🎻 Prague Philharmonia + Comedy Fest This Weekend

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We’re a day later than usual, but things around the house got a little hectic with this storm moving in.

And that storm could be bad timing, since January's that weird stretch where my wife and I keep toggling between "let's stay in with takeout" and "if we don't leave this house I'm going to lose it."

This weekend, we're hoping to do both, weather permitting. Friday's Prague Philharmonia concert is our excuse to have an actual date night. Beethoven, Mozart, and that big Dvořák sound in the Byers Theatre.

If you've never caught a symphony at City Springs, the acoustics alone are worth dressing up for. Hopefully the winter weather we’re due for doesn’t put a damper on things.

For something more low-key, the Dunwoody Comedy Festival kicks off Thursday and runs through Saturday—quick sets, local comics, and easy venues where you can grab dinner first.

Saturday morning, I'll be at Brook Run hunting for produce and probably buying too many pastries at the farmers market. Sunday's Jesse Cook show at City Springs is also on my radar if we've got any energy left.

Planner's below. Stay warm, and maybe I'll see you out there.

- Andrew

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Byers Theatre at Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center
1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs
Fri, Jan 23, 2026
8:00 PM
Tickets required
Details: Prague Philharmonia at Byers Theatre

Step into an unforgettable evening of classical music as the Prague Philharmonia, one of the world’s most acclaimed orchestras, performs a rich program featuring Beethoven, Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Dvořák.

Led by Maestro Emmanuel Villaume, this performance promises lush orchestrations and sweeping melodies that appeal to seasoned concertgoers and newcomers alike.

This is a perfect mid-winter date night or family cultural outing (older children especially will enjoy the grandeur of live symphonic sound).

Arrive a bit early to enjoy the lobby atmosphere and pre-show buzz.

Parking at City Springs is easy, and there are plenty of nearby spots for coffee or dinner before the show.

If you want a date-night dinner that feels “Perimeter polished” without being a big-chain situation, put Taki Japanese in the rotation.

It’s a privately owned spot tucked into Perimeter Village, with a sleek dining room, a strong sushi lineup, and plenty of warm, craveable cooked dishes for anyone who’s not in a raw-fish mood.

People love it for group hibachi nights (multiple reviewers call the experience fun and the staff attentive/kind), and the portion sizes get mentioned a lot. The “left with leftovers” kind of meal.

Takeout gets a nod too; one recent reviewer specifically praised how smooth and on-time pickup was, with food arriving hot and well packed.

Order move: start with a signature roll (their menu rotates, but the specialty-roll section is where the fun lives), then split something hot and comforting so the table doesn’t feel one-note.

Menus: Sushi Menu • Dinner Menu

6030 Sandy Springs Cir

If you love a good “I can’t believe this was only ___ dollars” find, The Drake Closet is a Perimeter-area gem — a women’s resale boutique right near City Springs that directly supports The Drake House, a local nonprofit serving homeless single mothers and their children.

It’s the kind of place you can pop into for 20 minutes and walk out with a work-ready blazer, a cute bag, or a “how is this still here?” pair of shoes — while also doing something genuinely good for the community.

A big part of the charm is how approachable it feels: shoppers consistently mention the friendly vibe and mission (“Wonderful store! Warm people! Great cause.” is the energy in the reviews), and the pricing is refreshingly sane — most items land in that easy yes range (the visitor listing notes $3–$25).

Visit their Website

The Dunwoody City Council held its Jan 12 meeting with a packed agenda that included swearing in new police officers, recognizing staff with lifesaving medals, and early discussions of zoning changes at 84 Perimeter Center East.

The agenda also included contracts for security upgrades at the Brook Run Park maintenance facility and other transportation and community infrastructure topics.

Public comments and livestream options were available for residents interested in upcoming ordinances and projects.

Source: City of Dunwoody

New drawing classes launched this month at the Abernathy Arts Center, with a focus on observation and proportion.

These community art offerings give both adults and teens ways to sharpen skills and connect through creativity in the arts district that spans Dunwoody, Brookhaven, and Sandy Springs.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

The Perimeter Community Improvement Districts (PCIDs) awarded $360,000 in funding to bolster real-time emergency response technology in the Dunwoody area.

This investment is aimed at improving police situational awareness and coordination with partners across the Perimeter region.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

At the county level, the Fulton County Commission elected Khadijah Abdur-Rahman as Vice Chair in mid-January - a leadership role that helps steer regional priorities including public safety, transportation, and community services that impact Sandy Springs and nearby suburbs.

Source: Rough Draft Atlanta

Meet Smooth, a striking black-and-white young cat with a big personality and a curious streak. She’s part of the shelter’s Working Cat Program, which places healthy, socialized cats in barns, warehouses, and other safe outdoor spaces where they can help keep pests away, and enjoy the freedom they love.

At just 8 months old, Smooth is playful, alert, and already spayed, making her ready to settle into a new home or workspace. If you’ve got room for a little extra character (and some excellent company), she’s a perfect fit.

