Atlanta Dogwood Festival
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Festival season is about to be upon us in Atlanta. if you want to be in the mix at all the locales — from Dunwoody to College Park — you need to know what’s going on. Where are the Atlanta festivals this year? We’ve got you.
The only way to know is to check out AtlantaFi’s Atlanta Festival Guide 2018, which features all you need to know about local festivals.
Check Out All Of The 2018 Atlanta Festivals
Come springtime, there’s nothing bigger than the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, and the city’s cinematic force comes out with the Atlanta Film Festival weeks later. Sweetwater 420 Festival guarantees a good time and plenty of good ales and IPAs.
For Memorial day, the Atlanta Jazz Festival bookends the season and welcomes summertime, where several events take center stage. The Great Southern Beer Festival, Piedmont Park Arts Fest and ATL Peach Fest concludes July.
As the weather cools a bit for fall, the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival, One Musicfest and Music Midtown provide the opportunity to see some of the nation’s top music acts right here in Atlanta.
Here are all the Atlanta Festivals for 2018
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ
March 3
Baconfest
March 31
April 13-15
Atlanta Film Festival
April 13–22
Georgia Renaissance Festival
April 14-June 3
Sweetwater 420 Fest
April 20-22
Inman Park Festival
April 27-29
Atlanta Jazz Festival
May 25-27
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
May 31-June 3
HERE ARE MORE ATLANTA FESTIVALS
AJC Peachtree Road race: July 4
Great Southern Beer Fest – July 27 — see details
ATL Peach Fest: July 29 — See details
Piedmont Park Arts Festival: August 18-19
Festival Peachtree Latino – August 26
Summer Shade Festival: August 26 & 27– See music lineup
Taste of Soul Atlanta: August 31 – Sept. 2 – See details
One MusicFest: September 8 and 9 — See the music lineup
Music Midtown: September 15 and 16 — See the music lineup
Art & Soul Festival: September 15 — see details
Imagine Music Festival: September 21-23 — see details
Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade – September 22
Localmotion Festival of the Arts — September 22
Atlanta Audubon Chalk Festival – September 25
Atlanta Flux Projects — September 27-30
KamerFest — September 28-30 see details
FroRibbean Fest — September 29 see details
Fall Festival-Candler Park — September 29 & 30
Atlanta Streets Alive-Midtown — September 30
ATL Cluckfest Fried Chicken Festival: October 6 — see details
Sweet Auburn Music Festival: October 6 – –see details
Atlanta Pride Festival: October 12 -14 — see details
Mobile Movie Makers Youth Festival: October 13 — see details
AFROPUNK’s Carnival of Consciousness October 13 & 14 — see details
Atlanta Vintage Neo Soul, Jazz & Wine Festival: October 14 — see details
Conyers Latin Festival: October 14 — see details
Taste of Atlanta: October 19-21 — see details
Alive Festival & Taste of BBQ: October 20 — see details
Festival On Ponce: October 20 & 21 — see details
Atlanta World Kite Festival: October 27
Harvest Balloon Festival: October 27 — see details
Letters Festival: November 9 — see details
Butcher & Brew Fest: November 10 — see details
Atlanta Guaco Taco Fest: November 10 — see details
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.
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Atlanta’s Chicago-style pizza wars are heating back up in a big way. As we told you, Gino’s East recently opened its first Georgia location. The pizza restaurant’s entry into metro Atlanta has been highly anticipated for a number of months.
Gino’s East is located in Midtown Atlanta’s Ponce-Highland section in the base of the 675 N. Highland building and will seat 80 guests. Parking will be free in the 675 N. Highland parking garage.
Gino’s East pizza opens in Midtown Atlanta
Atlantans can expect Gino’s East’s signature golden-crust Chicago-style pies with all the fixings: appetizers, salads, sandwiches. The new #DeepAF pizzas will come with more dough, extra cheese, and double the toppings.
“We couldn’t be more excited to finally announce our ATL opening the first week of December, it’s like an early Christmas present for the Chicago transplants,” Maggie Keeler, marketing director, said in a written statement. “Our Atlanta location will offer a true deep dish experience with a southern twist! I hope the ATL is ready to get #DeepAF.”
Gino’s East comes to Atlanta: Service hours
During the opening week, casual dining service will begin Friday – Saturday from 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. and Sunday – Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. serving dinner only, aiming to add delivery and carry out by the end of December. Gino’s East Atlanta will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and will be open New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
When it comes to restaurants, Atlanta is quickly gaining ground on some of the dining capitals around the United States.
Fast-casual is 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: 5 essential soul food spots in Atlanta
Patrons typically order off a menu board like they would at a burger joint, but the convenience of sitting down to leisurely enjoy their food has made the segment a popular one with the restaurant industry.
