MARLON WAYANS
May 7-9
Atlanta Improv
56 E. Andrews Drive N.W.
Atlanta 30305
678.244.3612
atlimprov.laughstub.com
Funny guy Marlon Wayans has hit the stand-up circuit and stops at Atlanta Improv for a special event. Wayans is known for roles in comedies such as White Chicks, A Haunted House and The Heat, where his parody humor pokes fun at snobby sisters, scary movies and cops. In his stand-up, Wayans delivers energetic punches into nostalgic stories, like growing up as the youngest of 10 kids. Show times are Thursday at 7:45 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 7:45 and 10:15 p.m. Thursday’s show price is $25, and ages 16 and up may attend. Friday and Saturday, tickets are $30 for those 21 and up. Tickets can be purchased at atlimprov.laughstub.com.
Photo: Darling Studios
ROCKIN’ AT THE RIVER GALA
May 9
Chattahoochee Nature Center
9135 Willeo Road
Roswell 30075
770.992.2055, Ext. 226
chattnaturecenter.org
Dine, dance and celebrate Georgia’s oldest and largest private environmental education organization: the Chattahoochee Nature Center. The annual Rockin’ at the River Gala takes place at the Center, with a 127-acre backdrop beside the Chattahoochee River. This year’s theme is “Light the Night.” Community and supporters will gather to enjoy a gourmet dinner, a silent auction and dance that benefit the LEED-certified nature center, now in its 39th year in Atlanta. After dinner, the party continues at the Ben Brady Lakeside Pavilion with live music from the Stephen Lee Band. The silent auction is available to bid on throughout the evening, with gifts for vacation homes, sporting events, travel to foreign destinations, wine and beautiful art and jewelry. The Patron and VIP Reception begins at 6:30 p.m. and the gala begins at 7:30 p.m. Individual Patron Tickets are $250, general tickets are $125 per person, and corporate sponsorships are also available.
RACE FOR THE CURE
May 9
Lenox Square Mall
3393 Peachtree Road
Atlanta 30326
404.814.0052
atlanta.info-komen.org
May 9 marks the 25th anniversary of Komen Atlanta’s first Race for the Cure and this year they are aiming for their biggest year yet. The goal is to bring together 10,000 people to race. A fundraising goal of more than $1.2 million will go toward Susan G. Komen’s mission to fund Atlanta’s local programs offering breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment. Currently, Komen Atlanta reaches 13 counties in and around the metro area. This year’s Race for the Cure includes a 5K run/walk and a 1-mile walk. All participants will enjoy a postrace festival that includes an inspiring survivor ceremony to honor those who were affected by breast cancer. Survivors will have a special area devoted to them, and they will also get a pre-race breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Individual registration is $35 in advance or $40 on race day for both the 5K run/walk and the 1-mile walk. Or, gather a group of women and race as a team. The 1-mile walk starts at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 5K run/ walk at 8 a.m.
Photo: Atlanta Botanical Garden
GARDENS FOR CONNOISSEURS TOUR
May 9-10
404.876.5859
atlantabotanicalgarden.org
This Mother’s Day weekend, the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s 31st annual Gardens for Connoisseurs Tour leads visitors through 12 private gardens in Buckhead, Sandy Springs and other metro Atlanta neighborhoods. As you tour each garden, you’ll see inspiring greenthumb designs ranging from acres of tranquil woodlands to trellised urban oases. For aspiring botanists, the variety of flower and plant species ranges from conifers to annuals and perennials. A full list of participating gardens is available on the website atlantabg.org. The self-guided tour will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are valid both days and prices are $25 in advance, $20 for Garden members, and $30 on the day of the tour.
ROSÉS & SUMMER WHITES WINE TASTING
May 17
Portofino Bistro
3199 Paces Ferry Place N.W.
Atlanta 30305
404.231.1136
portofinobistro.com
Warm weather is finally here, and that means it’s rosé season! Portofino, a quaint houseturned- restaurant in Buckhead, continues their Sunday wine tasting series with rosés and summer whites. Enjoy a tasting of 12 wines selected by Portofino’s resident wine expert Michael Gallant. The wines will be presented in four flights along with pairings of appetizers by Executive Chef Matt Marcus. The tasting begins at 6:30 p.m. and the price is $35 per person.
TRUE BLUE DO
May 14
The Buckhead Theatre
3110 Roswell Road
Atlanta 30305
404.843.2825
cviga.org/events
Celebrate an evening of live music, cocktails and culinary delights while supporting the Center for the Visually Impaired. This is the only nonprofit in Georgia that provides rehabilitation services to people of all ages who are affected by vision loss, empowering them to live with independence. Appetizers and nibbles are provided by Affairs to Remember catering. In honor of the visually impaired, the entertainment for the evening is The Macular Degenerates, a cover band of ophthalmologists, along with guest performances by some of their patients. The evening begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person and available online. All proceeds benefit the Center for the Visually Impaired.
SALUTE TO OUR TROOPS 5K
May 23
Chastain Park
110 W. Wieuca Road
Atlanta 30342
478.986.4908
active.com/atlanta-ga/running
In honor of Memorial Day Weekend, join the Charity Benevolent Fund for their third annual “Salute to Our Troops 5K” that pays homage to active duty, retired and reserve military. This race goes through Chastain Park on a hilly, scenic route that circles the golf course and surrounding neighborhoods. Pets on leashes, strollers and walkers are welcome to race. Race-day registration and check-in begin at 7 a.m. and the 5K run begins at 8 a.m. Race fees vary from $10 for military, $20 for the fun run “open” category, $25 for the age group awards qualifying race and $30 for day-of registration. A post-race awards ceremony features door prizes and gifts from businesses, such as Road Runner Sports and Malibu Grand Prix in Norcross. All proceeds provide financial assistance for troops and their families.
B Y: Alexa Lampasona
