SP Staff Blog

1. LICKING THE SNOW: For just under two bucks, you can’t beat the big-kid sno-cones at Cajun restaurant Just Loaf’n to battle southern summer heat. www.justloafn.net.

2. HIDING OUT AT THE CHOP HOUSE: The best place to be if you want to chill out with a drink during a Braves game. But get there early, because once the outside temp hits 90 degrees, the place fills up fast. www.braves.mlb.com.

3. VISITING THE FROZEN TUNDRA: Fernbank’s IMAX theatre lets you choose between screenings of “Antarctica” (pictured) or “Alaska: Spirit of the Wild” all summer long. Air conditioning included in ticket price. www.fernbankmuseum.org.

4. SAMPLING INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS: Scoops of the tasty Limoncello and Green Tea gelatos at Paolo’s Gelatos sure hit the spot—and watching the irrepressible Paolo Dalla Zorza in action is a treat in itself. www.paolosgelato.com.

Enjoy live entertainment, video games, prizes and more at the REGULAR GUYS ALL-NIGHTER, kicking off at 11 p.m. tonight at the StarTime Entertainment complex in Roswell. Guests get access to the staff of Rock 100.5’s “Regular Guys,” a $50 game card for arcade games, live-band hard rock karaoke courtesy of Metalsome, a DJ and dancing, shooter girls and screenings of “The 40 Year Old Virgin” and “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” For more information, call 770-817-4242 or visit www.regularguys.com.

Shoulder pads, Dr. Ruth and “Dynasty” are just a few artifacts from the ’80s unlikely to make a comeback anytime soon. Certain classics, however, will always remain timeless—and E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL is one of them. Head out to Centennial Olympic Park tonight for an evening of nostalgia with Screen on the Green’s showing of this classic family film. Show up at 7 p.m. to kick back and enjoy the sounds of local pop/rock artist Bria Kam. Admission is free (but don’t bring any glass containers, alcohol, grills or pets, please). 404-575-7888. www.peachtreetv.com.

If you’re a fan of Athens’ music scene—and who isn’t?—you’re going to be pretty busy this weekend. ATHFEST, the city’s annual celebration of its musical heritage, runs today through Sunday in historic downtown Athens, with more than 175 bands showcasing the best local, regional and nationally recognized Athens-based talent. There’s also a juried artisan market, a kid’s fest, film events, the Flagpole Music Awards and more. Some events may require a small fee. For a full listing of events and band schedules, visit www.athfest.com.

What’s better than enjoying a flick at the Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival at the Fox Theatre? How about enjoying two Academy Award-winning classics? There’s no arguing that 1942’s CASABLANCA, which screens tonight, deserves its spot on the roster—the timeless love story set against a Moroccan backdrop during World War II is one of the greatest movies of all time. And we’re pretty confident that last year’s superlative NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, which screens Wednesday, will attain similar status. Both evenings include wine tastings, a singalong, a classic cartoon and, of course, music from Larry Douglas Embury on the beloved “Mighty Mo” organ. 404-817-8700. www.foxtheatre.org.

Grab your picnic basket and get ready for a night of celebrity and scandal as SCREEN ON THE GREEN presents CHICAGO tonight at Centennial Olympic Park. Packed with fishnets aplenty, a crooning Richard Gere, waifish Renée Zellweger, and the strikingly seductive Catherine Zeta-Jones, the movie starts at 8:30 p.m. Set up your lawn chairs early to enjoy a pre-show performance by musician Damian Carter at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

If you can’t get enough of cinematic explosions, man-eating zombies, post-apocalyptic Manhattan or Will Smith’s chiseled physique, you’re in luck. FLICKS ON FIFTH presents a screening of I AM LEGEND tonight at 9 p.m. in Tech Square. Check out some of 5th Street’s restaurants for dinner, and be sure to bring your own blankets and chairs (no coolers, umbrellas or pets, please). The event is free. 404-894-2805. www.flicksonfifth.gatech.edu.

Feeling romantic? Rekindle the passion (or fire up a new flame) with a love story, a glass of wine and the luxurious Fox Theatre for a great midsummer date. The COCA-COLA SUMMER FILM FESTIVAL hosts a screening of ATONEMENT Saturday evening, June 8, at 7 p.m., preceded by a 5 p.m. wine tasting, a 1930’s-inspired sing-along organ performance and a vintage cartoon. Film tickets are $7 and wine tasting tickets are $10. 404-881-2100. www.foxtheatre.org.