the details emerged through court records obtained by outlets covering the case. Both parties have now formally resolved the outstanding matters under the agreement.

    Comments Off on Porsha Williams Secures Major Assets in Final Divorce Settlement with Simon Guobadia
  • China Express in Stockbridge

    Panda Express Opens in Stockbridge

    2 Min Read

    STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. — Panda Express opened a new location Thursday morning in Stockbridge. The restaurant hosted city officials with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in District 2.

    City officials gathered to mark the opening, celebrating the arrival of the popular Asian-inspired fast-casual restaurant as another sign of ongoing investment in the area.

    New Eats: Panda Express Opens in Stockbridge

    Officials highlighted the addition as part of continued economic development and growth in Stockbridge.

    “This morning, the City of Stockbridge proudly celebrated the ribbon cutting for Panda Express, officially welcoming this new restaurant to our growing business community in District 2,” the city stated. “We are excited to see continued investment in our city and grateful for businesses that choose Stockbridge as their home.”

    The city extended congratulations to the Panda Express team on the milestone and expressed enthusiasm for the restaurant’s success as a new member of the local community.

    The opening reflects Stockbridge’s efforts to attract businesses and support local economic expansion. City leaders have emphasized the importance of new commercial developments in strengthening the area’s appeal and providing additional dining options for residents.

    Panda Express joins the roster of establishments contributing to Stockbridge’s expanding business landscape in District 2. Officials say they look forward to the restaurant’s positive impact on the community.

    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.

    Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

    Comments Off on Panda Express Opens in Stockbridge
  • Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta

    Mercedes-Benz Stadium Nominated for Best NFL Stadium and Best Stadium Food

    2 Min Read

    ATLANTA — Mercedes-Benz Stadium has earned dual nominations in USA TODAY’s Readers’ Choice Awards, recognized in both the Best NFL Stadium and Best NFL Stadium Food categories.

    The Atlanta venue, home of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC, is one of the finalists competing for top honors based on fan voting. The Best NFL Stadium category highlights overall fan experience, design, amenities, and atmosphere, while the Best NFL Stadium Food category focuses on the quality, variety, and innovation of concessions offered to game-day attendees.

    Mercedes-Benz Stadium Nominated for Best NFL Stadium and Best Stadium Food in USA TODAY Readers’ Choice Awards

    Mercedes-Benz Stadium has previously drawn praise for its retractable roof, 360-degree halo board, and emphasis on local and diverse food options that go beyond traditional stadium fare. The dual nominations place the venue among the leading NFL facilities nationwide in the annual fan-driven poll.

    Fans can vote for their favorites through USA TODAY’s Readers’ Choice platform. Winners will be determined by public votes and announced later in the awards cycle.

    The recognition underscores Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s continued standing as a premier destination for NFL fans seeking both an impressive venue and elevated game-day dining.

    More from AtlantaFi.com:

    Comments Off on Mercedes-Benz Stadium Nominated for Best NFL Stadium and Best Stadium Food
  • Taste Brookhaven

    Taste Brookhaven Returns October 1: Unlimited Bites, Signature Sips

    2 Min Read

    Brookhaven’s signature culinary celebration is back. Taste Brookhaven returns on Thursday, October 1, at Brookhaven City Centre, promising an evening of unlimited tastings, craft cocktails, live entertainment, and community impact.

    Taste Brookhaven Returns October 1: Unlimited Bites, Signature Sips & a Night Supporting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

    General Admission and VIP tickets are now on sale via Eventbrite for the highly anticipated event. This year’s proceeds will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, turning a night of delicious exploration into meaningful support for kids and families across the region.

    Guests can look forward to unlimited food tastings from more than a dozen of Brookhaven’s most celebrated restaurants. Multiple bars will pour signature cocktails and mocktails alongside wine, beer, and other favorites, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Live entertainment and performances will keep the energy high throughout the evening under the lights of Brookhaven City Centre.

    VIP ticket holders receive elevated experiences, including access to a private rooftop pre-event mixer beneath the venue’s stunning Cherry Blossom Dome, an exclusive gift bag, and additional perks designed to make the night even more memorable.

    Whether you’re a longtime Brookhaven food lover or discovering the city’s dining scene for the first time, Taste Brookhaven offers a vibrant, all-in-one evening of flavor, fun, and philanthropy. Secure your General Admission or VIP tickets now on Eventbrite and mark your calendar for Thursday, October 1—good food and a great cause await.

    Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?

