Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creek & Roswell Events: Jan 22 β Jan 28
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Hey Neighbors,
The temperatures have officially dropped into winter territory. I saw a funny video online with an active blizzard and a voiceover commentary that croaked, " If the temperature is lower than my age, don't invite me." π
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I can seriously relate, but I'm not that bad-yet! Although the way the forcast is looking we might all be hibernating this weekend. βοΈ.
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Stay Warm,
Naray
Publisher
A Side Of Town
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Subscribe and share the A Side Of Town, hereβ
β Gold Star Editorβs Picks
βEditorβs Picks are the plans that survived the group chat. The ones worth putting on real pants for, booking ahead of time, or gently rescheduling something else. Not everything happening this weekβjust the good stuff. Start here if decision fatigue has already set in.β
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ββ π Drew Lynch β Stand-Up Comedy
π Helium Comedy Club
ποΈ ThursβFri, Jan 22β23 | Evening | Ticketed
β π Improv Mania β Interactive Comedy
π Studio 13
ποΈ Sat & Sun, Jan 24β25 | 7:30 PM | Ticketed
β π¨ Date Night: You Melt Me!
π Painting with a Twist
ποΈ Friday, Jan 23 | 7:00β9:00 PM | Ticketed
β πΆ Unity Concert β Roswell Roots Anniversary
π Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Roswell
ποΈ Sunday, Jan 25 | 3:00 PM | Free
β π· Live Music & Wine Night
π Painted Horse Winery
ποΈ Friday, Jan 23 | 5:00β7:00 PM | Tasting fee
SELLOUT SIDEBAR
βBook Ahead Guide: ποΈ Ticketed Β· β³ Limited seating Β· π
Worth planning ahead
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βMatildas Music: Listening Room Series
π The Spotlight Stage at North Point Mall
β° Select Fridays: Jan 31 Β· Feb 13 Β· Mar 7 | Doors 7 PM
π΅ $
What: An intimate indoor listening-room concert series inside North Point Mall β live music, light eats, and a cash bar, without the outdoor setup.
Loved Matildas Music Under the Pines? This is the winter-friendly version. Same relaxed vibe, same quality music β just indoors, with tables and chairs provided. No packing required. Just bring yourself (and maybe a friend).
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Each night, a different vibe:β
β’ Jan 31 β Americana Roots + BBQ
β’ Feb 13 β Jazz Club + Italian eats
β’ Mar 7 β Nashville Circle + Southern eats
π Level 2, next to the Food Court
π Park by the Food Court entrance near JCPenney (mall doors close at 8 PM)
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βπ¦ͺ Oyster Fest for a Cause
π Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar - Alpharetta
ποΈ Friday, January 30
π 5:00β10:00 PM
What: $1 oysters, live music, giveaways, and raffle prizes benefiting Peach State Rescue. Come hungry, stay longer than planned.
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β³ Valentineβs Chefβs Tasting & Wine Dinner
π The Hamilton Alpharetta, Alpharetta
β° Fri, Feb 13 | 6:00β9:00 PM
π΅ $$$
What: A seated, multi-course tasting dinner with curated wine pairings β refined, romantic, and very limited availability.
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βThursday Jan 22
π½οΈ Roswell Restaurant Weeks (Opening Day)
π Roswell Restaurant Weeks
ποΈ January 22 β February 7 | π΅ Prix-fixe menus vary by restaurant
What:β
Roswellβs biggest dine-out moment returns with prix-fixe menus across the city. Think built-in excuses to try the place you always say you will β or revisit the one you already love, just with a little more intention (and maybe dessert).β
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βFriday Jan 23
β𧡠No-Sew Pillow Workshop (Adults)
π Roswell Adult Recreation Center, Roswell
π 1:00 β 3:00 PM | π΅ Free
Low-pressure, hands-on creative class β no sewing experience required.β
βWhat: β
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π¨ Date Night: You Melt Me!
π Painting with a Twist
π 7:00β9:00 PM
π 11770 Haynes Bridge Rd, Suite 801, Alpharetta
π΅ Ticketed
WHAT: Sip, swirl, and pretend youβre artistic (you are). A guided paint night thatβs equal parts low-pressure and flirty β arrive early to get uncorked and smocked. Perfect βwe should do somethingβ energy without overcommitting.
