Weiner dog fans unite! The Howl-O-Weenie Dachshund Festival is happening Oct. 1 at Liane Levetan Park at Brook Run in Dunwoody. The dogs will be racing, vying for best costume and competing in face-kissing, tail-wagging and howling. Photo: Stephen Morton / AP

FRIDAY
Festival: This is one of the tastiest weekends of the year as the beloved annual Atlanta Greek Festival surrounds the Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Clairmont Road. Don’t miss the lovely syrup-soaked pastry known as baklava, the beautiful church or the fest’s many energetic dancers. It’s happening daily through Oct 2.

Festival: The third annual Atlanta Bar-B-Q Festival at Atlantic Station promises a taste of barbecue styles from all over the South, from Texas to the Carolinas, and Memphis to Kentucky.  The festival takes place Sept. 30-Oct. 1.

Film: Out on Film is one of the oldest LGBT film festivals in the country, and most of the screenings take place at Landmark Midtown Art Cinema in Atlanta Sept. 29 …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: Sept. 30-Oct. 2 »

The Tacos sagrada at perennial Atlanta favorite Nuevo Laredo Cantina, which will be celebrating its 20th year in 2012. It's your pick for best Mexican restaurant in and around Atlanta. Photo: Becky Stein / Special

YOUR PICKS
1. Nuevo Laredo Cantina
You say, “Nuevo Laredo. I’m from Southern California and it beats anything else I’ve had around here, it’s a much better representation than anything else” and “Best Tacos de carne asada! Margaritas are excellent as well.”

2. Taqueria Los Hermanos
3. Taqueria La Oaxaquena
4. Bone Garden Cantina
5. Mi Barrio

The deliciously authentic tlayuda from Taqueria La Oaxaquena in Jonesboro. Now 10 years old, this beloved spot is our pick for best Mexican restaurant in and around Atlanta. Photo: Becky Stein / Special

OUR PICKS
1. Taqueria La Oaxaquena
The AJC dining team’s specialist in International Cuisine Gene Lee says, “The regional style steeped in Oaxaca, central Mexico, is the primary reason this Jonesboro restaurant is my top …

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Augusta native Josh Kelley, brother of Lady Antebellum's Charles Kelley and husband of actress Katherine Heigl, comes to the North Georgia State Fair this weekend with songs from his latest album, "Georgia Clay." Photo: Cheyenne Ellis

FRIDAY
Stage: “Motherhood, the Musical” takes a tuneful and loving look at the blessings and perils of being a mom. The show continues through Nov. 20 at the 14th Street Playhouse.

Fair: The ride-packed midway is calling as the North Georgia State Fair takes over Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta. And don’t miss the concerts, which include Josh Kelley on Sept. 24 and the Band Perry on Sept. 29.The fair continues through Oct. 2.

Music: New wave powerhouse Blondie comes to the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Alpharetta at 8 p.m. Sept. 23.

Music: The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra begins a new season with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and excerpts from Wagner’s “Ring” cycle. Performances are at 8 p.m. Sept. 23-24 at  Symphony Hall

Stage: “All Blues” tells …

Continue reading Weekend best bets: Sept. 23-25 »

Patak Meat Products' retail space in Austell, which was your choice for best sausage in and around Atlanta. Staff photo.

YOUR PICKS
1. Patak Meat Products
You say, “Great taste. Great ingredients. Great selection. Great place to visit. Be aware they do not take plastic, cash and checks only. Do not mistake them for ONLY a sausage joint. Wonderful steaks and killer in-house smoked trout.”

2. The Spotted Trotter
3. DeKalb Farmers Market
4. Pine Street Market
5. Wienerz Butcher Shop & Deli

Check the board at Pine Street Market for a list of tasty sausage, bacon and other delicious offerings that are available. The Avondale Estates shop is our pick for best sausage in and around Atlanta. Photo: Renee Brock / Special

OUR PICKS
1. Pine Street Market
The AJC dining team’s specialist in Southern and Neighborhood Fare Jenny Turknett says, “Pine Street Market is my go-to place for sausage. Their products contain no filler, only locally sourced pork and seasonings. It’s the smooth …

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