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.
Purge RAW
Picaflor Gallery. Friday, 7pm – 11pm. Free.
Purgeatl.com, Atlanta’s latest online culture magazine, is proud to present their first gallery show debuting at Picaflor Studio this Friday evening featuring photography and illustration from Purge contributors Rob Bunda, Ryan James, Christy Parry, Tim Song, and J Trav. All the work is billed to be “New, Local, Reasonably priced and RAW.” The proceeds will go toward contributors who until this point have been working for free.
More info and directions.
The Great Miller Lite Chili Cook-Off
Stone Mountain Park. Saturday, 10am – 7pm. $10 for adults; kids 12 and under free; $10 per vehicle to gain access to the park.
First and foremost, please note that 100% of the proceeds from the 31st Annual Great Miller Lite Chili Cook-off benefit Camp Twin Lakes, a camp for children with serious illnesses, disabilities and other challenges. About 300 chili booths will be offering free chili samples to attendees of the Chili Cook-Off, but arrive early to ensure samples are still available, as they will run out quickly. Judging will also take place for the best Brunswick stew and cornbread. With 6 hours of live music (4 bands), free chili, games/prizes, and activations and giveaways from sponsors like Aaron’s, Waffle House, Miller Lite, Rock 100.5, and MetroPCS, there are activities to appeal to the entire family and plenty of promotional products up for grabs.
More info and directions.
Art Auction and Opening Party for Midtown Festival of the Arts
Bar Eleven at Loews Atlanta Hotel. Friday, 7pm – 11pm; Festival continues through the weekend. Free.
Start the weekend with cocktails, appetizers and an art auction featuring 30 barstools uniquely decorated by Midtown artists. The Festival continues on Saturday and Sunday, with a variety of family-friendly activities on Peachtree Street between 6th and 10th. In addition to the opening party, weekend highlights include the Midtown Mile Road Race, an artist market, chef demos, live entertainment, a screening of Driving Miss Daisy (filmed across Atlanta) and “Plates on Peachtree”, with tastes from Bacchanalia, Shaun’s, Bakeshop, and more.
More info and directions.
Grayson Blues & Brews
Grayson City Park. Saturday, 12pm – 4pm. $32.50 Online; $35 Gate.
The Grayson Downtown Development Authority is holding the 1st Annual Grayson Blues and Brews craft beer festival and concert. With your ticket purchase to this adults only event, you get an afternoon complete with live music from local talent, all-you-can-sample craft beers, a commemorative beer stein and t-shirt. Don’t want to miss your Saturday football? Take in the game on the wide screen and try your hand in a round of corn hole in the designated football area.
More info and directions.
Inman Park Restaurant Week
Inman Park. Friday, Saturday and Sunday; Reservations recommended. $15, $25 or $35.
Enjoy the final weekend of Inman Park Restaurant Week with a three course dinner at Wisteria, Rathbun’s, Fritti, Shuan’s, Sotto Sotto or Pure Taqueria (to name a few). Check out one special restaurant from the list above or try a different one each night. After all, the Fall Inman Park Restaurant Week benefits the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Atlanta’s Table project.
More info and directions.
North Georgia State Fair
Jim Miller Park. Thursday, 4pm – 11pm; Friday, 4pm – 12am; Saturday, 10am – 12am; Sunday, 12:30pm – 10pm. Adults $5; Students (7-18) $2; Kids under 6 Free.
The 76th Annual North Georgia State Fair kicks off this weekend in Marietta. The North Georgia Fair is one of the largest in the metro Atlanta area and attracts more than 300,000 guests from Georgia and neighboring states. Come enjoy the festivities which include live animal exhibitions, singers, dancers, food, Free concerts and of course the James H. Drew exposition which is one of the largest carnival midways in the U.S.
More info and directions.