beatlanta.com

CORONAVIRUS:: What to Expect in 2021

by Marina Yelensky...

Okay BeAtlanta Framily, we can all read the news updates. But I wanted to take a moment to say hello and to say, Adam, our Editor in Chief and Founder of BeAtlanta.com, couldn’t have said it better. Amidst navigating through physical safety and a burdened economic situation that none of us could escape, BeAtlanta took a backseat to focus on family and our day to day lives. And to say it as shortly and sweetly as I am privileged to say, we are back, and we are here to stay Atlanta! We miss all of you talented folks!! I miss seeing all of your faces and experiencing your talent. It’s hard to believe that it has been over a year and a half since I was able to live a new festival.

I know I have seen a few of you out and about. I’m proud of all of you for coming back with a vengeance and re-creating the Atlanta music, art and community scene as creatively as you have.

As we all continue to regain our bearings in what we can only deem as 2021 normalcy, I cannot wait to feature your new music, art, and activities. I’m so excited to see that so many of you have reached out!

We here at BeAtlanta, want to bring you a quick and concise update on all of the events that we are expecting in 2021, dates, status, etc. But first a quick recap of all that we as a nation have grown from in 2020-2021. I started writing some of my thoughts on this experience and I want to maintain the authenticity by leaving this as is (written as I was experiencing the moments):

Per the AJC, “Marketing firm Trevelino/Keller – The company invited people to drive by its West Midtown office Monday evening with windows rolled down. Then, employees wearing gloves tossed rolls into the windows. “

Photo Credit : Alyssa Pointer alyssa.pointer@ajc.com

Before I explore the list of sadly postponed concerts, festivals and sporting events I would like to take a moment to explore the toilet paper epidemic! Is it just me? What are you doing with all of the toilet paper? Why is this an emergency?

I have been to Kroger, Publix and Walmart. The canned goods and home products (toilet paper) are scarce. Even the Dollar Tree has a limit of 2 home items per house hold. (4.30.2020)

PHOTO CREDIT: AJC.COM

I’m going to explore my thoughts as the Covid-19 situation has progressed. Right now it is July 19, 2020. A very special day for my parents, 34 years of marriage. As I enjoy my Sunday afternoon, I find myself thinking about the roller-coaster ride that the months of March – July have been. Forget the birthday extravaganzas. Forget the evenings dining out with friends. Forget the concerts and festivals that I dream about. Forget about spending my sometimes Thursday through Sunday getting to meet new friends for life in an experience that elevates every year. “6 feet apart.” “Where is your mask?” That is all I can hear in the back of my mind.

Events and Concerts affected by Coronavirus:

• SXSW 2020 – Caceled
• BEATS X BEERS FESTIVAL 2020 – Canceled
• ST. Patrick’s Day- All city parades and city organized events cancelled in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia.
• NBA season – suspended
• NHL season – suspended
• MLB season – delayed
• Coachella – postponed until the weekends of October 9th and October 16th
• Sweatwater 420 Festival – postponed and/or possibly canceled, the festival is still deciding.
• Shaky Beats Festival – Canceled prior to Coronavirus
• Live Nation
• ALL FESTIVALS AND LIVE EVENTS CANCELED IN 2020

Bars and Restaurants affected by Coronavirus: 

• Chick-fil-a – Drive thru is open, but the restaurant is closed to the public.
• Starbucks – Drive thru is open, you can grab and go inside, but the restaurant is closed to the public.
• ALL FAST-FOOD JOINTS CLOSED FOR SERVICE INSIDE FOR MOST OF 2020
• Magic City– Closed until further notice.
• Restaurants switched direction and partnered with Uber Eats, Postmates, and Doordash for delivery.
• Restaurants in Atlanta created “To Go” stations. All inside seating closed.

Although all of these challenges arose, and we were ALL stir-crazy, Mama’s gave us a New Orleans feel that Atlanta has been screaming for, Margaritas TO GO! Yes you read that correctly. You can stop by your local Mama’s on Piedmont Road and get yourself some tacos and Margaritas in the drive-thru! WHAT?! Yes! Now I cannot exclude all of the awesome local restaurants that created “To Go” drink and dinner kits (you know who you are) because all of you thought outside the box and you survived the biggest hit to our social lives and your livelihood.

Okay now to 2021 festivals that are happening:

• Memorial Day weekend is going to be quite the experience this year! TOO many event to list for May 28-31,2021
• Atlanta R&B Wine Food & Music Festival May 29,2021
• AFRO-CARIBBEAN WINE FEST ATLANTA May 30,2021
• Festival On Ponce June 5-6,2021
• Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival June 18-20,2021
• Sad Summer Festival August 21,2021
• Imagine Festival September 17-19,2021
• Music Midtown Septembe r 18-19,2021
• Shaky Knees October 22-24,2021
• SweatWater 420 Festival April 29 – May 1, 2022

Stay tuned for updates. We will have new event and festival info up.

Love you all and thank you for loyalty and support for +11 years!