By Angie Wynne
August is a busy month at historic Oakland Cemetery. Take a look at just some of the goings-on:
Road Repaving Begins at Oakland: With over $2.4 million from the 2022 Move Atlanta Forward infrastructure bond, the City of Atlanta is repaving nearly two miles of roads at Oakland Cemetery, replacing failing water lines, installing irrigation for Oakland’s gardens, improving drainage and soil stability, and repairing gutters. The repaving work will take place in three phases. Phase one started in late July and focuses on roads in the western half of the cemetery on Bell Tower Ridge. The Cemetery will remain open to visitors while the work is underway, though visitors should be aware that vehicle access to the cemetery will be limited. Families visiting loved ones should contact the Cemetery sexton, Sam Reed, at 404-658-6019 to inquire about accessibility.
An Open House for Our Grant Park Neighbors: Historic Oakland Foundation (HOF) is pleased to invite our Grant Park neighbors to a casual drop-in open house on Thursday, August 31 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the newly restored Bell Tower. Guests can tour the new space, learn about construction and plans for a new Visitor Center, and take a mini tour of the grounds. Open house highlights include a small pop-up gift shop, feedback opportunities to shape new programming, and door prizes. Light bites and drinks will be served.
A New Sunset Tour Series: HOF is also excited to announce a new tour series, The Nightfall Chronicles. Enjoy a special sunset walk through the cemetery as we recount the stories of Oakland ranging from iconic love stories to tales of mystery and mayhem. Each tour ticket includes a complimentary beer or wine. After the tour, enjoy discounts on food from neighboring restaurants Six Feet Under, Republic Social House and DAS BBQ when you show your ticket. Get your tickets at Eventbrite.
Sunday in the Park and Halloween Tour Tickets on Sale Now!: Families looking for fall activities need look no further than Oakland Cemetery. On September 24, HOF will welcome visitors to its 45th annual fall festival, Sunday in the Park. This year HOF is once again combining its longest-running event with its annual Tunes from the Tombs music festival and welcoming headliners Fireside Collective and Jon Stickley Trio to its North Public Grounds stage along with local acts The Ain’t Sisters and Black Lion Reggae. Attendees will find activities for all ages and interests, including living history theater performances, free cemetery tours, food trucks, live music, storytelling, a children’s zone, a historical costume contest, and more. The event also includes a market with one-of-a-kind wares from local artists. Tickets for the event went on sale June 15 at Eventbrite and are $5 off for HOF members.
HOF’s largest fundraiser, the Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween tours, starts Thursday, October 19. Tickets went on sale to the public on July 15 at Eventbrite and are selling out quickly.
Giveaways at Summer Shade Festival: Stop by the Historic Oakland Foundation tent at the Summer Shade Festival on August 26 and 27 and say, “Hi!” Learn more about upcoming events, become a member at a special discounted rate, and even win some fun giveaways. See you then!
