Home 2026

Archives

Atlanta Magazine’s Xavier Stevens Recognized by the Atlanta Press Club for Excellence in Investigative Reporting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlanta Magazine’s Xavier Stevens Recognized by the Atlanta Press Club for Excellence in Investigative Reporting

Atlanta, Georgia, May 7, 2026— Atlanta Magazine is proud to announce that staff writer Xavier Stevens was recognized by the Atlanta Press Club for excellence in investigative reporting at the 2026 Awards of Excellence for his story, “Two years after The Reserve at LaVista Walk apartment complex burned down, residents still seek answers and atonement.”
Stevens’ reporting examined the lasting impact of the devastating fire at The Reserve at LaVista Walk apartment complex, highlighting the ongoing challenges residents continue to face while searching for accountability, closure, and support years after the tragedy.
The Atlanta Press Club Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding journalism across Georgia and honor work that demonstrates exceptional reporting, storytelling, and community impact. The A-Mark Foundation supported prizes for the finalists in the investigative reporting category, and Stevens received second prize.
“We are incredibly proud of Xavier and the thoughtful, impactful journalism he continues to produce,” said Allison Entrekin, editor in chief of Atlanta Magazine. “This recognition reflects Atlanta Magazine’s commitment to meaningful storytelling that informs, investigates, and amplifies the voices of our community.”
Read the story here: Two years after The Reserve at LaVista Walk apartment complex burned down, residents still seek answers and atonement
Atlanta Magazine congratulates Xavier Stevens on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates the important role investigative journalism plays in serving the Atlanta community.
About Atlanta Magazine
Since 1961, Atlanta Magazine, the city’s premier general interest publication, has served as the authority on Atlanta, providing its readers with a mix of long-form nonfiction, lively lifestyle coverage, in-depth service journalism, and literary essays, columns, and profiles.

——————————————————————————————————

Media Contact
Zaquis Ross
Director of Marketing and PR
zross@atlantamagazine.com
404-457-8197

Atlanta Magazine Celebrates 65 Years with Landmark May Issue Featuring Original Cover Art by Steve Penley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlanta Magazine Celebrates 65 Years with Landmark May Issue Featuring Original Cover Art by Steve Penley

ATLANTA, GEORGIA, APRIL 1, 2026 — Since 1961, Atlanta Magazine has chronicled the people, culture, businesses, and bold ideas that shaped the city of Atlanta. In May 2026, the publication proudly marks its 65th anniversary with a commemorative issue that reflects on the city’s evolution while looking ahead to its future.
As a celebration of this milestone, renowned contemporary artist Steve Penley has graciously accepted the opportunity to create a signature cover for the anniversary issue. Known for his vibrant, expressive work and distinct interpretations of cultural icons and landmarks, Penley’s involvement brings a dynamic artistic perspective to this historic edition.
“When we first reached out to PENLEY Art Co. to see if Steve would create a painting for our anniversary cover, we were told he was booked and unable to take on the project,” said Editor-in-Chief Allison Entrekin. “Three hours later, we received a call back saying that Steve would love the opportunity to create a signature cover for the May issue; he would figure out a way.”
“I knew it was a true honor to be a part of Atlanta magazine,” Penley says. As he developed our cover’s colorful Downtown skyline scene, it seemed like fate: Penley is related to Norm Kohn, the artist who created our very first cover—also of the downtown skyline—in May 1961.
At the center of our commemorative 65th Anniversary May issue is an expanded cover feature package exploring the forces, decisions, and bold personalities that shaped the city we know today. The feature includes ten in-depth essays examining the sectors that fueled Atlanta’s growth, paired with conversations featuring influential voices such as Spanx founder Sara Blakely, civil Rights hero Andrew Young, Hall of Famer John Smoltz, Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls, former Atlanta mayor Shirley Franklin, and Kenny Leon of True Colors Theatre Company. We also revisit our own history with a special archival section highlighting iconic covers from each decade, reflecting the full breadth of Atlanta’s civic, cultural, and business evolution.
Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future
The May anniversary issue balances reflection with forward momentum, celebrating the innovators, risk-takers, and storytellers who built Atlanta while spotlighting those carrying its legacy forward.
“For 65 years, Atlanta Magazine has documented this city’s ambition, resilience, and reinvention,” added Entrekin. “This issue honors the history that shaped Atlanta and the people who will shape what comes next.”
The 65th Anniversary Issue of Atlanta Magazine will be available in May 2026.
About Atlanta Magazine
Since 1961, Atlanta Magazine, the city’s premier general interest publication, has served as the authority on Atlanta, providing its readers with a mix of long-form nonfiction, lively lifestyle coverage, in-depth service journalism, and literary essays, columns, and profiles.
Media Opportunities
Allison Entrekin is available for television and radio segments featuring what’s new in Atlanta Magazine, including top Georgia getaways, major restaurant news, upcoming events, and the stories shaping the city of Atlanta.

