One of the major reasons the Atlanta Jazz Festival is such a big draw is the location. Piedmont Park is the city’s largest public park and is a gorgeous space for a concert series. The green trees and man-made lake create a beautiful backdrops for such a uniquely rich art form as jazz, and this year’s line-up is sure to bring thousands of newcomers into the flock.

In addition to listening to great musicians and enjoying the scenic qualities of Piedmont Park, attendees can also partake in some amazing food, art, jewelry and other local fare. Some attendees prefer to pack their own basket with food and drinks (no glass containers) and other delicious treats as this outdoor concert is the ideal setting to spread out a blanket and relax with friends and family.

For those jazz enthusiasts who want to expose children to this unique cultural art form, there is a Kidzone which offers up activities and other interactive games that keep children entertained and introduce them to the powers of jazz music while attending the festival.

An interesting fact about the Atlanta Jazz Festival is that it actually takes place for thirty-one days during the month of May. There are numerous activities such as jazz educational workshops, classes and special concerts that take place around the city all coming to an exciting climax during the weekend long concert on Memorial Day weekend.

The Atlanta Jazz Festival is a glorious celebration of art, music, culture and food near the heart of Downtown Atlanta.

Dates:
11am to 11pm
May 26-28, 2012

Location:
Piedmont Park

Cost:
Free and open to the public

Directions

BY CAR
Parking in and around the park is very limited. Park visitors are strongly encouraged to utilize public transportation. I

By MARTA
Midtown Station – take 10th Street towards Peachtree Street and continue on 10th until you reach Piedmont Avenue. Turn left on Piedmont Avenue and walk two blocks to the 12th and 14th Street gates of Piedmont Park. (or you can continue walking on 10th Street and the park will soon be on your left side).

Arts Center Station – head south on West Peachtree street for one block. Head east (go left) on 14th Street for three blocks until you reach the 14th Street entrance to the Park.

MARTA bus Route 27 (Monroe Dr./Lindbergh) and Route 36 (North Decatur) run by Piedmont Park.

For additional information, please call MARTA at (404) 848-4711.

BIKE/ON FOOT
Park entrances open to pedestrians and cyclists include:
- Park Drive Bridge (access Park Drive from Monroe Drive)
- 10th Street & Charles Allen (park runs along 10th Street from just west of Monroe Drive on 10th Street to a block short of Piedmont Avenue & 10th Street)
- Piedmont Avenue & 12th Street
- Piedmont Avenue & 14th Street

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY
The following park entrances are wheelchair accessible: 12th Street Gate; 14th Street Gate; Charles Allen Drive Gate; Park Drive.

For more information, please call (404) 546-6820.

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The Atlanta Veterans Day Parade starts at 11:11am and begins on Peachtree Street south of Ralph McGill/Ivan Allen Blvd. The parade will proceed south on Peachtree Street, turn right on Baker towards Centennial Olympic Park, making a left at COPD towards CNN Center and Philips Arena. The parade’s reviewing stand will be at the corner of Baker Street and COPD, near The World of Coca Cola and the Georgia Aquarium.

The 2011 Freedom Ball starts at 6pm that same evening at the Oceans Ballroom of the Georgia Aquarium. Master of ceremonies is Wes Sarginson of WXIA-TV Atlanta “11Alive”. WWII themed ceremonies including the swing era music of Les Still Band are planned for the evening honoring our WWII Veterans with James Madio and Ross McCall as guest speakers. Besides, being passionate about recognizing the sacrifices and actions of our World War II Veterans, Mr. Madio and Mr. McCall both serve on the board of the World War II Foundation. Space is limited, so register early at www.gavetsdayparade.org or contact Judy Humphries at jhumphries@cobbcounty.org.

For additional information, please contact GVDPA President, Kevin Miller at (404) 518-3551, or email kevin.l.miller@comcast.net.

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Atlanta hosts numerous fun-filled events on Independence Day, but the most anticipated is the Fourth of July Celebration that takes place at Centennial Olympic Park in the heart of Downtown Atlanta. Centennial Olympic Park is also the location for several of the year’s top concert series, special events and other free activities open to the public. Billed as “Atlanta’s Best Fireworks Display,” the Fourth of July celebration is an all day event that draws thousands of visitors and locals to the park to experience festivities, entertainment and food.

Gates open at 2pm and this fun-filled day of celebration features several kid friendly events available such as the Fountain of Rings, which allows children to splash around in a beautiful display of Olympic themed waterworks. For those attendees who prefer to stay dry, there are arts and crafts, face painting, stilt walkers and performances which are sure to keep everyone in great spirits.

