Friday, March 13, 2026 • Just in time to plan your weekend
An “In-Between The Issues” look at events, people, dining, and entertaining in southern Cobb County, from the publishers of The Bright Side community newspapers of southern Cobb. Deadline for the April issue is March 23rd. Contact us at news@brightsidecobb.com.
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STILLFIRE BREWING OPENING IN SMYRNA
“We’re excited to officially announce the Grand Opening of StillFire Brewing’s newest location in Smyrna, Georgia — and we would love to invite you to be part of it,” said a representative of StillFire.
On Friday, March 13th from Noon to Midnight, StillFire Smyrna will open its doors with an all-day Grand Opening Celebration at its brand-new, 25,000-square-foot brewery and taproom located at 2725 King St SE (next to the Smyrna Community Center).
Their Grand Opening will feature:
- 78 taps across four bars with 32 drink options
- A rooftop SkyDeck and multiple outdoor patios
- The Jonquil Beer Garden
- Live music throughout the day
- A limited special release: Dirt Pile IPA (4-packs available while supplies last)
- Food from Beto’s Tacos and coffee from Rev Coffee Roasters
- Complimentary grand opening glassware for the first 50 guests each day
Grand opening weekend will feature live music on Saturday with Luke Latimer (1–4 p.m.), the Brent Gafford Band (4–7 p.m.) and Keltic Kudzu (8–11 p.m.), along with giveaways, specials, and a live on-site broadcast from 97.1 The River. The first 50 guests each day will receive a commemorative grand opening glass while supplies last.
With expanded brewing capacity, thoughtfully designed spaces, and a prime Cobb County location, StillFire Brewing’s Smyrna Brewery and Taproom is positioned to become a cornerstone of the community — delivering award-winning beer, elevated hospitality, and a place for everyone to Find Your Fire.
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Now Available! Read the March Bright Side.
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KSB DOCUMENT SHREDDING
Reducing waste not only conserves valuable resources but also helps protect our environment by cutting down on pollution and conserving landfill space. That’s why Keep Smyrna Beautiful hosts two annual document shredding events, offering a convenient and secure way for everyone to properly recycle sensitive documents. These events are open to all—whether you’re a Smyrna resident or from another community, we invite you to participate and help reduce waste.
Keep Smyrna Beautiful hosts its spring Document Shredding event on Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to noon to securely shred and recycle documents. This event takes place at the Aline Wolfe Adult Recreation Center, 884 Church Street, Smyrna, in Smyrna. It is free and open to the public, but donations are welcome. Visit the website for Document Shredding event details. |
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SOUTH COBB DRIVE IMPROVEMENTS OPEN HOUSE
The City of Smyrna, in partnership with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), invites the public to attend a Public Information Open House to learn more about the South Cobb Drive Improvements Project from Concord Road to Windy Hill Road on Thursday, March 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Smyrna Community Center, 1250 Powder Springs Street.
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GEORGIA FOOD +WINE FESTIVAL FEATURES TOP CHEFS, GEORGIA WINES, AND DELICIOUS FOOD
The Georgia Food + Wine Festival celebrates the best of our region with chef-driven tastings, exceptional wines and spirits, live cooking stages, and experiences inspired by the flavors of the South. Each event is crafted to highlight local talent, regional ingredients, and the vibrant culinary community that makes Georgia unique.
For three days Jim Miller Park in Marietta will be filled with guests enjoying a special array of food and wine and fun. Beginning Friday, March 27 through March 29, there will special tastings, cooking demonstrations, and culinary experiences for adults and for the entire family.
The mission is simple: highlight the people and ingredients that define Georgia’s food culture, support local businesses, and create an unforgettable weekend of connection and community. Each event is crafted to offer something unique, from intimate tastings to high-energy celebrations.
A new feature this year at The Georgia Food +Wine Festival is The Chef’s Table Experience, an exclusive, chef-driven dining event debuting at the 2026 festival. Designed for discerning food and wine enthusiasts, this VIP offering delivers an intimate, five-course, immersive dining journey where food, culture, lifestyle, and storytelling converge.
