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Weekend events: Shaboozey, Shaky Knees, Lantern Parade, Falcons

There's plenty to do this weekend in Atlanta. Check out our list of events happening around town.

Things to Do

Welcome to the weekend, Atlanta! Looking for something to get into? We&#x27;ve got you covered.🎟️ Piedmont Park will host Shaky Knees Festival this weekend. The event is sold out, but you may be able to snag tickets on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resale market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketexchangebyticketmaster.com/seg165/shaky-knees-music-festival-tickets/event/28494" data-vars-content-id="ebd18fa5-c0ef-43eb-b12c-c79828d16879" data-vars-headline="Weekend events: Shaboozey, Shaky Knees, Lantern Parade, Falcons" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketexchangebyticketmaster.com/seg165/shaky-knees-music-festival-tickets/event/28494" target="_blank">resale market</a>. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fri.-Sun." data-vars-click-url="https://www.shakykneesfestival.com/" data-vars-content-id="ebd18fa5-c0ef-43eb-b12c-c79828d16879" data-vars-headline="Weekend events: Shaboozey, Shaky Knees, Lantern Parade, Falcons" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.shakykneesfestival.com/" target="_blank">Fri.-Sun.</a>)

Atlanta seeks answers on the future of Beltline rail

A council resolution aims to end the limbo over what transit Atlanta can build around the Beltline.

Transit

An effort to get Atlanta on track to building Beltline rail is moving forward.Why it matters: A resolution by Atlanta City Council Member Kelsea Bond asks Mayor Andre Dickens, MARTA and Atlanta Beltline leaders to create a road map for bringing a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$3.5 billion" data-vars-click-url="https://beltline.org/blog/a-recap-on-the-beltline-transit-study/" data-vars-content-id="50b39bfb-7b0d-48d0-a5fb-67918e793b8c" data-vars-headline="Atlanta seeks answers on the future of Beltline rail" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://beltline.org/blog/a-recap-on-the-beltline-transit-study/" target="_blank">$3.5 billion</a> vision of rail around the 22-mile loop to life.

A chicken wing review — and a mea culpa

Great wings and a unique ambiance will make The Bando hard to forget.

Food and Drink

👋🏽 Crystal here.I recently stopped by wing spot <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Bando" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thebandoatl.com/" data-vars-content-id="4adfc706-43bf-4f4b-87f1-9db23c9faa77" data-vars-headline="A chicken wing review — and a mea culpa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thebandoatl.com/" target="_blank">The Bando</a> — and I owe our readers an apology.Why it matters: Earlier this year Axios Atlanta ran <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a chicken wing bracket" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/02/02/atlantas-chicken-wing-bracket-voters-have-crowned-a-winner" data-vars-content-id="4adfc706-43bf-4f4b-87f1-9db23c9faa77" data-vars-headline="A chicken wing review — and a mea culpa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/02/02/atlantas-chicken-wing-bracket-voters-have-crowned-a-winner" target="_self">a chicken wing bracket</a>, asking readers to pick the best wings in the city.<ul><li>Voters crowned <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Local" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/thelocalonponce/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="4adfc706-43bf-4f4b-87f1-9db23c9faa77" data-vars-headline="A chicken wing review — and a mea culpa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/thelocalonponce/?hl=en" target="_blank">The Local</a>, but not before informing us of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an oversight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/01/28/vote-in-round-2-of-our-best-chicken-wings-in-atlanta-bracket" data-vars-content-id="4adfc706-43bf-4f4b-87f1-9db23c9faa77" data-vars-headline="A chicken wing review — and a mea culpa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/01/28/vote-in-round-2-of-our-best-chicken-wings-in-atlanta-bracket" target="_self">an oversight</a>: The Bando, which bills itself as a chicken wing restaurant and trap museum. Over Labor Day weekend, I finally checked it out.</li></ul>

Atlanta uses AI to find potholes before they form

Cyvl's technology is attached to government vehicles and scans street conditions.

The Atlanta Department of Transportation is turning to artificial intelligence to help keep track of which streets, sidewalks and signs are in need of repair.Why it matters: With the guidance and oversight of humans, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cyvl&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://cyvl.com/case-studies/atlanta-ga" data-vars-content-id="a90860ba-c01e-4d36-9696-d35fd79c1561" data-vars-headline="Atlanta uses AI to find potholes before they form" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cyvl.com/case-studies/atlanta-ga" target="_blank">Cyvl&#x27;</a>s technology aims to help ATL DOT identify and repair those dreadful potholes we dodge during our daily commutes.

CHaRM to start accepting vapes for recycling

The Atlanta-based facility will begin accepting the hard-to-recycle devices beginning Oct. 1.

Environment

If you (no judgement) take your last pull from your vape and aren&#x27;t sure what to do with the pen or cartridge, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Center for Hard to Recycle Materials" data-vars-click-url="https://livethrive.org/charm/" data-vars-content-id="6d04d810-47a5-42a1-9672-d387ce3fa829" data-vars-headline="CHaRM to start accepting vapes for recycling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://livethrive.org/charm/" target="_blank">Center for Hard to Recycle Materials</a> is coming to the rescue. Why it matters: You can&#x27;t throw away vapes as you do your household trash, as their lithium-ion batteries, materials and oils are harmful to the environment.

