Fall Fest And Atlanta Chili Cookoff: Atlanta This Weekend

ATLANTA, GA – The people of Atlanta will attempt to make history this weekend, and you can be a part of the fun! This Saturday, hundreds will gather at The Home Depot Backyard to try and break the record for the longest Soul Train Line.

If you’d rather not break records, there’s plenty more to do — especially if you’re a foodie. In addition to the Atlanta Ramen Fest, this weekend will also welcome the 9th Annual Chile Roast at The Square Pub and The Atlanta Chili Cookoff. Here’s what else is happening around the city:

Flashlight Tour: Crime Through Time

Neighborhood: Grant Park

October is here and it’s time to get spooky, so what better way to do it than with a flashlight tour at Historic Oakland Cemetery? This particular tour will “explore our understanding of crime, criminals, and justice” through the “stories of residents who committed, investigated and fell victim to crimes during a sunset tour of Oakland Cemetery.”

Where: Historic Oakland Cemetery, 248 Oakland Avenue SE

When: Friday, Oct. 4, at 6 p.m.

9th Annual Chile Roast

Neighborhood: Downtown Decatur

The Square Pub in downtown Decatur will once again play host to the annual chile roast. A fall favorite from the bar/restaurant, the team goes to great (and far) lengths to put on the event. Each year they travel to Hatch, New Mexico to source hatch green chile peppers to roast in Decatur Square. In addition to the roasting, there will be live music, chile-inspired beer from local breweries and chile-inspired food.

Where: The Square Pub, 115 Sycamore Street

When: Saturday, Oct. 5, at 11 a.m.

SoulTrain ATL 2019

Neighborhood: Downtown

If you’ve ever wanted to help break a world record, here’s your chance. On Saturday, you can help break the Guinness World Record for the longest Soul Train Line (the current record stands at 426 people). The lively affair will even feature an appearance from Anitra Jackson, an original “Soul Train” dancer. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!

Where: The Home Depot Backyard, 1 Backyard Way

When: Saturday, Oct. 5, at 11 a.m.

Fall Fest In Candler Park

Neighborhood: Candler Park

Hang in there, Atlanta. It may feel like mid-July, but fall-like temps are on the way, and just in time for the cool down is Fall Fest In Candler Park. One of fall’s most anticipated festivals, Fall Fest is packed with activities for just about everyone. There’s the carnival-themed Kidlandia for the little ones, a Tour of Homes for curious adults and more.

Where: Candler Park (Candler Park Drive and McLendon Avenue NE)

When: Saturday, Oct. 5, at 11 a.m.

Atlanta Chili Cookoff

Neighborhood: Brookhaven

Put your spoon to good use at the ninth annual Atlanta Chili Cookoff. And be sure to bring your appetite because the cookoff will include samples from over 70 restaurants and even amateurs, as they all compete for $2,500 in prizes and awards. For an elevated Atlanta Chili Cookoff experience, opt for a VIP ticket, which includes an open bar and commemorative spoon.

Where: Brookhaven Park, 4158 Peachtree Road NE

When: Saturday, Oct. 5, at 1 p.m.

Ladybird Block Party

Neighborhood: Old Fourth Ward

Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall is celebrating its fifth anniversary this weekend, and they want you to join in on the festivities! Dubbed “Block Party at the ‘Bird,” the anniversary celebration will feature live music, an experiential art zone and food and drink from Ladybird. There will also be bites from select restaurants in the neighborhood, including Serpas True Food and Bell Street Burritos.

Where: Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, 684 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue NE

When: Saturday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m.

Atlanta Ramen Fest

Neighborhood: West End

There are few things that are as tasty and comforting as a hearty bowl of ramen. Described as a “slurpfest,” Atlanta Ramen Fest will serve up ramen samples from over 20 Atlanta restaurants. Taking place at the newly-opened Wild Heaven West End, you can expect plenty of cold brew at this ramen extravaganza.

Where: Wild Heaven West End, 1020 White Street SW

When: Sunday, Oct. 6, at 3 p.m.