Some of Atlanta’s most infamous locations are also hosts to some of the city’s best 21-and-over events. From the High Museum to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, you can enjoy your drink with a twist of acclaimed art or exotic plants. Check out these five cocktail events for the perfect evening getaway or date night this summer. All events are exclusively for guests aged 21 and older.
Fernbank After Dark at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History: On the second Friday of each month, the Fernbank opens from 7 to 11 p.m. for guests to experience the museum's exhibitions, live music, and films with a drink in hand. This summer, Fernbank After Dark guests also have after-hours access to WildWoods, an outdoor exhibit that takes you along a treetop terrace.
On July 14, the theme is Arts & Science Series II and will feature interactive demonstrations that highlight the crossroad of art and science. On Aug. 11, the theme is Ecology + Mixology. Guests can learn about eco-friendly beer brewing from experts at Terrapin Beer Co., Urban Tree Cidery and SweetWater Brewing Co.
$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers; add a film at the Giant Screen Theater to your ticket for $5 more. A cash bar and tapas menu are available. 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta. 404-929-6300, www.fernbankmuseum.org/explore/fernbank-after-dark/.
Contemporary Cocktails at the Atlanta Contemporary: Every Thursday, the Atlanta Contemporary art museum opens from 6 to 8 p.m. to make happy hour a little bit educational by showcasing a variety of speakers.
On July 20, Sandra Bloodworth, director of New York City’s Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Art & Design, will discuss integrating aesthetics into the transportation environment through public arts administration, design and preservation services. Cocktails will be served by local bartender Ryan Treadwell, who is the mixologist-in-residence for July.
Admission is free. There will be a cash bar. 535 Means St. NW, Atlanta. 404-688-1970, www.atlantacontemporary.org/events/programs/contemporary-cocktails.
Cocktails in the Garden at the Atlanta Botanical Garden: From 6 to 10 p.m. each Thursday through Sept. 28, guests can explore the garden — including "The Curious Garden" exhibit, which is open through Oct. 29 — while enjoying a specialty cocktail from the cash bar, live music, and themed games and activities.
$21.95; free for members; guest passes are accepted. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-876-5859, www.atlantabg.org/visit/events/cocktails-in-the-garden.
Friday Nights at the High Museum: Atlanta's prestigious art museum hosts two Friday night cocktail events. From 6 to 10 p.m. on the first Friday of every month, the High invites you to celebrate your inner artist at its after-hours gallery talks, tours and drop-in art making alongside live performances and drinks.
The High also opens for Friday Jazz from 6 to 10 p.m. on the third Friday of each month. On July 21, it will feature performances from Joe Gransden; and on Aug. 18, it will host the Henry Conerway III Trio with Kenny Banks Jr., Kevin Smith and special guest Tony Hightower.
Free with museum admission ($14.50 for nonmembers, free for members) and includes access to all galleries and current special exhibitions. There will be a cash bar. 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-733-4400, www.high.org/Program/friday-nights/.
Sips Under the Sea at the Georgia Aquarium: Who said the aquarium was only for kids? From 7 to 10 p.m. Aug. 4, step into an underwater world for a glowing edition of the monthly Sips Under the Sea event — the Glow Party. Guests should dress in all white or neon colors to glow while sipping on cocktails and enjoying tapas.
General admission is $28.95 for nonmembers and $19.95 for members; VIP admission is $48.95 for nonmembers and $24.95 for members, and includes two food tickets and two drink tickets. A cash bar and food menu are available for all guests. 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta. 404-581-4000, www.georgiaaquarium.org/experience/explore/events/sips-under-the-sea.
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