Around four in the afternoon, the free musical entertainment begins with von Grey, a group of four sisters, 12 instruments, family-harmonies, and captivating performances. At 5pm, a performance by The Regulars follows. The Regulars Band is a touring Atlanta band that has been together since 2005. And then a performance at 6:30 p.m. from theKey. The opposite of your typical rock band, theKey is university educated, classically trained and fully capable of doing their own taxes. As the sun sets at 8:30 p.m. is Crystal Bowersox. Her humble beginnings and passion for music have driven the 25-year old to become one of the most recognized young voices in America. Just as this popular concert ends, attendees can sit back and experience the best fireworks in Atlanta as they explode in rhythm with patriotic and popular music.

Date:
Monday, July 4, 2011
Festivities planned rain or shine.

Schedule:
Park gates open at 2pm for children’s activities in the south end of the Park around the Fountain of Rings, including arts and crafts, face painting, performances, inflatables, stilt walkers and more! The 6:30 and 9pm Fountain of Rings shows will be canceled.

The free music entertainment begins at 4pm:
Park gates open at 2pm
4pm – von Grey
5pm – The Regulars
6:30pm – theKey
8:30pm – Crystal Bowersox
Fireworks Spectacular – Atlanta’s best fireworks display synchronized to a special selection of patriotic and popular music.

MARTA:
MARTA is strongly encouraged for transportation. Exit the West Line at the Philips Arena/Dome/GWCC Station (W-1) or exit the North Line at Peachtree Center (N-1), and follow the signs to Centennial Olympic Park.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.centennialpark.com/index.php/plan-your-visit/event-calendar/springsummer-events/4th-of-july

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Make a bang this Fourth of July atop of the world’s largest aquarium with the “Red, White & Brew” barbecue! Enjoy the best seat in Atlanta for the Centennial Olympic Park firework celebration along with a beer fest highlighting various local and national brews.

Experience Independence Day like never before with Jim & Nick’s barbecue and live music provided by The Yacht Rock Revue. The celebration will take place on the top floor of the parking deck, offering unparalleled views of Atlanta’s most magnificent fireworks display, from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and tickets are $45 per person. Proceeds benefit Georgia Aquarium’s education initiatives.

Date:
Monday, July 4, 2011

Time:
6pm – 10:30pm

Address:
Georgia Aquarium, parking deck rooftop
357 Luckie Street, NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

Event Website:
http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/explore-the-aquarium/events-and-programs/redwhitebrew.aspx

For more information, please call (404) 581-4000.

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“We aim to set the bar for German cuisine in Atlanta and create a fun, authentic experience,” comments Brian Bullock, managing partner of Der Biergarten. “We’ve immersed ourselves in German culture and cuisine to ensure that every aspect evokes emotions of a European experience. Guests will even find that many of our servers are bi-lingual, speaking both German and English.”

Chef Don Diem leads the culinary team at Der Biergarten, and the authentic German menu features Brats and wursts (German sausages), strudels, pretzels and mustards. Matt Youhess, world-renowned beer expert and well-traveled beer enthusiast, has hand selected an authentic beer library for our Biergarten. Guests can choose from a dozen authentic German draft beers with a rich history, ranging from light to dark and representing various regions of the country. Featured classic German Draft beers include Weihenstephan, crafted by worlds oldest commercial brewery, to Warsteiner and Spaten. Beer will be served in traditional half and one liter steins.

The 7,000-square-foot restaurant features indoor and outdoor Biergarten seating along with multiple flat-screen TV’s, making it an ideal destination for watching European matches. Der Biergarten will also present time-honored German décor including hand-painted trompe l’oeil (illusionistic) murals by Alexi Torres Alonso and a German-manufactured model-railroad that will circle the restaurant.  Der Biergarten will incorporate another important German tradition with celebration of seasonal festivals – from Oktoberfest in the fall to elaborate décor at Holiday.

Co-owner Wolfgang Hartert, a local resident and native of Germany, was central to bringing this concept to Atlanta. “Atlanta needs a restaurant like Der Biergarten,” notes Wolfgang Hartert. “The significant German population and German business community in Atlanta is begging for an authentic dining experience. As a German-native, I know that Der Biergarten will provide Europeans, just like me, with a place to share the rich heritage of Germany with American friends.”

Bullock and Hartert are working hard to insure that Der Biergarten becomes the Luckie Marietta District’s next icon, as it serves locals as well as visitors to the area’s many tourist, cultural, sports and convention facilities.