Available at DeKalb County Animal Services — 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341

Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00 AM–7:00 PM • Sat–Sun 11:00 AM–6:00 PM

Profile: Adopt Smooth

📖 Children’s + YA Book Sale — Dunwoody Library (Dunwoody) | 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Free entry | More: Sale details
Big stacks of kid + teen reads at bargain prices (perfect for winter break hoarding).

💚 Feel Your Big, Big Feelings! — Sandy Springs Branch Library (Sandy Springs) | 4:00–5:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
A kid-friendly 4-H session on emotions + coping skills (hands-on, not lecture-y).

🛍️ DHA Farmers Market — Brook Run Park (Dunwoody) | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free | More: Market info
Your classic Saturday reset: coffee, baked goods, produce, and local makers.

🧑‍🎓 Teen Advisory Board Orientation — Sandy Springs Branch Library (Sandy Springs) | 1:00–2:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
For teens who want community hours + a real say in teen programming.

🎨 Kid’s Corner — Politan Row at The Forum (Peachtree Corners) | 2:00–5:00 PM | Free | More: Weekly events
Complimentary crafts while grown-ups grab a bite (very parent-friendly).

🥕 Shops of Dunwoody Farmers Market — The Shops of Dunwoody (Dunwoody) | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
Easy Sunday stroll energy: local produce, food vendors, and a “run into someone you know” guarantee.

🎻 Prague Philharmonia — Byers Theatre at City Springs (Sandy Springs) | 8:00 PM | Tickets | More: Event page
Big, beautiful symphony energy — the cleanest “grown-up night out” on the calendar.

🎨 Opening Reception: “Two Searchlights” — Spruill Gallery (Dunwoody) | 6:00–9:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
A come-and-go gallery reception that’s easy to pair with dinner nearby.

🪴 Design Your Own Plant Pot — Sandy Springs Branch Library (Sandy Springs) | 1:00–2:30 PM | Free (registration) | More: Event page
A crafty afternoon class (great if you’re in your “make the house nicer” era).

😂 Dunwoody Comedy Festival (Night 3) — Vintage Pizzeria (Dunwoody) | 7:00–8:25 PM | Tickets | More: Schedule + tickets
Same festival, new sets — and pizza makes everything better.

🧘 Yoga with Marianne — Sandy Springs Branch Library (Sandy Springs) | 10:30–11:30 AM | Free | More: Event page
A genuinely relaxing reset (bring your own mat).

🎶 Live Music — Politan Row at The Forum (Peachtree Corners) | 6:00 PM | Free | More: Weekly events
Grab dinner, catch live tunes, and call it a night.

🕺 Night Shift — Politan Row at The Forum (Peachtree Corners) | 9:00 PM | Free | More: Happenings
Karaoke + throwback vibes (stay for one song or accidentally close the place).

🎸 Jesse Cook: Libre Tour — Byers Theatre at City Springs (Sandy Springs) | 7:00 PM | Tickets | More: Event page
Flamenco/world guitar with serious “you’ll talk about it on Monday” energy.

🎯 Music Bingo — Politan Row at The Forum (Peachtree Corners) | 5:00 PM | Free | More: Happenings
Perfect Sunday “let’s do something, but not too much” plan.

Open daily (sunrise–sunset)
Trails + creek + “wow, we’re still in the city?” vibes

If you need a true reset that doesn’t cost a thing, Big Trees is the move: a tucked-away, ~30-acre forest sanctuary just off Roswell Road with shady trails, little footbridges, and a calming creek soundtrack that makes the whole place feel way farther from traffic than it is. Go early for peak quiet, or head over late afternoon for golden-hour light through the canopy.

Make it a plan:

More Information

With a potential winter storm arriving around the weekend, which may include cold air, ice build-up, sleet or snow… now’s the time to do any last minute prep you can before this storm blows in!

🏠 Exterior quick check:

🔧 Inside:

📍 Ice & storm prep: This system could bring freezing rain that weighs down trees and power lines and creates slick driving conditions.

🚗 Winter-ready essentials:

🔋 Battery test: If the car battery is older, it’s cheaper to test/replace now than in the middle of a cold-weather commute.

⚠️ Driving caution: Ice, sleet, or wet snow could make roads slick. Slow down and watch bridges/overpasses, which freeze first under cold storms like the one expected.

🚰 Plumbing (leaks, shutoff help, winter pipe worries):
The Dunwoody Plumber
📍 3870 N Peachtree Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341
📞 770-551-1111

♨️ Heat / HVAC + heating system check (before cold snaps):
The Air Company of Georgia
📍 10 Glenlake Pkwy, Suite 130, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
📞 404-583-7788

🚗 Winter car check (battery, tires, fluids, general inspection):
Peachtree Corners Automotive
📍 4708 S. Old Peachtree Rd., Peachtree Corners, GA 30071
📞 (770) 925-7660