Weekend events: Chomp & Stomp, Cirque du Soleil, Wine Fest

🥣 The popular Chomp & Stomp returns this weekend, bringing its famous chili cook-off, music, 5K and vendors to the heart of Cabbagetown.

• The event — a fundraiser for the Cabbagetown Initiative — returns this year with a kickoff event at 8pm Friday that features improv theater at Cabbagetown Park, with talent from Dad's Garage making an appearance.
• Saturday's festivities run from 11am to 7pm, with the chili cook-off beginning at 12:30pm.
• Don't forget to purchase your spoons (your entry to the tasting) for $10 at Little's Food Store and Sweet Cheats. You can also buy them for $15 on the day of the festival.
• 🤣 Kristal's thought bubble: You'll notice the people who are serious about the tasting by the muffin tins they use to hold their samples.

🩰 Cirque du Soleil is back at Atlantic Station with its production of "Luzia." (through Jan. 25, 2026)

🏀 The Hawks host the Toronto Raptors at State Farm Arena. (Fri.)

• Speaking of basketball, the Georgia Tech men's basketball team kicks off its season with a game against Bryant University Bulldogs. (Fri.)

🇺🇸 Honor those who served at the 2025 Georgia Veterans Day Parade, which will run on Peachtree Street between 15th and 5th streets (Sat.)

🏈 The Morehouse College Maroon Tigers take the field against the Clark Atlanta University Panthers. (Sat.)

😱 Check out Netherworld's 2025 haunted houses during daylight hours with the Lights On Tour. (Fri.-Sat.)

💃 Marvel at the art of dance at the Atlanta Flamenco Festival. (Sat.-Sun.)

🛍️ Get some holiday shopping out of the way for a good cause at The Sandy Springs Society's Elegant Elf Marketplace. (Sat.-Sun.)

🍷 Sip and savor (responsibly) more than 350 wines at the Decatur Wine Festival. (Sat.)

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to say the Chomp & Stomp event will be held at Cabbagetown Park (not at Dad's Garage).