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SATURDAY Jan 24
βπ· AprΓ¨s-Ski Winter Party
βπ Painted Horse Winery, Milton
π Evening | π΅ Ticketed
βWhat: Seasonal theme, wine-forward energy, and a playful winter vibe.β
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SUNDAY Jan 25
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βπ² Sip & Play: Games + Coffee Afternoon
π Just Love Coffee & CafΓ© - Alpharetta
π 2:00β4:00 PM
π 735 N. Main St, Suite 100, Alpharetta
π΅ Free with purchase
What: Board games, puzzles, trivia, snacks, and caffeine. Family-friendly, neighborly, and ideal if your Sunday goal is βout of the house but not dressed up.β
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πΆ Unity Concert β Roswell Roots Anniversaryβ
π Zion Missionary Baptist Church
π 3:00 PM | π΅ Free
What: A community-wide celebration through music β heartfelt and inclusive.
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π· Sunday Cellar Tastingβ
π Painted Horse Winery, Milton
π 1:00 β 3:00 PM | π΅ Tasting fee
βWhat: A mellow βweβll just stay for oneβ kind of Sunday plan.
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βMONDAY Jan 26β
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π· Weekday Wine Tasting
π Painted Horse Winery, Milton
π 12:00 β 2:00 PM | π΅ Tasting fee
βWhat: Quiet, unhurried, and ideal for flexible schedules.
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π Library Storytime & Youth Programs
π Alpharetta Library
π Morningβearly afternoon | π΅ Free
βWhat: Reliable weekday programming for families and caregivers.
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βTUESDAY Jan 27
βπ· Wine & Music Eveningβ
π Painted Horse Winery, Milton
π 5:00 β 7:00 PM | π΅ Tasting fee
An easy way to make a Tuesday night feel intentional.
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π± Showdown Social Happy Hour
π Showdown Social, 7955 North Point Pkwy
π Happy hour hours | π΅ Varies
What: An elevated happy hour with actual perks: free tournament entry, discounted hi-tech darts, half-off private gaming tables, and free pool. Ideal for coworkers, competitive friends, or anyone who prefers their happy hour with a scoreboard.β
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WEDNESDAY Jan 28β
π In the Other Room: Helium Track Stars β Album Recording βEat Itβ
π Helium Comedy Club, 3070 Windward Plaza
π’ 7:30 β 11:00 PM | π΅ Ticketed
What: A live comedy showcase and a recording session for Heliumβs in-house label. Youβre not just watching stand-up β youβre part of the album. Expect sharp sets, high energy, and a crowd that knows theyβre witnessing something special.
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π Adult Co-Ed Indoor Volleyball League
π Wills Park Recreation Center
π Wednesday Nights
π΅ Registration required
What: Competitive-but-fun adult league energy. Good for meeting people, burning off stress, or proving you still have a serve. Registration is open now.
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βOngoing Eventsβ
Avalon on Ice β Outdoor Ice Skating β
π Avalon, 2200 Avalon Blvd, Alpharetta
π² $18 adults; $14 kids 9 & under (includes skates)
βWhat: Much nicer to skate when the temps are warm and the ice is melting!
LOVE IS⦠Art Exhibition
π Alpharetta Arts Center, Alpharetta
β° Sun, Jan 18 | Daytime
π΅ Free
What: A feel-good stroll through how local artists interpret connection.
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βFairyTale Village β Immersive Kids Experience
π North Point Mall, Alpharetta
β° Select Dates & Sessions
π΅ $
WHAT: A storybook world hiding in plain sight β magic for kids, nostalgia for adults.
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Click π here to submit your event.
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Community Poll
βThe weather forecasters are predicting a nasty, icy weather this weekend.
What's in your cart?
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| What's in your grocery cart when bad weather is predicted? |
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βTHURSDAY Jan 22β
π Stand-Up Comedy Night
π Helium Comedy Club, Windward Plaza
π Evening showtime | π΅ Ticketed
National touring comics anchor Thursday nights here β a reliable, polished option for date night.
