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Georgia "I voted" sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism

Counties can offer the new Steve Penley design, the classic peach sticker or both this election.

Culture

A new &quot;I voted&quot; sticker designed by an Atlanta artist that an AJC columnist once dubbed the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="da Vinci of the GOP" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ajc.com/politics/opinion-meet-steve-penley-the-da-vinci-of-the-gop/2X6E35GSGNE7HGVR2UDNQ4KQFA/" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ajc.com/politics/opinion-meet-steve-penley-the-da-vinci-of-the-gop/2X6E35GSGNE7HGVR2UDNQ4KQFA/" target="_blank">da Vinci of the GOP</a>&quot; is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drawing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/Georgia/comments/1wtds1m/new_voting_sticker_for_midterms_what_do_we_think/" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Georgia/comments/1wtds1m/new_voting_sticker_for_midterms_what_do_we_think/" target="_blank">drawing</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="criticism" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/NilesGApol/status/2104981658701267378" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/NilesGApol/status/2104981658701267378" target="_blank">criticism</a> online.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Steve Penley&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.penleyartco.com/" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.penleyartco.com/" target="_blank">Steve Penley&#x27;s</a> reboot of a routine election giveaway fueled fears that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Georgia&#x27;s beloved peach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/2american4you/comments/17q2y8y/georgia_has_the_best_i_voted_sticker_by_a_country/" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/2american4you/comments/17q2y8y/georgia_has_the_best_i_voted_sticker_by_a_country/" target="_blank">Georgia&#x27;s beloved peach</a> sticker was going away — and sparked <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chatter" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AnneofGA/status/2105273272837329313" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AnneofGA/status/2105273272837329313" target="_blank">chatter</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="online" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/AngieAsadourian/status/2105301881170141333" data-vars-content-id="7be031fb-f822-45f6-bfe8-5a6cb1d03f8a" data-vars-headline="Georgia &quot;I voted&quot; sticker by Atlanta artist draws criticism" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/AngieAsadourian/status/2105301881170141333" target="_blank">online</a> about the artist&#x27;s conservative politics.

Weekend events: Doggie Bash, Other Art Fair, concerts, festivals

There's so much happening this weekend around Atlanta. Here's just a sampling of the events.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s the weekend! Let&#x27;s go and explore your city. Here are a few events to consider:⚾️ The Braves play the last of its three-game postseason series against the Phillies. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thurs." data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/atlanta-braves-wild-card-game-3-atlanta-georgia-10-01-2026/event/0E006512BCCEB651" data-vars-content-id="5032d910-ba7e-4108-8f1a-7728c77b2248" data-vars-headline="Weekend events: Doggie Bash, Other Art Fair, concerts, festivals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/atlanta-braves-wild-card-game-3-atlanta-georgia-10-01-2026/event/0E006512BCCEB651" target="_blank">Thurs.</a>)

I tried ATL's Minute Suites for an airport nap

Minute Suites offer travelers a private place to rest between flights.

Travel

Editor Geoff here! I was in your fine city this week and decided to try ATL&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minute Suites" data-vars-click-url="https://minutesuites.com/locations/atlanta-airport/#" data-vars-content-id="4a0a1105-9675-4c2f-a474-20885c698312" data-vars-headline="I tried ATL&#x27;s Minute Suites for an airport nap" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://minutesuites.com/locations/atlanta-airport/#" target="_blank">Minute Suites</a> while waiting several hours for my flight home on Wednesday.Why it matters: All of Axios Local convened in Atlanta this week for our annual retreat. We journalists love to karaoke, throw back a few rounds and yap into the wee hours, so a bit of rest was much needed.<ul><li>And I&#x27;m sorry, but I&#x27;m just not that traveler who can lie down on a filthy gate carpet. (And tbh, neither should you. You&#x27;re better than that!)</li></ul>

Bottoms and Jackson face off in only confirmed Georgia debate

The candidates face undecided voters Tuesday, one week before early voting begins in Georgia.

