5 Atlanta events you won’t want to miss: May 9-15

Photograph by Julieta Cervantes

To Kill a Mockingbird
When: Various shows through Sunday, May 12
Where: Fox Theatre
Cost: $39-$189
Details: You have multiple chances this weekend to catch the Broadway tour of Aaron Sorkin’s symphonic adaptation of To Kill Mockingbird. Harper Lee’s eternally resonant novel gets a fresh perspective in this searing, sensitive, and often hilarious production, starring Emmy Award winner Richard Thomas in the role of Atticus Finch, with Morehouse alumni Yaegel Welch as the falsely-accused Tom Robinson. The cast also includes Mary Badham, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her role as Scout in the 1962 film. It’s a not-to-miss play for any fan of literature or theater.

Taste of Alpharetta
When: Thursday, May 9, 5-10 p.m.
Where: Downtown Alpharetta
Cost: Free to enter, $15 for KidZone
Details: Over 60 restaurants will whip up their best bites for this popular annual food and drink festival, the longest-running in the metro area. Enjoy live music on multiple stages, taste small plates from award-winning chefs, and cast your vote for your favorites in multiple categories, including best street food and the rookie award. For the little ones, a KidZone features a huge array of activities to keep them occupied, from inflatable bouncy houses to a climbing wall. Come hungry; your taste buds will thank you.

OMG Hip-Hop Food Fest
When: Saturday, May 11, 2-10 p.m.
Where: Atlantic Station
Cost: $12
Details: Whether you’re more of a foodie or more of a music junkie, you’ll find something to love at this first-of-its-kind food festival. Local chefs will be whipping up all kinds of small bites to enjoy, while a series of DJs and bands will supplement your snacking with rap classics, R&B, old school, and hip-hop beats. It will be a crowded day at Atlantic Station–consider taking a rideshare or taking MARTA to Arts Center Station, where a shuttle runs directly to Atlantic Station.

Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade
When: Saturday, May 11
Where: Westside BeltLine (parade begins at Adair Park)
Cost: Free
Details: Back for fourteenth year, this beloved parade lights up the night from Adair Park to Lee & White. You’ll see over a hundred official lantern puppets–plus many hundreds more homemade lanterns created by community members–and enjoy five marching bands as the parade strolls down the Westside BeltLine. You can enjoy the parade from the sidelines or join in the march yourself (glowing accessories encouraged). The parade ends at the Lee & White complex, where the party goes late with live music, food, and celebration. The parade kicks off at 8:45, but forget the kids’ bedtime for one night: they’ll remember the magic forever.

Atlanta Center for Photography Block Party & Exhibition
When: Saturday, May 11, 2-6 p.m.
Where: Edgewood Avenue
Cost: Free
Details: Enjoy the best of Atlanta’s historic Edgewood Avenue alongside work from some of the city’s most talented artists in this community art event. The long-running photography organization has partnered with other Edgewood Ave. businesses for a day of music, art, food, and community gathering. Check out work from local artists at the ACP Project Lab, grab a drink at happy hour sponsored by Marcus Bar and Grille, and enter the raffle for prizes from Dad’s Garage, Staplehouse, and Chrome Yellow. Kids (and adults!) will enjoy face-painting from local artist William Downs.

Sports corner: Atlanta home games

• Atlanta United hosts DC United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, May 11. Info here.
• The Braves host the Chicago Cubs at Truist Park on May 13-15. Info here .

The post 5 Atlanta events you won’t want to miss: May 9-15 appeared first on Atlanta Magazine .