What:
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πΆ Live Music: THE C.O.T. Band
π Roaring Social, Downtown Alpharetta
π 8:00 β 11:00 PM | π΅ Free with venue purchase
βWhat: High-energy Latin, funk, and dance-forward live music.
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βFRIDAY Jan 23β
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π Stand-Up Comedy (Friday Night)
π Helium Comedy Club, Alpharetta
π Evening showtime | π΅ Ticketed
βWhat: Friday crowds bring bigger energy; tickets often sell quickly.
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π· Wine Tasting + Live Music
π Painted Horse Winery, Milton
π 5:00 β 7:00 PM | π΅ Tasting fee
βWhat: Relaxed local wine night with live music β very Milton, very chill.
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πΆ Magnetic Jazz Violinist: Ken Ford
π The Velvet Note, 4075 Old Milton Pkwy
π’ 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM | π΅ Ticketed
What: Ken Ford is a genre-blending jazz violinist who moves effortlessly between jazz, R&B, fusion, and classical. Expect a high-energy, toe-tapping night that feels both polished and electric β very much a lean in and listen kind of show.
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SATURDAY Jan 24β
πΆ Jazz Night
π The Velvet Note
π’ Evening | π΅ Ticketed
βWhat: Intimate jazz performances in a true listening-room setting.
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βπ Improv Mania
π Studio 13, Roswell
π’ 7:30 PM | π΅ Ticketed
βWhat: Fast-paced, audience-driven improv comedy β casual, funny, and social.
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βπΆ Acoustic Concert: Fiddle & Fun
π Roswell Cultural Arts Center
π 7:00 PM | π΅ Ticketed
βWhat: A polished but approachable live music performance for arts-leaning locals.
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βSUNDAY Jan 25β
βπ Improv Mania (Sunday Performance)
π Studio 13, Roswell
π’ 7:30 PM | π΅ Ticketed
βWhat: A more relaxed crowd than Saturday, but just as funny.
β MOTW Coffee and Pastries
π 5202 McGinnis Ferry Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30005
This is one of those coffee shops you donβt stumble into by accident β you have to be looking, or get tipped off by someone who already knows. Clean, calm, and quietly confident, MOTW is the kind of place you go when you actually want to taste your coffee, not shout over it.
The menu leans thoughtful rather than flashy, the pastries do their job without stealing the show, and the overall vibe says: stay as long as you like. Perfect for a slow morning, a low-stakes meeting, or a reset between errands.
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If your usual coffee stop feels a little too loud lately, this oneβs worth the detour.
π Arabian Nights: Family Valentineβs Dance
π Alpharetta Community Center
ποΈ Saturday, February 7
π 6:00β9:00 PM
π΅ $25 per person
What: A themed family dance with lanterns, music, and photo-worthy moments. Elegant, festive, and kid-friendly.β
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Click π here to submit your event.
π½οΈ Roswell Restaurant Weeks (Opening Day)
π Roswell Restaurant Weeks
ποΈ January 22 β February 7 | π΅ Prix-fixe menus vary by restaurant
What: Roswellβs biggest dine-out moment returns with prix-fixe menus across the city. Think built-in excuses to try the place you always say you will β or revisit the one you already love, just with a little more intention (and maybe dessert).
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π¨ Atlanta β₯ Art Show on the BeltLine
π BeltLine Eastside Trail
116 Krog St NE, Atlanta
π 7:00β11:30 PM
π΅ Free
What: A high-energy art takeover with local creatives, DJs, and the kind of crowd that reminds you Atlanta is still very much Atlanta. Make it a city night or bookmark it as a culture fix.
βοΈ Snow Day Fantasy: Vail Edition
π Vail Price cut 29.5M (Not a typo)
While weβre bracing for ice scrapers and power-outage candles, this ski chalet is over here doing what winter should look like. Think stone fireplaces, layered textures, and windows designed specifically for watching snow fall with a drink in hand. Itβs the kind of place that makes you momentarily forgive winterβand seriously question your ZIP code.