    More From AtlantaFi.com:

    Comments Off on Taste Brookhaven Returns October 1: Unlimited Bites, Signature Sips
  • Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens

    Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Pushes Back on Invest Fest

    3 Min Read

    Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has pushed back against criticism from the founders of Earn Your Leisure and its flagship event, Invest Fest, defending the city’s support for Black-owned businesses while highlighting a new $50,000 investment in youth creative programs.

    Invest Fest, the popular three-day financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and pop-culture conference organized by the Earn Your Leisure (EYL) platform, is scheduled to return to Atlanta for a sixth year from August 7-9, 2026, at the Georgia World Congress Center. The event typically draws tens of thousands of attendees (around 20,000–25,000 per day in recent years) for panels, networking, a large vendor marketplace, performances, and discussions on investing, real estate, crypto, AI, and business growth. It has become a major draw for Black entrepreneurs and professionals.

    The friction arose after EYL co-founders Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings appeared on the nationally syndicated Breakfast Club radio show. They described Atlanta as the event’s home for the past six years but said they had “flirted with the idea” of relocating due to what they called a puzzling lack of support from the city.

    Bilal stated, “Atlanta’s done nothing for us,” arguing that the organizers sought practical help with marketing, hotel accommodations, public safety coordination, event logistics, and other resources often extended to larger or more established organizations—not handouts. He noted that Black entrepreneurs sometimes face higher expectations to succeed independently.

    Mayor Dickens responded during a celebration of the city’s third annual Ciara Day. Without naming EYL or Invest Fest directly, he referenced comments “on the radio in New York” about support for Atlanta. He pointed to the event venue (managed by a Black woman) and announced a joint $50,000 investment with Grammy-winning singer, entrepreneur, and Atlanta native Ciara.

    The funds support 10 organizations that mentor young people in music, film, fashion, technology, sports, dance, education, and leadership, providing scholarships, equipment, training, and other resources. Dickens also highlighted the city’s broader record of supporting Black leadership and businesses, describing Atlanta as “substantial,” “important,” and “consequential.”

    Ciara reinforced the city’s role in her own career, saying Atlanta “played such an important role in shaping who I am both as an artist and as a person” and that its entertainment community gave her opportunities to dream big.

    The Breakfast Club hosts later reacted critically to Dickens’ comments. Charlamagne Tha God noted the show’s wide reach (including Atlanta listeners), while co-host Loren LoRosa expressed surprise, saying conversations between EYL and the mayor’s office had seemed positive. DJ Envy called the mayor’s approach “whack,” arguing that the organizers bring significant value through large-scale community events and were simply seeking comparable partnership support to what other corporations receive.

    City officials have noted Atlanta’s long track record as a top destination for conventions, tourism, and supporting organizations. Invest Fest has previously received visible city involvement, including joint announcements with Dickens at City Hall in earlier years. As of late July 2026, the event remains scheduled for Atlanta this year, though its long-term location is uncertain pending further discussions. Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson has also publicly signaled interest in leveraging state resources to help keep the event in Georgia.

    The episode underscores ongoing conversations about how cities partner with large-scale, community-driven events—particularly those focused on financial empowerment and Black entrepreneurship—amid Atlanta’s efforts to support local businesses and creative talent.

    Comments Off on Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Pushes Back on Invest Fest
  • Beats on the Beltline

    Atlanta Beltline Weekend Activities: Don’t Miss These Happenings

    8 Min Read

    Summer is in full swing along the Atlanta BeltLine’s multi-use trails, parks, public art, and neighborhood connections. The corridor has settled into classic high-summer mode. Nearly 17 miles of continuous mainline trail are now open following the completion of Southside Trail segments earlier in the year, creating the longest continuous section to date and linking east and west sides more seamlessly.

    Atlanta BeltLine Weekend Activities (August 2026)

    Expect warm evenings, peak trail traffic on weekends (families, dogs, and cyclists), and plenty of spontaneous people-watching.

    Expect warm-to-hot evenings, peak weekend trail traffic (families, dogs, cyclists, and visitors), free and low-cost fitness, guided tours highlighting art and history, buzzing markets and patios, and ongoing public art activations. New murals by local artists are going up this summer (expected to wrap by late August) as part of the annual Atlanta BeltLine Art exhibition.

    Pro tips: Wear comfortable shoes and strong sun protection, bring plenty of water, check the weather, and always verify the latest details (exact fitness class times, run-club meeting spots, and any changes) on beltline.org/events. Bike and scooter rentals are widely available near major trailheads. Popular stretches like the Eastside Trail (Ponce City Market to Krog Street Tunnel) and Westside/Southwest Trail remain well-used and illuminated for evenings. The newly completed Southside Trail around Pittsburgh Yards offers fresh exploration opportunities.

