::
The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Concerts in the Garden series returns June 18 with Gladys Knight and ends Sept. 8 with Garrison Keillor and his Prairie Home Love & Comedy Show. Acts are also scheduled at the Gainesville location.
In liquid garden news, Cocktails in the Garden returns May 11 after a two-year hiatus due to the garden’s expansion and renovation. Nature lovers are invited to explore the city’s urban oasis every Thursday (6-10 p.m.) through Sept. 28.
The event — originally dubbed “social irrigation” — offers specialty drinks from cash bars plus deejays, live entertainment and games. It’s also a good time to take in The Curious Garden, the 2017 outdoor art exhibition featuring 23 installations designed to focus attention on the wonders of nature.
Cocktails moves to a different area each month with its own theme, featured alcohol and specialty cocktail. In May, for example, the event happens in the new Skyline Garden. The theme is “spiked,” to highlight the garden’s thorned cacti, yuccas and agaves plants. Tequila is the alcohol of the evening and margaritas are the specialty cocktail. Admission is $21.95 per person (free for garden members).
The Garden’s outdoor music series turns 15 this season, and features seven acts on the Great Lawn in Atlanta and three at the Ivester Amphitheater in Gainesville. Tickets are available now for garden members ($43.50-$65.50 in Atlanta; $42.50-$53.50 in Gainesville) and the general public ($45.50-$67.50 in Atlanta; $44.50 + $53.50 in Gainesville). Parking is $10.Concertgoers do not have to pay to get into the garden, which is at 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E. in Midtown. Details, tickets, rules and regulations HERE and at the garden admissions office.
Gates open at 7 p.m. and shows begin at 8 p.m. For Sunday shows, gates open at 6 p.m. and shows start at 7 p.m. Seating is general admission. Ticket holders are welcome to bring blankets or low-rise chairs. Cash bars and food purchases will be available.
ATLANTA LINEUP
- Sunday, June 18: Gladys Knight.
- Friday, July 7: Michael Feinstein: Songs of Sinatra.
- Friday, July 21: Barenaked Ladies.
- Sunday, July 23: Brandi Carlile.
- Friday, Aug. 11: American Acoustic: Punch Brothers & I’m With Her.
- Friday, Aug. 25: Blues guitarist/vocalist Buddy Guy.
- Friday, September 8: Garrison Keillor Prairie Home Love & Comedy Show.
GAINESVILLE LINEUP
- Saturday, June 10: Country artist Vince Gill.
- Saturday, September 30: TajMo: The Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ Band.
- To be announced.