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The takeaway: when the weather turns dramatic, cozy architecture always wins. Exposed beams, deep sofas, warm wood, and lighting that understands mood are doing the heavy lifting here. Bookmark for inspiration, daydream responsibly, and maybe light that extra candle this weekend.
π View the listing: Zillow Β· 100 Vail Rd, Vail, CO
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PS: If your cozy lineup is looking a little thin, I linked a few of my go-to lamps, throws, and candles below β nothing precious, just the stuff that actually gets used on winter days.
βCozy Throwβ
βLampβ
βWoven Basketβ
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Can you solve this weekβs scramble?
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Word Scramble: LKEOCD
Hint: To fasten or secure a door or window
Blanks: _ _ _ _ _ _ _(6)
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Answer revealed at the bottom see The Fadeout section! π
βοΈ Storm-Ready, But Make It Cozy
If the forecast is whispering snow / ice / donβt go anywhere, this is your cue to lean into comfortβnot panic.
A few easy moves that make your home feel instantly warmer (no reno required):
- Layer your lighting. Turn off overheads and switch to lamps only after dark. Even better if one has a warm bulb and a shade that softens the glow.
- Pull the throws out of hiding. One on the sofa, one on the chair, one casually folded where it looks intentional. Texture > perfection.
- Group candles instead of scattering them. Three or five together on a tray reads cozy, not βemergency kit.β
- Close the curtains early. It keeps heat in and makes the house feel cocooned once the sun goes down.
- Set the vibe before the storm hits. Music on, soup simmering, phone charged. Cozy is a mindset.
This weekend isnβt about productivity. Itβs about staying warm and pretending youβre snowed in somewhere much more scenic.
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Hello! π
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New to town?
You should know Atlantans can not drive in inclement weather. One inch of snow shuts the city down for a week. Which is so curious to me because many of us are from the northeast or midwest or someplace with family members that laugh their silly heads off at us when the news shows the highways with abandoned cars for as far as the eye can see.
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Maybe we have just forgotten and our blood has gotten 'thin'. This weekend is suppose to be more like ice, brutal and dangerous no matter where you hail from.
Stay safe and warm out there.
βSubscribe Hereβ
WEDNESDAY Jan 28
ποΈ State of the City Address β Milton
π Venue TBD (confirmed civic event; location announced closer to date)β
π Evening | π΅ Free
A community-forward civic moment worth flagging early.
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π¨ Alpharetta Arts & Culture Spring/Summer Guide
π Alpharetta Arts Center
ποΈ Registration opens Jan 14 (residents) Β· Jan 28 (all)
WHAT: Classes, workshops, performances, and exhibits through summer. Not an event β a planning tool worth flagging now.
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Click π here to submit your event.
πΆ Midday Dog Walker (Part-Time)
π Alpharetta neighborhoods
β° Late morning / early afternoon
π΅ vigorous tail wags puppy kisses
What: Get those 10,000 steps in with weekday midday walks.
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Valentineβs Reservation Backup Friendβ
π Alpharetta
β° On-call, Feb 14
π΅ Emotional compensation only
WHAT: Stand by in case a dinner reservation falls through and moral support is needed.
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Lamp Turner-On (Evening Shift)β
π Anywhere cozy
β° Dusk
π΅ Competitive vibes
WHAT: Turn on all the lamps so the house feels warm, welcoming, and correctly lit.
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Have a real job, gig, or service to share?β
βGig Notes placements are available for local businesses, side hustles, and service providers.
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Reply to this email or visit asideoftown.com to book a listing.
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ποΈ Winter Cabin, No Check-In Required
If you have access to a cabinβnorth Georgia, lake-adjacent, family-owned, or βwe really should use this moreββthis is the weekend for it.
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With snow or ice in the forecast, the smartest escape isnβt a long drive or a packed itinerary. Itβs heading somewhere familiar, stocked, and built for slow mornings and fireplace evenings. Arrive before dark, cook something simple, and let the weather be the entertainment.
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And if your cabin happens to be near Dahlonega, even betterβbut the real luxury this weekend is knowing exactly where everything is.
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No cabin? A staycation still counts. Turn the lights low, cancel plans, and let winter do its thing.
Word Puzzle Answer: LOCKED
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See you on the A-Side. β¨
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