EPA plan could reduce public scrutiny of Georgia data center air permits

States would be given an option to change public participation and comment rules.

News

A Trump administration proposal to eliminate a federal requirement giving the public notice and an opportunity to comment on air-pollution permits could reduce the scrutiny of diesel generators backing up data centers, advocates warn.Why it matters: Data centers are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big business in Georgia" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/georgia-ai-data-centers" data-vars-content-id="d9ed3fd0-a361-4ffd-8184-4f9520b786a6" data-vars-headline="EPA plan could reduce public scrutiny of Georgia data center air permits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/georgia-ai-data-centers" target="_self">big business in Georgia</a>, and the obscure &quot;minor-source&quot; permitting process can be one of the few chances for the public to scrutinize a project&#x27;s pollution plans.

Atlanta trash and recycling bills could rise 23% by 2028

City officials say higher rates would help replace aging trucks and cover rising operating costs.

The typical Atlanta household&#x27;s annual trash and recycling bill could increase by about 23% over the next two years <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="under a proposal at City Hall" data-vars-click-url="http://www.atlantaga.gov/2026solidwasteratestudy" data-vars-content-id="53b3687b-aac3-4a6f-a316-567b34e6bd6f" data-vars-headline="Atlanta trash and recycling bills could rise 23% by 2028" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.atlantaga.gov/2026solidwasteratestudy" target="_blank">under a proposal at City Hall</a>.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s Department of Public Works says increased fuel, labor and operating costs and an aging garbage-truck fleet have left the solid-waste program in need of a more sustainable funding source.<ul><li>In June, DPW commissioner Cyril Turner <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="said" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/live/ccGPYUrP_jA?t=773s" data-vars-content-id="53b3687b-aac3-4a6f-a316-567b34e6bd6f" data-vars-headline="Atlanta trash and recycling bills could rise 23% by 2028" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/live/ccGPYUrP_jA?t=773s" target="_blank">said</a> the department needed new funding to address a $53 million solid-waste deficit.</li></ul>

Chastain Park could gain a new place to watch the sunset

Plans would open roughly 30 hidden acres with trails, lawns and creek views if fundraising reaches its goal.

A forgotten corner of Chastain Memorial Park could become one of Atlanta&#x27;s newest places to watch the sunset.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chastain Park Conservancy" data-vars-click-url="https://chastainparkconservancy.org/" data-vars-content-id="324ea4a6-6235-4c91-9f30-798129683fd2" data-vars-headline="Chastain Park could gain a new place to watch the sunset" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chastainparkconservancy.org/" target="_blank">Chastain Park Conservancy</a> is nearing its $13 million fundraising goal to transform about 30 acres that have sat inaccessible for decades into trails, open lawns and one of the park&#x27;s first true places to simply relax.

The Spiller Field Magnolias will live on across Atlanta

Cuttings already grow across metro Atlanta, and the historic trees may even sprout again from their stumps.

History

Part of one of Atlanta&#x27;s most beloved trees came crashing down over the weekend. But the Spiller Field Magnolias will live on.Why it matters: Cuttings taken the grand magnolias in 2013 have already been planted across metro Atlanta.<ul><li>And experts say the damaged magnolia could eventually send up new shoots from its stump.</li></ul>

Skatepark helps define Atlanta greenway's next chapter

The proposed linear park would reconnect neighborhoods with plazas, paths, shaded areas and a skatepark.

An ambitious plan to create an 8.5-acre linear park stretching from the Downtown Connector to Oakland Cemetery could also include a skatepark, plazas and plenty of shade, according to new conceptual renderings.Why it matters: The decades-in-the-making (and still not fully funded) Memorial Drive Greenway would create a green space magnet on Grant Park&#x27;s northern edge and reconnect surrounding communities.

Atlanta CHaRM site near Beltline set to relocate

The Chosewood Park recycling facility will shift operations to a larger property in a Bowen Homes redevelopment.

Development

Atlanta&#x27;s popular place where you can drop off everything from paint cans to old mattresses will close and relocate to the other side of the city. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Live Thrive" data-vars-click-url="https://livethrive.org/" data-vars-content-id="eb486783-426e-42fe-92f5-b4c4e7083380" data-vars-headline="Atlanta CHaRM site near Beltline set to relocate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://livethrive.org/" target="_blank">Live Thrive</a> plans to close the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Center for Hard to Recycle Materials" data-vars-click-url="https://livethrive.org/charm/" data-vars-content-id="eb486783-426e-42fe-92f5-b4c4e7083380" data-vars-headline="Atlanta CHaRM site near Beltline set to relocate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://livethrive.org/charm/" target="_blank">Center for Hard to Recycle Materials</a> location along the Beltline in Chosewood Park when its lease ends this year — and as nearby properties become prime redevelopment targets.

What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill

Experts urge caution around cloudy water and sludge as authorities investigate the die-off.

