Fox Theatre marks 50 years since ‘Save the Fox’ with new milestones and renewed community commitment
Fifty years after Atlantans rallied to save the Fox Theatre from demolition, the city’s beloved venue continues to thrive as a national leader in live entertainment and preservation. June 2025 marks the anniversary of the grassroots “Save the Fox” campaign, a pivotal moment in Atlanta’s cultural history.
To celebrate, the Fox is highlighting recent milestones that reaffirm its role as a community cornerstone. The All-Access Pass Program, launched in March 2024 through Fox Gives, connects high school students with hands-on opportunities in theater operations, offering mentorship and behind-the-scenes insight.
The Fox also introduced a multiyear grant program aimed at supporting historic theaters across the Southeast. Since 2008, it has awarded $4.2 million, including a recent grant to Hart County Community Theatre in Hartwell, Georgia.
According to Pollstar’s mid-year report, the Fox ranks No. 1 worldwide in ticket sales among venues its size. Its Premium Experience Memberships offer guests exclusive access, including entry to the Marquee Club presented by Lexus.
“Fifty years ago, Atlanta citizens recognized the Fox was an irreplaceable treasure,” said Allan Vella, president and CEO. “Our success proves a historic venue can evolve while remaining true to its roots.”
The summer lineup includes Vince Gill, Kansas, 38 Special and Jeezy with the Color of Noize Orchestra. The Fox will also host its annual Archives event spotlighting its rich legacy.
For tickets and more, visit Foxtheatre.org.
— Megan Anderson
MomoCon breaks records, donates to charity
MomoCon 2025 broke attendance records with 59,222 unique visitors over Memorial Day weekend, making it one of the Southeast’s largest fan conventions. Organizers also announced a $12,500 donation to the Johnson STEM Activity Center, this year’s official charity. Funds were raised through themed merchandise and donation-based events, with MomoCon contributing an additional $7,500 in matching funds.
Eleven Atlanta-area youth-focused nonprofits received tickets, bringing over 900 kids to experience cosplay, animation, gaming and music programming. MomoCon’s economic impact for metro Atlanta was projected at $42.4 million, according to the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Looking ahead to 2026, MomoCon will expand into Halls A and B at the Georgia World Congress Center, growing its footprint to more than 1 million square feet. This year also marked the convention’s 20th anniversary.
MomoCon featured celebrity guests including Darryl McDaniels of Run DMC, comic book creators Shadia Amin and Greg Burnham, and voice actor Mick Wingert. Highlights included one of the nation’s largest open game halls with more than 300,000 square feet of nonstop gaming, cosplay contests, concerts, and panel discussions.
Early bird registration for MomoCon 2026 is now open at $65 through June 15. Learn more here.
— Derek Prall
SCAD Announces Jon Batiste as 2025 Commencement Speaker
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) announced Academy Award and Grammy Award-winning musician Jon Batiste as the university’s 2025 commencement speaker at its locations in Savannah and Atlanta. Batiste will address the largest class in university history, consisting of more than 3,800 graduates, and perform live for students, their families and honored guests. These SCAD graduates represent more than 40 top-ranked programs, including animation, fashion, film and television, interior design and user experience design.
“I’m honored to speak and perform at SCAD’s commencement ceremonies in both Atlanta and Savannah,” Batiste said. “It’s a gift to connect with and inspire the next generation of creative artists from this globally renowned university.”
SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace will confer degrees to SCAD Savannah and SCADnow graduates on Friday, May 30, at the Savannah Convention Center. The Presidential Conferment of Degrees for SCAD Atlanta graduates will take place on Saturday, May 31, at the Gateway Center Arena. President Wallace will also confer an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to Batiste.
Talented students from various programs will deliver inspiring speeches and receive recognition from fellow students, family, faculty, staff and acclaimed industry leaders.
Since 1978, the university’s mission has been to prepare talented students for creative professions. Today, SCAD’s success rate is unmatched. A 2024 study found that 99 percent of recent SCAD graduates were employed, pursuing further education, or both within 12 months of graduation.
