Best of Atlanta 2016: Fun & Games
Birthday Party Spot: Slingshot Entertainment
Whether you’re turning 27 or 12, this former BJs turned entertainment warehouse in Peachtree Corners is 140,000 square feet of fun.
Karaoke for Nonexhibitionists: Karaoke Melody
If you like karaoke but not embarrassing yourself in front of strangers, this is the place to belt out “Hello.”
Bowling: The Comet Pub & Lanes
When the folks at Twain’s renovated Decatur’s Suburban Lanes, they did more than just upgrade the bowling shoes.
Place to Catch a Broadway-Bound Show: The Alliance Theatre
The gleaming Regional Theatre Tony Award in the lobby speaks volumes about the Alliance’s stature as a creative incubator for hits like Bring It On and Sister Act, and Tony winners The Color Purple and Aida.
ITP Carnival: Skyline Park
With its vintage boardwalk design and panoramic views of three skylines, Ponce City Market’s rooftop amusement park is an Instagrammer’s paradise.
Group Activity: Treetop Quest
You can always get the gang together for an afternoon of hitting golf balls or trying to escape a room. But for a real adrenaline rush, sign up for the two-hour self-guided activities at Treetop Quest in Dunwoody or Buford.
Entertainment Export: Atlanta
Donald Glover’s passion project won our hearts for offering a nuanced portrait of life in Atlanta and showcasing corners of the city not usually seen on screen, like J.R. Crickets or the county jail—all while still being laugh-out-loud funny
Renovation: Lou Glenn Children’s Garden
Before the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s recent $7 million overhaul of its children’s garden, the space was cute but dated. Now, after a year of renovations, families will find the garden transformed.
Viral Sensation: The Ron Clark Academy
Watch Ron Clark whip; watch him nae nae. The South Atlanta educator was already famous for his revolutionary teaching methods when he and Ron Clark Academy students took part in DLow’s “Bet You Can’t Do It Like Me” dance challenge last January.
Concert Venue: Variety Playhouse
The Little Five points venue has been an alt-rock haven since 1990, so when new owners Agon Sports and Entertainment announced an extensive renovation, fans were understandably nervous.
New Gallery: Brickworks Gallery
The price of art is often unapproachably steep. But this fall, artist Laura W. Adams opened Brickworks with a mission to showcase less expensive artworks.
Rain-or-Shine Fun: Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Start inside, where you’ll find science- and nature-themed exhibitions, educational activities, and a theater. Then turn them loose in the new 10-acre WildWoods, a play area with separate structures for big and little kids, and the 65-acre Fernbank Forest.
Neighborhood Festival: Porchfest
Before the last amp had been unplugged at the second annual Oakhurst Porchfest in October, the chatter had already begun: Can we do this again in the spring?
New Comedy Venue: Highwire Comedy Co.
Atlanta’s Latest comedy company finally got its own space near Atlantic Station last September.
Free Fun: Party With the Past
Brush up on local history at these bimonthly shindigs, hosted by the Atlanta History Center at notable venues like the Fox Theatre or Westview Cemetery.
Free Fun: Second Sundays at the High
The High Museum of Art decreased ticket prices to $14.50 last October, but it’s most accessible on the second Sunday of every month, when the doors open from 1 to 4 p.m. for free.
Free Fun: Atlanta Streets Alive
In a city dominated by gridlock, these afternoons provide a rare opportunity to ditch your car and explore Atlanta’s neighborhoods on two wheels (or feet).
Personal Endorsement: Atlanta Film Festival
Kevin Gillese, artistic director of Dad’s Garage
"This is one of the best annual events not just because its programming is consistently inventive and high-
quality,...
Fun Follow: @zooatlanta
Sure it’s educational, what with all the behind-the-scenes posts from zookeepers and fun animal facts (who knew Kavi the tiger loves cheap cologne?). But let’s face it, you came for the cute.