    Friday Evenings: Wind Down with Trail Exploration

    Use the weekdays for quieter exploration, evening strolls or jogs, and structured experiences.

    Use weekdays and Friday evenings for quieter strolls, jogs, or structured experiences before the weekend crowds peak.

    • Atlanta Beltline Insider’s Walking Tour (BiteLines): Multiple dates throughout August, including Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays such as August 5–7, 12–14, 19–21, and 26–28 (typically 10:00–11:30 a.m.). These guided walks cover street art, history, Tiny Doors ATL, and local flavor, usually starting near Ponce City Market/Eastside Trail and finishing with food hall tips. Adult tickets around $39; kids discounted.
    • Thursday Run Club (Atlanta BeltLine Partnership + Atlanta Track Club): Every Thursday year-round. Gather ~6:15 p.m., runs/walks start ~6:30 p.m. Options of 2 or 4 miles at all paces; dog-friendly. Locations rotate (Eastside, Westside, Southside near spots like Lewis Barbecue, breweries, or trail access points). Post-run socializing. Check beltline.org or Atlanta Track Club for the exact weekly meetup.
    • Ongoing free/low-cost fitness & wellness: Expanded programming continues with yoga, movement, strength, dance, skating, and more in parks and along the corridor (Pittsburgh Yards, Historic Fourth Ward Park, Grant Park, Washington Park, Lee + White, Lang-Carson Park, and others). Examples in early August include Walk with Ease, Self-Ease Yoga, Magic Movement, FitSquad, Zumba with Tiara, Skate and Werk, Reynoldstown Yoga Reset, and more. Register or check schedules via beltline.org—no membership required.

    Friday evenings are ideal for illuminated trails, brewery patios (Lee + White district, Monday Night Garage area), or a casual roll past public art.

    Saturday & Sunday: Peak Activity, Fitness, and Community

    Weekends draw families, pets, and visitors. Rent bikes or scooters at trail stations or enjoy a leisurely walk. Mornings favor active pursuits; afternoons bring markets, vendors, and relaxation.

    Weekends draw the biggest crowds—families, pets, and visitors. Rent bikes or scooters at trail stations. Mornings favor active pursuits; afternoons bring markets, vendors, patios, and relaxation.Fitness & Wellness Highlights (Recurring and Free/Low-Cost)
    Self-Ease Yoga, Magic Movement, FitSquad, King of Pops Yoga, Rhythm Roll/Forever Fit-style classes, and others continue at Pittsburgh Yards, Grant Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park, Washington Park, Lee + White, and more. Schedules update regularly on beltline.org. Additional options include photography meetups, nature/arboretum walks, skate sessions, and junior programs.Guided Tours & Special Experiences

    • Food & Street Art Tours (Bitelines and similar): Regular Saturdays (e.g., ongoing into late August) with tastings, murals, and local bites focused on the Eastside Trail/Krog Street area. discoveratlanta.com
    • Tree/Arboretum tours, including Sunset Tree Tour: Eastside BeltLine Arboretum (e.g., early August evenings starting near Inman Perk Coffee).
    • Bike tours: Southwest and Northwest BeltLine Bike Tours on select Saturdays (e.g., early and mid-August dates from Pittsburgh Yards or PATH parking). Registration typically required. beltline.org
    • Barks & Bites: Beltline Doggie Crawl: Select Sundays (including multiple August dates such as Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30). Dog-friendly restaurant crawl with special pup dishes, “barkaritas,” pet boutique stops, swag, and a portion of proceeds supporting local rescues. Starts near Krog Street Market area; tickets around $69 for adult + dog. discoveratlanta.com

    Recent/Notable August Note: The inaugural Southside BeltLine 8K/3K (part of the Race the Loop series with Atlanta Track Club) took place August 1 at Pittsburgh Yards on the newly completed Southside Trail—celebrating the expansion with options for runners, walkers, strollers, and dogs.