— Megan Anderson
PeachFest Returns to Downtown Atlanta With Food, Flavor and Purpose
PeachFest, Atlanta’s signature summer tasting event, returns to Peachtree Center Plaza on Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 3 to 7:30 p.m. Now in its 11th year, the open-air celebration brings together over 65 chefs, bartenders, artisans and farmers for an all-inclusive afternoon of peach-forward cuisine, craft cocktails and community spirit.
Presented by Taste Network, this year’s festival features fresh Georgia peaches from Pearson Farm, highlighted in dishes, cocktails, beer and wine. All proceeds benefit CURE Childhood Cancer and Piggy Bank, a nonprofit supporting small farms with disaster relief and educational resources.
New for 2025, PeachFest partners with Pearson Farm Peach Week, a weeklong celebration from July 21–26. Participating Atlanta restaurants will offer limited-time peach-centric menu items, with peaches donated by the Fort Valley orchard and a portion of proceeds supporting CURE Childhood Cancer.
“PeachFest is about more than food and drink—it’s about honoring the people behind the ingredients,” said Brady Lowe, founder of Taste Network. “This event is a chance to connect with chefs, farmers and distillers in a way that’s meaningful and delicious.”
The event will include tasting stations, immersive activations, curated pairings and a silent auction. VIP guests enjoy early access and entry to the VinoTeca Luxe Wine Lounge.
Tickets are available at peachfest.org, with general admission at $95 and VIP at $130. Use promo code “peachlove” for $30 off through June 1.
— Megan Anderson
Urban League of Greater Atlanta Young Professionals hosts annual Dreamcatchers Scholarship and Awards Reception
The Urban League of Greater Atlanta Young Professionals is hosting their 14th annual Dreamcatchers Scholarship and Awards Reception on May 30.
The event focuses on recognizing students and entrepreneurs in the Metro Atlanta area who “exhibit academic success and business ambition, while rewarding businesses and individuals that exhibit excellence in areas relevant to our five pronged agenda.”
The reception will award Julian Fitzgerald with the Dreamcatcher Award — one of the Community Impact Honorees — for his work with The Cxmmunity Foundation, which was an integral partner in realizing the MLK Jr. Recreation & Aquatic Center’s Hi-Speed Hi-Tech Computer Lab and E-sports Gaming Center that opened earlier this year.
“As the Co-Founder of The Cxmmunity Foundation, I am truly honored to receive the Dreamcatchers Award from the Urban League of Greater Atlanta Young Professionals,” said Fitzgerald in a statement to Saporta Report. “This recognition is a reflection of the meaningful work we do as a team to educate, create opportunity and empower communities that have long been underrepresented in the video games industry. At Cxmmunity, we believe in turning dreams into action, nurturing talent, building bridges and reshaping systems so everyone can thrive.”
The full list of Community Impact Honorees are:
- Humanitarian: Danielle Mathis of Caterpillar’s Promise
- Trailblazer: Scotty Smart of Smart Trouble
- Entrepreneur: Booker T. Washington of Techie Homes
- Dreamcatcher: Julian Fitzgerald of The Cxmmunity Foundation
“This award is not just a personal milestone, but a testament to the power of collective vision and purpose,” Fitzgerald said. “I’m grateful to our team, partners and every student who reminds us why this work matters. This honor fuels my commitment to continue striving for a more inclusive industry where people of all backgrounds are represented.”
The event will take place at The Gathering Spot.
— Mark Lannaman
H. J. Russell & Company leadership changes
H. J. Russell & Company has named Kevin Johnson as Senior Director of Marketing and Sales Enablement. In this role, Johnson oversees marketing strategy and brand development, reporting directly to CEO Michael B. Russell.
With over 20 years of experience in construction and economic development, he brings a creative, data-driven approach to storytelling and engagement. Johnson leads internal teams, aligns marketing with business goals and strengthens Russell’s industry voice. Originally from Atlanta, he holds a BFA from The Art Institute of Atlanta and is active in regional economic development. His leadership will support Russell’s national growth and brand visibility.
