After a year-long hiatus, The 6th Annual Black in Gaming Awards show (BIG) returns bigger and better than ever - to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions and achievements of ‘hidden figures’ in the game developer space while advocating for diversity and inclusion. ​

​The cutting-edge event will converge at the San Francisco War Memorial & Performing Arts Center, on Thursday, March 23rd at 6:00PM PST / 9:00 PM EST live in-person for the first time since 2019. The sixth annual Black in Gaming (BIG) Awards will honor content creators, developers, and gamers who have played pivotal roles in shaping the gaming industry. The awards show will also be live-streamed on Facebook and Instagram. Honorees include: Josiana Valverde, Head of Special Projects, Diversity & Inclusion at Ubisoft receiving the Jerry Lawson Lifetime Achievement Award; Michael Lee, Senior Director Global Talent and Acquisition receiving the Industry Champion Award; Dr. Kishonna Gray, ​​Associate Professor in Writing, Rhetoric, & Digital Studies and Africana Studies at the University of Kentucky receiving the Education Award; Shawn Alexander Allen, founder of games company NuChallenger receiving the Excellence in Design Award; and more. 

To uplift this celebration, Sony Interactive Entertainment and Netflix have returned as partners to help support BIG’s diversity and inclusion efforts. ​

​In an effort to address these disparities, The BIG Awards recently transitioned into an official 501(c) organization; which was founded with the purpose of bridging communities, and creating a more equitable and representative space for all. In 2022, The BIG Foundation set out for the “BIG 5-in-5”-- an organizational goal to increase Black representation in the gaming ecosystem from 2% to 5% by 2028. BIG is working with various corporations to hit this lofty– yet tangible target.  
 
Each year, The BIG Awards showcases trailblazing change-makers within the industry and this year is no different. Previous honorees include: Reggie Fils-Aime, former President/COO of Nintendo of America Inc., Julian Walshaw-Vaughan, Vice President of Engineering of Roblox, Stanley Pierre-Louis, President & CEO of Entertainment Software Association, and more. 

ABOUT BLACK IN GAMING FOUNDATION
The Black in Gaming (BIG) Foundation, a 501(c) organization, is a volunteer community dedicated to cultivating, supporting, and promoting Black professionals in the video game industry. By actively working on creating opportunities for Black people in the video game industry, BIG also develops action plans to combat systemic institutionalized racism that manifests itself in unsafe spaces, microaggressions, and hidden discrimination in the workplace. 
More at www.thebigfoundation.org

​Jazz in the Alley is a free jazz concert series sponsored by the City of Norcross, Georgia. The series aims to showcase various jazz artists with diverse genre backgrounds. For more information about Jazz In The Alley go here.

Piedmont Park Arts Festival
Big annual outdoor arts and crafts festival in Piedmont Park, with up to 250 artists working in a variety of media, art demonstrations, live music, food and more. More details

​– Atlanta African Dance & Drum Festival, July 31 - August 1 2021
Annual festival celebrating the music, art and culture of the African continent. More details

– Phish, July 31 - August 1 2021
Concert at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta. More details

– Maks & Val: Stripped Down Tour, August 1 2021
Dance performance at the Buckhead Theatre. More details

– Rise Against – Nowhere Generation Tour, August 6 2021
Concert at The Tabernacle. More details
​
– Miranda Lambert: Wildcard Tour 2021, August 6 2021
Concert at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta. More details

– Atlanta Dogwood Festival, August 6-8 2021
Very popular annual arts, music and food festival in Piedmont Park, with artists market, children’s activities, international village, rides and more. Free admission. More details

– ATL Comic Convention, August 6-8 2021
Comic book and popular culture convention at the Georgia World Congress Center. Advance purchase 3-day admission from $60. More details

– FroRibbean Fest, August 7 2021
Annual festival of Afro-Caribbean music, with food, games, and dancing. More details

– Kings of Leon: When You See Yourself Tour, August 7 2021
Concert at the Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood. More details

– Georgia Bridal Show, August 8 2021
Bridal trade show at the Cobb Galleria Center. Tickets $10. More details

– Rock 100.5’s BAND CAMP Presents Korn & Staind, August 8 2021
Concert at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta. More details
​
– PeachFest, August 8 2021
Annual food festival centered around the Georgia peach, with peach-based foods and drinks from local farms, restaurants, breweries and distilleries. Event is in association with the Dogwood Festival for 2021. More details

