Atlanta Pride announces “Rooted in Resistance” as 2025 festival theme
Atlanta Pride has announced “Rooted in Resistance” as the official theme for the 2025 Atlanta Pride Festival, set for Oct. 11 and 12. The event will mark the 55th anniversary of the organization.
Organizers say the theme reflects the LGBTQ+ community’s history of activism and continued fight for equality. It pays tribute to landmark moments like the Stonewall uprising and encourages ongoing efforts for visibility, justice and inclusion.
“This theme is a call to remember our past, acknowledge our ongoing struggles, and empower every individual to contribute to a future where all LGBTQ+ people can thrive,” said Chris McCain, executive director of Atlanta Pride.
In addition to the October festival, the organization continues its year-round work, including the Pride Across the Peach State initiative, which supports smaller Pride events across Georgia.
Volunteer registration is now open. More information is available here.
— Derek Prall
Dad’s Garage revives family improv show “Wowie Zowie”
Dad’s Garage Theatre will bring back its interactive children’s improv show “Wowie Zowie,” with performances scheduled Saturdays at 3 p.m. from July 5 through Aug. 23.
The show features performers from the award-winning Dad’s Garage ensemble and is geared toward children ages 4 to 12. Kids in the audience can participate by telling jokes, helping create stories or joining in dance breaks. Participation is optional, and children can also choose to watch.
Organizers say “Wowie Zowie” aims to introduce young audiences to live theater in an engaging, accessible format. The show is intended to appeal to families, including older siblings and parents. Concessions will be available, including snacks for kids and a full bar for adults.
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.
— Derek Prall
Town Center expands bikeshare program with e-bikes, KSU integration
In celebration of its 10-year anniversary, the Town Center Community is enhancing its popular bikeshare program with new e-bikes and an upgraded pedal-bike fleet sponsored by Georgia Power.
Starting in July, 10 e-bikes will join the fleet, and 35 existing pedal bikes will be replaced with new models. The upgrades come as the program celebrates 100,000 rides since its 2015 launch.
As part of a system integration, KSU students will soon be able to rent and return bikes across Town Center, the KSU Marietta Campus and new stations planned for the Kennesaw Campus. Non-KSU users will continue using Town Center locations.
The current bikeshare system includes 45 bikes across six stations and operates 24/7. Pricing includes a free first hour for pedal bikes and e-bikes, followed by fees of $3 per hour and $2 per 30 minutes, respectively.
To celebrate the milestone, Town Center will host events including yoga, pop-ups and a sweepstakes for a chance to win an electric bike. Details are available here.
— Derek Prall
Mimms Museum launches after-hours “Night Mode” summer series
The Mimms Museum of Technology and Art will launch “Night Mode,” a new after-hours summer series offering extended access to its art and technology exhibits on select Fridays.
The museum, formerly known as the Computer Museum of America, will remain open from 5 to 9 p.m. on June 13, July 11 and Aug. 8. The series includes full exhibit access and a card-only bar serving beer, wine and soft drinks.
Organizers say “Night Mode” aims to make the museum more accessible and provide a relaxed evening experience for guests unable to visit during daytime hours. Featured exhibits include an original Enigma machine, vintage supercomputers and a rare collection of Salvador Dalí prints.
Regular admission rates apply, and museum members receive free entry with one guest. All ages are welcome, though alcoholic beverages will be available only to guests 21 and older.
The museum will also continue summer events such as Sensory-Friendly Mornings, Punch Card Machine demos and “Educator Saturday” on Aug. 30, which offers free admission to K-12 educators.
More information is available here.
— Derek Prall
Paddle Georgia 2025 launches 82-mile river journey from Ringgold
More than 370 paddlers from 21 states will embark on an 82-mile canoe and kayak trip down South Chickamauga Creek and the Tennessee River beginning Monday, June 16, as part of Paddle Georgia 2025.
The seven-day event, organized by Georgia Rivers, starts with a camp at Camp Jordan in East Ridge, Tenn., on Sunday. Paddlers will follow the South Chickamauga Creek into Chattanooga, then travel along the Tennessee River to Stevenson, Ala., concluding June 22.
Celebrating its 20th year, Paddle Georgia is billed as the largest weeklong canoe and kayak camping trip in the country. Organizers say the event promotes river conservation and education while raising funds to protect Georgia’s waterways.
Participants will explore sites including Ruby Falls, Rock City, and Russell Cave National Monument, and will camp at public and private sites along the route. The journey highlights both natural beauty and ongoing policy debates over public access to Georgia’s rivers and streams.
A portion of each registration fee supports advocacy and water trail development. Since 2005, Paddle Georgia has engaged more than 7,000 participants and raised over $900,000 for river protection.
More information is available here.
— Derek Prall
Discover Dunwoody and Passion Soccer Academy to launch partnership at “Viva la Copa” event
Discover Dunwoody and Passion Soccer Academy will announce a new partnership during the “Viva la Copa” community event on June 22 at Ashford Lane Lawn in Dunwoody. The free event runs from noon to 11 p.m. and is open to the public.
The collaboration will focus on expanding soccer programming, tourism initiatives and youth development in the region. Passion Soccer Academy is a nonprofit serving Hispanic youth through soccer-based programs, inspired by Argentine training methods and the teachings of Pope Francis.
“Viva la Copa” will feature live screenings of FIFA Club World Cup matches, games, live music, food and beverage vendors, and appearances by local soccer players. The event is also supported by Create Dunwoody, the Consulate General of Argentina in Atlanta and Ashford Lane.
A tourism component includes a hotel booking platform that supports Passion Soccer Academy through select reservations made here.
“We are thrilled to support the inspiring work of Passion Soccer Academy and its impact on youth in our community,” said Ray Ezelle, president and CEO of Discover Dunwoody.
More information is available here.
— Derek Prall
Atlanta Fed names Kevin Dancy as new regional executive
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta has appointed Kevin Dancy as vice president and regional executive for its Research Division, effective July 1. Dancy will lead strategic efforts for the Regional Economic Information Network in Georgia and contribute to monetary policy and outreach initiatives.
Dancy joined the Federal Reserve System in 2016 and has held roles at the Dallas and Richmond Feds. Most recently, he served as assistant vice president in Operations and Administrative Services. He holds degrees from Texas Southern University, Texas A&M University and the University of Houston.
— Derek Prall
Trust for Public Land facilitates 766-acre land donation to Douglas County
The Trust for Public Land has helped secure a donation of more than 766 acres of forested land to Douglas County, marking a significant step in protecting regional water resources and expanding public access to the Chattahoochee River. The property, donated by Trust for Public Land board member Laura Richards, includes about 1.6 miles of river frontage where the Chattahoochee and Dog rivers meet.
The donation supports the Chattahoochee RiverLands, a planned 100-mile linear park that will link parks and natural areas across the metro Atlanta region. The land will be added to Dog River Park and the Dog River Recreational Complex, with plans to expand the nearby Dog River Reservoir, a vital drinking water source.
“This project brings together conservation, recreation and critical infrastructure in one legacy gift,” said Georgia Dusenbury, Georgia State Director at Trust for Public Land.
Douglas County officials praised the donation for advancing water security and increasing recreational opportunities for residents. The county will oversee reservoir improvements to meet growing water demands.
Click here for more information.
— Derek Prall
