Hello, local readers. Here’s this week’s edition of our weekend guide, and we hope that it’s helpful in finding you plenty of things to do in and around Atlanta. Don’t forget to view our tips at each venue when you check in on Foursquare, and as always, be sure to add anything we missed in the comments section. Let us know where you end up!
mmmmm BACON Art Show
dooGallery. Friday, 8pm. $10 donation.
A $10 donation gets you in to enjoy unique works of art, live music, free beer and tastes of bacon-flavored treats, from J&D’s Baconnaise and Bacon Salt to Bakon Vodka and even The Redhead Bacon Peanut Brittle. 30 artists, chefs, and bakers will provide art and food for sale (with free samples of the latter), and sponsors such as Bacon Skateboards have donated great raffle prizes for the event.
More info and directions.
The Royal Wedding at Piedmont Park
The Promenade at Piedmont Park. Friday, 6am – 1pm. $30.
Call in “wedding” from work this Friday and conclude “Royal Wedding Week” by watching live coverage of the royal nuptials alongside other royal wedding-obsessed Atlantans. Signature drinks and light fare will be served, and items like bridal teas at The Ritz Carlton and monogrammed wedding favors will be raffled off. Also, local wedding and event vendors will be showcasing wedding goods and services- keep an eye out for promotional bridal giveaways! 11Alive news will be on-site covering the morning’s activities.
More info and directions.
5th Annual 500 Songs for Kids
Smith’s Olde Bar. April 28 – May 7. $10 – $20.
The biggest music charity event in Georgia history is back for a 5th year and it kicks off tonight at Smith’s Olde Bar, where over 1500 musicians will hit the stage. This year’s event features a countdown of the “500 greatest feel good songs of all time.” All proceeds benefit Songs for Kids Foundation, a non-profit foundation that enriches the lives of children in need through music by bringing musicians year round to hospitals, special needs kids camps, and all places where kids are in need. Come out to listen to songs for all ages, plus enjoy daily drink and dinner specials at Smith’s every night of the week.
More info and directions.
Meet & Greet with Richard Blais at FLIP
FLIP Atlanta area locations. Saturday, 1 – 3pm in Midtown, 4 – 6pm in Buckhead. Proceeds benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Georgia Chapter.
Visit either FLIP Burger Boutique in the Atlanta area this Saturday for an opportunity to meet restaurateur and Top Chef All-Stars finale winner Richard Blais! Visitors to the restaurant will have the opportunity to snag an autograph and take pictures with the chef, while FLIP will feature a special menu featuring the winning dishes prepared on the Top Chef All-Stars finale. Proceeds will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Georgia Chapter.
More info and directions to West Midtown and Buckhead locations.
Opera Family Day
The Atlanta Opera Center. Saturday, 10am – 2pm. $7 or free for kids under 2.
This fun event provides a great cultural education for children in pre-kindergarten through 3rd grade. Don’t miss performances of The Pirates of Penzance, as well as the interactive costume shop, stage makeup and combat demonstrations, instrument petting zoo, and more.
More info and directions.
Image from atlantaopera.org
Inman Park Festival
Historic Inman Park. Saturday, 11am – 8:30pm; Sunday, 11am – 7pm. Free (excluding the Tour of Homes).
Come enjoy an eventful weekend of music, food, dance, and more at this year’s Inman Park Festival. The festival features a Kidzone specifically designed to entertain children as well as food vendors, arts and crafts, Atlanta’s largest street market and a must-see parade, and attendees can opt to purchase tickets for The 2011 Tour of Homes, which celebrates its 40th year showcasing homes in the area.
More info and directions.
May Day Beer Fest
Der Biergarten. Saturday, 2pm – 7pm. $30.
May Day is celebrated in Germany as a public holiday and ancient festival to welcome the start of spring. Der Biergarten, Atlanta’s new German restaurant and beer garden in the Luckie Marietta District, will host its first annual May Day Beer Fest to observe the time-honored tradition with maypoles, authentic German beers and brats, music, games and more on the open-air rooftop patio.
More info and directions.
The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show
Cobb Galleria Centre. Saturday, 10am – 6pm; Sunday, 10am – 5pm. $20+.
The annual Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show returns to Atlanta this weekend to provide beginners and experienced chefs alike with information, demonstrations, and presentations from prolific James Beard winning chefs and Food Network stars alike. A general admission ticket gives you the chance to peruse more than 200 exhibitions by gourmet caterers, party planners, personal chefs, and more, and additional tickets may be purchased to celebrity chef demonstrations.
More info and directions.