For more information, please visit https://www.atlantamagazine.com/.

——————————————————————————————————

Q&As are available upon request.

Media Contact
Zaquis Ross
Director of Marketing and PR
zross@atlantamagazine.com
404-457-8197

Georgia Design Magazine Opens Submissions for the Fifth Annual Georgia Design Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Georgia Design Magazine Opens Submissions for the Fifth Annual Georgia Design Awards

Submissions accepted through July 31, 2026 | Gala Set for November 19, 2026

ATLANTA, GA — March 4, 2026 — Georgia Design Magazine, sister publication of Atlanta Magazine, proudly announces the fifth annual Georgia Design Awards—celebrating the very best in architecture, interior design, homebuilding, remodeling, and landscape design across the state.

As Georgia’s only awards program uniting all sectors of the design and construction community, the Georgia Design Awards spotlight outstanding residential and commercial projects created by Georgia-based firms and creatives. Winning work will be showcased across Georgia Design Magazine, Atlanta Magazine, and atlantamagazine.com, reaching a powerful and design-savvy audience throughout the region.

Submissions are open March 1 through July 31, 2026. Projects of all sizes are eligible—from single-room transformations to full-scale homes, commercial spaces, and public environments. Entries will be judged by an independent panel of design professionals from outside Georgia.

Winners will be honored at the Georgia Design Awards Gala on November 19, 2026, and featured in the Winter 2026 issue of Georgia Design.

Designers, architects, builders, and landscape professionals are encouraged to submit their best work and be recognized among Georgia’s top creative talent.

To enter, visit https://www.atlantamagazine.com/georgia-design-awards-2026 and create an account. Complete your project details, upload images, and finalize your submission by 11:59 p.m. on July 31, 2026.

Media Contact: Zaquis Ross Director of Marketing & Public Relations Atlanta Magazine | GaBiz Magazine | Georgia Design Magazine | Southbound Magazine | Custom Media zross@atlantamagazine.com 404-457-8197

Atlanta Magazine’s Whiskey Festival Expands to Pullman Yards with More Spirits, More Food, and More Experiences Than Ever Before

0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlanta Magazine’s Whiskey Festival Expands to Pullman Yards with More Spirits, More Food, and More Experiences Than Ever Before

Atlanta, GA — February 24, 2026 — Atlanta Magazine’s Whiskey Festival is raising the bar. Now in its 11th year, the city’s premier whiskey tasting event returns Saturday, October 17, from 6:00–10:00 PM, unveiling its largest and most ambitious edition yet at a new, expanded venue: Pullman Yards.

As the festival continues to grow, the move to Pullman Yards creates space for more vendors, enhanced activations, and a broader guest experience. What began as a niche tasting has evolved into one of Atlanta’s signature spirits celebrations, drawing both seasoned aficionados and curious newcomers for an elevated evening of tasting, dining, and entertainment.

The 2026 festival will feature 40+ vendors, showcasing an expanded portfolio of premium whiskeys alongside emerging and independent brands. Guests will have the opportunity to connect directly with master distillers, brand founders, and spirits ambassadors, offering deeper insight into the craftsmanship behind today’s most compelling pours.

Food takes center stage this year, with a more robust culinary presence than ever before. Guests will enjoy bites from Girl Diver, Zenu, Farm Burger, and additional restaurant partners to be announced, delivering a chef-driven experience designed to complement the scale of the event.