    Top Activities for Any Weekend

    1. Stroll or Roll the Trails — Free and open 24/7.
      • Eastside Trail: Busiest and most vibrant—coffee at Muchacho or similar, brunch spots, dense public art, skyline views, and connections to Piedmont Park/Ponce City Market/Krog.
      • Westside/Southwest Trail: Quieter and scenic past Lee + White breweries and industrial-chic spots.
      • Southside Trail: Freshly expanded continuous section around Pittsburgh Yards—great for exploring newer segments and connecting east-west.
        Pro tip: Bike/scooter rentals make covering more ground easy.
    2. Eat, Drink, and People-Watch — Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market for patios, seasonal menus, and views. Nearby breweries, pop-ups, live music, and trail-adjacent spots. Dog-friendly options abound (including the recurring Barks & Bites crawl).
    3. Relax, Reflect, and Appreciate Art — Family walks, leashed dog strolls, chats with friends. Admire (and watch the progress of) new murals and the permanent/temporary public art collection. Low-key photography or nature time amid summer greenery in the linear arboretum and connected parks.
    1. Stroll or Roll the Trails — Free and open 24/7.
      • Eastside Trail: Busiest and vibrant—coffee at Muchacho, brunch spots, art, and skyline views.
      • Westside Trail: Quieter, scenic past Lee + White breweries like Monday Night Garage.
      • Pro tip: Bike/scooter rentals help cover more ground.
    2. Eat, Drink, and People-Watch
      • Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market for patios, seasonal menus, and views.
      • Nearby breweries, pop-ups, live music, or trail-adjacent spots.
      • Barks & Bites doggie crawls or family-friendly options.
    3. Relax and Reflect
      • Family walks, dog strolls (on leash), or chats with friends.
      • Admire ever-changing public art installations.
      • Low-key photography or nature appreciation amid summer blooms.

    Why the Beltline This Season?

    It’s Atlanta’s community heartbeat—connecting dozens of neighborhoods with green space, art, fitness, food, and energy while drawing millions of visits yearly.

    August offers peak summer vibes with structured free programs, guided experiences, and plenty of spontaneous fun after the World Cup rush. Bundle lightly for hot days and cooler evenings, stay hydrated, and respect trail etiquette (especially with higher volumes of users and pets).For the most current calendar, fitness schedules, tour bookings, and any pop-ups or changes, always check beltline.org/events and related partner sites. Have a great time on the trails this August!

    Guided Tours & Specials:

    1. Sunday Wind-Down

    Appreciate the ever-changing public art installations—Atlanta’s open-air gallery. Pet-friendly sections welcome dogs on leash.Top Activities for the Weekend1. Stroll or Roll the TrailsThe BeltLine is free and open 24/7.

    • Eastside Trail: Busiest and most vibrant—coffee at Muchacho, brunch nearby, then art and skyline views.
    • Westside Trail: Quieter, scenic past Lee + White and breweries like Monday Night Garage.
    • Pro tip: Bike/scooter rentals make it easy to cover ground.

    2. Eat, Drink, and People-Watch

    • Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market: Patios, seasonal menus, and views.
    • Nearby breweries and pop-ups for live music or casual bites.
    • Rooftop or trail-adjacent patios for relaxed vibes.

    3. Relax and Reflect

    • Family walks, dog strolls, or chats with friends.
    • Spot Art on the BeltLine installations.
    • Low-key photography or nature appreciation amid spring/summer blooms.

    More Events – FIFA World Cup Energy Builds

    June shifts into high gear with Atlanta BeltLine Fest, a multi-weekend celebration tied to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ (matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium).

    What To Expect:

    • Atlanta BeltLine Fest at Pittsburgh Yards (Southside Trail, starting around mid-June, e.g., weekends like June 13–July 15 window, with key dates such as June 20–21): Vendor marketplace, food trucks, live music/DJ sets, soccer clinics, kids’ activities, cultural activations, field games, and World Cup watch parties. Free and family-friendly.
    • Continued Food & Street Art Tours (multiple June dates).
    • Ongoing free fitness classes, walking tours, and pop-ups across the trails.
    • Neighborhood tie-ins like Virginia-Highland Summerfest (early June) and Juneteenth events, with BeltLine connections.

    The trails will feature more live performances, markets, and “watch-party vibes” during match days—ideal for global visitors and locals.

    Final Word

    It’s Atlanta’s community heartbeat—connecting neighborhoods with green space, art, and energy while drawing millions yearly. Late May offers perfect shoulder-season balance before June’s World Cup festivities.

    Bundle up lightly for evenings if needed, stay hydrated, and enjoy! For real-time updates, visit beltline.org/events. Have a great May/June, Atlanta! More from AtlantaFi.com: Check related guides on outdoor activities, moving to Georgia, or neighborhood festivals.

