Things To Do In East Point

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)

Most Atlantans don't even realize that Decatur, GA is its own separate city because it’s so close to downtown itself. Decatur has a small town feel, but is pretty sophisticated since it’s home to some of Atlanta's best shops and restaurants. I have a special place in my heart for Decatur because it’s where I live and work. There are some weeks when I don't even venture into Atlanta city proper because everything I need (good food, fun shops, and a cozy community feel) exists in the four square miles that is the City of Decatur. Decatur isn't right off the highway so its not unusual to find an Atlantan that hasn't visited and it can be overwhelming with so many places densely packed together. It has a lot going on for such a small town and sometimes you just need a local like me to show you around. So, without further ado, my favorite Decatur spots: Brick Store Pub: I have to start with this one since it's my home away from home. Brick Store is located on the town square and was voted by Beer Advocate as the second best beer bar in the world. I've heard of people who will spend their layover in Atlanta by taking MARTA to Decatur just to get a beer at this pub, and I think they're wise. This is the place where you can be as adventurous or safe as you want with beer - just don't ask for a Budweiser (they don’t carry it). Chai Pani: One of Decatur's newest restaurants that became an instant favorite of mine. I think of Chai Pani as a hipster's take on Indian street food. No matter what mood I'm in, I always get an order of Kale Pakora (think more flavorful kale chips coated in chick pea batter) and a Lime Rickey, a non-alcoholic version of a Gin Rickey made with homemade raspberry syrup. Steinbeck's: This is a teeny, tiny gastro pub located in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur. I think Steinbeck's is one of Decatur's best kept secrets. The menu changes weekly, but there are a few mainstays like the Chinese Breakfast - jasmine rice, braised pork belly, and leaks all topped with a fried egg. It'll change your life. For a tiny bar, it also has a great selection of craft beer. Cafe Alsace: I've never been to the Alsace region of France, but I feel like I know what it's like since I've eaten at Cafe Alsace a number of times. The dining room is small and quaint, in the best sense of the word, and makes you feel like you've been transported to France. Come hungry because the food is buttery, rich, and very filling. Sq/Ft: This boutique is like an independently-owned Anthropologie. It specializes in funky shoes with brands like Jeffrey Campbell, TOMS, and Seychelles, and has a curated selection of clothes and accessories. Vivid Boutique: Vivid is the cutest, prettiest, most affordable gift shop I've ever been in. Every time I need to get one of my girlfriends a birthday present, I come here. My go-to gift item is their scented Tyler candles that come in multiple sizes and change each season. Little Shop of Stories: This place is first and foremost a children’s bookstore, but it also has a great selection of curated adult fiction and nonfiction. My favorite time of year to visit is when they light a giant Christmas tree on top of their shop. The tree lighting event takes place the first Thursday after Thanksgiving and includes carols, fake snow, and free hot chocolate.

On this week’s agenda: kids make contemporary art, Weezer takes the field after the Braves, T-Pain and Brad Paisley bring the noise, and a barbecue festival invades Midtown. As always, check Groupon for even more great things to do in Atlanta. Contemporary Kids: Summer Sunprints West Midtown | Saturday, August 19, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. In conjunction with its current Be Here Now exhibition, the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center invites children aged 2 or older to spend some time making art in the sun. Kids will walk away with their very own sunprint, a unique work of art that uses natural sunlight as a developing agent. (535 Means St. NW; free) Atlanta Braves Summer Concert Series: Weezer Turner Field | Tuesday, August 12, 7 p.m. The Braves are once again in the thick of the playoff race, but even the hometown team might be eclipsed by the latest entry in Turner Field's Summer Concert Series. The reinvigorated Weezer takes the field shortly after the Braves face the visiting Dodgers, and all ticket holders can attend the show for free. Though their 10th album is due out this summer, Weezer's sure to trot out crowd favorites "Say It Ain't So" and "Buddy Holly." (755 Hank Aaron Dr. SE; $10–$89; buy tickets here) T-Pain's "Drankin Patna" Tour at The Masquerade Old Fourth Ward | Wednesday, August 13, 7 p.m. T-Pain is a lot of things. He's a Grammy-winning songwriter and producer, a rapper known for hits such as "Up Down (Do This All Day)," and a guy who spends a lot of his time in the ATL. He'll be taking his swagger and his bionic vocals to the stage at The Masquerade for an all-ages hometown hip-hop bash that promises to be more party than show. (695 North Ave. NE; $25; buy tickets here) Brad Paisley's Country Nation World Tour Lakewood Heights | Thursday, August 14, 7 p.m. Moving to the opposite side of the musical spectrum, country star Brad Paisley brings his rollicking live show to Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood as part of his Country Nation World Tour. Blending humor and pop-culture references with hot guitar licks, Paisley is a true modern star. He'll be touring on the back of his new album, the folksy-named Moonshine in the Trunk. (2002 Lakewood Ave. SE; $28.25+; buy tickets here) Atlanta Bar-B-Q Festival Midtown | Friday, August 15, 4 p.m.–10 p.m. The sixth annual Atlanta Bar-B-Q Festival casts a wide net, pulling in pulled pork and ribs from Texas, Carolina, Memphis, and other barbecue-loving locales. The two-day celebration kicks off on Friday, and you'll want to get there early if you're planning on trying everything. Our advice? Opt for the Bourbon Experience Ticket, which gets you admission to the festival along with a commemorative sample glass and samples of premium bourbons. (1380 Atlantic Dr. NW; $6–$25; buy tickets here) Photos: Atlanta Bar-B-Q Festival and Craig O’Neal (Brad Paisley)