The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a fast-caz 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.
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Join Atlanta-area Goddesses at Womb Hang Clan: A live Sister-Circle Goddess Gathering Meetup event!
This group focuses on providing an outlet for Goddesses who are interested in learning how to take action and harness their own womb power, and femininity- AND- those who want to experience the transformational energy that manifests when empowered women of Goddess mindset gather.
Womb Wind, womb-centric movement exercises, yoga, self-care methods will be presented with an emphasis Natural Fibroid Elimination, learning about ancient arts and natural priniciples for Womb Wellness, Fertility and Manifestation of Life Goals.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Learn ancient principles of harnessing your Goddess energy for Womb Wellness.
- Understand your womb and it’s connection to everything in your life.
- Learn and participate in Womb Wind exercises to unleash stagnant Womb Energy
- Explore the art of self-care and put it into practice with purpose for womb detox.
- Share in sisterhood circle exercises to expel negative emotions and toxic womb energy
- Experience the transformational power of healing that manifests when Goddesses gather.
- Receive group guided womb reiki healing.
- Align our energy with our inner divine feminine
- Understand key fundamentals of Natural Fibroid Eliminationand Much More!
If any of the following sound familar, WOMB HANG CLAN is the saced space for YOU:
-Suffering from a form of infertility, Uterine Fibroids, Endometriosis, PCOS..
-Interested in healing womb trauma, and letting-go of negative womb energy
-Searching for ways to feel empowered and affirm your feminine energy
-In need of Natural Alternatives to heal your womb
-In search of sisterhood connection and motivational support
-Interested in radical self-care methods for life mastery and success!
-Interested in healing womb trauma, and letting-go of negative womb energy
-In need of consistent resource to explore SELF LOVE- your spirtiual connection to self, your consciousness and the Divine
-Want to cultivate your own manifestation power.
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.
Read more: The essential bars in Little 5 Points
Food & drink specials: How to eat for cheap in Atlanta EVERY DAY
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If you’ve got the gift of gab and know your way around Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, casting directors on looking for you on Friday, Nov. 2. to be in an upcoming TV series. DO NOT DELAY!
Here are details from the casting call:
- Rate: $8/HR
Date: 11/2/18
Time: EARLY AM(subject to change)
Location: SW Atlanta GA near I201. BEAUTIFUL WOMAN
Appears Ages: 20-30
All ethnicities
Subject: BEAUTIFUL2. SOCIAL MEDIA CUTIE
FEMALE
Appears Ages: 21-25
Appears: ASIAN or LATINO
Subject: SOCIALMust have…
Professional attitude and demeanor
Open availability**NUTS ARE ON SET. IF YOU HAVE NUT ALLERGY DO NOT SUBMIT!!
To be considered send:
1. Name
2. Age
3. Height
4. Weight
5. Phone
6. 3 CURRENT filter free photosSend all of the above info to: LASTEXTRAS@GMAIL.COM
- Rate: $8/HR
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A hotel concept co-founded by Hollywood actor Robert De Niro is coming to Buckhead’s Phipps Plaza, AtlantaFi has learned. The Nobu Hotels brand will grace the 150-room structure in the space formerly occupied by Belk department store.
The hotel will also include a 10,000-square foot Nobu restaurant featuring Japanese restaurant. The space will also have a three-level Life Time fitness athletic club featuring a spa, rooftop pool and kids academy.
The project will be ready to open sometime in 2021, according to The Beck Group, the development’s contractor. The Beck Group notably was hired by Simon to renovate Phipps Plaza’s facade, modernizing it for new tenants.
Deniro: Reels and Restaurant
Beyond the cameras and awards, De Niro has built a thriving hospitality empire that spans the globe. As a co-founder of the Nobu brand and owner of several high-profile eateries, De Niro’s forays into the restaurant world have transformed him into a culinary mogul.
His ventures emphasize luxury, fusion cuisine, and a touch of celebrity glamour, with expansions reaching as far as Atlanta and beyond. This article explores De Niro’s restaurant journey, from its New York roots to international growth, and highlights the anticipated – and realized – impact in the Peach State.
The Origins: Tribeca Grill and the Birth of Nobu
De Niro’s restaurant adventures began in the late 1980s amid the gritty transformation of New York City’s Tribeca neighborhood. In 1990, he partnered with renowned restaurateur Drew Nieporent to open Tribeca Grill, a New American spot housed in the historic Martinson Coffee Factory building, which also served as the home of the Tribeca Film Center.
