This long holiday weekend is filled with ways to kick off fall, which is right around the corner. Making the Dorsey Alston top five list are Dragon Con, The Decatur Book Festival, Marietta Art in the Park, Shakespeare Tavern and the Chick-fil-A College Kickoff Classic.
Dragon Con
Thursday through Monday, Dragon Con is sure to deliver to the Sci-Fi, gamer, comic and book lover in you. It features a wild parade attracting nearly 75,000 mostly costumed pop culture fans and a solid line-up of speakers including 60s, 70s and 80s blasts from the past. Stars including Star Trek greats William Shatner and George Takei, Lou Ferrigno of “The Incredible Hulk” and Ralph Macchio of “The Karate Kid” (you know you practiced wax on, wax off) will be there. The voice actress behind Spongebob Squarepants Lori Alan and Tom Bancroft, an animator for many well-loved movies like “Beauty and the Beast” and “The Lion King,” are speaking as well. This event is one you have to attend at least once. Please see www.dragoncon.org for more details.
The AJC Decatur Book Festival
The AJC Decatur Book Festival presented by Emory University is a literary fan’s playground. For more than ten years, book enthusiasts have attended this FREE all-ages festival for the author speaking engagements, the kids’ parade, improv, cooking demos, poetry readings, lectures and family fun. You won’t want to miss the wide variety of different genres and writing styles like James Dean (not that one), but the children’s author of kid-favorite “Pete the Cat,” or NFL Pro Bowler Bill Curry signing his new book “Ten Men You Meet in the Huddle.” Political greats: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayer and Democratic frontrunner for Governor Stacey Abrams will also be speaking about their new books. Foodies, before you go check out cooking greats Pano Kartassos for a modern Greek cooking lesson and Ford Fry’s Tex Mex demo as these notable Atlanta chefs will be on hand for epicurean cuisine recipes and more. Oh yeah and don’t forget to buy a book while you are there. www.decaturbookfestival.com
Marietta Art in the Park
Marietta Art in the Park is this Saturday through Monday around the historic Marietta Square and in Glover Park. Since 1986, this celebration of art showcases artists from all over the country and includes paintings, jewelry, pottery, graphic arts, sculptures, woodworking and photography. Children of all ages will love the street chalk art display where they can create their own masterpieces on the sidewalk that will be displayed throughout the weekend. Stroll through the artist market and food truck row, but don’t forget to stop in local shops, boutiques and restaurants in this charming town square. www.artparkmarietta.com
Shakespeare Tavern
For the theatergoer, plan a visit to the Shakespeare Tavern. Through September 1, enjoy the complete works of William Shakespeare abridged of course (after all, there are 37 plays and too many sonnets to count). This adult humor version is performed by only three performers. Evening shows and a matinee are available. www.shakespearetavern.com
Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game
Ready for some football? Head over to the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game. The Duke Blue Devils face off against Alabama’s Crimson Tide. Gametime is 3:30 this Saturday and will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Take MARTA; it’s Smarta. www.chick-fil-akickoffgame.com.
