Starting with today’s newsletter, we are introducing a new, daily events spotlight that will feature a rolling calendar of curated events to fill your calendar for the next three to five days. You can submit events for consideration at RoughDraftAtlanta.com/Events or email us for more information on promotion opportunities.
Hello, July
Wednesday, July 1 — In World Cup news, England takes on the Democratic Republic of the Congo at noon at Atlanta Stadium in one of three knockout round matches today, including the USA v Bosnia-Herzegovina at 8 p.m. (FOX). If your ticket connection didn’t come through, find a local watch party using our guide. In yesterday’s action, France eliminated Sweden, Norway beat Ivory Coast, and Mexico sent Ecuador packing.
🌤️ Mostly sunny with a high of 94° today. It will feel much warmer; please remember to drink water.
📜 A batch of new state laws takes effect today, covering everything from higher-potency medical marijuana and a need-based college scholarship to steeper penalties for street-blocking protesters and a felony charge for flying drones over jails.
🇺🇸 The Dunwoody Homeowners Association previewed changes to its annual Independence Day parade at a recent meeting, including a new safety plan.
🍃 The Sandy Springs Conservancy continues its efforts to construct new nature trails and recreation areas in the city.
🧒 Georgia gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms is pushing for universal pre-K access in the state, financed by legalizing casino gambling.
🏆 Rohan Anand, a Westminster Schools student, is among 20 young people being nationally recognized this year by ESPN for using sports to drive social change.
ELSEWHERE
⚖️ Here’s a rundown of yesterday’s Supreme Court decisions:
- Ruled 6-3 that the Constitution guarantees automatic birthright citizenship, rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to limit it.
- Upheld state laws that ban transgender girls from playing on women’s school sports teams.
- Struck down rules that placed limits on how much national political parties can spend on individual candidates.
➡ Stocks are poised to open lower this morning after closing higher yesterday, as the S&P 500 recorded its best quarter since 2020.
🎾 At Wimbledon, Serena Williams’ comeback bid ended with a first-round exit, and Atlanta native Ben Shelton, the No. 5 seed, blew a match point in a five-set loss to qualifier Otto Virtanen.
🏀 LeBron James told the Los Angeles Lakers he will play elsewhere next season.
🇨🇦 Happy Canada Day to all who celebrate.
PICTURE THIS: Soccer fans and LGBTQ+ leaders gathered at State Farm Arena on Monday for “Pride on the Pitch,” a conversation between Athlete Ally founder Hudson Taylor and two-time Olympic gold medalist Briana Scurry. Scurry was the first Black woman inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame and one of the first openly gay players on the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team. Read Katie Burkholder’s story about the event.
🕖 Here’s what’s in today’s newsletter:
• Piedmont summer programming
• The Reset: Peachtree push racers
• New Events Feature
AND
• Concert Picks
⚽ When the matches end, the dining begins. After cheering on your favorite teams across Atlanta, savor the city’s best tables during Buckhead Restaurant Week, July 27-Aug. 1. More than 50 restaurants serve exclusive prix-fixe menus. Learn more here. SPONSOR MESSAGE
1. Piedmont Park Conservancy announces free summer programming
☀️ This summer, the Piedmont Park Conservancy is offering a full slate of seasonal programming designed to bring Atlantans together – from outdoor fitness classes and guided walks to craft nights and community markets.
In addition to fostering connection, the Conservancy’s summer calendar emphasizes accessibility, with a mix of free and low-cost offerings designed to make the Park easy to experience for people of all ages and backgrounds.
It also supports local artists, instructors, farmers and community partners who contribute to the Park’s programming and experience.
🏊♀️ Learn more about what’s on the docket here.
Amy Sherald: American Sublime
SPONSORED BY THE HIGH MUSEUM
🎨 You’ve seen Amy Sherald’s iconic portrait of Michelle Obama. Now, her largest exhibition to date comes to Atlanta, featuring rarely seen paintings and monumental portraits spanning nearly two decades.
Amy Sherald: American Sublime is now open, bringing one of the leading artists of her generation back to Georgia. Secure your tickets before it’s gone.