– TRAP Karaoke, August 13 2021
Participatory concert at the Buckhead Theatre. More details

– Lynyrd Skynyrd – Big Wheels Keep On Turnin’ Tour, August 13 2021
Concert at the Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood. More details

– BeREGGAE, August 13-15 2021
Annual festival of Afro-Caribbean music and culture in Piedmont Park, with live performances, DJs, food vendors, arts, and more. Free admission. More details

– Decatur BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass Festival, August 14 2021
Annual food and music festival in Legacy Park, Decatur. Ticket purchase required. More details

– Sweet Auburn Springfest, August 14-15 2021
The biggest free outdoor festival in the southeastern states, held in the historic Sweet Auburn district, with live music, vendors, food and more. Free admission. More details
​
– Festival of India, August 15 2021
Annual festival of Indian culture in celebration of India’s Independence Day. More details

​– James Taylor with Jackson Browne, August 17 2021
Concert at the Gas South Arena. More details

– VIRTUAL EVENT BronzeLens Film Festival, August 17-22 2021
Annual film festival highlighting film-making by people of color. More details

– Alanis Morissette with Garbage and Liz Phair, August 20 2021
Concert at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta. More details

– Atlanta ShortsFest, August 20-21 2021
Annual festival of independent short film making in a variety of genres. More details

– Southern-Fried Gaming Expo, August 20-22 2021
Gaming expo at the Marriott Renaissance Waverly, with new and retro console and arcade games, RPGs, tournaments, vendors, guest speakers and more. More details

– Wilco + Sleater-Kinney – It’s Time, August 21 2021
Concert at the Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park. More details

– COLORS Worldwide Presents: R&B ONLY LIVE with Tiara Monique and Jabari, August 21 2021
Concert at The Tabernacle. More details

– Jason Aldean: Back in the Saddle Tour, August 21 2021
Concert at the Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood. More details

– Blackberry Smoke – Spirit of the South Tour, August 21 2021
Concert at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta. More details

– POSTPONED TO MARCH Iliza Shlesinger: The Forever Tour, August 21 2021
Comedy show at the Fox Theatre. Tickets from $39.50. More details

​– African American Golf Expo and Forum, August 21-24 2021
Golf expo at the Marietta Hilton and Convention Center, with golfing activities, exhibits, workshops, and other events. More details

– African American Golf Expo and Forum, August 21-24 2021
Golf expo at the Marietta Hilton and Convention Center, with golfing activities, exhibits, workshops, and other events. More details

– Hamilton, August 24 - September 26 2021
US tour of the popular Broadway musical, at the Fox Theatre. More details

– Harry Connick, Jr and his Band – Time to Play!, August 26 2021
Concert at the Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park. More details

– Jazz on the Lawn, August 27 2021
Outdoor concert series at the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. More details

– Chris Stapleton’s All-American Roadshow, August 27 2021
Concert at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta. More details

– Days of the Dead, August 27-29 2021
Horror convention at the Atlanta Sheraton. Daily tickets from $30. More details

– Rumours, August 28 2021
Concert at the Buckhead Theatre. More details

– Yacht Rock Revival, August 28 2021
Concert at the Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park. More details

– Chris Stapleton’s All-American Roadshow, August 28 2021
Concert at the Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood. More details

– Festival Peachtree Latino, August 29 2021
Big annual festival of Latino cultures in Piedmont Park, with international food, concert and other live music, exhibitors, arts and crafts, family-friendly activities and more. Free admission. More details
​
– KISS: End of the Road World Tour, August 29 2021
Concert at the Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood. More details

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Bella Rose, of Bella Rose Passion, shares her inspirational story of becoming a business owner with When We Speak TV.  Because of her hard work and dedication, her products can be found in stores like Macy's and Walmart.  

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Happy Birthday (Gospel Style)

​Established by Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, the CreATL Relief Fund facilitates private philanthropic grants to the independent creative industry workforce engaged in creative industries and entertainment. Artists, creative entrepreneurs and entertainment professionals generate an estimated $62.5 billion in economic impact each year in the State of Georgia and represent 5% of all employment and 4% of all business revenue in the state. This Fund provides a means of addressing the negative economic impact of the measures taken to control the novel COVID-19 virus in the U.S., Georgia, and particularly in the city of Atlanta.

