Fourth of July 2018
Dust off the gunpowder from Independence Day and strap in for some weekend festivities PLUS: An 80’s dance party, comedy, Day-drinking, Art, and more
In what’s been called this year’s Get Out, Boots Riley’s Sorry To Bother You is an absurdist sci-fi satire depicts a desperate telemarketer named Cash, played by Atlanta actor Lakeith Stanfield, who has difficulty getting people to listen to him. Until, with a little help from his aging co-worker (played by Danny Glover), he discovers the magic touch… to use the “white voice.” Through a series of surreal misadventures, Cash utilizes his “white voice” to ascend the telemarketing corporate ladder, which puts him at a daring crossroads of material success and moral predicaments. In select theaters Friday, witness Boots Riley’s big screen debut at AMC Phipps Plaza or the Regal Atlantic Station Stadium Movie Theater. Prices and times vary per movie theater. Fri., July 6. sorrytobotheryou.movie.
It’s the second Sunday of the month, and that means the chance to catch some of the world’s greatest works on display for free at the High Museum. With special attention to the museum’s Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring A Classic exhibition, there’ll be film screenings, storytelling for the young ones, and the opportunity to make your own stuffed animal! Exhibits Outliers and American Vanguard Art and Sonic Playground: Yuri Suzuki will also be on display. Free. Noon-5 p.m. Sun., July 8. High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. https://high.org/tickets/
Produced by the legendary comedy venue Dad’s Garage, Black Nerd is a dark comedy that follows a young man’s journey navigating the expectations of his black family and white friends. Asking the question of what happens when a black kid prefers Weird Al over Kendrick Lamar, attend DragonCon over a Jay-Z concert, and Star Wars over Tyler Perry, here’s an original work that’s sure to both entertain and engage. Currently in previews, this weekend’s audiences will be the first to experience this new work. $15.50-$29.50. 8 p.m. Fri., July 6 & Sat., July 7. Dad’s Garage, 569 Ezzard St. www.dadsgarage.com.
Themes of memory, race, and erasure in urban Atlanta get unpacked for a panel discussion inspired by the City of Atlanta’s Gallery 72 exhibition, The Compassionate Eye in Forgotten Atlanta. Featuring a panel of educators, artists, archivists, and community leaders, the discussion will covoer concerns of development, economics, and race in Atlanta. Whether you’re new to the city or a Peachtree citizen, this is an opportunity to gain insight on the unseen and forgotten parts of the ever-changing city. Free. 7-9 p.m. Fri., July 6. Gallery 72, 72 Marietta St. N.W. 404-546-3220. www.ocaatlanta.com.
Blam! Catch some of the funniest minds in the city for Jokin’ Off: A Comedy Battle at Laughing Skull Lounge, hosted by Greg Behrens. For this rapid fire, single elimination one-liner tournament, eight comedians will go head to head using only their sharp wit and wry sense of humor to battle it out for the title of Jokin’ Off Champion. With each night closed out by some of best comics in the country, grab your comedy nerd friends for an evening of laughs at breakneck speed. $12. 4:30 p.m. (doors). Sat., July 7. Laughing Skull Lounge, 878 Peachtree St. 404-369-1017. www.laughingskulllounge.com.
Tear the roof off this sucker, or just stay for the party. Join SunTrust Park and Terrapin Beer Co. for a rooftop party at Xfinity Rooftop Patio at SunTrust Park! With the Braves vs. Brewers game on full volume, this rooftop pow wow has got foosball, cornhole, ping pong, and plenty of Terrapin brews on tap. Local restaurant legends Fox Bros BBQ will provide bites, and the party organizers will be giving away Terrapin Chopsecutioner Bobbleheads to the first 100 fans who arrive. Don’t miss out for a beautiful view matched with the Braves, good brews, and good times. Free. 3-7 p.m. Sat., July 7. SunTrust Park, 755 Battery Ave. S.E. www.facebook.com/events/624191244604407/?active_tab=about.
Jaymerson Payton’s newest exhibition, The Pragmatic Protagonist, is a testament to vulnerability and reflection. His exhibit at The Mammal Gallery’s new location on Mitchell Street is a body of work translating his life experiences, quandaries, and dilemmas through paintings, drawings, and sculptures. As we experience a barrage of tales and stories of struggle in our tech-obsessed world, here’s an exhibit that attempts to condense all the roads taken into one comprehensive exhibition. Free. 7-11 p.m. Sat., July 7. The Mammal Gallery, 217 Mitchell St. S.W. www.mammalgallery.com.
Relive some of that old-school Saturday morning cartoon nostalgia with Joystick Gamebar for an afternoon of great food, drinks, and games for a good cause. In addition to Joystick’s delightful Bloody Mary’s, delicious Mimosa’s, and games on free play, a portion of the proceeds from sales will go to Our House, Inc. The organization is a neighborhood non-profit with a goal of breaking the chains of homelessness by providing quality early childhood education and comprehensive support services for families experiencing homelessness. So grab the kids and bask in some classic Saturday morning programming while contributing to the betterment of our community. Free. Noon-3 p.m. Sat., July 7. Joystick Gamebar, 427 Edgewood Ave. S.E. www.joystickgamebar.com.
Sweet dreams are made of this. Atlanta’s favorite ‘80s dance party, HEYDAY, returns to East Atlanta Village’s The Basement for a night of Reagan-era dance floor bangers. The itinerary will be the same as usual: Letting loose with friends to some classic poppy jams. Except this time around it’s an all-request night. That’s right, from the most embarrassing slow jams to upbeat crowd pleasers, you’ll get the chance to spin your favorite ‘80s tune. Featuring Kimber of NonsenseATL behind the turntables, it’s time to forget the working week and get lost in the groove. This is a 21+ event. $7-$10. 10 p.m. Sat., July 7. The Basement, 1245 Glenwood Ave. S.E. www.basementatl.com.
Looking for an excuse to drink during the day? Urban Tree Cidery has got you covered. Atlanta’s first cidery is offering up Rosé cider all day with creative cocktail mixes to boot. Two featured mixtures are “Brosé,” made with Moonrise Rye Whiskey, and “Glowsé” made with gin from the Old Fourth Distillery. Guests can also grab sugary delights from Southern Peach Pastries and a local food truck. It may be the Lord’s day, but honestly, there’s nothing more heavenly than soaking up sun and sipping on some local Rosé. Free. 12:30-6:30 p.m. Sun., July 8. Urban Tree Cidery, 1465 Howell Mill Road N.W. 404-855-5546. www.urbantreecidery.com.
Get craftin’ at the Museum of Design Atlanta and join the staff in designing lanterns and masks for Parliament of Owls’ owl-themed lantern parade on August 3. Then, in anticipation of MODA’s Raspberry Pi Jam on July 18, participate in a collaborative design integrating Raspberry Pi computing and textiles. While you’re there, gain some insight on the craftivism movement with their Making Change: The Art and Craft of Activism exhibit. Bring the kids and the family, ‘cause it’s free. Free. Noon. Sun., July 8. Museum of Design Atlanta, 1315 Peachtree St. N.E. 404-979-6455. www.museumofdesign.org.
A match made in heaven: local brews and local burgers. Swing by Eventide Brewing as they host the new burger pop-up, Black Sheep ATL. The event will feature the Braves game on the big screen, bar games on the patio, and Eventide’s Tasting Room open for the beer geeks. Here’s to Sundays full of brews, burgers, and the Braves. Free. Noon. Sun., July 8. Eventide Brewing, 1015 Grant St. S.E. www.eventidebrewing.com.