Address:
Der Biergarten is located a block from the Georgia Aquarium,
300 Marietta Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

Hours:
Monday – Friday from 5pm to midnight
Saturday – Sunday from noon to midnight

Directions:

From the North of Atlanta via I-75 or I-85
Head south on I-75 or I-85 toward Atlanta and take exit 249C – Williams Street
Continue on Williams Street and then turn right on Andrew Young International Blvd
After passing two stop lights, turn right onto Marietta Street and Der Biergarten will be on your Left

From the South of Atlanta via I-75 or I-85
Go North on I-75 or I-85 toward Atlanta and take exit 248C – Andrew Young International Blvd
Veer left onto Andrew Young International Blvd to Marietta Street
Turn right on Marietta Street and Der Biergarten will be on your right

From the West of Atlanta via I-20
Head east on I-20 to I-75 or I-85 North and take exit 248C – Andrew Young International Blvd
Veer left onto Andrew Young International Blvd to Marietta Street
Turn right on Marietta Street and Der Biergarten will be on your left

From the East of Atlanta via I-20
Go west on I-20 to I-75 or I-85 North and take exit 248C – Andrew Young International Blvd
Veer left onto Andrew Young International Blvd to Marietta Street
Turn right on Marietta Street and Der Biergarten will be on your left

Parking:
Parking for patrons is validated and complimentary across the street in the covered deck at 275 Baker.

For more information, please call (404) 521-2728.

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Coming off its 10-year anniversary in 2009, Philips Arena has already hosted sold-out shows for such acts as Black-Eyed Peas, George Strait & Reba McEntire, Jay-Z, John Mayer, Bon Jovi, Alicia Keys, and Nickelback. The rankings include attendance for concerts and other shows hosted by Philips Arena from January 1, 2010, to June 30, 2010.

“Philips Arena makes it possible for live entertainment to be the unforgettable and inspirational experience that it was meant to be,” said Bob Williams, President, Atlanta Hawks and Philips Arena, and Executive Vice President, Atlanta Spirit LLC. “We believe we have one of the pre-eminent sports and entertainment venues in the world, and these rankings reaffirm that millions of guests and artists believe this too.”

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Every summer, there is a week-long event where several of the Downtown Atlanta area restaurants create specialized three course menus for only $25.00 per person not including tip and tax. These menus are one of a kind and will only be available for the duration of the event, which makes the experience unique for each and every attendee.

Some of the restaurants expected to participate this year are: 30 Tables, BLT Steak, Legal Sea Foods, FAB French American Brasserie, Rise Sushi Lounge and No Mas! Cantina to name a few. This event is a great way for foodies and newbies alike to experience the diversity of Downtown Atlanta’s restaurant community without breaking the bank.

Unlike food festivals where one must purchase special tickets or coupons in order to enjoy the festivities, the Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week is simple and easy. All participating restaurants will be offering their special three course menus and attendees just select what they want and the rest is bon-appetite.

Last year’s event was a huge success with more than fifteen restaurants participating offering some of the most inventive menus ever created. The event was so popular, they had to extend Downtown Atlanta’s Restaurant Week past one week and made it three weeks long so more people could enjoy the event.

Downtown Atlanta’s Restaurant Week is a food-lovers paradise and a visitor’s delightful culinary journey through the diversity of cuisine available in Downtown Atlanta.

The 2010 schedule will be posted as soon as it is announced. Below you will find the schedule and information from the 2009 event.

Dates:
July 27 – August 9, 2009

Times:
Lunch and Dinner hours vary by location. Reservations are recommended.

Participating Restaurants (2009):

30 Tables
The Glenn Hotel
110 Marietta St, Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 469-0700

BLT Steak (Bistro Laurent Tourondel)
W Atlanta Downtown
45 Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard
Atlanta, GA 30308

Café Circa
464 Edgewood Ave, Atlanta, GA 30312
(404) 477-0008

F.A.B. – French American Brasserie (formerly Brasserie Le Coze, 1994-2006 at Lenox Mall)
30 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 266-1440

Il Mulino
191 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 524-5777

Legal Sea Foods
275 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
(678) 500-3700

Max Lager’s American Grill & Brewery
320 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 525-4400

No Mas! Cantina
180 Walker St, Atlanta, GA 30313
(404) 215-9708

Paschal’s Restaurant
180 Northside Dr, Atlanta, GA 30314
(404) 525-2023

Peasant Bistro
250 Park Ave W, Atlanta, GA 30313
(404) 230-1724

Rise Sushi Lounge
300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
(404) 477-0947

Social
12 W Peachtree Pl, Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 525-2246

Spoon
768 Marietta St, Atlanta, GA 30318
(404) 522-5655

Terrace on Peachtree
The Ellis Hotel
176 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 523-5155

Thrive
101 Marietta St, Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 389-1000

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During the weekend long festivities that are the Sweet Auburn Festival, attendees have the pleasure of experiencing historic Auburn Avenue at its best. Hundreds of vendors line the streets selling clothes, art, jewelry, bath and body products, books and food. Alongside the vendors are special activity stations where children and adults can enjoy interactive games that engage the mind and the body.