An &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unprecedented" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2026/05/26/atlanta-rains-cause-unprecedented-fish-deaths-in-chattahoochee-river/90257898007/#" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2026/05/26/atlanta-rains-cause-unprecedented-fish-deaths-in-chattahoochee-river/90257898007/#" target="_blank">unprecedented</a>&quot; fish kill along the Chattahoochee River has sparked investigations and raised concerns about the precious waterway&#x27;s health.Catch up quick: City and state angencies are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="investigating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/05/riverkeeper-warns-of-massive-fish-kill-on-the-chattahoochee-near-atlanta/" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ajc.com/news/2026/05/riverkeeper-warns-of-massive-fish-kill-on-the-chattahoochee-near-atlanta/" target="_blank">investigating</a> why a massive number of fish washed up dead along a 20-mile stretch of the Chattahoochee downstream of Peachtree Creek.The latest: Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Jason Ulseth <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/what-is-fish-kill-why-thousands-fish-suffocated-chattahoochee-river#" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/what-is-fish-kill-why-thousands-fish-suffocated-chattahoochee-river#" target="_blank">told</a> Fox 5 that warm and polluted stormwater runoff from recent heavy rains likely caused oxygen levels in the river to drop, suffocating the fish.<ul><li>Atlanta Department of Watershed Management commissioner Greg Eyerly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/27/atlanta-boil-water-advisory-notifyatl-emergency-alerts-council-hearing" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/05/27/atlanta-boil-water-advisory-notifyatl-emergency-alerts-council-hearing" target="_self">told</a> the Atlanta City Council Utilities Committee on Tuesday that his team was preparing an official report for state regulators.</li></ul>State of play: Ulseth <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="told" data-vars-click-url="https://www.11alive.com/article/tech/science/environment/sludge-cited-as-source-of-chattahoochee-fish-kill/85-b81f5d47-35a5-4516-85ab-40ea489f4546#" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.11alive.com/article/tech/science/environment/sludge-cited-as-source-of-chattahoochee-fish-kill/85-b81f5d47-35a5-4516-85ab-40ea489f4546#" target="_blank">told</a> 11 Alive that recent rains have helped restore the river&#x27;s health.While the fish kill appears to have been concentrated south of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, the following tips will help keep you and your loved ones healthy:🐶 Pets: Watch where your pets are playing and what they&#x27;re drinking. Keep them away from any dead fish.<ul><li>Ulseth and Eyerly reported seeing a &quot;black sludge&quot; along the banks in some areas. Steer clear of that sludge.</li></ul>🧫 Bacteria levels: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Check bacteria levels" data-vars-click-url="https://ga.water.usgs.gov/bacteria/" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ga.water.usgs.gov/bacteria/" target="_blank">Check bacteria levels</a> along the river.<ul><li>A good rule of thumb: Avoid contact with cloudy water.</li></ul>🏊 Avoid swimming until authorities give the all-clear, especially if you have any open cuts or injuries.<ul><li>The Riverkeeper has a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chattahoochee swimming guide" data-vars-click-url="https://chattahoochee.org/swim-guide/" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chattahoochee.org/swim-guide/" target="_blank">Chattahoochee swimming guide</a> with good tips.</li></ul>The bottom line: The Chattahoochee&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="history" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/07/14/sally-bethea-chattahoochee-riverkeeper-book" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2023/07/14/sally-bethea-chattahoochee-riverkeeper-book" target="_self">history</a> is an inspiring story of how people can <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="save a precious and resilient river" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/12/30/president-jimmy-carter-chattahoochee-river-national-park" data-vars-content-id="e54cd55c-d776-47c3-8406-70e51916f887" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Chattahoochee River fish kill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/12/30/president-jimmy-carter-chattahoochee-river-national-park" target="_self">save a precious and resilient river</a>.<ul><li>The past week&#x27;s fish kill was a reminder that the work, and the story, are not yet finished.</li></ul>

Statewide drought pushes Georgia officials to start conservation campaign

The dry spell is prompting officials to push conservation to avoid bans.

Georgia officials are urging local water systems and the public to curb water usage as nearly all of the state experiences one of the worst droughts in decades.Why it matters: Spring is an unusual time for Georgia to experience droughts, which tend to take place during late summer.<ul><li>The measures could fend off stringent restrictions, including bans on outdoor watering or nonessential uses like car washes or fountains, if the drought continues.</li></ul>

Wildfires continue to burn across drought-ridden South Georgia

The Pineland Road fire in Clinch County is 10% contained and the Highway 82 fire in Brantley County is 15% contained.

Wildfires

More than 50,000 acres have been torched and over 100 structures have been destroyed as two massive wildfires rage in South Georgia. The latest: The Pineland Road fire in Clinch County, located in southeast Georgia, is only 10% contained and has burned over 32,000 acres, according to numbers released Sunday by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Georgia Forestry Commission" data-vars-click-url="https://gatrees.org/current-wildfire-information-and-resources/" data-vars-content-id="6fa05452-1607-4661-8ae1-0db46148d7b5" data-vars-headline="Wildfires continue to burn across drought-ridden South Georgia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gatrees.org/current-wildfire-information-and-resources/" target="_blank">Georgia Forestry Commission</a>.