The restaurant quickly became a hotspot for celebrities and locals alike, featuring innovative dishes, a stellar wine list, and original artwork by De Niro’s father, Robert De Niro Sr. Over its 35-year run, Tribeca Grill hosted high-profile events, including visits from Nelson Mandela and gatherings for the Tribeca Film Festival, which De Niro co-founded.
However, it was De Niro’s discovery of Chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa that would launch his most enduring culinary legacy. In 1988, while dining at Matsuhisa’s Los Angeles restaurant, De Niro fell in love with the chef’s Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, particularly the signature black cod with miso.
For five years, De Niro persistently courted Matsuhisa to collaborate on a New York venture. Finally, in 1994, the trio of De Niro, Matsuhisa, and producer Meir Teper – with Nieporent as operator – opened Nobu New York in Tribeca.
The 150-seat restaurant was a massive hit, drawing A-listers and spawning Nobu Next Door to handle the overflow.What started as a single location has exploded into a global powerhouse. As of 2025, Nobu boasts over 56 restaurants across five continents, blending Nobu’s innovative flavors with sleek, modern design.
De Niro’s vision extended beyond dining; in 2013, the first Nobu Hotel opened at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, followed by 13 more properties worldwide, including sites in Malibu, London, and Manila. The brand’s success is attributed to its commitment to quality and “sense of place,” with each location tailored to its city.
Expansion Elsewhere: Locanda Verde, Ago, and Global Reach
De Niro’s portfolio extends beyond Nobu. In 2007, he became a backer of Locanda Verde, an Italian trattoria at The Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca, helmed by chef Andrew Carmellini.
Known for its house-made pastas and welcoming vibe, the restaurant has been a neighborhood staple. In a nod to New York’s evolving skyline, a second Locanda Verde opened in November 2024 at Hudson Yards, featuring artwork by De Niro Sr. and a more refined “neighborhood tavern” atmosphere.
De Niro has emphasized the site’s personal significance, noting his father’s nearby studio in the area.Earlier ventures include Ago, a Tuscan-inspired restaurant at Miami Beach’s Shore Club, where De Niro was a key investor in the mid-2000s.
The poolside spot offered upscale Italian fare and became a celebrity favorite, though it has since evolved under different management. De Niro’s involvement in these projects reflects his hands-on approach, often drawing from personal connections and a desire to create communal spaces.
The Nobu empire’s international footprint is equally impressive.
Restaurants and hotels dot major cities like London (two locations), Tokyo, Dubai, and Los Angeles, with recent openings in Doha and Perth, Australia. In March 2025, Nobu Hospitality announced a major deal for a hotel, restaurant, and residences in a £360 million skyscraper in Manchester, UK.
Final Word
Future projects include developments in Madrid, Marrakech, and Tel Aviv, showcasing De Niro’s ambition to make Nobu a “destination lifestyle experience.”
There are so many buildings popping up and 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:
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A $450 million mixed-used development featuring residential and business spaces is taking shape in West Midtown. It’s called The Interlock. The project is a partnership from two companies involved at Ponce City Market.
The structure is located at Howell Mill and 14th Street and will feature a stately rooftop that promises to be an architectural wonder. Slater Hospitality Concepts plans to build a one-acre rooftop featuring a private infinity pool and lounge with retractable roof, according to the media release.
Other amenities at The Interlock include a two-story 12,000-square foot restaurant. The concept would be available to members of an exclusive club like those in New York, Chicago and other metropolitan cities.
According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, the Interlock project the inaugural tenant has already signed on: Saint-Germain Bakery, which also has a location at Ponce City Market, will move into a 20,000 square foot space.
The Interlock is scheduled to break ground in November and open in 2020.
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We are back at it again for the 2nd Morningside Wine Walk. This time we will have MORE stations, MORE wine and LIVE music.
The event will be Thursday, November 15, 2018 5:30–7:30 PM EST at Morningside Village 1409 North Highland Avenue Northeast Atlanta, GA 30306.
Spend the evening exploring the shops of Morningside as you taste food and wine from around the world, in the comfort of your own neighborhood.
Each participant will be given a “Passport” to 10+ locations, all within of a block of one another. Each stop will have a generous pouring of wine and/or a tasting of food provided by the local restuarants.
There is a $20 Event Fee with proceeds benefiting the Morningside-Lenox Park Association and Local Farmer’s Market.
Purchase your tickets now as the event tickets ran out last time!
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: The best soul food restaurants in Atlanta -
In what is believed to be a first for Georgia, Atlanta Public Schools is going to let girls play flag football in middle school. The girls’ sport will commence in 2019, APS said.
The move would make APS a pioneer in girls’ football, as only a handful of school districts around the nation offer the sport. All 13 of the school district’s middle schools will have a team next fall, APS said in a news release.
