Atlanta, GA
Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and free Jurassic World tickets: Things to do this weekend in metro Atlanta
POV: You’re looking for fun things to do in Atlanta this weekend, and we already put together a list of the best indoor events planned with you in mind.
Whether you’re looking for something interactive for the kids, like a train show or a musical about a singing, sponge-y fry cook, or something more mature like a winter wine festival or gal pals Tina Fey and Amy Poehler teaming up for a night of comedy, we’ve got you covered. This weekend’s lineup of fun Things to Do in metro Atlanta has something for everyone.
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Free Tickets to Jurassic World Live Tour
Starting Now
Any metro Atlanta-area Public Library
Kids, this one is for you! Jurassic World Live Tour is looking for readers. Through a partnership with metro Atlanta-area libraries, they’re giving out free show tickets to some lucky children with a love for literature.
All you have to do is head to your nearest participating Atlanta Public Library and ask the librarian for a Jurassic World Live Tour Reward Club Card. Every book you take out and read will count toward your chance of free tickets.
Once you’ve read at least five library books, you can take your World Live Tour Reward Club Card to Gas South Arena’s box office starting on Feb. 19 and redeem it for the Feb. 23 show, the Feb. 24 show, or the Feb. 25 show.
The only catch is your favorite adult also has to buy a ticket. That way, you’ll have someone safe to go with. Tickets can be purchased here.
Find the full list of participating libraries here.
Tina Fey & Amy Poehler: Restless Leg Tour
Jan. 19-20
Fox Theatre; 660 Peachtree Street NE
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are celebrating 30 years of friendship with a hilarious show you can’t miss. Tickets are selling out quickly at the Fox Theatre. Learn more.
Atlanta Build, Remodel & Landscape Expo
Jan. 19-21
Atlanta Expo Center, North Building; 3650 Jonesboro Road SE, Atlanta
Rumor has it, mortgage rates are dropping. Now might be a great time to get some inspiration to fix up your house and prep it for sale. Check out the Atlanta Build, Remodel & Landscape Expo, a free three-day event designed to help you discover ways to renovate your home on a budget.
Parking is free, and you don’t have to pay to bring your kids. Adult tickets are selling now for $5. Learn more.
Atlanta Winter Wine Fest
12 p.m. – 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Jan. 20
Guardian Works; 775 Echo Street
Raise your glass this weekend at the Atlanta Winter Wine Festival. There are two sessions full of wine, beer and White Claw samples, plus live music and a DJ. Don’t worry about the weather, it’s an indoor event. Learn more.
Please drink responsibly and plan ahead with MARTA or a rideshare app for a safe ride home.
Atlanta Model Train and Railroadiana Show
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Jan. 20
Gas South Convention Center
Calling all railbuffs and modelers! Gas South Convention Center is holding the Atlanta Model Train and Railroadiana Show.
“Attendees will be able to relive the glory days of railroading in Georgia when the Georgia Railroad, Seaboard Railroad, and the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad were king,” according to organizers.
The event kicks off at 9 a.m. Learn more.
The SpongeBob Musical
Jan. 19-21, 26-28
Woodstock Arts Theatre; 8534 Main Street, Woodstock
“Are you ready kids? Aye aye, Captain!”
Woodstock Arts Theatre is taking us to Bikini Bottom for The SpongeBob Musical. Learn more.
Chrisette Michele Live
9:30 p.m. – 11 p.m.
City Winery Atlanta; 650 North Avenue NE, Atlanta
“If I Have My Way,” we would see Chrisette Michele live this weekend with front row seats. The Grammy Award-winning R&B vocalist is visiting City Winery with a full setlist that will make you cry, fall in love and remind you that you are your own very best thing. Tickets have already sold out, but you can still join the wait list here.
Cirque du Soleil ECHO
Atlantic Station; 241 20th Street, Atlanta
Until Jan. 21
This is Cirque du Soleil’s last weekend in town, and it’s no secret these guys put on a jaw-dropping show. It’s a performance full of talents you’ve never experienced before. After all, anything is possible under the Big Top. Learn more.
Skate City Springs
City Green at City Springs; Sandy Springs
Until Jan. 21
Skate City Springs is getting to pack things up. This festive ice skating rink spans 5,000 square feet, making it an icy escape for the kids – and your inner child.
Organizers say tickets are $15 per hour for adults, and $13 for children. Admission includes skate rentals. Get your skate on before they close the ice rink for the season. Learn more.
Ice Skating in Olde Town
Olde Town Pavilion; Conyers
Until Feb. 11
Lace up your skates and hit the ice in Olde Town. This rink is the longest-running outdoor arena in all of Georgia. Don’t forget to hit up the snack bar before you leave – There are nachos, hot dogs, hot chocolate, candy and so much more.
Ice Skating at Sugar Hill
The Ice Rink at Sugar Hill; Sugar Hill
Until Feb. 18
If you live closer to Sugar Hill, check out this outdoor skating rink. General admission is $12 and skate rentals are $3. Learn more.
WildWoods: AGLOW
Fernbank Museum of Natural History; 767 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Until Feb. 25
For a limited time, go on a multisensory adventure into the wonders of nature. This exhibit is a combination of the real environment, glowing displays, and mood music. Learn more.
License to Chill Snow Island
Margaritaville at Lanier Islands; 7650 Lanier Islands Parkway, Buford
Every weekend through February
Who says there’s no snow in Georgia? Come on out to Margaritaville at Lanier Islands, and don’t forget your mittens! You can go tubing across “one of North America’s longest snow rides,” protect your fort with a snowball fight in Snowball Alley, and then make a pit stop for s’mores and a hot chocolate cocktail.
