5 Cool Things To-Do in Atlanta, Georgia this Spring

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Looking for some fun and maybe a little bit nerdy things to-do in Atlanta this spring? We’ve got you covered!

Whether you’re visiting or you call Atlanta home, there’s no shortage of fun events, trendy restaurants, and unique attractions to check out before summer arrives. From immersive events to concerts to a must-try cocktail, there’s something for everyone in your friend circle!

So let’s dive into it! Here are our top 5 cool things to-do in Atlanta, Georgia this spring.

Attend the 47th Annual Atlanta Film Festival

The 47th annual Atlanta Film Festival + Creative Conference (ATLFF) kicks off on Thursday, April 20, 2023 and runs through Sunday, April 30, 2023. With over 10,000 submissions for consideration, the festival has an incredible lineup this year. Opening Night kicks off with the premiere of Polite Society. And throughout the festival 17 additional Marquee screenings will take place to showcase the best of Hollywood star power with the best of independent film.

Interesting in checking out Polite Society? Starring Priya Kansara and Ritu Arya, the film follows a martial artist-in-training who enlists her friends to help save her older sister from her impending marriage in the name of independence and sisterhood. Check out the trailer below.

Diversity in Cinema

Since its founding, diversity in programming has been a cornerstone of ATLFF’s mission. And this is demonstrated by the final lineup of 40 feature-length films, 84 short films, and 27 creative media selections. Of these selections, 49% are directed by filmmakers who identify as female or non-binary. And 47% are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC).

Five specialty tracks will return to the 2023 festival including:

New Mavericks: Celebrating excellence in film from female and gender non-conforming directors and leads
¡CineMás!: Focusing on Latin American culture
Noire: Uplifting Black filmmakers
Pink Peach: Featuring films with LGBTQ stories and characters
Georgia Films: Highlighting productions with ties to the state of Georgia.

The full schedule of films and events is available at www.AtlantaFilmFestival.com and through the ATLFF 2023 app. Festival passes are on sale now on the site. Tickets for individual events will be available at the beginning of April. In-person screening tickets range from $12-15. Virtual access is $9.99 per film/panel with an unlimited virtual all-access pass for $85 for both films and Creative Conference.

Grab a “Peppercorn Smoked Old Fashion” at R3 Rosendale Concepts

Easily one of the best Old Fashioneds in Atlanta right now, the Peppercorn Smoked Old Fashion is a must-try for the cocktail enthusiast. R3 Rosendale Concepts just opened its doors downtown last month at the iconic 200 Peachtree building on historic Peachtree Street. And with world-renowned, award-winning, Certified Master Chef® Rich Rosendale at the helm, the culinary offerings here will be ever-evolving with the seasons.

One of our favorite things to-do Atlanta, regardless of the time of year, is explore the culinary scene. So when we had the chance to check out the restaurant on opening night, we were thrilled! From tasty appetizers (we had the Hummus and Flatbread and Charcuterie Board) to incredible main dishes (we had the Seared Scallops and Elevated “Pot Roast”), the food was both creative and delicious! The restaurant has a lively atmosphere with great music (while we were there) that creates a fun and welcoming environment. It’s perfect for a date night or a girls night out! Or you can even just a drop-in to grab that Peppercorn Smoked Old Fashion at the bar!

Some Background Details on R3

Behind the scenes, the R3 kitchen features innovative technology that allows for a sustainable approach to the culinary experience. By using state of the art electric ovens and sous vide methods, the restaurant has eliminated the use of hoods, grills and fryers found in traditional restaurants. The implementation of electric ovens and sous vide methods not only lower costs, but also provide better working conditions with less heat build up and less risks of kitchen-related injuries, decrease the use of energy, decrease footprint, and increase baking consistency.

But Back to that Old Fashioned

Curious what’s all in this old fashioned that we’re raving about? Its base is Angels Envy bourbon. And it uses a sugar cube and Angostura orange bitters. Smoked in cloche with peppercorns and cherry wood, the cocktail is served in an old fashion glass with a King Ice Cube and garnished with an orange peel and brandied cherries. It’s pure perfection.