“Atlanta Public Schools is excited to partner with USA Football, ESPN and the Atlanta Falcons to be one of the first school districts in the country to provide another outstanding athletic opportunity through flag football for our middle school girls,” said APS Superintendent Dr. Meria Carstarphen said in a written statement. “I can’t wait to have my first workout with one of our teams!”
“Atlanta Public Schools’ forward thinking will foster increased participation opportunities and positive experiences for a new group of student-athletes, setting a great example for school districts nationwide,” said USA Football CEO Scott Hallenbeck.
APS has the support of local and national sports luminaries in offering girls flag football.
“The Falcons have long appreciated the fan support of girls across our region – now it’s our turn to root for them,” said Vice President, Community Relations, AMBSE Chris Millman was quoted as saying. “We’re happy to support Atlanta Public Schools as the district builds its middle school girls flag program. This continues an exciting trend of girls flag across the greater Atlantaarea and we’re proud to ensure these programs have the budget assistance they need for the good of their student-athletes.”
Read more: The essential bars in Little 5 Points
Food & drink specials: How to eat for cheap in Atlanta EVERY DAY
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As the autumn temperatures come into full effect, that means it’s that time: The Atlanta Gauco Taco Festival 2018 is right around the corner. The event will be held November 10, 2018 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Atlantic Station, 241 20th Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30363.Organizers are expecting more than 5,000 people to show up as there will be mucho live music and margaritas will be on tap for this event. Attendees can enjoy sample size portions priced at $3 from some of Atlanta’s best restaurants.
Atlanta Guaco Taco Fest 2018: Drinks
There will be plenty of delicious beverages to enjoy, but be especially on the lookout for tasty Margaritas, Beer, Wine, Cider, Mimosas, and Vodka drinks.
Atlanta Guaco Taco Fest 2018: Live Music
When it comes to sounds, you’re now rocking with the best. There will be live music from ONE Headlight, and DJ Qtip throughout the day.
Atlanta Guaco Taco Fest 2018: Tickets
General Admission
- Includes Entry and Entertainment
- Food and Drinks will cost extra
$15 Advance, $20 after November 1, $25 day of event
Food samples will be $3 paid directly to restaurant vendors, drinks will be available at our cash bars priced between $6-$9
Bottomless Drinks Tickets
- Includes entry, entertainment, and all drinks from 1pm-4:45pm
- Food will cost extra
$45 Advance, $50 after November 1, $60 day of event
Frist 500 just $35
VIP Tickets
- Includes early entry at 12pm, Unlimited drinks, exclusive VIP area and restrooms, VIP food provided by 101 Concepts in the VIP Tent
$69 Advance, $79 after November 1, (Not available day of event)
First 250 just $55
Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, September 12 at 10am
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: The best soul food restaurants in Atlanta -
If you think apartment rent is already too high in Atlanta, findings from a new study suggest you ain’t seen nothing yet.
Apartment List, an online rental site, commissioned a study recently to show what Amazon’s H2Q project would mean for renters in a handful of cities with legitimate chances of landing the company.
Amazon announced last fall that it would be holding what amounted to sweepstakes to choose its next world-class headquarters. The company is based out of Seattle, Washington.
In addition to Atlanta (and nearby suburb Stonecrest) Denver, D.C., Chicago, Baltimore and Washington have all stepped up to the plate with elaborate proposals.
Pundits say Atlanta has to be the leading choice because the city best fits Amazon’s criteria of amenities, including adequate transit system, and a location within in an hour of an international airport.
The study, which took into account data from the U.S. Census as well as Labor Bureau stats, indicated that most metro areas would see more jobs than housing, which would raise real estate prices.
“We project that Raleigh, N.C., Pittsburgh and San Jose will feel the rent increase the most, while the impact will be smaller in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Dallas,” the study said.
The study’s authors added: “According to Apartment List analysis, rents in Raleigh, San Jose, Baltimore and Pittsburgh will be the most impacted by Amazon choosing to build its HQ2 in their metros, with rents expected to increase by an additional 1 percent or more per year over the next ten years.”
Atlanta was among the cities projected to see a “moderate” increase in apartment rents, characterized by 0.5 to 1 percent, according to the study. Other cities in this lot included Boston, Detroit, Austin, Minneapolis and Denver.
The ATL is seen by experts as the city to beat. In November, Sperling’s BestPlaces, a website dedicated to livability issues named Atlanta as the front-runner in a study of likely HQ2 sites.
“In our Amazon Hyper-Ranking, the metro area of Atlanta is the clear winner, with six 1st-place selections,” the report read. “Atlanta was cited by many studies and articles as being large enough to absorb the expected 50,000 new Amazon workers, being a major air hub, and having a reasonable cost of living.”