Unlike traditional tasting tents, The Chef’s Table Experience is a thoughtfully curated, sit-down culinary theater. Guests are guided through a multi-course menu crafted by acclaimed chefs, each dish highlighting the finest Georgia-sourced ingredients and thoughtfully paired wines. Every course is presented with intention, offering insight into the inspiration, techniques, and regional influences behind the cuisine. This special tasting will be held on March 25 at 6:30 at Jim Miller Park. Tickets are $125 in advance or $150 at the gate.
Friday, March 27, from 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Friday Fired Up ignites the weekend with live-fire cooking, bold flavors, craft beverages, and an energetic evening atmosphere.
Saturday Savor, March 28 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., delivers an elevated tasting experience featuring premium wines, crafted cocktails, and chef-driven culinary creations.
Sunday Funday, March 29 from noon – 5 p.m., wraps up the weekend with a relaxed, family-friendly experience featuring artisan shopping, live entertainment, and a free kids’ zone.
For more information about the 2026 Georgia Food +Wine Festival and The Chef’s Table Experience, visit www.georgiafoodandwinefestival.com. Find a description of each day’s events and buy tickets for desired event online. |
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Place your advertising in the Bright Side eWeekly for only $25 per week
(minimum of 4 weeks).
Contact Cathy Lipsett at 770-426-9388 or
by email at cslipsett@att.net for more information.
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SMYRNA KIDS HANDMADE MARKET SET FOR MARCH 21
Calling all young makers, bakers, and creators. The Smyrna Kids Handmade Market returns this spring, offering children a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Join others on March 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Smyrna Community Center, where young participants will experience what it’s like to run their own business for the day. From selecting and pricing products to engaging with customers, this hands-on market empowers kids to build confidence, creativity, and real-world skills. Applications are officially open at Catalog – Recreate Smyrna so be sure to sign up your talented youngster. |
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COBB SENIOR CITIZENS TO MEET WITH LEGISLATORS
Cobb senior citizens will have the opportunity to engage with their Georgia state legislators on April 15 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Cobb Senior Wellness Center.
Every Georgia State House Representative and Senator serving a Cobb County district has been invited to participate. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with their legislators on critical issues affecting Cobb seniors. The event will be held at the Senior Wellness Center. 1150 Powder Springs Road, Marietta.
Join for a moderated forum where you can ask questions and engage directly with your state legislators.
• Who are your legislators and what do they do?
• What critical issues affecting seniors-such as physical and mental health services, affordable housing, rising food costs, elder abuse, and transportation-did the 2026 legislative session address?
This moderated forum is free but space is limited and registration is required. To register visit https://tinyurl.com/senior-forum |
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GET INVOLVED AT FREEMAN POOLE SENIOR CENTER
 Seniors, are you looking for activities or need a place to meet new friends? Why not visit the Freeman Poole Senior Center located at 4025 South Hurt Road, Smyrna? Join a lunch and learn class, enjoy a cooking demonstration, play bingo or join a book reading club. Whatever your interest may be, there’s plenty to do at Freeman Poole.
Click here for a list of upcoming events.
4025 S Hurt Road, Smyrna 30082
(770-801-3400)
Visit Freeman Poole Senior Center’s website for daily activities
Veteran Connection meets the 2nd Tuesday each month at 10 a.m.
MARCH
A Legacy of Women
Monday, March 16 from 11 a.m. – noon
Free; Registration required
In honor of National Women’s Month, we proudly celebrate some of our incredible ladies here at Freeman Poole Senior Center whose lives are filled with achievements, resilience, and wisdom. This special recognition highlights their accomplishments, contributions, and lasting impact on families, workplaces, and the community. Join us as we honor the stories, strength, and legacy of women who continue to inspire across generations. Led by Freeman Poole Staff
Gardening for the Season
Thursday, March 19 from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Learn how to garden smarter, not harder, through the seasons with Keep Cobb Beautiful. This informative presentation will guide participants through seasonal gardening best practices, including what to plant and when, soil preparation, sustainable landscaping techniques, and eco-friendly maintenance tips that support healthy gardens year-round. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, you’ll gain practical insights to help your garden thrive.
The Freeman Poole Page Turners
Thursday, March 19 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Free; Registration required
Freeman Poole’s Page Turners book club offers a welcoming space to engage in meaningful conversations, share insights, and discover new authors and genres. The book of the month is TBD.
