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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child finally arrives at Fox Theatre this weekend while Lanta Gras Parade brings Mardi Gras magic to Kirkwood Saturday and the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival hits Atlantic Station with unlimited samples of 40+ bourbons. Add in the Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend, Fine Book Fairs' Atlanta debut featuring rare books and Kermit Roosevelt III keynote, and five-day Atlanta Salsa Bachata Festival—plus TWICE at State Farm Arena Friday and Hawks hosting the Wizards Thursday and Trail Blazers Sunday.

Atlanta continues transforming with 126 affordable homes and 16,000 square feet of commercial space advancing near the Southwest Trail, the JW Marriott Downtown unveiling luxury renovations for FIFA World Cup 2026, and The Wren at 640 delivering 187 affordable apartments in Old Fourth Ward for $78.9 million. The former CNN Center becomes The Center with 12 dining concepts opening May, while our restaurant scene evolves as Spring bucks the small plates trend, La Semilla leads Atlanta's vegan revolution, and Füm Italian opens at Stella at Star Metals.

Airbnb offers $750 to new Atlanta hosts listing entire homes before July 31 for the World Cup, while the Beltline commits to a "world-class transit network" with autonomous shuttle service launching mid-2026. Whether you're catching Harry Potter, running the Atlanta Marathon, or exploring new dining destinations, Atlanta proves why our blend of innovation and community attracts people worldwide. Ready to explore the ATL?

🕺 Atlanta Salsa Bachata Festival – A massive five-day celebration of Latin dance with over 50 workshops, world-class performers, and social dancing until the sun comes up.
📍 Courtland Grand Hotel 📅 Thursday, Feb 26 – Monday, Mar 2

📚 Fine Book Fairs: Atlanta Debut – Explore a world of rare and vintage books as this unique fair debuts in the South. Enjoy 20+ exhibitors, live music, and keynote sessions with Kermit Roosevelt III on American history and his great-great-grandfather Teddy Roosevelt's legacy.
📍 Oglethorpe University (Brookhaven) & Roswell 📅 Friday, Feb 27 – Sunday, March 1

🎭 Lanta Gras Parade & Festival – A neighborhood favorite Mardi Gras celebration featuring a lively parade through Kirkwood and a festival with local food and music.
📍 Kirkwood 📅 Saturday, Feb 28

🥃 Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival – The 14th annual "Pork-o-Rama" hits Atlantic Station with unlimited samples of 40+ bourbons and 60+ beers, plus live music and the "Shrine of Swine."
📍 Atlantic Station 📅 Saturday, Feb 28

🏃‍♂️ Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend – Whether you're running the 5K, the Half, or the full 26.2, the city’s premiere race weekend takes over the streets.
📍 Home Depot Backyard 📅 Saturday, Feb 28 – Sunday, Mar 1

✨ WildWoods: AGLOW – It's the final weekend to experience this immersive, nighttime walk through the illuminated forest preserve.
📍 Fernbank Museum 📅 Ends Saturday, Feb 28

🪄 Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – The magic finally arrives at the Fox! Join the next generation of wizards in this mind-blowing theatrical adventure.
📍 Fox Theatre 📅 Saturday, Feb 28 – Mar 2 (Runs through Mar 21)

🎪 Duel Reality – Catch the final performances of this high-flying circus-style show that reimagines a classic rivalry with breathtaking acrobatics.
📍 Alliance Theatre (Coca-Cola Stage) 📅 Ends Sunday, Mar 1

🎭 Fires, Ohio – A world premiere play exploring family, legacy, and the secrets we keep, set in a small Midwestern town.
📍 Alliance Theatre (Hertz Stage) 📅 Now – Mar 2 (Runs through Mar 22)

🕵️ I Carry Your Heart With Me –Renowned Atlanta actor Carolyn Cook stars in this taut, suspenseful mystery that packs a major emotional wallop
📍 The Vintage Theater 📅 Thursday, Feb 26 – Monday, Mar 2

🐈 Pete the Cat – A groovy family-friendly puppetry performance perfect for the little "Cool Cats" in your life.
📍 Center for Puppetry Arts 📅 Now – Mar 2 (Runs through Mar 15)

🕯️ Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons📍 The Wimbish House 📅 Thursday, Feb 26
💗 TWICE📍 State Farm Arena 📅 Friday, Feb 27
🍀 The High Kings📍 Byers Theatre (Sandy Springs) 📅 Saturday, Feb 28
🎸 Wax Tailor📍 Terminal West 📅 Thursday, Feb 26
🎷 Live Jazz Fridays 📍 Taste Wine Bar and Market 📅 Friday, Feb 27

🏀 Washington Wizards vs. Atlanta Hawks – Thursday, February 26
🏀 Wake Forest vs. Georgia Tech (M) – Thursday, February 26
⚾ Stony Brook vs. Georgia Tech – Friday, Feb 27 – Sunday, Mar 1
🏀 Portland Trail Blazers vs. Atlanta Hawks – Sunday, March 1
🏃‍♂️ Publix Atlanta Marathon – Sunday, March 1
🎾 Texas Tech vs. Georgia Tech (M) – Sunday, March 1
🏀 Georgia Tech (W) at Miami Hurricanes – Sunday, March 1
🏀 Georgia Tech (M) at Notre Dame – Monday, March 2

🏗️ A new development near the Southwest Trail is set to enhance affordable housing in Atlanta, with 126 new homes, primarily affordable, and 16,000 square feet of commercial space to support local businesses. This initiative, stemming from a partnership with Urban Realty Partners, is part of the Oakland Exchange project, promising exciting changes for Southwest Atlanta.

