You don't need to wait until summer to enjoy a great festival in Atlanta. Although there's certainly a nip in the air − and maybe a snowflake or two− you'll warm right up with all the excitement, activity and entertainment happening throughout January.
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These wintertime festivals may not bring the heat, but they'll definitely help you break the after-Christmas monotony and keep you from feeling cabin fever.
So, put on a warm coat, gather all your family and friends and get ready for a fun-filled month of festivities.
Here's what's coming up:
Credit: Jessica Gavin/Fan Central Facebook Page
Credit: Jessica Gavin/Fan Central Facebook Page
College Football Playoff Fan Central. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Monday, Jan. 6 to 8. $8 in advance, $10 at the door, free for children ages 12 and under with paying adult. Georgia World Congress Center. 285 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW, Atlanta. www.atlchampgame.com.
Experience an interactive, three-day experience perfect for the whole family January 6th through the 8th at the World Congress Center. The College Football Playoff Fan Central offers hands-on games and clinics, live band performances, celebrity guest appearances, autograph opportunities and pep rallies in celebration of college football.
Credit: Courtesy of NMMA
Credit: Courtesy of NMMA
Progressive Insurance Atlanta Boat Show. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18 to 21. $14 for adults, free for children ages 12 and under with paying adult. Georgia World Congress Center, Hall C. 280 Northside Drive, NW, Atlanta. 404-222-5200. www.atlantaboatshow.com.
If you love hitting the water, or even just dream of owning your own boat, don't miss the Progressive Insurance Atlanta Boat Show mid month. You'll get a chance to see almost 500 boats, pontoons, yachts, kayaks, paddleboards and jet skis, along with live demonstrations, a sailing simulator, DIY workshops, a Kid Zone, vendors and more.
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14th Annual Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting. 2:30 - 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20. $43.50 per person, I.D. required. 1000 Marietta St. NW Atlanta. 404-875-3232. www.classiccitybrew.com.
The Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting event is back, and will set up camp throughout 5 Seasons Brewery and SkyBar on January 20th. Celebrating its 14th season, this evening of sampling will feature around 50 cask-conditioned ales from the states and abroad, as well as delicious 5 Seasons food. Guests will receive a Monday Night Brewing souvenir pint glass to remember the evening.
Callanwolde Arts Festival. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20 to 21. $5 per person. Callanwolde Arts Center. 980 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta. 404-873-1222. www.callanwoldeartsfestival.com.
Instead of shivering in the cold, spend a weekend enjoying a warm, two-day art festival indoors at the Callanwolde Arts Center. This festival created by artists, for artists, will showcase works from over 86 creators featuring sculpture, paintings, metalwork, photography, blown glass, jewelry and more. While you explore the festival, you'll also enjoy gourmet food trucks, live performances, music and demonstrations.
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. Begins Wednesday, Jan. 24. Ticket prices vary. Various locations throughout the Metro. 678-701-6104. www.ajff.org.
The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is back for its 18th year and will feature an unbeatable collection of over 70 films from more than 24 countries. You'll explore a wide range of topics at this 23-day festival beginning January 24th, including religion, women's history and human rights. Guests will get a chance to talk to filmmakers, listen to community leaders and see celebrity guests at this not-to-miss movie fest.
Credit: Jonathan Phillips
Credit: Jonathan Phillips
Atlanta Winter Beerfest. 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27. $40 in advance, $45 after Jan. 19, $55 at the gate. Atlantic Station. 241 20th St. NW, Atlanta. kari@atlantabeerfestivals.com. www.atlantawinterbeerfest.com.
Warm your spirits with friends, fun and a little craft beer at the Atlanta Winter Beerfest taking place at Atlantic Station at the end of the month. Along with wine, cider and over 150 beers from local breweries, guests will enjoy live music, DJ Qtip, dancing and food trucks. Ticket price includes all of your drink samples, entertainment and a free souvenir cup to take home. This event sells out quickly, so buy your tickets early.
7th Annual Oysterfest. 11 a.m. Saturday, noon Sunday, Jan. 27 and 28. $8 per person in advance, $12 at the door, free for children ages 12 and under. Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar Smyrna. 2840 Atlanta Road, Smyrna. 404-754-3211. www.smyrnaoysterfest.com.
Get your appetite ready, because the 7th Annual Oysterfest has all the raw, fried and grilled oysters you could dream of. With a Mardi Gras-style environment and New Orleans-inspired live music playing in the background, you'll find yourself shucking through the night during this two-day foodie festival.
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