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Georgia outdoor gear tax to fund $33 million for new parks, trails

The state's voter-approved outdoor gear tax will send $33 million to parks, trails and conservation projects.

News

That backpack you bought last year helped raise $33 million that will soon <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fund new parks, trails and conservation projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/03/21/georgia-outdoor-tax-funding-awards" data-vars-content-id="22b9ed7a-b56b-41fd-9c2c-33b8018d7e6d" data-vars-headline="Georgia outdoor gear tax to fund $33 million for new parks, trails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/03/21/georgia-outdoor-tax-funding-awards" target="_self">fund new parks, trails and conservation projects</a> across Georgia — including a new Atlanta nature preserve.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program" data-vars-click-url="https://gadnr.org/gosp" data-vars-content-id="22b9ed7a-b56b-41fd-9c2c-33b8018d7e6d" data-vars-headline="Georgia outdoor gear tax to fund $33 million for new parks, trails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gadnr.org/gosp" target="_blank">Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program</a>, which has raised more than $110 million since Georgia voters overwhelmingly approved the tax on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outdoor recreation goods" data-vars-click-url="https://georgiaconservancy.org/gosa/#:~:text=The%20Georgia%20Outdoor%20Stewardship%20Act%20(GOSA)%20was,in%20acquiring%20and%20improving%20parks%20and%20trails**" data-vars-content-id="22b9ed7a-b56b-41fd-9c2c-33b8018d7e6d" data-vars-headline="Georgia outdoor gear tax to fund $33 million for new parks, trails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://georgiaconservancy.org/gosa/#:~:text=The%20Georgia%20Outdoor%20Stewardship%20Act%20(GOSA)%20was,in%20acquiring%20and%20improving%20parks%20and%20trails**" target="_blank">outdoor recreation goods</a>, has become one of the state&#x27;s tools for expanding access to parks and protecting natural areas.

Food hall to open in former CNN Center in Downtown

CP Group's makeover of the 1.2 million square-foot complex dubbed The Center will open a month before the World Cup begins in Atlanta.

Development

The project that will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transform the space" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/01/cnn-former-headquarters-atlanta-the-center-world-cup-mixed-use" data-vars-content-id="14b6b2a2-96b9-4c48-8aa2-079f6708e81b" data-vars-headline="Food hall to open in former CNN Center in Downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/01/cnn-former-headquarters-atlanta-the-center-world-cup-mixed-use" target="_self">transform the space</a> formerly known as the CNN Center will open in May.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CP Group" data-vars-click-url="https://cpgcre.com/" data-vars-content-id="14b6b2a2-96b9-4c48-8aa2-079f6708e81b" data-vars-headline="Food hall to open in former CNN Center in Downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cpgcre.com/" target="_blank">CP Group</a>&#x27;s makeover of the 1.2-million-square-foot complex dubbed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thecenteratlanta.com/" data-vars-content-id="14b6b2a2-96b9-4c48-8aa2-079f6708e81b" data-vars-headline="Food hall to open in former CNN Center in Downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thecenteratlanta.com/" target="_blank">The Center</a> will open a month before the World Cup kicks off in Atlanta, and it could be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major activity hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/03/25/centennial-yards-downtown-entertainment-district" data-vars-content-id="14b6b2a2-96b9-4c48-8aa2-079f6708e81b" data-vars-headline="Food hall to open in former CNN Center in Downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/03/25/centennial-yards-downtown-entertainment-district" target="_self">major activity hub</a> during the city&#x27;s eight matches.

More people in Atlanta have bachelor's degrees, census data show

The share of metro Atlanta residents 25 and older with a bachelor's degree or higher rose from 39% to 42% between the 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 periods.

Education

The share of metro Atlanta residents 25 and older with a bachelor&#x27;s degree or higher rose from 39% to 42% between the 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 periods. How it works: That&#x27;s based on the Census Bureau&#x27;s latest five-year American Community Survey estimates.

The Golden Girls Kitchen pop-up exhibition opens in Atlanta

The experience will be at Pullman Yards through May 10.

Things to Do

Fans of the iconic sitcom &quot;The Golden Girls&quot; can now immerse themselves in the television show&#x27;s famous scenes at a new pop-up exhibition at Pullman Yards.Why it matters: The show, which aired from 1985 to 1992, has a loyal fanbase, ranging from those who remember when the show was on TV to people who discovered the show through reruns and streaming services.

The Strokes, Wu-Tang Clan and Gorillaz lead Shaky Knees

The 3-day Piedmont Park festival returns with Gorillaz, Wu-Tang Clan and rising indie acts.