Freeman Foodies
Friday, March 22 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Lunch on your own; Registration required
Miyako Hibachi Sushi & Steakhouse
1025 East-West Connector,
Austell, GA 30106
Spring into Movement: Easy Ways to Stay Active
Monday, March 23 from 11 a.m. – noon
Free; Registration required
Do you want to be more active but aren’t sure where to start? Have you created a fitness plan only to lose motivation in a few weeks? Do you have questions about exercise and fitness?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, please join us in learning how to safely get started with exercise. This presentation aims to discover your own personal motivation to exercise and learn how to set challenging yet achieving goals for yourself. Led by Keith Mazonkey.
International Women’s Month Film: Call Center for Title
Wednesday, March 25 from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Free; Registration required
In celebration of National Women’s Month, join us for a screening of a documentary honoring Dr. Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. The film highlights her historic achievements, the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, and the personal life she kept private for decades. An inspiring story of courage, authenticity, and breaking barriers. Led by Freeman Poole Staff.
Fraud and Forgery
Thursday, March 26 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Free; Registration required
Join the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and learn what to look for and how to protect yourself from fraud and forgery schemes.
Karaoke
Friday, March 27 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Free; Registration required
Get ready for an afternoon of fun, music, and unforgettable performances at C. Freeman Poole’s Karaoke Jam! Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a first-time singer, this is your chance to take the stage and show off your vocal talent.
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BRIGHT SIDE CALENDAR
FOR SMYRNA/VININGS/MABLETON/AUSTELL
March
NOW – MARCH 25: FIRESIDE LUNCH AND LEARN. Wednesdays at noon at Log Cabin Community Church, 2699 Log Cabin Drive. Bring your own lunch and settle in for a relaxed, fireside midday pause. Join Rev Steven for a 45-minute Lunch & Learn focused on the theme of forgiveness.
14: DOCUMENT SHREDDING. Keep Smyrna Beautiful hosts its spring Document Shredding event on Saturday, March 14, from 9 a.m. to noon to securely shred and recycle documents. This event takes place at the Aline Wolfe Adult Recreation Center in Smyrna. It is free and open to the public, but donations are welcome. Visit the website for Document Shredding event details.
17: THE NEWCOMERS CLUB OF COBB COUNTY welcomes area women to join them at their monthly meeting. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 17, at 10 a.m. at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 505 Powers Ferry Road, Marietta. Make new friends while learning from a speaker on topics interesting to women. New to the area or newly looking for fun activities and new friends? Come join us! For more information: www.newcomersofcobbcounty.com
19: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPEN HOUSE. A Public Information Open House to learn more about the South Cobb Drive Improvements Project from Concord Road to Windy Hill Road will be held on Thursday, March 19, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Smyrna Community Center.
25: THE CHEF’S TABLE EXPERIENCE. GEORGIA FOOD +WINE FESTIVAL. A limited number of tickets are available. This special tasting will be held on March 25 at 6:30 at Jim Miller Park. Tickets are $125 in advance or $150 at the gate. For more information about the 2026 Georgia Food +Wine Festival and The Chef’s Table Experience, visit Georgia Food +Wine Festival.” A limited number of tickets are available. This special tasting will be held on March 25 at 6:30 at Jim Miller Park. Tickets are $125 in advance or $150 at the gate. For more information about the 2026 Georgia Food +Wine Festival and The Chef’s Table Experience, visit www.georgiafoodandwinefestival.com .
