Things to do this weekend in metro Atlanta, North Georgia | Jan. 30-Feb. 1, 2026

From wine tastings and live theater to chili cook-offs and Mardi Gras fun, there’s no shortage of ways to get out and enjoy the weekend. Here are some of the best things to do around metro Atlanta.

From Trinidad to Queens: Nicki Minaj’s immigration story, Trump ties and gold card

Nicki Minaj, the Trinidad-born rapper who rose to fame repping Queens, New York, is drawing renewed attention for her growing public support of President Donald Trump.

‘Blind Side’ actor Quinton Aaron shows encouraging signs

There is some encouraging news for fans of The Blind Side actor Quinton Aaron as he continues recovering in an Atlanta hospital following a devastating fall at his home.

Shirley Raines, 'Beauty 2 The Streetz' founder, dies at 58

Beauty 2 The Streetz founder and activist Shirley Raines, affectionately known as "Ms. Shirley," has died, leaving behind a profound legacy of advocacy for the homeless in Los Angeles and Nevada.

SweetWater 420 Fest announces 2026 lineup, new park location

SweetWater’s biggest music festival is back — and organizers say 2026 is all about great music, fresh air and more affordable tickets.

Casting Call:  Kids castings, Tulsa King season 4, Netflix project in Atlanta

This week’s "Casting Call with Tess Hammock" includes paid opportunities for kids across multiple decades of looks, background roles for Tulsa King season four, a Netflix project seeking HBCU students and alumni, and a high-level government affairs job in Georgia’s entertainment industry.

Legendary Heart musician Nancy Wilson talks "sweet" return to touring

“I think this particular time in Heart’s legacy is a really sweet, especially sweet time," says legendary musician Nancy Wilson ahead of the latest leg of the band's Royal Flush Tour.

Budweiser Super Bowl LX commercial features clydesdale, bald eagle, and Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Free Bird' - Watch

Budweiser will once again be a part of the Super Bowl with a memorable ad themed “American Icons," featuring a Budweiser Clydesdale, a bald eagle, and Lynyrd Skynyrd's iconic song 'Free Bird.'

Quinton Aaron, actor known for 'The Blind Side,' hospitalized in Atlanta

An actor widely recognized from his role as Michael Oher in "The Blind Side" is currently on life support at an Atlanta hospital, fighting a severe blood infection, according to a fundraiser raising money to support his medical expenses.

SCAD TVfest brings TV's biggest names to Atlanta

SCAD TVfest 2026 returns to Atlanta Feb. 4–6. Quinta Brunson and stars from "Bridgerton" headline the three-day television festival in Midtown.

Claire Foy headlines soaring new drama 'H is for Hawk'

The bestselling memoir “H is for Hawk" soars from the page to the screen in a new film version starring Emmy-winning actress Claire Foy.

The Eagles Greatest Hits album now the No. 1 best selling album of all time

An album released nearly 50 years ago is now the No. 1 selling album of all time according to new certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) which tracks U.S. sales and streaming equivalents.

‘The Masked Singer’: Who are Handyman, Scarab?

“Clueless" Night brought a double elimination to “The Masked Singer." Here’s who was under the masks.

Daniel Naroditsky, chess grandmaster, cause of death revealed

American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, 29, was found dead at his North Carolina home on Oct. 19, and a toxicology report was recently released.

New York Times has a new game - and it's 2-player

The New York Times has launched Crossplay, a Scrabble-like game that marks its first in-house designed multiplayer offering and expands its popular Games lineup.

Casting Call: Hairspray auditions, sports films, and paid Atlanta productions

From a major stage production of Hairspray to film projects seeking real athletes and experienced bartenders, this week’s "Casting Call with Tess Hammock" features long-term theater work, paid on-camera roles, and a part-time job with Live Nation. There’s also a workshop for creatives looking to monetize their social media presence.