Black History Month is coming to an end, but there are still a few more opportunities to learn something new about the experiences and contributions of black people.
This weekend, the Atlanta Hawks are paying homage to African American teams that existed before the NBA racially integrated.
‘Too Heavy for Your Pocket’
The Alliance Theatre continues its tradition of celebrating emerging playwrights with the premiere of Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition winner Jiréh Breon Holder’s “Too Heavy for Your Pocket.”
The play tells the story of two young couples in rural Tennessee during the civil rights movement. Bowzie is hoping to attend Fisk University on a scholarship, but when presented with the idea to become a Freedom Fighter, his future becomes uncertain.
“Too Heavy for Your Pocket” will run from Feb. 4-26. On Feb. 10, the theater will host a Q&A with Holder.
Times vary. Through 26. $10 (teens), $20-$42 (general admission). Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St., Atlanta. Alliancetheatre.org.
Atlanta Fair
The Atlanta Fair returns to Turner Field’s gray lot this weekend.
For 37 years the fair has been offering traditional rides such as the Ferris Wheel, which offers an exhilarating view of the Atlanta skyline, and fair food such as funnel cakes.
Arrive before 10 p.m. to ensure admission.
5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Feb. 24-April 2. $3-$8 (admission, guests taller than 36 inches), $1 (admission, guests shorter than 36 inches), free (admission, children under two years old). $1.25 (individual ride tickets), $25 (unlimited ride armbands).
Oscars
Whether you're watching the Academy Awards at home (with live commentary from the AJC features team), or going out to a viewing party, you'll definitely want to make sure you're tuned into this year's awards show if you hate being left out of Monday morning office chatter.
Feb. 26. Various locations.
Phantom of the Opera
Cameron Mackintosh’s production of the classic musical “Phantom of the Opera” arrived at the Fox Theatre earlier this week and is showing through March 5.
If you’re looking for a play to attend this weekend, look no further.
Times vary. Through March 5. $30-$150. Fox Theatre, 650 Peachtree St., Atlanta. foxtheatre.org.
Atlanta Hawks pay tribute to African-American Basketball Leagues
During halftime of the Atlanta Hawks’ game against the Miami Heat, the Black Fives Foundation will produce a reenactment based on the “Black Fives Era.” The era refers to the time when African Americans formed their own basketball teams prior to the integration of the NBA.
The reenactment will feature authentic artifacts. Storyboards will be placed throughout the arena to further educate attendees.
8 p.m. Feb. 24. $29-$229. Philips Arena, 1 Philips Drive, Atlanta. nba.com/hawks.
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