Event Highlights Include:
• VIP Admission (6:00 PM entry) featuring early access, top-shelf tastings, and a curated gift bag.
• General Admission beginning at 7:00 PM
• A commemorative Atlanta Magazine Whiskey Festival tumbler for all guests, while supplies last.
• Live music, on-site cigar rolling, interactive brand activations, lawn games, and a golf simulator.
• Digital screens throughout the venue streaming the Georgia vs. Auburn football game.

Whiskey Festival continues to blend premium spirits, culinary excellence, and dynamic entertainment into one unforgettable fall evening.

——————————————————————————————————

Partner With Atlanta Magazine’s Whiskey Festival
As the event expands, Atlanta Magazine is welcoming additional spirits brands, restaurants, and experiential partners to join this year’s lineup. From chef-led tastings to immersive brand activations, partners gain access to a highly engaged, experience-driven audience.
Interested in becoming a vendor? Visit: https://www.atlantamagazine.com/whiskey-festival-vendor-info/

——————————————————————————————————

Tickets are limited and expected to sell out.
For tickets and full event details, visit: https://www.atlantamagazine.com/whiskey-festival/

——————————————————————————————————

About Atlanta Magazine: Since 1961, Atlanta Magazine, the city’s premier general interest publication, has served as the authority on Atlanta, providing its readers with a mix of long-form nonfiction, lively lifestyle coverage, in-depth service journalism, and literary essays, columns, and profiles.

——————————————————————————————————

Media Contact:
Zaquis Ross
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Atlanta Magazine | GaBiz Magazine | Georgia Design Magazine | Southbound Magazine | Custom Media
zross@atlantamagazine.com
404-457-8197

Atlanta Magazine Names Award-Winning Journalist Allison Entrekin Editor-in-Chief

0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Atlanta Magazine Names Award-Winning Journalist Allison Entrekin Editor-in-Chief

Atlanta, GA — February 17, 2026 — Atlanta magazine has named award-winning journalist Allison Entrekin its new Editor-in-Chief, ushering in a new era of leadership as the publication marks 65 years of covering the city with authority, creativity, and credibility.
Entrekin brings more than 20 years of editorial experience and deep Atlanta roots to the role. She began her career at Jezebel and later held editor positions at Competitor Magazine Southeast and Flavors. In 2010, she became the founding Editor-in-Chief of Simply Buckhead. Since joining Atlanta Magazine Custom Media in 2013, she has served as executive editor of Southbound and editor of the Georgia Travel Guide, earning multiple honors for her work, including two National Lowell Thomas Awards. Her writing has appeared in USA TODAY, The Telegraph, Cigar Aficionado, and Travel + Leisure. In 2023, she published the Amazon bestselling children’s book The Goose Who Talked to the Wind.

“I’m honored to lead a publication that has covered Atlanta with depth and heart for 65 years,” Entrekin says. “My focus is on elevating visual storytelling, strengthening reporting, and delivering stories that matter to the people who live here.”

Under Entrekin’s leadership, Atlanta magazine will emphasize photography and design, enlist important contributor voices, and sharpen digital storytelling across atlantamagazine.com and social media platforms. She also plans to expand dining coverage across print and digital, reimagine travel reporting around nonstop destinations from Atlanta, and grow the Scout section spotlighting local makers and trendsetters.

Entrekin remains committed to balanced, credible journalism that reflects Atlanta clearly and fairly.

About Atlanta magazine: Since 1961, Atlanta magazine, the city’s premier general interest publication, has served as the authority on Atlanta, providing its readers with a mix of long-form nonfiction, lively lifestyle coverage, in-depth service journalism, and literary essays, columns, and profiles.

Media Opportunities: Allison Entrekin is available for television and radio segments featuring what’s new in Atlanta magazine, including top Georgia getaways, major restaurant news, upcoming events, and the stories shaping the city of Atlanta.

Media Contact: Zaquis Ross | Director of Marketing & PR | zross@atlantamagazine.com | 404-457-8197a

Follow Us

69,386FansLike
144,836FollowersFollow
493,480FollowersFollow

NEWSLETTERS