Norcross, Georgia
​July 27, 2019
FREE EVENT

Fourth of July - Stone Mtn.
July 1 - 7, 2019
Enjoy a spectacular laser show and then fireworks every evening during Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Stone Mountain Park.
Free except parking.

Atlanta attractions
July 1 - Sept. 30, 2019
 (also June)
multiple locations
These discount prices include all taxes and fees.

• Aquarium + CNN + Coca-Cola + 2 moreCityPass gets you into 5 attractions for $84.
• The King CenterFree admission and parking
• Planetarium show at Fernbank Science CenterTicket deal 2 for $9
  
  

Third of July - Norcross
July 3, 2019
Red White & BOOM! has bounce houses (cost), food trucks, DJ music from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., and fireworks about 9:25 p.m. in Lillian Webb Park. Free.

Third of July - Duluth
July 3, 2019
 (5:30 to 10 p.m.)
Duluth Celebrates America includes bands, children’s activities, food trucks, vendors, and fireworks (9:45 p.m.) on the Town Green. Free.

Fourth of July - Six Flags
July 3 - 6, 2019
See fireworks every night at dusk during July 4th Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Rock musical
July 3 - Aug. 18, 2019
Tony Award winner Hair features the music, culture, and controversy of hippies who opposed the Vietnam War, performed outdoors in The Wildflower Meadow at Serenbe Playhouse.Ticket deal $9 to $25

Fourth of July - Centennial Park
July 4, 2019
Centennial Olympic Park has confirmed that it will host the 2019 4th of July Celebration, which features top music artists and fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Arrive early since gates may close when the park is full. Free.

Fourth of July - aquarium
July 4, 2019
 (7 to 10 p.m.)
A ticket to Red White & Brew includes unlimited beer and cider samples, a BBQ dinner, live music, aquarium exhibits (7 to 9 p.m.), and views of fireworks from the top of the parking garage (9:45 p.m.) for age 21+.

Fourth of July - East Point
July 4, 2019
Salute to the Red, White and Blue includes a food court, live music, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. near City Hall in East Point. Bring blankets and chairs but no food or pets. Free.

Fourth of July - Sandy Springs
July 4, 2019
Music begins at 7:30 p.m. and fireworks at 9:45 p.m. at Sandy Springs Stars and Stripes Celebration on the lawn at Concourse Corporate Center. Free.

Fourth of July - Marietta
July 4, 2019
Fourth in the Park features a 10 a.m. parade, arts & crafts booths, food, carnival games, and live music at Marietta Square, followed by fireworks launched from First United Methodist Church at dark. Free.

Barbecue in Roswell
July 4, 2019
Barbecue & Bluegrass features live music, a children’s area, and vendors of barbecue, beer, soft drinks, and desserts on the grounds of Barrington Hall. Free entry.

Fourth of July - Lilburn
July 4, 2019
 (5:30 to 10 p.m.)
Bring lawn chairs or blankets to Sparkle in the Park, which has food vendors, bounce houses (cost), a band at 7:30 p.m., and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Free.

Fourth of July - Roswell
July 4, 2019
Fireworks Extravaganza has food trucks beginning at 5:30 p.m., live music beginning at 6 p.m. and fireworks at dark at Roswell High School. Bring blankets or chairs. Free.

Fourth of July - Alpharetta
July 4, 2019
Enjoy family activities, bands, food vendors, and fireworks at dusk at 4th of July Celebration at Wills Park. Free.

Fourth of July - Mall of Georgia
July 4, 2019
Star Spangled Fourth at Mall of Georgia has family-friendly activities beginning at 3 p.m., live music at 5 p.m., fireworks at 9:40 p.m., and then a movie (Lego Movie 2, PG) in Buford. Free.

Fourth of July - Henry County
July 4, 2019
The 4th of July Family Fest promises live music, a BBQ contest, 100 vendors, a ticketed kids’ zone, and fireworks at Warren Holder Park in Locust Grove. Free admission, $5 parking. July 6 if it rains.

Fourth of July - Dahlonega
July 4, 2019
4th of July Family Celebration includes a 5K run, an 11 a.m. parade, a patriotic speech at noon, the national anthem, a crafts market, a kids’ zone, a car show, and fireworks at dark in small-town Dahlonega. Free.

