Hello, local readers. Once again we’re here with your weekend guide, where we share our favorite things to do in and around Atlanta and point out where you can get free stuff along the way. As always, be sure to add anything we missed in the comments.
Bottom’s Up for Crohn’s and Colitis Fundraiser
The Foundry at Puritan Mill. Friday, 7 pm – 11 pm. $50 donation.
Enjoy fine food, a four hour open bar, and live music while raising awareness about Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. There will also be a silent auction (featuring a 3-night stay at a Playa del Carmen condo donated by Pinnacle) at this first annual fundraiser, which Pinnacle’s own Sarah Fell helped to organize. Donations are also welcome online; all proceeds fund research and educational initiatives for Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.
More info and directions.
Ultimate College Game Day Dipping Party
Deadwood Saloon. Saturday, 12pm – 9pm. Free.
Come on out to Deadwood Saloon in Midtown to watch your favorite college teams and get a chance to win some cool Maker’s Mark prizes. The fine people from Maker’s Mark will be giving out 500 wax-dipped shot glasses in the college team colors of your choice. Fans also have the chance to win specialty wax-dipped footballs. So don’t just sit at home and cheer for your teams, head out and celebrate with Deadwood and Maker’s Mark.
More info and directions.
SCAD Atlanta Open Studio Night
SCAD Atlanta. Thursday, 7pm – 9pm. Free and open to the public.
This annual event showcases the best of SCAD painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture with more than 200 original works by Savannah College of Art and Design students, faculty and alumni on display as well as hands-on demonstrations. Artwork on exhibit is available for purchase and free onsite parking is available.
More info and directions.
Sandy Springs Gun Club & Range Grand Opening
Sandy Springs Gun Club & Range. Saturday, 11 am – 6 pm. Free.
The brand new Sandy Springs Gun Club & Range welcomes shooters of all pistol calibers, most rifles, and slug-less shotguns to its grand opening this Saturday. Attendees can enjoy free food, beer, and cocktails in the leather-seated members area, then test their skills in three different ranges, take classes, and try out the Firearms Training Simulator with programmable targets. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to fire an AK-47, this is your chance.
More info and directions.
25th Anniversary of The Color Purple
Rialto Center for the Arts, Georgia State University. Sunday, 7 pm. $20 VIP (includes catered pre-party & movie screening).
This special screening of The Color Purple is presented by Atlanta Film Festival 365 in honor of the film’s 25th anniversary. The pre-screening Q&A session and VIP party are going to be hosted by Willard E. Pugh, who played Harpo in the film, and Margaret Avery, who starred as Shug. The Color Purple was directed by Steven Spielberg and garnered 11 Academy Award nominations. If you have never seen it, this event is a great opportunity to watch the classic movie based on the Pulitzer Prize winning novel.
More info and directions.
High Museum of Art 5 Year Expansion Anniversary
High Museum of Art. Friday, 5 pm – 10 pm. Free.
To celebrate the five year anniversary of the High’s 2005 Renzo Piano expansion, the Museum will open its doors to the public for five hours this Friday evening. During the celebration, visitors will have access to any and all of the Museum’s exhibits, including Dalí: The Late Work, where they will be among the first to see Dalí’s most famous painting, Persistence of Memory (which goes on display to the public at 10 a.m. Friday morning). The first 500 visitors will also receive free cupcakes, and everyone can take advantage of 5% off purchases in the Museum shop and 25% off memberships.
More info and directions.
Date Night in the Glass Studio
Siyeh Glass and Studio – 2480 Memorial Dr. SE. Fridays, 3 – 5 pm or Saturdays & Sundays 10 am – noon. $145 per couple.
Looking for something different to do on Friday evening? Whether you’re going on a first date, out with your beau or with your BFF, ditch the typical Friday date night. You don’t really want to go to the same bar you’ve been to hundreds of times, to the movies, or sit at home. Glassblowing, kiln-forming and bead-making sounds a lot more fun. Not to mention the instruction, snacks, chocolate and wine are all included (Sat. & Sun. mornings -champagne, juice, mimosas, and pastries)!
More info and directions.