Music

Rising bands Geese and Fontaines D.C. will join legends LCD Soundsystem and Pavement and dozens of other acts at Shaky Knees in September.Why it matters: Now in its 13th year, the weekend festival stretching across multiple stages in Piedmont Park is one of the Southeast&#x27;s top music events.<ul><li>This year&#x27;s line-up is really solid.</li></ul>

SweetWater 420 Fest moves to new location for 2026

The Atlanta music festival will be held April 17–18, 2026 at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park.

Organizers of Atlanta&#x27;s SweetWater 420 Fest will once again move the popular festival to a larger location.Why it matters: The relocation to Shirley Clarke Franklin Park — the largest green space in the city with 280 acres — will allow organizers to attract more music lovers.

Drake boots Taylor Swift as Atlanta's top 2025 artist on Spotify

Atlanta was really feeling Kendrick Lamar and SZA's "luther" this year.

Atlantans have a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top music artist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-new-features" data-vars-content-id="b587eac7-6419-4cd3-ae7e-b961dcdedbad" data-vars-headline="Drake boots Taylor Swift as Atlanta&#x27;s top 2025 artist on Spotify" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/03/spotify-wrapped-2025-new-features" target="_self">top music artist</a> on Spotify.Driving the news: Drake overtook Taylor Swift as the top artist streamed this year in Atlanta, bumping her from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top slot she held last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/12/05/atlanta-spotify-wrapped-taylor-swift" data-vars-content-id="b587eac7-6419-4cd3-ae7e-b961dcdedbad" data-vars-headline="Drake boots Taylor Swift as Atlanta&#x27;s top 2025 artist on Spotify" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2024/12/05/atlanta-spotify-wrapped-taylor-swift" target="_self">top slot she held last year</a> to second place.<ul><li>Morgan Wallen comes in third, Bad Bunny ranks fourth and Kendrick Lamar rounds out the top 5.</li></ul>

Outkast's Rock Hall induction honors Atlanta's legacy and hip-hop roots

The duo was inducted during a ceremony at L.A.'s Peacock Theater on Nov. 8.

Los Angeles&#x27; Peacock Theater morphed into the Dirty South for Outkast&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame induction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/04/28/outkast-rock-n-roll-hall-of-fame" data-vars-content-id="211454f5-daf9-458d-828a-3a6f29fe34e8" data-vars-headline="Outkast&#x27;s Rock Hall induction honors Atlanta&#x27;s legacy and hip-hop roots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/04/28/outkast-rock-n-roll-hall-of-fame" target="_self">Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame induction</a> on Saturday night.Why it matters: The event highlighted the group&#x27;s influence on modern hip-hop, as well as Atlanta&#x27;s rich music history.

Your guide to Shaky Knees 2025 at Piedmont Park

First off, take MARTA or use the Atlanta Beltline. Please.

Shaky Knees, one of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Atlanta&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta" data-vars-content-id="24566a6d-728f-4c20-a3a2-397e5c5585d4" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Shaky Knees 2025 at Piedmont Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta" target="_self">Atlanta&#x27;s</a> heavyweight music festivals that brings something for every generation, comes to Piedmont Park this weekend.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Limited tickets remain" data-vars-click-url="https://www.shakykneesfestival.com/tickets" data-vars-content-id="24566a6d-728f-4c20-a3a2-397e5c5585d4" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Shaky Knees 2025 at Piedmont Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.shakykneesfestival.com/tickets" target="_blank">Limited tickets remain</a> for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weekend festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.shakykneesfestival.com/" data-vars-content-id="24566a6d-728f-4c20-a3a2-397e5c5585d4" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Shaky Knees 2025 at Piedmont Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.shakykneesfestival.com/" target="_blank">weekend festival</a> showcasing up-and-coming bands and rock legends.

Georgia ranks high in solo ticket sales

New SeatGeek data shows single-ticket sales are up as Gen Z prioritizes experiences over company.

