Foodie festivals dominate the list of family fun from this weekend until next. From barbecue to baklava, you could ramble all weekend and never taste the same thing twice.
When you get tired of eating, pop into the LakeFest for art and conversation, or check out the movies at Out on Film.
Bookmark this guide from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and let it be your guide to this weekend and next.
Taste of Chamblee
The Taste of Chamblee has become a local favorite. The September street festival will have something for everyone — a car show, food, live entertainment, art, a beer garden and a kids area.
This event is free and co-sponsored by the Chamblee Business Association and the city of Chamblee. Proceeds benefit the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation. The foundation provides eyeglasses, eye surgeries and hearing aids to Georgians in financial need.
Noon-6 p.m. Sept 28. Free admission, charges for food and drink. At the corner of Peachtree and Broad, Chamblee. www.tasteofchamblee.com.
Shelia M. Poole
The Whole Hawg Happenin’ BBQ and Music Fest
The family-friendly event features food, music, kids’ activities, live entertainment and a barbecue contest. VIP tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and younger and $15 for seniors 55 and older, and include a plate of barbecue from Pit Boss BBQ, beverages, access to a retreat area with big-screen televisions, leather sofas and “VIP bathrooms,” a silent auction and a photo of you enjoying all the swank amenities. Otherwise, sample barbecue for 50 cents to $5 per serving, varying by vendor.
11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 29 on the Marietta Square. 678-981-6340, www.wholehawgbbqfest.com.
Jennifer Brett
Atlanta Greek Festival
For all the tastes, sounds and traditions of Greece, head over to the Atlanta Greek Festival. Hosted by the Annunciation Cathedral and the Atlanta Greek community, the festivities promise all things Greek from food to dance performances to a continuous stream of live music.
5-10 p.m. Oct. 3; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 4 and 5; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 6. $5 adults. Free for children age 12 and under and seniors 65 and over. Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2500 Clairmont Road N.E., Atlanta. 404-633-5870, www.atlantagreekfestival.org.
Gracie Bonds Staples
Out on Film
An eight-day cinematic tour of more than 20 films about gay lives, culture and identity. One of the oldest LGBT film festivals in the country.
Oct. 3-10. Films at various times. Individual tickets start at $10.50, with packages available. Landmark Midtown Art Cinema, 931 Monroe Drive, Atlanta. 404-296-3807, www.outonfilm.org.
Christopher Quinn
Pine Lake’s LakeFest
One of the best little arts festivals in metro Atlanta is situated between Decatur and Stone Mountain, and celebrates handmade fine arts and crafts, great music, local talent, and community spirit. This intimate and highly interactive event includes more than 40 artist vendors, Health and Wellness vendor row, live music, a sand sculpture contest, chalk art contest, pet show, and FLOATZILLA — a floating parade of wildly decorated watercraft. Adding to the unique festival experience, a variety of “conversation coves” or outdoor living rooms offer comfortable seating and a place to relax, eat, and chat with artists and other festivalgoers.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 5, with an additional free concert by Tommy Dean (League of Decency) and friends, 6-8 p.m. alcohol available for sale; noon-5 p.m. Oct. 6, with a street dance to close out the festival. Free. Pine Lake Beach & Park, 4575 Lakeshore Drive, Pine Lake. 404-683-0597, www.pinelakefest.com.
Gracie Bonds Staples
About the Author