— Derek Prall
ArtsXchange, South Fulton Arts and BronzeLens unite to present ‘Art in Action’ documentary shorts
ArtsXchange, South Fulton Arts (SFA) and BronzeLens Film Festival will present Art in Action, a free community film event spotlighting the transformative power of artists. The event will be held Friday, June 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. at ArtsXchange, 2148 Newnan St. in East Point.
The program features four documentary shorts produced through SFA’s Filmer series: “City of Kings,” “Just People,” “Rhyme Travelers” and “Say Yes to Destiny.” The films explore how artists across metro Atlanta use creativity to heal, organize and inspire change—from documenting graffiti culture to using spoken word and reentry art programs to uplift communities.
“Atlanta’s cultural roots run deep thanks to artists who understood art as essential to community and justice,” said Alice Lovelace, executive director of ArtsXchange.
Filmmakers Jonathan Banks and Will Feagins Jr. will join a post-screening talkback alongside featured voices such as Alex Acosta of Soul Food Cypher and Dr. Curtis A. King and Garry Yates of ReEntry Arts Connection.
“ArtsXchange is a catalyst for important conversations,” said SFA Executive Director Jennifer Bauer-Lyons. “We’re proud to elevate local creatives who convey untold stories.”
The event is free and open to the public. For more information click here.
— Derek Prall
Serenity Mental Health Centers opens Alphertta location
Serenity Mental Health Centers has opened a new clinic in Alpharetta, expanding access to innovative psychiatric care across Georgia. Beginning June 9, the facility will offer same-day appointments and personalized treatment options, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and ketamine infusion therapy.
The clinic is Serenity’s second in Georgia and features 15 treatment suites staffed by six providers. Known for its high success rates — 84 percent response and 78 percent remission for TMS — Serenity aims to provide lasting relief for patients facing depression, anxiety, PTSD and more.
For more information click here.
— Derek Prall
Grant Park Conservancy’s Summer Shade Festival returns
The Grant Park Conservancy’s Summer Shade Festival returns Aug. 23 to 24, 2025, for its 23rd year of art, music, food and fun in Atlanta’s oldest park. The free, two-day event features 140+ local artists, live music on two stages, family activities, vintage vendors, and performances by Deep South Wrestling.
Taking place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the festival includes a Kids’ Village, face painting, and Sunday’s Move & Groove family fitness event. A curated vintage market from GVG Events surrounds the restored Milledge Fountain.
The festivities kick off with the Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Proceeds benefit the Grant Park Conservancy, which works year-round to preserve the park’s 131 acres.
To register for the race, donate, or learn more, visit summershadefestival.org or gpconservancy.org.
— Derek Prall
Ponce City Market announces Market East
Ponce City Market will celebrate the grand opening of Market East, a reimagined wing of its Central Food Hall, on Thursday, June 5. Located on the first floor across from The Roof’s Ticket Booth, the new space draws inspiration from bustling pedestrian streets and traditional food markets across Asia.
To mark the debut, a ribbon-cutting ceremony with VIỆTVANA will take place at 4:30 p.m., followed by a public celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. featuring food samples, live DJ sets, local artists, and performances by traditional lion and dragon dancers.
Market East introduces three new pan-Asian concepts by VIỆTVANA founders Dinh Tran and Khanh Dang: Boom Boom Bao, a bao and dim sum stall; Lime Tiger, a customizable bento box eatery inspired by Southeast Asian street food; and Uwu Asian Dessert Co., serving Japanese-style milk teas, shaved ice, and specialty waffles.
“These new stalls bring bold flavors and cultural depth to Market East,” said Adam Schwegman, director at Jamestown. “They showcase what makes this food hall special.”
VIỆTVANA and Umbrella Bar will remain in Market East, offering phở, bánh mì, Korean fare and more. For details, click here.
— Derek Prall