Fourth of July - Callaway
July 4, 2019
July 4th Star Spangled Beach Party has beach activities, live music, circus acts, and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. (weather permitting) at Robin Lake Beach at Callaway Gardens. See schedule.

Garden party for adults
July 4 - Sept. 26, 2019
 (Thurs. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.)
Cocktails in the Garden invites you to explore the garden each week as you stroll with a cocktail, hear live music, and play games at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Admission fee, cash bar.

Free movies - parks
July 6 - Sept. 6, 2019
 (begins May 25)
See free films outdoors at Georgia Movies in the Park in Canton, Cumming, and Dawsonville.

• July 6 - Small Feet (Canton)
• July 9 - Captain Marvel (Cumming)
• July 20 - Captain Marvel (Woodstock)
• July 23 - Train Dragon: Hidden World (Cumming)

Concerts in Alpharetta parks
July 6 - Sept. 14, 2019
 (Saturdays 7:30 p.m.)
Bring a blanket and a picnic to hear “family-friendly performances by different Alpharetta based entertainment groups” at Brooke Street Park Summer Concert Series. Free.

Free movies - Mableton
July 10 & 24, 2019
 (begins May 29)
See an outdoor movie at the Free Movie Series at Mable House Amphitheatre.

• July 10 - A Wrinkle in Time
• July 24 - How to Train Your Dragon 3

Concerts in the Garden
July 10 - Aug. 25, 2019
 (begins May 24)
See national acts at Concerts in the Garden at Atlanta Botanical Garden. You can pre-order food on the website. The concerts on July 27 & Aug. 25 are in Gainesville.

Short films
July 11 - 13, 2019
Atlanta Shortsfest shows movies under 45 minutes long in a variety of genres at Synchronicity Theatre.

Underground art show
July 12, 2019
 (8 p.m.)
The Atlanta Pancakes & Booze Art Show is a traveling exhibition of 100 artists, with pancakes, live music, body painting, and multimedia displays at GA Freight Depot for age 21+. Pay cash at the door or buy a line-jumper ticket online.

Arcade game expo
July 12 - 14, 2019
Southern-Fried Gaming Expo has 250 arcade and pinball games, tabletop games, vendors, speakers, movies, and a tournament at Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel.

1950s singer Rosemary Clooney
July 12 - 28, 2019
Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical tells the story of the legendary singer and features songs like It’s Only A Paper Moon, Sisters, and Mambo Italiano at Art Station Theater in Stone Mountain.Ticket deal $16

Mexican circus
July 12 - Aug. 4, 2019
Circo Hermanos Vazquez has human cannonballs, graceful dancers, daring acrobats, and crazy clowns in a tent at Plaza Fiesta near DeKalb-Peachtree Airport. The show is visual, with announcements made in both English and Spanish.Ticket deal $5 to $45

Field day in the park
July 13, 2019
Sign up your eight-person team to compete in zany outdoor contests for prizes at Atlanta Field Day in Historic Fourth Ward Park.

Elegant party
July 13, 2019
 (7 to 10 p.m.)
Celebrate French Bastille Day in all-white cocktail attire at the $125 Soirée Blanche Bastille Day, with a rooftop fashion show, a silent auction, an open French wine bar, a French buffet, and dancing at Nelson Mullins.

Magic show
July 13, 2019
 (8 p.m.)
Watch three magicians perform with a combination of magic, mentalism, and humor for all ages at Atlanta Magic Night at Red Light Cafe.Ticket deal $11

Reptile Day
July 13, 2019
 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Come face-to-face with live pythons, king snakes, geckos, tortoises, monitors, and iguanas, and see presentations about them on Reptile Day at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Tomato festival
July 14, 2019
 (1 to 5 p.m.)
Enjoy tomato dishes and drinks by some of the South’s best chefs and mixologists plus live music at Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival at Westside Provisions District.

Free concerts in Sandy Springs
July 14 - Sept. 8, 2019
 (7 to 8:30 p.m.)
Concerts by the Springs are held on one Sunday a month at Heritage Green, 6110 Blue Stone Road. Bring food and drinks, or buy them onsite. Beach chairs and blankets are welcome. Free.