🏙️ The much-anticipated Southside Trail—Segments 4 and 5 of the Atlanta Beltline—has made significant strides towards completion, recently allowing a sneak peek of its 1.2 miles connecting Glenwood Avenue to Boulevard. While an official opening is targeted for March, construction is still ongoing, emphasizing the importance of patience as this section promises to enhance connectivity through the city once completed.

🏗️ As designs for the major Old Fourth Ward development continue to evolve, the project is now officially named "The Wren at 640." This $78.9 million initiative will deliver 187 affordable apartments along Parkway Drive, including various amenities aimed at supporting community engagement and local families.

🌳 Unveiling an exciting update, the new segments of the Southside Trail on the Atlanta Beltline offer the public a glimpse into 1.2 miles of revitalized pathways, despite ongoing construction challenges. With anticipated completion before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, these segments promise to seamlessly connect communities across Atlanta, enhancing accessibility and enjoyment of the trail.

🏘️ A new housing proposal for the West End on Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard plans to construct 16 traditional-style townhomes, incorporating elements like brick facades and tucked garage entries, with two units designated as affordable housing. Located near the Beltline and well-connected to the Lee + White district, these homes are designed for workforce buyers and first-time homeowners.

🏗️ The former Nabores Cleaners building in East Atlanta Village transformed into the East Atlanta Copy Center, featuring an expanded space and new sidewalks, revitalizing a corner that had been vacant for years. This creative infill project showcases the potential for adaptive reuse in the community, highlighting opportunities for similar developments throughout the city.

🍝 Füm, a contemporary Italian restaurant, opens at Stella at Star Metals, featuring a menu of open-fire creations and handmade pastas alongside an Italian-leaning wine list and classic cocktails. Discover more about this exciting addition to Atlanta's dining scene.

🍣 Mikasa Omakase is elevating the city’s pop-up scene with its intimate residency at Larakin in Midtown. The high-end sushi experience offers world-class precision and an exclusive feel that has become a must-try for local foodies.

🍽️ The former CNN Center will transform into The Center, featuring 12 new dining concepts, including Atlanta's largest full bar, set to open in May. With diverse offerings from steak and seafood to Mexican and Italian, this renovated space aims to reconnect the landmark with the city's vibrant community.

🎂 Yeppa & Co. is celebrating its third anniversary this Sunday with a lively birthday bash at its Buckhead Village location. Known for its high-energy atmosphere and coastal Italian fare, the restaurant will mark the milestone with music, Italian bites, and a celebration of three years as a neighborhood staple.

🏟️ Airbnb is incentivizing Atlantans to become hosts during the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an enticing offer of $750 for new hosts who list their entire homes before July 31. With soaring demand for accommodations, this program aims to boost local incomes while anticipating an influx of visitors to the city for the tournament.

💰 The chief operating officer of the High Museum of Art resigns amid an investigation revealing that approximately $600,000 may have been embezzled during his tenure. The Woodruff Arts Center's Governing Board has referred the case for potential criminal prosecution to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

🚌 The Atlanta Beltline Inc. commits to developing a "world-class, multi-modal transit network" despite recent controversies over funding cuts for streetcar extensions. A pilot program for a free, autonomous shuttle service is set to launch in mid-2026, connecting key areas including the Lee + White district and Atlanta University Center, aiming to enhance regional transit accessibility.

🛍️ Nordstrom Rack is set to open a new 28,000-square-foot location in Atlantic Station this fall, taking over the former DSW space and offering a variety of fashion and home products from top brands. This addition comes amidst recent retail changes in the area, responding to community demand for diverse shopping options.

🏨 The JW Marriott Atlanta Downtown is undergoing a significant transformation and will unveil its new luxury features just in time for the FIFA World Cup in 2026, including redesigned guest rooms, a 360-degree lobby bar, and the first U.S. Mindful Floor. The renovations aim to redefine luxury at the downtown Atlanta property previously known as W Atlanta – Downtown, enhancing the experience for visitors in the heart of the city.

BeltLine living at its finest in this light-flooded Tribute Lofts condo with direct courtyard access and such magnetic appeal that the sellers couldn't leave—they simply bought the unit next door to stay in the building!

World Cup rental goldmine alert! This move-in-ready 4-bedroom sits in walkable Peoplestown with dual patios and fenced yard primed for game-day gatherings, all while delivering 18-minute airport access and Downtown proximity that investors dream about.

Car-optional BeltLine lifestyle meets investment genius in this architect-crafted duplex with income-generating ADU, where 0.3 miles to the Eastside Trail means Publix, Homegrown, and Ponce City Market become your everyday—first-of-its-kind craftsmanship rarely seen in Atlanta's new construction.

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