Can only make it in the evening? We’ve got you covered. The show stays open after hours every Friday. Grab a drink, snag an exclusive exhibition poster, and explore the galleries at your leisure.
2. The Kyle Pease Foundation push teams tackle the Peachtree
THE RESET | SPONSORED BY INTOWN PSYCHOLOGY“The Reset by Rough Draft” is a weekly newsletter edited by Laura Scholz – subscribe with one click.
🍑 On July 4, nearly 60,000 runners, walkers, and wheelchair racers will line up in Buckhead early in the morning for the annual Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race, the country’s largest 10K. Push teams from The Kyle Pease Foundation (KPF), a local nonprofit dedicated to providing inclusive sports opportunities for people with disabilities, will be among the athletes taking on the hot, humid, and hilly Atlanta course covering 6.2 miles down Peachtree to Piedmont Park.
➡️ Read Laura’s story about two KPF competitive push teams participating in this year’s race.
☀️ Make the most of summer with your family! From Atlanta museums and farmers markets to outdoor adventures, volunteer opportunities, and creative community events, there are countless ways to stay connected and engaged.
🌕 Unwind with tonight’s Full Moon Soundbath at Ranesa House of Wellness. Reserve your place here for the immersive experience with rain sticks, gongs, and other soothing sounds.
🏃🏽♂️➡️ Join Adidas Runners, the Atlanta Track Club, The Kyle Pease Foundation, Motion Run Club, and Baseline Run Club for the official Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race shakeout run tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. Meet at the start line on Peachtree Road in front of Lenox Square for a short run followed by a pre-race party.
☀️ Roll out your mat for free Pilates in the Park on Sun., July 12 at Grant Park. Led by Khetanya, founder of KKRU Pilates Studio & Wellness, the free, all-levels class starts at 10 a.m.
❤️ Therapy that helps you feel seen, supported, and understood – while building practical skills to navigate life with confidence at Intown Psychology.
3. Upcoming Events
SPONSORED BY THE ATLANTA BELTLINE
🌍 Experience the World Cup™ on theAtlanta Beltline! Enjoy family-friendly activities, match screenings, soccer celebrations, and more now through July 19.
🍸 Cocktails in the Gardenat the Atlanta Botanical Gardens; Thurs., July 2 from 5-9 p.m. with Joe Gransden and Geoff Haydon. Free with garden admission.
🎆 The City of Tucker’sIndependence Day Celebration; Fri., July 3, from 6-11 p.m. on Main Street.⚾ Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets; Friday – Monday at Truist Park.
🇺🇸 Dunwoody Fourth of July Parade and Festival. The parade starts at 9 a.m. at Mt. Vernon and Jett Ferry.
🏀Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries; Sat., July 4 at 1 p.m. at Gateway Center in College Park.
Submit events for consideration atRoughDraftAtlanta.com/Eventsoremail us for more information on promotion opportunities.
❤️ Therapy that helps you feel seen, supported, and understood—while building practical skills to navigate life with confidence at Intown Psychology. SPONSOR MESSAGE
4. Concert Picks
Wed., July 1
🍻 Madison Beer @ Coca-Cola Roxy
Thurs., July 2
🇯🇵 Joji @ State Farm Arena
Fri., July 3
🎹 Sarah McLachlan @ Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
🤡 LSD Clownsystem @ Vinyl
Mon., July 6
✨ Ariana Grande @ State Farm Arena (also Wed. and Thurs.)
Tues., July 7
🍼 Bally Baby + Friends @ The Loft
🎛️ Seddy Hendrinx @ Vinyl
Wed., July 8
🎸 Flyleaf w/ Lacey Sturm @ Tabernacle
🏃 100 miles. Six weeks. One incredible community. Join the Chastain Challenge and help keep Chastain Park clean, safe, and green while reaching your own goals. Details here. SPONSOR MESSAGE
🔤 Play News Word Atlanta, our daily word game.
🎟️ One diner called the first Rough Draft Dinner Club “Good food and great company in a low-pressure environment.” Register today for the next one on July 21.
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