    Comments Off on Atlanta Beltline Weekend Activities: Don’t Miss These Happenings
  • Rick Jackson Invest Fest

    In Nod to Black Businesses, Georgia GOP Candidate Rick Jackson Courts Invest Fest

    4 Min Read

    ATLANTA — Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson on Friday signaled his interest in leveraging state resources to keep Invest Fest, one of Atlanta’s major annual financial literacy and entrepreneurship events, rooted in Georgia, as part of a broader push to expand his appeal among Black voters.

    In a post on social media site X late Friday, Jackson praised the event’s track record and economic impact after five years in the state.

    Georgia GOP Candidate Rick Jackson Courts Invest Fest

    “The world just witnessed what was possible in Georgia when the state works with its local partners to ensure important events are able to be held safely and to the benefit of our economy,” Jackson wrote. “Invest Fest has proven for five years to be of great benefit to not just those who attend and learn how to start or grow a business, but also to the local vendors who feed, house, and support our visitors from across the country. I would be very interested in learning how, as governor, the state would be able to work to help keep Invest Fest here in Georgia.”

    Invest Fest is returning to Atlanta for a sixth year but that its long-term future in the city is uncertain.

    Invest Fest, organized by the Earn Your Leisure platform founded by Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, is scheduled for Aug. 7-9 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

    Read up on Invest Fest: What to know about the Atlanta event.

    The three-day event blends investing education, entrepreneurship panels, a large vendor marketplace, performances and networking, drawing tens of thousands of attendees focused on wealth-building, real estate, crypto, AI, stocks and business growth. It has become a significant draw for Black entrepreneurs and professionals.

    Jackson’s comments come amid recent public friction between the event’s organizers and city leadership. In a recent interview, Bilal and Millings said Atlanta had not provided the level of support they expected over the years and acknowledged they had “flirted with the idea” of moving the conference, while emphasizing its grassroots roots and economic value.

    Mayor Andre Dickens pushed back against the criticism, defending the city’s record of supporting Black businesses and announcing a $50,000 investment in organizations that mentor young creatives.

    Jackson, a self-made healthcare staffing billionaire who rose from foster care and Atlanta public housing, won the GOP nomination in a June runoff after defeating Trump-endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. He faces former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, the Democratic nominee, in the Nov. 3 general election.

    The Invest Fest statement fits a pattern of deliberate outreach by Jackson’s campaign to Black voters, a traditionally Democratic-leaning bloc in Georgia. Shortly after securing the nomination, one of his early stops was at Barber’s Inc. on Old National Highway in College Park, a majority-Black city, where he met with dozens of residents.

    Georgia Governor candidate Rick Jackson visits soul food spot on Old National Highway.

    Attendees said Jackson discussed improving access to capital for Black business owners and expressed openness to grants and loans targeted at Black entrepreneurs. His campaign later clarified that he would “consider” such a program while emphasizing a broader commitment to resolving capital access barriers.

    Campaign spokesperson Garrison Douglas has described the outreach as central rather than secondary: “His outreach is not an afterthought, but a significant part of the campaign’s efforts to ensure Georgia voters who have felt left behind and ignored by the status quo know that Rick Jackson is going to fight and win big for them, no matter their ZIP code.” The team includes several Black Republicans, among them former Kemp press secretary Douglas, who previously worked on Black outreach for the Republican National Committee.

    Jackson has also visited other Black-owned businesses, drawing both support and criticism. Some Black Republicans have praised his personal story of overcoming hardship as resonant, while others have cautioned that close alignment with President Trump’s agenda could limit gains among Black voters, particularly women.

    Invest Fest’s organizers have not publicly responded to Jackson’s post. The event remains scheduled for Atlanta this year, and tickets are on sale. Whether state-level engagement under a potential Jackson administration would materialize—or prove decisive in retaining the conference long-term—remains to be seen. With early voting months away, both campaigns are expected to intensify efforts in metro Atlanta’s diverse communities.

    Comments Off on In Nod to Black Businesses, Georgia GOP Candidate Rick Jackson Courts Invest Fest
  • One Musicfest tickets Atlanta

    ONE Musicfest Cancels 2026 Edition to Reimagine the Festival

    2 Min Read

    Atlanta’s long-running ONE Musicfest is sitting out 2026. The 16-year-old event, known for mixing established stars with rising talent, announced it is pausing this year’s edition to rethink its approach and develop a refreshed version.

    Organizers said the break will allow them to move beyond repeating the same format and instead create “the next iteration” with new experiences, energy, and ideas.