Visit Disney Immersive Animation at Atlanta’s Armour Yards

Calling all Disney fans! You’re not going to want to miss this one! There’s a new projection experience, Immersive Disney Animation, opening at Atlanta’s Armour Yards on May 1! When it comes to things to-do in Atlanta this Spring, this one is appropriate for the whole family!

Developed by Lighthouse Immersive in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios, Immersive Disney Animation uses projection, sound and interactive technology to make audiences feel that they’ve entered the worlds of beloved Disney characters— from hits of today like Encanto, Zootopia and Frozen, to all of the classics including The Lion King, Peter Pan and Pinocchio.

An Event for All-Ages

Creating iconic animated stories for all ages for nearly a century, Walt Disney Animation Studios has joined forces with North America’s top creator of experiential projection exhibitions to present the music and artistry within Disney Animation’s canon of films. Audiences will feel like they’ve entered the incredible worlds of beloved Disney characters and become one with them!

Coming off its world premiere in Toronto last December, and rolling out in select U.S. cities in 2023, Immersive Disney Animation will open in a 44,000-square-foot warehouse space in the Armour-Ottley Loop. Not familiar with the area? It’s a former industrial corridor situated between Buckhead and Midtown where developers have started reclaiming unused spaces. The venue stands adjacent to the future Atlanta BeltLine and Path 400 trails.

Tickets start at $29.99 and are now on sale at lighthouseimmersive.com/disney. We’ll be checking out the media preview later this month, so stay tuned for our review and a closer look at all the event has to offer!

Check out Post Modern Jukebox at Atlanta Symphony Hall

Want to check out a concert? Maybe you’re looking for something a little bit different than the outdoor concerts Atlanta normally has to offer? Or maybe you weren’t one of the lucky few that picked up tickets to that Taylor Swift show on April 28th… No worries, we’ve got you.

One of our favorite things to do in Atlanta is check out a show at Symphony Hall. You simply can’t beat the sound, and it doesn’t hurt that you can grab a glass of wine, sit down in air conditioning, and enjoy all your favorite songs – but with a fun new take on them.

Post Modern Jukebox is one of our favorite bands. If you’re not familiar with the group, they’re a rotating musical collective founded by New York-based pianist Scott Bradlee in 2011. Today, they’re best known for reworking popular music (from all genres) into different vintage genres, including jazz, swing, and ragtime.

Post Modern Jukebox takes the stage at Atlanta Symphony Hall on Saturday, April 8, 2023. Tickets are still available and start at $42 (plus Ticketmaster fees) and can be purchased here. It’s perfect for a date night or even just a classy and fun night out with friends!

CHEVALIER Poster — Photo Credit: Searchlight Pictures

Catch an Early Preview of A New Movie!

Did you know FanBolt is always giving away free early passes to see upcoming movies? We’re giving away passes now for Searchlight Pictures’ Chevalier, which is inspired by the incredible true story of composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. As the illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, Bologne rises to improbable heights in French society as a celebrated violinist-composer and fencer, complete with an ill-fated love affair and a falling out with Marie Antoinette and her court.

Check out the trailer below.

Want to check this one out? Enter to win free passes here to an early screening on April 19, 2023! And keep an eye out, as we’re always giving away free early passes to upcoming films!

There’s No Shortage of Fun this Spring in Atlanta!

This spring, there’s no shortage of fun and unique things to do in Atlanta, Georgia! From visiting Disney Immersive Animation at Armour Yards and checking out Post Modern Jukebox at the Atlanta Symphony Hall to checking out an Atlanta tradition on the big screen – there are plenty of activities for everyone in your family or friend circle. Whether you’re looking for something educational or you just want to have some good old-fashioned fun, be sure to get out and about to check out a few of these events this spring. It’s going to be a blast!