Events, exhibits, galas and more by Jamie Hausman.
BROOKHAVEN CHILI COOK-OFF
Oct. 10
Brookhaven Park
4158 Peachtree Road N.E.
Brookhaven 30319
brookhavenchilicookoff.com
Atlanta finally starts cooling off in October, and cooking and eating chili is the perfect way to warm your belly. Bring your spoons to the fourth annual Brookhaven Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, Oct. 10, where chili masters will compete for the titles of Best Chili and Best Brunswick Stew. Beginning at noon and finishing at 6 p.m., the event at Brookhaven Park doubles its size this year with 75 restaurants and amateur cooks facing off. Buckhead restaurants in the competition are also diverse and include the meat-masters at Smokebelly BBQ, who won Best Chili by a Restaurant in 2014, and Seven Lamps, who won last year’s People’s Choice Award. Purchase a tasting spoon in advance for $10 or pay $15 on the day of the event. A portion of the proceeds benefits Releash Atlanta, an organization that provides adoption support to pet rescue groups and shelters in metro Atlanta.
CHEROKEE GARDEN LIBRARY’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY
Oct. 14
Atlanta History Center
130 West Paces Ferry Road N.W.
Atlanta 30305
404.814.4000
atlantahistorycenter.com
For garden enthusiasts, the Cherokee Garden Library is a haven of flora and fauna facts. On Wednesday, Oct. 14, the library will celebrate 40 years of gardening through education by hosting Ken Druse for an informative and illustrative lecture. Starting at 7 p.m., Druse will teach guests about the most natural plant combinations for beginning and veteran gardens. With 18 books under his garden belt, as well as a riveting radio show and podcast, Druse is a leading expert on plants that make the best pairs. Individual tickets to the event cost $25, while patron-level tickets begin at $250 for two tickets.
ESTHER STOKES LECTURE
Oct. 15
Covenant Presbyterian Church
2461 Peachtree Road N.W.
Atlanta 30305
404.237.0363
covenantpresbyterian.us
For almost 20 years, Esther Stokes, president of Stokes Landscape Design, has worked with nonprofit parks and green space organizations throughout Atlanta. At this Thursday, Oct. 15 lecture, “Caring for Our City,” Stokes will speak about the importance of green spaces in Atlanta and the state of their future. The talk is free to attend and is part of the 2015 Mitchell Speaker Series at Buckhead’s Covenant Presbyterian Church. The event will occur in the church’s Fellowship Hall from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and a complimentary coffee and dessert reception will be served.
CHEER FOR CHILDREN GALA
Oct. 16
American Spirit Works
199 Armour Drive
Atlanta 30306
678.904.2880
cheerforchildren.org
Armed with a killer live band, dreamy food and a fairy tale theme, it’s easy to Cheer for Children at the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy’s annual gala. The Center’s mission is to champion the needs of sexually and physically abused children through healing and prevention. Starting at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16, the American Culinary Federation’s Greater Atlanta chapter will dish out delectable bites to the tunes of The Maxx! band inside the American Spirit Works space. Resort getaways and unique sports and restaurant packages will be up for bidding via live and silent auctions, the former of which will be conducted by none other than Cyclone Covey, Atlanta’s famed auctioneer.
WHISKIES OF THE WORLD
Oct. 23
Grand Hyatt Hotel
3300 Peachtree Road N.E.
Atlanta 30305
whiskiesoftheworld.com
While American-made bourbon whiskey reigns in the South, the world’s cup runneth over with different styles from other nations. Think India, Japan, Canada and, of course, Scotland. On Oct. 23, the Whiskies of the World will pour into the Grand Hyatt in Buckhead for a next level tasting event. In addition to more than 200 whiskies, there will be food and cigar pairings and whiskey master classes. Fancy yourself a whiskey expert? The $10 45-minute master classes delve deeper into the art of whiskey making (and drinking). VIP admission ($150) begins at 6 p.m., while the general tasting ($120) begins at 7 p.m. A VIP ticket includes reserved whiskey pours, a premium cigar and cut, and a cigar and spirits tasting at 9 p.m.
CORO VOCATI CONCERT
Oct. 25
Peachtree Road United
Methodist Church
3180 Peachtree Road
Atlanta 30305
prumc.org
On Sunday, Oct. 25 at 3:30 p.m., Coro Vocati will perform at the Peachtree Road United Methodist Church as part of its ongoing concert series. The ensemble of professional singers of the highest caliber is based in Atlanta and led by John Dickson. The group performs in churches across the city and recently released their first album, Sweetheart of the Sun. Tickets are not required for this event, but there is a suggested donation of $10. The concert series is made possible by the church’s Friends of Music organization.
OPEN STUDIO NIGHT
Nov. 6
SCAD Atlanta
1600 Peachtree Street N.W.
Atlanta 30309
scad.edu
Buying locally made art is as important an endeavor as buying local produce, and supporting students, alumni and faculty is the icing on the cake. On Nov. 6, SCAD Atlanta will host its 10th annual Open Studio Night, which invites the public in to view and purchase more than 700 pieces of fine art. The pieces will range in price points and mediums, including sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, printmaking and illustration. Guests also enjoy live entertainment and light refreshments at the free and open-to-the-public event.