    ONE Musicfest Cancels 2026 Festival

    In their statement, they noted that the festival has always aimed to push culture forward and bring generations together rather than simply stage another music event.

    What started with about 1,500 attendees has grown into an annual gathering of more than 100,000 people. Founder Jason “J” Carter has previously highlighted the festival’s focus on uniting legends and emerging artists—an approach reflected in the 2025 lineup that featured Future, the Dungeon Family, Jazmine Sullivan, Kehlani, Ludacris, Leon Thomas, Clipse, Doechii, Chief Keef, Mary J. Blige, and others.

    The festival’s full statement reads:

    “For 16 years, ONE Musicfest has never been content to just throw another music festival. We’ve pushed culture forward, brought generations together, and built something that didn’t exist before we created it. That same commitment to innovation is why we’re pausing ONE Musicfest in 2026.

    Rather than produce the same festival we’ve done in the past, we’re taking this year to build the next iteration of ONE Musicfest with the same bold vision and a commitment to giving you the very best.

    What began with 1,500 music lovers at our very first festival has grown into a homecoming for more than 100,000 people each year. That’s because of you. We never take that for granted.

    We’re spending this year reimagining what’s next. New experiences, new energy, new ideas worthy of what this community has built together.

    To every artist, fan, and supporter who made ONE Musicfest what it is: thank you.”

    No return date has been announced yet, but the organizers made clear they plan to come back with a reimagined version of the Atlanta homecoming.

    Check out our Atlanta Festival Guide.

    More From AtlantaFi.com:

    Comments Off on ONE Musicfest Cancels 2026 Edition to Reimagine the Festival
  • Hamilton review in Atlanta.

    Hamilton is returning to Atlanta for a Limited Run

    4 Min Read

    The Tony Award-winning musical, the first show of the 2026/2027 Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta season, returns to the historic Midtown venue as part of its North American tour.

    Hamilton is Coming To Atlanta for a Limited Engagement

    Performances run roughly two weeks, with typical scheduling of evening shows midweek (often 7:30 p.m.), matinees and evenings on weekends, and specific times listed on the Fox Theatre site (including afternoon and evening options on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays).

    About the Show

    Hamilton is the epic saga of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, tracing his rise from immigrant origins through the American Revolution, his role as the nation’s first Treasury Secretary, and the personal and political conflicts that shaped early America. Based on Ron Chernow’s biography, it features a groundbreaking score by Lin-Manuel Miranda that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and traditional Broadway styles.

    Directed by Thomas Kail with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision/orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, the production has been seen by more than 28 million people worldwide.

    It has earned 11 Tony Awards, a Grammy, Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a special Kennedy Center Honors citation. The touring production (sometimes noted in association with the Angelica Company) continues to draw audiences with its high-energy storytelling, diverse casting, and cultural impact on theater, education, and popular culture.

    Venue and Tickets

    The Fox Theatre (660 Peachtree Street NE) is a landmark Atlanta venue known for its opulent architecture and strong track record hosting major Broadway tours. Doors typically open about an hour before curtain.

    Tickets have been on sale since mid-June 2026 and remain available through the official channels: foxtheatre.org/hamilton, the Fox Theatre box office, or by phone at 855-285-8499. Face-value prices have generally ranged from about $51.75 to $239, with a limited number of premium seats around $277 (All-In pricing that includes certain fees). A

    lottery for 40 $10 seats per performance has been offered, with details announced closer to the run. Official sources strongly recommend buying through authorized outlets to avoid inflated or counterfeit tickets from secondary markets.

    Group sales options are available for parties of 10 or more. The show’s runtime is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes including intermission; it is generally recommended for ages 10 and up due to thematic content and language.

    Why It Matters for Atlanta

    This engagement marks another high-profile return of the cultural phenomenon to the city, following earlier visits, and kicks off a strong Broadway in Atlanta season that also includes other major titles. For both longtime fans and first-time viewers, the September 2026 dates offer a chance to experience the production live in one of the South’s premier theaters. Demand is expected to remain high, so checking availability early is advised.

    For the most current performance schedule, seating maps, and ticket status, visit the official Fox Theatre or Hamilton tour pages. The production continues its national tour after Atlanta, with subsequent stops planned in cities such as Birmingham and Orlando.

    Fortunately, there are other ways and venues to enjoy live music in Atlanta. Our Atlanta Live Music Guide lets you know every week and each fun-filled weekend who’s playing and where.  

    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!

    Read more AtlantaFi.com stories:

    Comments Off on Hamilton is returning to Atlanta for a Limited Run