27 – 29: GEORGIA FOOD +WINE FESTIVAL. Jim R. Miller Park, Marietta. March 27-29, Celebrating the flavors, talent and hospitality that make Georgia a culinary destination. Buy Tickets at Festival Events | See Which Day is Right For You! — Georgia Food and Wine Festival
May
2: SMYRNA GARDEN TOUR: The Smyrna Garden Tour is back on May 2, connecting ticketholders to five of Smyrna’s most beautiful private gardens. This self-guided tour helps raise money to support the work of Keep Smyrna Beautiful, including litter cleanups, habitat rehabilitation, pollinator gardens, environmental education, and more! Sponsorships are available. Learn more at https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/garden-tour/
Weekly Organizations
BOY SCOUT TROOP 1: Join Troop 1 Smyrna, where adventure meets leadership. Our vibrant Scouts BSA troop is Scout-led, thriving on teamwork, camaraderie, and the values of the Scout Oath and Law. We camp monthly, explore exciting outdoor adventures, and focus on building skills that last a lifetime. Meetings are held on Sundays from 4:30 to 6 p.m., providing a welcoming space to grow, lead, and have fun—except on holiday weekends or during our thrilling camping trips. Come be part of the adventure and discover what makes Troop 1 a community like no other. Website: troop1smyrna.com. Email: troop1smyrna@gmail.com Phone: 770-742-8858
SCOUTING AMERICA TROOP 220 (FOR BOYS) AND 1872 (FOR GIRLS). Come to Life Church to enjoy Scouting America’s (formally BSA) programs where we have both Boy and Girl Units. Combined with Pack 22 we provide Scouting for the whole family! Troops 1872 and 220 have monthly campouts/adventures and hold regular meetings located at Life Church Smyrna Assembly of God, 4100 King Springs Road (next to Griffin Middle School). Meetings for Troop 1872 are held on Sundays from 2 p.m. – 3:30 and for Troop 220 on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8 p.m. We are focused on leadership, adventure, and established Scouting Values that have been around for 100+ years. For more information visit www.troopwebhost.org/Troop220smryna
SMYRNA OPTIMIST: Meets every Friday, 7 a.m.to 8 a.m.at the Nelms Masonic Lodge. 455 Concord Road SE, Smyrna. Visitors welcome.
THE JONQUIL CITY KIWANIS CLUB meets on Tuesdays from 10-11 a.m. at the Wolfe Center at 884 Church St. Smyrna,30080. All are welcome. Please come early for fellowship and refreshments.
SMYRNA BNI: Smyrna Business Exchange BNI, the largest and most successful BNI Chapter in all North Georgia (including the Atlanta Metro area) meets Thursday mornings from 7 a.m. until 8:30 (networking, coffee and breakfast starting at 6:45 a.m.) The group meets at Smyrna First Baptist Church, 1275 Church St SE, Smyrna. Enter behind the church in the “Welcome Center.” You can reach them online at: bniatl.com
TOASTMASTERS MEETINGS! T-Toasters of Vinings is once again holding live meetings every Wednesday night starting at 6 p.m. Our meetings are held at 2727 Paces Ferry Rd, Building 2 in the 3rd floor conference room. Look for our banner and come join the fun! For more information visit t-toasters.com or email amberenson@gmail.com.
VININGS CUMBERLAND ROTARY CLUB. In person weekly meeting, and on zoom, every Wednesday at 12 noon. The meetings are held at Copeland’s of New Orleans, 3101 Cobb Parkway, Vinings. For more information, go to viningsrotary.org, or contact Shawn Bendig at shawnbendig@att.net or 404-374-6027
SMYRNA ROTARY CLUB meets Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m. Join for a warm welcome, great fellowship, wonderful speakers, and community, national and international service projects. For more information, email Smyrna Rotary Club at f2@nfiweb.com.
GIRL SCOUTS. Girl Scout Troop 625 (K – 6th Grades) is recruiting! We have age level meetings for Mondays or Thursdays at Austell First United Methodist Church. Contact us at 470-399-3629 or troop625rocks@gmail.com.
Groups
RELATIONSHIPS IN RECOVERY. The oldest meeting on campus meets every Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. in the Pro North building at Ridgeview Institute, 3995 S. Cobb Drive, Smyrna. A 12-step format meeting helping people in relationships with the many aspects of recovery.
Extra Bright Sides
EXTRA COPIES: Looking for an extra copy of The Bright Side? Copies are available each month in the Smyrna Library, the Smyrna Community Center, Vickery Hardware, and Jonquil Publix Atlanta Road, Smyrna; and Kroger on South Cobb Drive, Smyrna. Mableton Pharmacy, Floyd Road Kroger; and the Mable House Arts Center. In Austell: The Treadmill. Also available at advertiser locations. On our website www.brightsidecobb.com sign up for out electronic weekly that has more local news and calendar items every Friday
E-mail your organization’s calendar news to news@brightsidecobb.com. Please send in a Word format as short as possible and no flyers. Calendar items also go into the electronic weekly every Friday. To subscribe to the eWeekly go to www.brightsidecobb.com and click on the red button.
