Guilt-free way to indulge in all of fall’s comfort foods? Get out and dance to live music Sunday nights at Johnny’s Hideaway, Atlanta’s nightclub for big kids. This week, Cold Draft Beer rocks on October 25. Shimmying ahead, Legacy Music commands the floor on November 1, Rockaholics on November 8, Stephen Lee Band on November 15, Cold Draft Beer on November 22 and Band X closes out Thanksgiving weekend on November 29 so you can twist away the stuffing and pie. When you’re ready to sit out a dance, Johnny’s full bar is ready with classic cocktails, wine and frosty brews. $5 cover; bands begin at 8:30 p.m.
Wax your board, throw on your best Hurley or Quicksilver and dig a presidential head mask out of the costume closet. Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland stokes the Friday night summer fun pipeline with a Point Break Beach Party on July 17. Jump on at 9 p.m. to ride the adrenaline rush of watching the classic 1991 thriller, shaking out the muscles to DJ tunes and exclaiming “Whoa, dude!” to costume contest winners (could be you). Wipe out your thirst with Even Keel Session IPA ($6 can), Longfin lager ($6 bottle) or Grunion pale ale and Habanero Sculpin drafts ($7); chilled horchata or Opah shots ($6-$7); or cocktails as crafty as Bodhi, Johnny Utah, Warchild, Ex-President or 50 Year Storm ($6-$8). Epic. At least until the Point Break remake releases December 2015.
Salsa, Salsa for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) peppers Piedmont Park’s Magnolia Hall with salsa eats and beats for fun and fitness from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15. Young chefs representing various BGCMA will offer their healthy salsa creations for sampling and judging. Some recipes use ingredients raised in Boys & Girls Club gardens. While judges deliberate, professional salsa dancers show how it’s done then call everyone out onto the dance floor for some fancy footwork lessons. Event sponsor Willy’s Mexicana Grill provides burritos and chow to refuel bodies in motion, and Atlanta Falcons cheerleaders toss their own blend of pep into the celebration. Before leaving, guests will know who dominates the dance floor and which BGCMA salsa creation wins a spot on a Willy’s salsa bar for a day. Attendance is limited; click here to RSVP.
If concerts at Chastain Park Amphitheatre leave you wanting more, bee-bop over to nearby Johnny’s Hideaway for dining, drinks and dancing into the wee hours. Atlanta’s best DJs spin tunes from the 1950s ‘til now, and an always lively crowd promises no shortage of dance partners or people-watching. Stop in after Hall and Oates on July 10, Rob Thomas on July 21 or Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga on July 29. Full concert schedule is available online.
Get decked out in your best '80s attire and head over to Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant on Saturday, August 27 for this month's "Ladies '80s" party. Not only do you get an excuse to throw on a rockin’ '80s ensemble, but you’ll also be benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training triathlon team by attending. This totally '80s fundraising party starts at 7 p.m. with tunes from the likes of Madonna and Michael Jackson blasting all night and classic '80s cocktails like Long Island Iced Tea, Mai Tai and Blue Hawaiian priced at just $5 for the ladies. The $20 entry fee will score you two draft beer tickets and a happy hour buffet. Take a break from doing your ‘80s thang on the dance floor to partake in the 50/50 cash raffle and a silent auction. Best part -- all money raised goes toward finding a cure for Leukemia and Lymphoma. Fadó keeps the party rocking into the night with a DJ starting at 10:30 p.m. RSVP and get more info on Facebook. Fadó hosts "Ladies '80s" on the last Saturday of each month. Check out the restaurant's website for more information.
