Things To Do In Buford

On this week’s agenda: Japan comes to Atlanta, spotlights shine on indie films and music, Decatur’s Iberian Pig celebrates an anniversary with lots of ham, and Bodies: The Exhibition leads guests on an intimate voyage through the human body. As always, check Groupon for even more great things to do in Atlanta. JapanFest Duluth | Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21 This weekend, Gwinnett Center in Duluth hosts one of the largest Japanese festivals in the country. Take in a taiko drum concert, learn how to cultivate your own bonsai tree, or simply watch a bunch of kids run around in cute kimonos. Speaking of kids, children 6 and younger are granted free admission. (6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy.;$8, free for kids 6 and younger; buy tickets here) The Peach State Film and Music Festival at Atlanta Adamsville Rec Center Adamsville | Saturday, September 20, 7 p.m. Comedian Katrina Pope hosts this all-out feast for film and music lovers, which kicks off with two independent films, including The Next Day—a story of sordid romance, murder, and secrets, starring singer Deanna Dawn. Guests are then treated to soothing neo-soul from Takiya Mason and Deanna Dawn, and uplifting gospel from Christian singer Wumi Abe. A three-course meal and beverage come with admission. (3201 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW; $49+; buy tickets here) Joyce Manor at The Mammal Gallery Downtown | Saturday, September 20, 8 p.m. Against all odds, 2014 is shaping up to be the Year of Emo. Even before genre heavyweights Mineral and American Football reunited, younger bands such as Southern California's Joyce Manor were wearing their hearts loudly on their sleeves, playing songs that feature loose guitars and wailing vocals. Joyce Manor is among emo's most promising new bands, and they proved so much with this year's fantastic Never Hungover Again. Don't miss them at the Mammal Gallery, Downtown Atlanta's finest DIY arts space. Des Ark, the Exqusites, and Places To Hide open. (91 Broad St. SW; $12–$14; buy tickets here) The Iberian Pig's 5th Anniversary Bash Decatur | Tuesday, September 23, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Iberian Pig has been bringing creative iterations of pork and other Spanish dishes to Decatur Square for five years now, and the chefs are celebrating in a big way. How big? Well, they’re toasting the occasion with a whole suckling pig roast, free churros from their in-house churro cart, live music, and a carving of their oldest cured leg of Iberico ham. Call ahead to reserve a spot. (121 Sycamore St.; varies; buy tickets here) Bodies: The Exhibition at Atlantic Station Midtown | Through November 16 Bodies: The Exhibition leads guests on an intimate, education-packed voyage through the human body and its collection of intricately assembled systems. Numerous actual full-body specimens and more than 100 real human organs—each meticulously dissected and reverently displayed—provide a behind-the-scenes peek into anatomical inner workings. (265 18th St.; $18+; buy tickets here)

On this week’s agenda: cocktails at the zoo, art in the park, Atlanta’s best meatballs, Wabi Sabi ballet, and jazz singer Taryn Newborne. As always, check Groupon for even more great things to do in Atlanta. Jazzoo Creative Cocktail Event at Zoo Atlanta Grant Park | Saturday, September 13, 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Presented by Groupon, Zoo Atlanta’s creative cocktail event features food from 30 local restaurants, full bars all evening long, and live music on four stages. A VIP ticket gets you champagne toasts, exclusive restaurant access, private jazz performers, and a special experience with the animals. Speaking of animals, ''creative cocktail'' attire applies here—let your inner beast loose to win the costume contest for best animal-inspired look of the night. (800 Cherokee Ave. SE; $100–$175; buy tickets here) Atlanta Arts Festival Piedmont Park | Saturday, September 13, and Sunday, September 14, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Festival season is slowly winding down, but one of its most anticipated events arrives this weekend with the 8th annual Atlanta Arts Festival. This outdoor festival is free, open to all ages, and features an Artist Market with more than 200 painters, photographers, sculptors, and craftspeople from around the country. Look for the entrance on the west side of the park; the festival runs from the 12th Street and 14th Street entrances in toward the Bath House. (10th St. and Piedmont Ave.; free) The Atlanta Meatball Festival Sandy Springs | Sunday, September 14, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Beef, pork, lamb, or chicken—whichever way you meatball, you'll find a mouthwatering home at the Atlanta Meatball Festival. A Taste of Atlanta offshoot that does away with all pleasantries and vegetables, this celebration is highlighted by the Battle of the Balls challenge, during which judges and attendees vote to determine Atlanta's mightiest meatball. (4967 Roswell Rd.; $40–$45; buy tickets here) Atlanta Ballet Presents: Wabi Sabi in the Garden Midtown | Thursday, September 18, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Atlanta Botanical Garden becomes a ballet stage during this special edition of Cocktails in the Garden, which features boundary-pushing choreography and beautiful outdoor views. Taking its name from a Japanese worldview that finds beauty in the simplicity of the natural world, Wabi Sabi engages with its surroundings to create a ballet performance unlike any other. (1345 Piedmont Ave. NE; $18.95; buy tickets here) Canton Jazz and Jokes Featuring Taryn Newborne Canton | Friday, September 19, 7:30 p.m. This music and comedy night at the Cherokee Arts Center spotlights tunes from jazz singer Taryn Newborne. ''Jazz'' is actually a bit of a misnomer, as Newborne infuses her set with a little bit of Motown, courtesy of her soulful, powerhouse voice. She'll be joined by two up-and-coming comedians who play it clean and keep the swear jar empty. (94 North St.; $9; buy tickets here)

Atlanta’s startup community is unlike that of any other. We don’t thrive in the advanced tech space like Silicon Valley; we don’t even start tons of social ventures like Chicago; we have something special: makers, creators, and independent small businesses. Atlanta is the place to make the American Dream a reality. Talent and ambition are just a couple of the many reasons crafters can see success in Atlanta. The supportive, friendly community is really what makes creators thrive, and it is largely due to the Indie Craft Experience. Also known as ICE, this independent vendor marketplace brings together the best of the best to present beautifully handmade items to the public. ICE is put on two times a year with limited vendor spots available, making for a carefully curated selection of goods at the event. The first big marketplace event is Summer ICE, which is usually held in late June, while the second show is Holiday ICE, typically at the end of November. At either ICE, shoppers will find goods like handmade jewelry, candles, clothing, photography, art and more. In addition to the goods, local eateries sell snacks, unique drinks and tasty treats. Just walking from booth to booth proves to be a fun experience, but amp it up by posing in the large photo booth, complete with props and professional photography. As with any fun, popular event, arriving early has its advantages; at each Indie Craft Experience, the first 200 attendees receive generous swag bags stuffed with goodies from the vendors of the event. Don’t worry about waiting in line, though. The street lined with food trucks and coffee trucks (yum!) make for a great, truly local experience, even before you enter ICE. Tickets are just $10 and purchased at the door. Looking to get your feet wet before attending the big show? Check out ICE’s Salvage events in between the shows in April and September, and check their website for surprise Pop-Up shops throughout the year.