October 2018 arts agenda

FESTIVALS

ATL CLUCKFEST Nothing says down South like gerrymandering and fried chicken. In honor of that second thing, 25 of Atlanta’s best chicken eateries will battle it out for the title of the South’s best fried fowl. With 20 different restaurants in attendance you might wanna skip food for a few days beforehand, folks. $15-$35. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat., Oct. 6. Candler Park, Candler Park Drive N.E. https://www.atlcluckfest.com.

THE ORIGINAL STONECREST FEST Last year’s inaugural Stonecrest Fest was a smashing success so the festival has returned for a sophomore outing. Food, merch, music, and the usual festival goodness should be expected, but attendees will also get the chance to experience the natural splendor of one of Georgia’s two National Heritage Areas. Explore Arabia Mountain and learn the history of Flat Rock Archives, a community built by slaves where their descendants still reside. Free. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat. Oct. 6. Atlanta Sports City at Stonecrest Resorts, 8010 Mall Road, Stonecrest. http://www.stonecrestfest.com/.

OKTOBERFEST ATLANTA Celebrate the coming of fall by enjoying German food, local beers, and (of course) German brews at this year’s Oktoberfest Atlanta. Once the alcohol works its inhibition removing magic, you can try your hand at a stein hoisting, a keg roll race, and a bratwurst toss, three of the German people’s most beloved national pastimes. *Lederhosen not required, but encouraged nonetheless.$15. 5-11 p.m. Fri., Oct. 12; 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat., Oct. 13; Noon-6 p.m Sun., Oct. 14. Historic Fourth Ward Park, 680 Dallas St. N.E. https://www.oktoberfestatl.com/. 48th

ATLANTA PRIDE FESTIVAL We aren’t called the gay mecca of the South for nothing. Things will kick off with a party at Georgia Aquarium Friday night, followed by the expected parades the next morning. Piedmont Park will be packed to the brim with food and merch vendors, so whether you’re gay or straight there should be something for everybody. Come loud and come proud. Free-$30. Sat., Oct. 13. 1:45 (Trans March) & 6 p.m. (Dyke march) 404-382-7588. Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive N.E. https://atlantapride.org/.

TASTE OF ATLANTA Until scientists discover a way to fuel human beings on solar power, a love of food will continue to be the one thing that unites all people. In celebration of this great equalizer, Midtown’s taste of Atlanta festival has returned for its 17th year, bringing with it plenty of delicious eats in tow. Some of ATL’s best food and drink offerings will be available, in addition to cooking and bartending competitions, celebrity chef talks, and kitchen workshops for the amateur Food Network star in all of us. Doctor’s note: This much good food in three days might be dangerous. $25-$190. Noon-5 p.m. Fri.-Sun. Oct. 19-21. Historic Fourth Ward Park, 680 Dallas St. N.E. http://www.tasteofatlanta.com.

OWL-O-WEEN HOT AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL In 1783 Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier introduced mankind to flight with his hot air balloon, and now you too can recreate this historic flight right here in Atlanta, hopefully with more success than Jean who died attempting to float across the English Channel. For those of us who prefer to stay firmly on the ground, there will be trick-or-treating for the kids, beer for the grown ups, and sword swallowing for the legions of freak-show enthusiasts sure to be in attendance. $6-$14. 6-11 p.m. Fri., Oct. 19.; 4-11 p.m Sat., Oct. 20.. Kennesaw State University Sports + Entertainment Park,, 3200 George Busbee Pkwy. N.W. http://owl-o-ween.com/.

CURLS, KINKS + CULTURE FESTIVAL It’s been a long time coming, people. At last, a festival to uplift the complex beauty of black hair and, by extension, black people. Stock up on products to keep those curls healthy or even get that line-up fixed at Uncle Jimmy Male Grooming Bar. More than just a glorified saloon in a convention space, Curls, Kinks & Culture will also be providing a detox center, vegan food and drinks, martial arts and yoga classes, a dance battle, trap karaoke, and a best beard contest. Gentlemen, we suggest you start working on your chin curtains immediately. $5. Noon-7 p.m. Sat., Oct. 20. Georgia International Convention Center, 2000 Convention Center Concourse. http://curlskinksculture.com/.

LITTLE 5 POINTS HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL AND PARADE ATL’s weirdo capital Little 5 Points is pulling out all the stops for Halloween this year, and quite frankly we’d expect nothing less. The titular parade will be marching down Euclid Avenue, which will be dotted with vendors, artists, and food trucks slinging their various goods. Killer costumes will be in abundance so don’t forget the masks, lest you be mistaken for a slasher victim by someone more appropriately dressed. Our advice: Bring the Michael Myers cutlery to look cool and to fight for parking. Free. Noon-11 p.m. Sat., Oct. 20. Little Five Points, Euclid Ave. N.E. http://l5phalloween.com.