One of the hallmarks of the Sweet Auburn Festival is the amazing variety of entertainment options available. There are five different stages set up in various sections of the three and half block long route which feature a different theme. There is the Just for Women stage, the Calhoun Park stage, the Youth stage, the Dobbs Plaza stage and the Inspirational stage. Attendees can enjoy a wide range of musical and entertainment acts in all five of these stage areas.

This festival is more than buying local wares and watching entertainers perform. The Sweet Auburn Festival offers up various educational expos for those who are seeking knowledge and in depth information regarding various topics such as business and technology, car and bikes, arts and crafts, health and fitness and film and literary fields.

No festival is complete without a healthy offering of food. The Sweet Auburn Festival has that covered with hundreds of food vendors lining up to sell their most flavorful items. From soul food to pizza to Greek food to traditional Southern fare, there are more than enough food choices for even the pickiest of eaters.

The Sweet Auburn Festival is more than a summer weekend festival; it’s a cultural experience that is to be enjoyed by old and young alike.

2011 Dates and Times:
Saturday, May 7 from 11am to 9pm
Sunday, May 8 from 2pm to 9pm

Location:
Historic Sweet Auburn District
Auburn Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30303

Admission:
Free

For more information, please call (404) 399-0886.

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Whether you are a Georgia Renaissance Festival newbie or a seasoned veteran, there is something for everyone at this entertaining festival held just south of Downtown Atlanta. Located in a huge outdoor space, the Georgia Renaissance Festival is set up like a miniature kingdom with three key areas; Olde Town, Royal Highlands and the Queen’s Garden which offer different activities, entertainment and food.

The festival also features themed weekends, which highlight special entertainment or activities that the entire family can enjoy. One of the most popular themed weekends is the Highland Fling weekend, which is a celebration of Irish culture, dance and music. Another popular weekend is the Arrgh! Pirates Weekend, where visitors dress up as their favorite pirate characters and participate in fun pirate themed activities.

One can’t experience the Georgia Renaissance Festival without indulging in the sumptuous food options. Whether you want to experience authentic Renaissance era food by enjoying a giant smoked turkey leg or you simply have a craving for something fried and fabulous, the abundance of delicious food available at the festival is truly a feat in itself.

In addition to the colorfully dressed attendees and the symphony of amusing old world jargon floating through the air, there are plenty of fun rides and games for the children in all of us. Sectioned off according to the three different areas, there are slides, basket toss, rock climbing walls, swinging ships and much more.

With so much to see and do, it comes as no surprise that the Georgia Renaissance Festival is one of the crown jewels of Atlanta’s popular summer festival season.

Dates:
The 2010 Georgia Renaissance Festival takes place on eight different weekends from April 17 through June 6, 2010.

• April 17-18
• April 24-25
• May 1-2
• May 8-9
• May 15-16
• May 22-23
• May 29-31 (Memorial Day)
• June 5-6

Hours:
10:30am to 6pm

Location:
Just minutes south of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
6905 Virlyn B Smith Rd
Fairburn GA 30213

Admission:
Adults $19.95
Senior Tickets (60+) $17.95
Child Tickets (6-12) $8.95
Children 5 and under are free.
All ticket prices include tax.

All entertainment, including the jousting shows and children’s play kingdom and petting zoo, is included with the price of admission. Food, drinks, arts and crafts, souvenirs, games and rides are optional at an additional fee.

Parking:
Free

For more information, call (770) 964-8575.

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Opening Night Location – April 15:
The Carter Center
One Copenhill
453 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30307

Closing Night Location – April 23:
The 14th Street Playhouse
173 14th Street
Atlanta GA 30309

Location for Regular Screenings – April 16-22:
Landmark Midtown Art Cinema
931 Monroe Drive
Atlanta, GA 30308

For more information, please call the Atlanta Film Festival at (404) 352-4225 or visit http://www.atlantafilmfestival.com

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