There are so many fun things to get into in Buford this weekend. Learn more.
Sneak Peek to Next Week
Braves Fest
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Jan. 27
The Battery Atlanta; 800 Battery Avenue SE, Atlanta
Braves Fest returns with a celebration of champions. The six-time National League East Champion Atlanta Braves will be on full display for fans at The Battery next weekend. You’ll get to meet your favorite players, get their autographs and take photos. There will also be shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities throughout the day.
Did we mention admission and parking are both free? Learn more.
Come back next week for a look at even more special events happening near you.
Keep up with the latest forecast by downloading the FREE FOX 5 Storm Team app and following @FOX5StormTeam on Twitter.
If you would like to submit an event for a future list, send an email with details to judayah.murray@fox.com
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta HR commissioner placed on leave over nepotism allegations
ATLANTA – The City of Atlanta has placed its human resources commissioner on administrative leave while it investigates accusations of nepotism.
Officials have confirmed an ongoing investigation by the city’s Law Department into Commissioner Tarlesha Smith.
According to a report obtained by FOX 5, the Office of the Inspector General investigation began in April 2023 over an allegation that Smith created a city position for her daughter and then tried to have her daughter’s supervisor terminated.
In the report, Smith is accused of creating a full-time position with the Office of the City Solicitor specifically for her daughter in the fall of 2022.
“City staff expedited the daughter’s onboarding process, skipping elements of her background check and disregarding her ineligibility,” the report reads. “She did not receive an employment or education verification. She was not interviewed. She did not meet the minimum qualifications of the position.”
When Smith’s daughter reportedly began to be late and absent from her work due to her supervisor, OCS Director of Administration Jennifer Johnson, denying her request to telework, officials say Johnson recommended that she be fired.
Instead, the report says the Department of Human Resources began to investigate Johnson, placed her on administrative leave, and told her department head that she would be terminated.
“The department head, who had worked with the supervisor for more than 25 years and who could not recall a single complaint against the supervisor, requested that DHR provide him with documentation to support this action — a copy of the complaint against the supervisor and a copy of DHR’s investigative findings,” the report reads. “DHR provided no documentation.”
The investigation also revealed additional concerns about Smith’s “unprofessionalism” and “deviation from human resources standards.”
Following the report, a City of Atlanta spokesperson said Smith was placed on administrative leave while City Law handles its independent investigation and interviews additional employees.
“We want to ensure we have a comprehensive review of the facts,” the spokesperson said.
The city has also asked the Law Department to develop an updated policy related to immediate family members.
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Braves fall to Cubs – WBBJ TV
Atlanta, GA
5 Atlanta events you won’t want to miss: May 16-22
Exhibit opening of Rhythm and Resilience: The Artistry of Sam Middleton
When: May 17, 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: Hammonds House Museum
Cost: $5-$10, free for museum members
Details: Middleton, a pioneering mixed-media artist who grew up amidst the Harlem Renaissance and took inspiration from living in the Netherlands, will get fresh consideration in a new exhibit at the Hammonds House Museum in West End. The exhibit, which runs through August, will kick off with an opening reception on Friday evening. Enjoy small bites and music while you peruse Middleton’s enlightened work.
Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals
When: May 17-18
Where: Underground Atlanta
Cost: $20
Details: Atlanta will host the national finals for Red Bull’s street dance competition, featuring a face-off between sixteen finalists, some of the most talented street dancers in the country. The winner—decided by crowd vote—will head to the World Finals in India later this year. There will also be dance workshops in multiple styles, open to anyone, and a performance from hip-hop icon Soulja Boy. This high-octane event is open to all ages, so bring even the littlest dancers.
Marietta Greek Festival
When: May 17-19
Where: Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, Marietta
Cost: $5, kids under 12 free
Details: Opa! Enjoy all things Greek—notably food, but also music, dance, faith, art, and again, food—at this popular annual festival hosted by Marietta’s Greek Orthodox Church. All three days feature a lineup of dance performances showcasing traditional and contemporary Greek dance styles, as well as “learn to dance” classes open to anyone who wants to learn. There’s also an artist market and tours of the beautiful, Byzantine-style church. And, of course, food to delight the senses: dolmades, spanakopita, baklava, souvlaki . . . you may have to come back multiple days to enjoy the entire menu.
Virginia-Highland Porchfest
When: May 18, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Where: Virginia-Highland
Cost: Free
Details: The leafy neighborhood of Virginia-Highland becomes the city’s most vibrant outdoor festival for this one-day-only event. Dozens of bands will play live music from porches around Virginia-Highland, most of them scattered along Barnett Street, Adair Avenue, and surrounding streets. There’s also a Kids Corner play area, a costume-filled 1k Rock n’ Run, and artist vendors, plus food and drinks from local food trucks.
Indie Craft Experience Summer Market
When: May 19, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Monday Night Brewing Garage
Cost: $5, kids under 12 free
Details: Peruse a wide array of local artists and crafts makers at this market pop-up, located inside Monday Night Brewing Garage off the Westside BeltLine. Pick up everything from handmade cards and candles to jewelry, paintings, and local coffee—great gifts for graduates, teacher thank-yous, and anyone else in need of a thoughtful local gift. Come early for a free favor: the first 100 people in line get a custom Indie Craft Experience tote bag.
Sports corner: Atlanta home games
- The Braves host the San Diego Padres at Truist Park for a four-game matchup May 17-20. Info here.
- The Atlanta Dream host the Dallas Wings for their first home game of the 2024 season at Gateway Center Arena in College Park. Info here.
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