BROOKHAVEN ARTS FESTIVALFor the first time ever in recorded history there is something going down behind a MARTA station that you can bring your kids to. The Apple Valley Road fest features more than 140 artists of different backgrounds and mediums, food, live music, and a classic car show, proving once and for all that good things can happen in the shadow of public transit. Free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. Oct. 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 21. Brookhaven MARTA Station, 4047 Peachtree Road. http://brookhavenartsfestival.com/.

PUBLIC AGENDA

PEACHES & PROHIBITION: A SPEAKEASY FUNDRAISER Break out the flapper dresses and high-waisted jackets, ladies and gents, because Peaches & Prohibition promises to deliver an authentic 1928 speakeasy experience rivaled only by time traveling back to the roaring twenties. Enjoy period-appropriate live music, savory appetizers, signature cocktails, and the knowledge that the proceeds benefit the Flourish Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing art education to underprivileged kids. Keeping with clandestine tradition, the location of this event will remain a mystery until you purchase your ticket, probably to keep the coppers from knocking down their door. $150. 8 p.m. Sat., Oct. 27. Secret Location in West Midtown. http://peachesandprohibition.org.

MASQUERADE WINE AND DESIGN FOR A CAUSE Cross “supporting a good cause and protecting your anonymity” off your to-do list in one go by painting a mask with the ladies of AWARE, a female empowerment focused nonprofit. A ticket purchase will grant access to the night’s activities as well as free art supplies, masks, food and beer — as if a costume party could get any more awesome. $15-$45. 7-10 p.m. Sat. Oct. 27. Little Five Points Community Center, 1083 Austin Ave. N.E. 404-522-2926. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/aware-active-women-advocating-and-raising-empowerment-6294109499.

SPORTS/HEALTH

WALK A MILE IN THEIR SHOES On average nearly 20 Americans per minute will experience physical abuse from a romantic partner. The Alma G. Davis foundation aims to eradicate domestic violence globally, and is celebrating survivors with this year’s 5K run/1-mile walk. Those in attendance will get the chance to meet with survivors and hear their stories. $30-$150. 8 a.m. Sat., Oct. 20. Park Tavern/Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail, 500 10th St. N.E. 678-957-9464. http://almagdavisfoundation.org/what-we-do/walk.

BOOKS

ATLANTA BLACK THEATRE FESTIVAL: AUTHOR’S CAFE Join prolific black authors Dr. Maisha S. Akbar, Sandra Davis, and Chris Scott for an intimate literary discussion. Food and drink will be in ample supply along with food for the soul. Free. Various times. Wed.-Sat., Oct. 3-6. Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive. https://atlantabtf.org/https://www.eventbrite.com/e/authors-cafe-oct-3-6-tickets-47036977867.

MICHAEL BESCHLOSS, THE PRESIDENTS OF WAR Michael Beschloss will discuss and sign his forthcoming book on the Oval Office, this time focusing on America’s wartime presidents. He’s been called one of the greatest White House historians by the Carter Center, who are presumably experts on the matter. $38-$43 includes copy of book. 7-9 p.m. Tues., Oct. 16. The Carter Center, 453 Freedom Pkwy. N.E. 404-420-5100. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.eventbrite.com/e/michael-beschloss-presidents-of-war-book-talk-and-signing-tickets-48230158703/amp.

COMEDY

THE VILLAGE THEATRE’S 10th ANNIVERSARY: ’50s VERMIN & ACTION SHOW Ten years ago a dozen friends decided to put on shows for fun, inadvertently birthing the iconic Village Theatre, now one of Atlanta’s premier venues. To celebrate a decade in the business the Village is presenting the Action Show, a blend of comedy, special effects, and live performance that aims to lampoon that most hallowed of American traditions: watching TV. $10. 8-9 p.m. Fri., Oct. 5. The Village Theatre, 349 Decatur St. S.E. 404-688-8858 http://villagecomedy.com/event/vts-10th-anniversary-50s-vermin-action-show/.

FILM

ATLANTA HORROR FILM FESTIVAL The planets have aligned, spawning Atlanta’s bloodiest film festival for the 12th year running. Showcasing a dozen indie flicks and even more short films, there should be something for slasher die-hards and pants-wetting novices alike. And please, leave your chainsaws and machetes at home, people. $25-$50. Times TBD. Thurs.-Sat., Oct. 25-27. Synchronicity Theatre, 1545 Peachtree St. N.E. http://www.atlantahorrorfilmfest.com.

THEATRE/OPERA

NICK’S FLAMINGO GRILL Inspired by Atlanta’s first integrated nightclub, Nick’s Flamingo Grill is a story about race, jazz, and brotherly love set against the backdrop of an America fresh off its victory in WWII. Of course a play about jazz wouldn’t be complete without some original ’50s- songs provided by playwright Phillip DePoy and jazz pianist Tyrone Jackson. $45. Through Oct. 28. Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. 404-733-4650. https://alliancetheatre.org/production/2018-19/nicks-flamingo-grill.