Taste local food
July 15, 2019
 (5 to 8 p.m.)
“Enjoy local food prepared by Atlanta’s top chefs” plus “a selection of beverages, live music, cooking and art demonstrations, garden tours, and a silent auction” at AgLanta Eats at Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Monthly family festival
July 18, 2019
 (5 to 9 p.m.)
Alive in Roswell has live bands, food trucks, craft beer, vendors, kids’ games, entertainment, and socializing in three locations connected by a free trolley (on Canton Street, in Roswell Square, and behind city hall). Free.

Shakespeare comedy
July 18 - Aug. 11, 2019
Full of romance, mischief, and whimsy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is the comical story of four young lovers caught up in a quarrel between the king & queen of the fairies, at Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse.Ticket deal $8 to $19

Summer jazz
July 19, 2019
 (8 to 11 p.m.)
Hear great jazz once a month this summer during Jazz Matters at The Wren’s Nest.Ticket deal $10 to $13

Scrapbook Expo
July 19 - 20, 2019
Scrapbookers find classes, vendors, and crop parties at the Stamp & Scrapbook Expo at Infinite Energy Forum in Duluth.Ticket deal $6

Georgia Mountain Fair
July 19 - 27, 2019
Georgia Mountain Fair has family-friendly music, an arts & crafts show, carnival rides, and a parade in Hiawassee.

British magicians
July 20, 2019
 (7:30 p.m.)
Champions of Magic features amazing “levitation, disappearances, teleportation, and a heart-stopping finale” at Fox Theatre.Ticket deal $33

A day on the river
July 20, 2019
Rent a tube, raft, kayak, or paddle board (or bring your own) for Whatever Floats Your Boat, with live music, yard games, and food for sale at Rogers Bridge Park in Duluth. You must bring or rent a life jacket to wear and be age 5+ to go on the water. Free entry.

Fashion show
July 20, 2019
Small Boutique Fashion Week is a runway show and market of 20 independent fashion brands at Atlanta Banquets in Suwanee.

Tennis tournament
July 20 - 28, 2019
The Atlanta Open is a televised annual men’s tennis tournament held at Atlantic Station.

Girls’ basketball tournament
July 23 - 25, 2019
Watch hundreds of teenage teams compete at the Tournament of Champions at Georgia World Congress Center.

Gourmet gala
July 24, 2019
Summer in the City promises “an evening of fine wine, delicious food, and an exciting auction” at The Fairmont to support charity.

Family bubble party
July 24, 2019
 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Back to School Bubblepalooza has bubbles for the kids, large games, and DJ music on Duluth Town Green. Free.

Macon festival
July 26 - 27, 2019
Hear 60 rock, blues, and soul-infused bands in multiple venues at Bragg Jam Concert Crawl in Macon. Saturday also has an Arts & Kids festival (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), with art vendors, food trucks, and kids’ activities in the plaza at Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.

African dance festival
July 26 - 28, 2019
Atlanta African Dance and Drum Festival offers dance and drum classes, an African inspired craft market with food vendors, a kids’ camp (Friday 9 a.m.), and a concert (Saturday 8 p.m.) at Covenant House of Georgia.

Free concerts in Sandy Springs
July 26, 2019
 (6:30 p.m.)
Bring a blanket or lawn chair, food and drinks (except alcohol, which is sold onsite), and money for food trucks to City Green Live for free concerts on select Fridays.

Beer & bites in a brewery
July 27, 2019
 (12 to 4 p.m.)
A ticket to Old 320 Beer Fest includes a tasting room with restaurant bites, 30 breweries offering unlimited sampling, and live entertainment at Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery.

Ice cream festival
July 27, 2019
Atlanta Ice Cream Festival features ice cream for sale, entertainment, vendors, and fitness events at Piedmont Park. You can bring chairs and umbrellas but no pets. Free entry.

Zombie Pub Crawl
July 27, 2019
Atlanta Zombie Pub Crawl for age 21+ begins at Diesel Filling Station and features makeup artists plus food & drink specials at multiple pubs. Wear sunscreen.

Dance battle
July 28, 2019
 (7 p.m.)
See the stars of the the Lifetime dance reality show Bring It! when they perform live at the Fox Theatre, including Miss D and her fierce Dancing Dolls.Ticket deal $28 to $34

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