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.
Red Stripe Midsummer Music Festival
Candler Park. Saturday, 12pm—11pm. Free.
Spend the afternoon in the park with free live music from The Wailers and Better Than Ezra. Play a round of bocce ball, Frisbee golf or other game of choice in the Hang Out Sports Area. Then enjoy food, drinks and other goodies from over 40 vendors in the Artist Market. All ages are welcome, and guests 21+ can purchase a wristband for $5 to benefit the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization.
With a Side of Ginger, paintings by Augusta Hyland
The Gallery at CherryLion Studio. Friday, 7pm—10pm. Free.
Celebrate the arts at the opening reception of With a Side of Ginger, new sushi-inspired paintings by Atlanta’s own Augusta Hyland. Enjoy complimentary marTEAnis from Just Add Honey and sushi from Harry & Sons. In the interest of full disclosure, Augusta Hyland is a friend of our own Sarah. She is also an awesome artist.
Photo credit: Salmon Roll by Augusta Hyland
Decatur Beach Party
Old Courthouse Square in Downtown Decatur. Friday, 5pm—midnight. Adults $6.50 in advance, $10 at the gate; kids 12 & under free.
Live music, face painting, games for the kids, and 60 tons of sand will turn Decatur Square into a rockin’ beach scene this Friday night. The Reputations are scheduled to perform from 5-8 pm on the Community Bandstand Stage and Terry Lee & the GTs will play 8 pm-midnight on the Plaza Stage. Proceeds benefit downtown improvement projects.
Event details and map.
Little House on the Prairie: The Musical
Fox Theatre. Through Friday, 8 pm; Saturday, 2 & 8 pm; Sunday, 1:30 & 7 p.m. $25-$65.
Whether you were a fan of this classic TV series or you just want to take your parents so they can reminisce about the good-ol’ days, this live musical performance should bring back memories. Original cast member Melissa Gilbert plays Ma. Presented by Theater of the Stars.
Tickets and directions.
Alive After 5
Roswell. 3rd Thursday every month through October. 5pm-9pm. Free.
If you’re looking for something to do out in the suburbs, head to downtown Roswell for live music, food, displays and shopping as the charming brick-lined streets of this historic Atlanta neighborhood become “alive.” Radio station sponsor B 98.5 FM will be there with free giveaways as a bonus.
Meet writer Bret Easton Ellis
SCAD Atlanta. Friday, 6:30pm. Free.
Come to the lecture and book signing by the man behind American Psycho, Rules of Attraction, and Less than Zero — novels that chronicled yuppie culture during the Reagan Administration with a heavy dose of dark wit. Afterwards head to the Plaza Theatre for a midnight showing of the film adaptation of American Psycho, starring Christian Bale, Jared Leto and Reese Witherspoon. Tickets are $9.
More info about the lecture and film screening.
I love Bret Easton Ellis!!!! What a cool thing to meet him and I can’t wait to see the art of Augusta Hyland, it looks so whimsical.