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NOTES AND NOTICES
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
MONTHLY RECYCLING CENTER TOURS. The City of Smyrna Recycling Center offers monthly tours on the third Friday of the month (except for holidays) at 9 am. You can register to attend by visiting: https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/education/
GOOD RASCAL DOG TRAINING: Certified Dog Trainer offers Private Dog Training in your home or other mutually convenient location. Positive, gentle methods make training fun for dog and owner. Licensed, Bonded and Insured. For details, see our website: www.mygoodrascal.com. To set up a consultation, email: gary@mygoodrascal.com or call 770-401-7945.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT. Throughout the year, Keep Smyrna Beautiful will continue regular volunteer events, including Community Cleanups, Storm Drain Marking, and Adopt-a-Mile. Interested in volunteering? Fill out our online volunteer application, which can be found at https://keepsmyrnabeautiful.com/volunteer/
EXTRA COPIES
EXTRA COPIES: Looking for an extra copy of The Bright Side? Copies are available each month in the Smyrna Library, the Smyrna Community Center, and Jonquil Publix Atlanta Road, Smyrna; Mableton Pharmacy, Floyd Road Kroger; and in Austell: The Treadmill. Also available at advertiser locations. On our website, www.brightsidecobb.com, sign up for out electronic weekly that has more local news and calendar items every Friday.
PLACING NOTES AND NOTICES ADS: Holding a garage sale? Selling or renting your home, need an employee, tutoring, teaching, or in –home child care? We accept short reader ads for a fee of $25 per 50 words. The ads, with check, should be mailed or delivered to The Bright Side, 3330 Cumberland Blvd, Suite 500, Vinings, GA 30339. Ad copy should also be e-mailed to: ads@brightsidecobb.com. Check or credit card payments accepted. Home-based business ads accepted only if they do not conflict with our display advertisers. Home sale ads are for homeowners only. For information, call 770-426-9388 or e-mail to news@brightsidecobb.com
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WE WELCOME YOUR NEWS AND ADVERTISING FOR THE BRIGHT SIDE.
REACH OUT to potential new customers/clients through the electronic and print editions of The Bright Side.
Give me a call or email and let’s see how a Bright Side ad can benefit your business. I also welcome good news about people in the community. Give me a phone call at 770-426-9388 or email me at cslipsett@att.net
You can now read the print and the electronic editions of The Bright Side anytime on my website: www.brightsidecobb.com. In addition to direct mail delivery to homes, extra print copies of The Bright Side are available at the Smyrna Public Library, the Smyrna Community Center, Publix at Jonquil Plaza on Atlanta Road, Smyrna Kroger on South Cobb Drive and at Vickery Hardware. Also available at Cobb Hospital, the Treadmill, Austell, the Floyd Road Kroger, Mable House Arts Center, and Mableton Pharmacy.
Cathy Lipsett
Publisher/owner, The Bright Side Newspaper for Southern Cobb
The Bright Side Newspaper (for Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton and Austell) and the eWeekly are owned and published by Lipsett & Associates, Inc. Owner and publisher is Cathy Lipsett.
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Advertisers: Reach New Customers
Advertisers, the Bright Side is the best way to reach thousands of homes within a few minutes driving time of your business. The deadline for each issue is the 23rd of the month. Publication is the first week of the upcoming month. Send to news@brightsidecobb.com.
Notes And Notices
Holding a garage sale? Selling or renting your home, need an employee, tutoring, teaching, in-home child care? We accept short reader ads (up to 50 words) for a fee of $25 per month.
Email the ad to news@brightsidecobb.com and send checks to The Bright Side, 3330 Cumberland Blvd. Suite 500, Vinings, GA 30339. (No copy accepted by phone) and received prior to our deadline of the 23rd of each month. Publication is in the first week of the following month. We also accept credit card payment. Home-based business ads accepted only if they do not conflict with our display advertisers. House for sale ads are for homeowners only. For information, call 770-426-9388 or e-mail to news@brightsidecobb.com.
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