Election

Tuesday might be Georgia voters&#x27; only chance to watch the major-party candidates in one of the nation&#x27;s most competitive gubernatorial races debate on a stage.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tuesday&#x27;s Atlanta News First debate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/10/05/60-minutes-win-georgia-what-watch-jackson-bottoms-debate/" data-vars-content-id="76b5ace3-d928-4f4b-8e8d-1b092a8f36c7" data-vars-headline="Bottoms and Jackson face off in only confirmed Georgia debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com/2026/10/05/60-minutes-win-georgia-what-watch-jackson-bottoms-debate/" target="_blank">Tuesday&#x27;s Atlanta News First debate</a> is the only confirmed showdown between Republican billionaire <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rick Jackson" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/07/22/donald-trump-rick-jackson-georgia-governor-jon-ossoff-keisha-lance-bottoms" data-vars-content-id="76b5ace3-d928-4f4b-8e8d-1b092a8f36c7" data-vars-headline="Bottoms and Jackson face off in only confirmed Georgia debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/07/22/donald-trump-rick-jackson-georgia-governor-jon-ossoff-keisha-lance-bottoms" target="_self">Rick Jackson</a> and Democrat <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Keisha Lance Bottoms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/01/jon-ossoff-keisha-lance-bottoms-atlanta-democrats-rally" data-vars-content-id="76b5ace3-d928-4f4b-8e8d-1b092a8f36c7" data-vars-headline="Bottoms and Jackson face off in only confirmed Georgia debate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/06/01/jon-ossoff-keisha-lance-bottoms-atlanta-democrats-rally" target="_self">Keisha Lance Bottoms</a>, and it takes place with just one week until early voting starts.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Atlanta

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="abcedca7-ab62-4ef4-b22e-22c2bbfa9aad" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Atlanta" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in Atlanta&#x27;s Old Fourth Ward on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Weekender: Dolly Parton Day, Beltline lanterns and salsa dancing

Atlanta's weekend lineup includes drag, live music, puppets, art, salsa and plenty of festivals.

You deserve a weekend to-do list that features plenty of fun events. Here are a few.👱‍♀️ Celebrate Dolly Parton with drag performances, a look-alike costume contest and more on Sept. 25 — 9 to 5, get it? — at Jolene Jolene in Kirkwood. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fri." data-vars-click-url="https://www.tickettailor.com/events/jolenejolene/2407152" data-vars-content-id="340f5392-c8f5-4602-aa0f-8025e02b811e" data-vars-headline="Weekender: Dolly Parton Day, Beltline lanterns and salsa dancing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tickettailor.com/events/jolenejolene/2407152" target="_blank">Fri.</a>)<ul><li>A portion of the proceeds will benefit Friends of the Library in Kirkwood.</li></ul>

Metro Atlanta's Netherworld returns for its 30th season

The Stone Mountain Halloween institution returns with two massive haunts, monsters and more.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Netherworld" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/03/netherworld-atlanta-georgia-stone-mountain-october-halloween" data-vars-content-id="1547c8ce-19ed-4216-8457-d7e98e78a823" data-vars-headline="Metro Atlanta&#x27;s Netherworld returns for its 30th season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/10/03/netherworld-atlanta-georgia-stone-mountain-october-halloween" target="_self">Netherworld</a>, one of metro Atlanta&#x27;s longest-running haunted houses, returns for its 30th year Friday.Why it matters: The heavyweight haunted house in Stone Mountain is a local Halloween pastime and should be the first and final stop on a punch-card of metro Atlanta spook-taculars.

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.

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>)

Metro Atlanta marks 25 years since 9/11 with events

Communities will honor 9/11 victims with flags, memorial bells, moments of silence and a run.

Metro Atlanta cities and counties are holding events to mark 25 years since 9/11, a day we remember for the nearly 3,000 people who were killed and the countless lives forever changed.Here are some events happening Friday to honor the lives lost in the terrorist attacks:

Junkman's Daughter gets a new face in Little Five Points

Artist Kyle "BlackCatTips" Brooks is bringing frowns, teeth, horns and "character chaos" to the Atlanta landmark.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Junkman&#x27;s Daughter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/junkmansdaughteratl/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="bdf764e6-2bfa-4267-892e-c4b41cfb8765" data-vars-headline="Junkman&#x27;s Daughter gets a new face in Little Five Points" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/junkmansdaughteratl/?hl=en" target="_blank">Junkman&#x27;s Daughter</a>, the iconic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Little Five Points" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/05/atlanta-s-findley-plaza-undergoes-major-facelift" data-vars-content-id="bdf764e6-2bfa-4267-892e-c4b41cfb8765" data-vars-headline="Junkman&#x27;s Daughter gets a new face in Little Five Points" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2025/08/05/atlanta-s-findley-plaza-undergoes-major-facelift" target="_self">Little Five Points</a> emporium of almost everything, is getting a new face.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stalwart megashop&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/junkmans-daughter" data-vars-content-id="bdf764e6-2bfa-4267-892e-c4b41cfb8765" data-vars-headline="Junkman&#x27;s Daughter gets a new face in Little Five Points" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/junkmans-daughter" target="_blank">stalwart megashop&#x27;s</a> facade and the Vortex Bar and Grill&#x27;s oversized skull entrance are key ingredients of L5P&#x27;s magic.

Food & Wine Festival serves up 4 days of flavor

The 2026 event will be held Sept. 10–13 at The Home Depot Backyard.

Foodies and vino snobs will have four days to satisfy their cravings at the 2026 Atlanta Food and Wine Festival this weekend at The Home Depot Backyard.Why it matters: Food. Wine. Samples. Cooking demonstrations. What else is there to say?

Weekend events: Food, wine and arts festivals, 'Hamilton,' Braves

There's always plenty to do in Atlanta. Here's your guide on what's happening this weekend.

The weekend is upon us, and there&#x27;s never a shortage of events in Atlanta. <ul><li>Let us help you build an itinerary with these weekend happenings:</li></ul>😋 The four-day Atlanta Food &amp; Wine Festival returns to The Home Depot Backyard. (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="through Sun" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/09/10/2026-atlanta-food-and-wine-festival-home-depot-backyard" data-vars-content-id="6c0e7304-6635-4a14-ac17-769698ea2758" data-vars-headline="Weekend events: Food, wine and arts festivals, &#x27;Hamilton,&#x27; Braves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/09/10/2026-atlanta-food-and-wine-festival-home-depot-backyard" target="_self">through Sun</a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/09/10/2026-atlanta-food-and-wine-festival-home-depot-backyard" data-vars-content-id="6c0e7304-6635-4a14-ac17-769698ea2758" data-vars-headline="Weekend events: Food, wine and arts festivals, &#x27;Hamilton,&#x27; Braves" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/09/10/2026-atlanta-food-and-wine-festival-home-depot-backyard" target="_self">.</a>)

Six Flags buys ArieForce One, but its new home is a mystery

The beloved Georgia coaster will keep its name, but Six Flags hasn't revealed its new home yet.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ArieForce One" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/07/24/arieforce-one-closing-fayetteville-fun-spot-america-atlanta-roller-coaster" data-vars-content-id="fa6ed8fd-f506-47bd-bf1d-83672cb342d4" data-vars-headline="Six Flags buys ArieForce One, but its new home is a mystery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/atlanta/2026/07/24/arieforce-one-closing-fayetteville-fun-spot-america-atlanta-roller-coaster" target="_self">ArieForce One</a>, a celebrated roller coaster whose short and vivid life seemed to end when the Fayetteville amusement park it called home closed down this summer, is getting a new lease on life.Driving the news: Six Flags Entertainment Corp. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sixflags.com/blog/arieforce-ones-next-chapter-begins-at-six-flags" data-vars-content-id="fa6ed8fd-f506-47bd-bf1d-83672cb342d4" data-vars-headline="Six Flags buys ArieForce One, but its new home is a mystery" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sixflags.com/blog/arieforce-ones-next-chapter-begins-at-six-flags" target="_blank">announced</a> Tuesday that it acquired the gravity-defying ride, which had drawn legions of roller coaster fans to Fun Spot America Atlanta in Fayetteville since it opened in 2023.

Things to Do 🗓

Weekend events: Doggie Bash, Other Art Fair, concerts, festivals

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Atlanta

Weekender: Dolly Parton Day, Beltline lanterns and salsa dancing

Metro Atlanta's Netherworld returns for its 30th season

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