New Orleans quintet Galactic headlines the Sweetwater 420 Fest with a set at 8:20 p.m. Friday, April 15. Photo: Taylor Crothers

FRIDAY

Festival: It’s the 75th edition of the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, which takes place in a Piedmont Park packed with people, art, crafts music and beautiful flowering trees. Noon April 15; 10 a.m. April 16-17.

Festival: Candler Park will groove to the sounds of New Orleans’ Galactic, Atlanta’s own Arrested Development, Athens’ Dead Confederate and more at the Sweetwater 420 Festival, a three-day, brewery-sponsored event happening April 15-17.

Film festival: The Do Something Reel Film Festival begins at sundown April 14, 15 and 16  on the lawn of Atlantic Station’s Central Park. The open-air fest  focuses on passionate people making a world of difference.

Stage: Don’t miss the 35th year of the Atlanta Passion Play, because this is the last season for this annual Easter tradition. See our preview of the long-running production’s final …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: April 15-17 »

A cart of tasty treats makes its way around the dining room at Canton House, which topped both the readers' list and our list for best dim sum in and around Atlanta. Photo: Elissa Eubanks, eeubanks@ajc.com

YOUR PICKS
1. Canton House
You say, “There are tons of options, most of which are centered in or around the Asian food destination we are lucky to have here in town called Buford Highway. My favorite is by far Canton House!”

2. Oriental Pearl
3. Happy Valley
4. Royal China
5. BBQ Corner II

OUR PICKS
1. Canton House
The AJC dining team’s specialist in International Cuisine Gene Lee says, “Canton House and China Delight were very neck and neck with being my top choice for dim sum in metro Atlanta. In the end, the larger variety at Canton House is what ultimately edged out China Delight. Although, I found both places the highest in quality and execution.”

2. China Delight
3. Oriental Pearl
4. East Pearl
5. Royal China

Continue reading Best dim sum »

Friday is the big day. The Braves are back with their home opener against the Philadelphia Phillies. If you’re planning to head out to Turner Field, here are some of the things you’ll see and a few things you’ll need to know.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8 at 7:35 p.m. vs. Philadelphia Phillies

• OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION

o   National anthem performance by Atlanta’s very own, Elizabeth Cook.  Elizabeth Cook’s album “Welder” was number 23 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 30 Best Albums of 2010.

o  Special presentation and video.

• Both teams will take the field in full-squad introductions.
• There will be a giant flag unveiled during the national anthem that will be carried by family members of military personnel that are currently deployed overseas thanks to a partnership with Operation Homefront.

o  Flyover by a four-ship of jets from Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi following the national anthem.

o  A very special first pitch.

o  The Atlanta Opera’s …

Continue reading Atlanta Braves Home Opener »

The cast of "Travelin' Black" explores the impact of African-American music on America's cultural identity. The show's run concludes this weekend. Photo: Cristopher P. Kettrey

FRIDAY

Sports, music, kids: Our Atlanta Braves have big plans for this weekend’s opening home games, including Friday night fireworks, lots of activities for kids and a
post-game concert with the Avett Brothers on Sunday.

Comedy: If laughter is the best medicine, metro Atlanta should be in fine health this weekend as the Laughing Skull Comedy Festival blankets the area with funny folks. The wide-ranging comedy showdown takes place in venues from Midtown to Roswell to Buford through April 10.

Stage: Georgia Ensemble Theatre presents “Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits: Vol. 1,” a musical revue with songs from “The Lion King,” “Les Misérables,” “Hairspray,” “Wicked,” “Mamma Mia,” “Cats” and more. The show continues at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center through April 24.

Stage: Brothers Brady and …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: April 8-10 »