Georgia Rivers announces 2026 paddling and fishing trip schedule
Georgia Rivers has released its 2026 schedule of guided canoe, kayak, paddleboard, and fishing adventures, featuring more than two dozen trips across the state. Registration for spring 2026 weekend adventures and 2026 day trips is now open and will remain open until individual trips sell out. The full schedule is available here.
The lineup includes excursions in the Okefenokee Swamp, whitewater float trips on North Georgia rivers including the Toccoa and Broad, guided kayak fishing outings, and water safety and kayaking skills classes for beginners. Most trips are limited to roughly 30 to 40 participants. Prices range from $70 for day trips to $450 for weekend adventures, with youth discounts. Georgia Rivers also offers full and partial scholarships for women, people of color, recent immigrants and low-income residents, with applications available online.
Two trips are planned as America250-themed outings that pair time on the water with stops tied to U.S. history. The season begins Feb. 28 to March 1 with a two-day trip on Spring Creek and the Chattahoochee River in Southwest Georgia.
Georgia Rivers also announced the upcoming Paddle Georgia 2026 excursion, a seven-day, 95-mile trip from Ellijay to Rome from June 13 to 20, with registration expected to open in February.
— Derek Prall
Decatur approves $113,316 in small business grants, reopens application window
The City of Decatur and the Decatur Downtown Development Authority have approved $113,316 in small business improvement grants, awarding 27 grants to 19 businesses through three programs: Commercial Facade Improvement Grants, Commercial Buildout Improvement Grants and Marketing and Digital Connectivity Grants.
Officials said $200,000 was allocated for the programs in the fiscal year that began July 1, 2025. With the latest approvals, $86,684 remains available. A new application window reopened Jan. 5 and runs through Jan. 23.
The facade program, introduced in 2023 to support storefront and awning improvements, approved $60,705 for 13 projects from 17 applications. Projects included new murals, upgraded energy-efficient windows and awnings, facade repairs and painting, and new exterior signage and lighting.
The buildout program approved $43,424 for nine projects from 12 applications, covering interior work such as space expansion, lighting updates, HVAC repairs, flooring repairs and restroom renovations. The marketing and digital program approved $9,187 for five projects from 11 applications, supporting website and social media content, SEO work and digital advertising.
Grants cover up to 75 percent of approved project costs, with businesses responsible for at least 25 percent . For facade and buildout grants, DDA contributions range from $2,500 to $10,000; for marketing and digital grants, from $250 to $2,500. Approved projects must begin within six months and be completed within 18 months.
— Derek Prall
Whiplash Comedy to open summer 2026 at Ponce City Market
Whiplash Comedy, a new comedy club offering stand-up comedy shows, variety programming, comedy classes, a food menu, and a full bar, will debut at Ponce City Market in summer 2026. The new destination is from local comedy legend Marshall Chiles, who helped build Funny Farm Comedy Club into one of the top clubs in the region and founded and operated the iconic Atlanta comedy club Laughing Skull Lounge for 16 years.
“I love Ponce City Market’s energy and sense of community,” Chiles said. “Ponce City Market and its neighborhood have been a gathering place for Atlantans for so many years, and I’m honored to be a part of its history as we aim to become one of the top comedy clubs in the country.”
The new comedy club will offer nightly shows featuring national and local comedians. The main showroom called “Main Squeeze” will seat around 130 people, while a smaller, second showroom named “Side Piece” will seat around 44 people for more intimate programming. Whiplash will also have a 2,500-square-foot outdoor patio, featuring a bar and seating surrounded by greenery.
“What people need even more than laughter is connection, and I’m envisioning Whiplash as a community hub built around comedy,” Chiles said. “With two showrooms, we can have stand-up comedy in Main Squeeze, while Side Piece will offer mixers, socials and other events that bring people together.”
— Megan Anderson
Adventure Playhouse interactive kids show set for Saturdays at Dad’s Garage
Adventure Playhouse, an interactive theater experience aimed at children ages 3 to 8, will run Saturdays from Jan. 17 through March 7, 2026, at Dad’s Garage.
The show invites young audience members to help shape each week’s story using imagination and participation. Organizers say children can build the world of the adventure, step into roles as characters and join in songs and dances as the plot unfolds. The production features Quinn and the Playhouse Pals, along with “Marlowe’s Musical Mayhem,” a segment designed to incorporate kid-created music and movement.
Attendees can expect pre-show activities for children and pre-show drinks for adults, as well as extensive use of puppets throughout the performance. The experience is promoted as family-friendly and designed to engage kids directly, including opportunities for children to perform, sing along or contribute ideas from their seats. Performances are scheduled for 3 p.m., with the lobby opening at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are available through the theater’s events page.
— Derek Prall
Wild Heaven Beer acquires EATS brand, plans West End relaunch in 2026
Wild Heaven Beer has acquired EATS, the longtime Atlanta restaurant brand known for its jerk chicken and meat-and-three plates, and plans to bring the concept to its West End brewery location in 2026.
The brewery said it will become the steward of the EATS name and continue the brand’s legacy from Wild Heaven West End at the Lee + White complex. The move follows the departure of the taproom’s current food partner, El Tesoro, which will no longer operate the kitchen inside Wild Heaven West End. Wild Heaven said El Tesoro is expected to relocate elsewhere within the Lee + White development, making the businesses neighbors.
“EATS has been part of Atlanta’s culinary DNA for decades,” said Nick Purdy, Wild Heaven co-president, adding that the brewery aims to preserve what customers associate with EATS while creating a sustainable home for it inside the taproom. Purdy said the goal is to closely match the experience many Atlantans remember.
EATS founder Bob Hatcher said he was approached by longtime customers and friends Brent and Amity Dey, along with Wild Heaven owners Nick Purdy and Eric Johnson, about keeping the brand alive. Hatcher said longtime EATS manager Levi Nichols is also involved in the relaunch.
Wild Heaven said guests should expect a refreshed but familiar EATS experience that honors the original flavors and spirit of the brand. The company said additional details, including menu updates, timing and special events, will be announced in the coming weeks.
— Derek Prall
Hands On Atlanta appoints Naomi Green as president and CEO
Hands On Atlanta has named Naomi Green as its new president and chief executive officer, selecting her after an extensive national search.
“Naomi’s leadership style, experience, and clarity of purpose stood out throughout the process,” Adrienne White, board chair of Hands On Atlanta, said in a statement. White said Green brings strategic insight and operational strength while remaining grounded in the organization’s commitment to community.
Hands On Atlanta says it will continue prioritizing efforts to mobilize volunteers across the region, with a focus on expanding engagement and deepening commitment to service. The organization framed its approach as “More People × More Commitment = Greater Impact,” positioning the formula as a guiding strategy for increasing civic participation and strengthening community outcomes across metro Atlanta under Green’s leadership.
— Derek Prall
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