Culture

Single-ticket purchases to concerts and professional <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sporting events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/13/la-olympics-world-cup-mega-decade" data-vars-content-id="d1351f37-4e4a-49ef-8d0b-2cf75208e45f" data-vars-headline="Georgia ranks high in solo ticket sales" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/08/13/la-olympics-world-cup-mega-decade" target="_self">sporting events</a> have steadily increased in recent years, according to data from SeatGeek.Why it matters: The ticket vendor says <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gen Z" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/09/smiley-emoji-gen-z" data-vars-content-id="d1351f37-4e4a-49ef-8d0b-2cf75208e45f" data-vars-headline="Georgia ranks high in solo ticket sales" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/09/smiley-emoji-gen-z" target="_self">Gen Z</a> and younger millennials are prioritizing &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="experience-first" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/26/netflix-spotify-paramount-streaming-live-experiences" data-vars-content-id="d1351f37-4e4a-49ef-8d0b-2cf75208e45f" data-vars-headline="Georgia ranks high in solo ticket sales" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/26/netflix-spotify-paramount-streaming-live-experiences" target="_self">experience-first</a>&quot; spending habits, even if that means going solo.State of play: SeatGeek ranked U.S. states by the percentage of single, resale ticket purchases to concerts and the four major pro sports leagues within each state and shared its findings exclusively with Axios.Zoom In: In Georgia, solo purchases accounted for 15% of pro sports ticket sales, ranking around in the top 10 nationally.<ul><li>Georgians are apparently more sociable than most states when it comes to concerts, though — 30% of sales were single-ticket purchases, up from 2024.</li></ul>Context: The resale platform credits a greater availability of general admission seats sold at concerts as a factor.The bottom line: Fans don&#x27;t need company to be entertained.Thomas&#x27; thought bubble: I agree 100%. A 2018 solo trip to Austin to watch &quot;Koyaanisqatsi&quot; performed live by the Philip Glass Ensemble was a bucket-list item for me.

Here are the top 5 songs Atlanta listened to on Spotify this summer

According to Spotify data, this summer was the least danceable and lowest-energy summer for music.

Alex Warren&#x27;s &quot;Ordinary&quot; was the top song this summer for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spotify" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/29/spotify-user-numbers-investor-relations" data-vars-content-id="bd887a12-4e56-49bb-9e5c-863e8b06bfea" data-vars-headline="Here are the top 5 songs Atlanta listened to on Spotify this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/29/spotify-user-numbers-investor-relations" target="_self">Spotify</a> users in Atlanta.The big picture: According to Spotify data, summer 2025 was the least danceable and lowest-energy summer for music, based on the tempos, rhythm stability, beat strength, and overall regularity of its top tracks.

Beyoncé in Atlanta: How to get last-minute tickets

Beyhive members from all over the world will descend onto Atlanta over the weekend.

The moment for which you relinquished hundreds (or thousands) of dollars, splurged on the perfect outfit and memorized all of the songs has finally arrived in Atlanta.Why it matters: Beyoncé&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cowboy Carter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/02/03/grammy-awards-2025-beyonce-best-album-cowboy-carter" data-vars-content-id="2fc82726-00e2-402c-a194-67db502fd705" data-vars-headline="Beyoncé in Atlanta: How to get last-minute tickets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2025/02/03/grammy-awards-2025-beyonce-best-album-cowboy-carter" target="_self">Cowboy Carter</a> tour stop in Atlanta will occur over <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="four days" data-vars-click-url="https://beyonce.com/tour" data-vars-content-id="2fc82726-00e2-402c-a194-67db502fd705" data-vars-headline="Beyoncé in Atlanta: How to get last-minute tickets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://beyonce.com/tour" target="_blank">four days</a> — Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday — at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

André 3000's pop-up concerts reflect his love for Atlanta, creative vision

André 3000 was seen performing last week in neighborhoods across Atlanta.

Nobody does surprise quite like André 3000, as shown by his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free pop-up flute performances" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/05/1-photo-to-go-andr-3000-just-wants-to-play" data-vars-content-id="b19f61ed-9dc9-42be-b858-aba70f4d5c01" data-vars-headline="André 3000&#x27;s pop-up concerts reflect his love for Atlanta, creative vision" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/06/05/1-photo-to-go-andr-3000-just-wants-to-play" target="_self">free pop-up flute performances</a> around Atlanta.Why it matters: The rapper and flutist is rarely spotted around town, but these outings could be a sign that we might see more of him — and not just because he may be promoting new music, said Maurice Hobson, a historian and Georgia State University professor.

Outkast to join Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Outkast was the only hip-hop group representing the genre in this year's hall of fame voting.

Outkast, the rap duo that played a major role in making Atlanta the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hip-hop capital of the South" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/11/hip-hop-50-years-atlanta-influence" data-vars-content-id="28564a77-fc28-4fce-98ce-65df6c8be1d1" data-vars-headline="Outkast to join Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/11/hip-hop-50-years-atlanta-influence" target="_self">hip-hop capital of the South</a>, will be inducted into the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame" data-vars-click-url="https://rockhall.com/" data-vars-content-id="28564a77-fc28-4fce-98ce-65df6c8be1d1" data-vars-headline="Outkast to join Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://rockhall.com/" target="_blank">Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame</a>. Why it matters: André 3000 and Big Boi&#x27;s rise in popularity forced the industry, which had been dominated by East and West Coast players, to pay attention to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="what the South had to say" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJu40C0vE3g" data-vars-content-id="28564a77-fc28-4fce-98ce-65df6c8be1d1" data-vars-headline="Outkast to join Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJu40C0vE3g" target="_blank">what the South had to say</a>.