Atlanta families and students enjoyed a busy weekend of events that underscored the city’s strong sense of community, faith‑based traditions, and commitment to education.

Kosher BBQ Festival returns to Dunwoody

The annual Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival took place Sunday behind the Park Place shopping center in Dunwoody, offering free admission and $1.25 tasting tickets. The four‑category competition—brisket, beef ribs, chicken and chili—was supervised by the Atlanta Kashruth Commission to ensure kosher handling standards. More than 4,000 people attended last year, and organizers expect a similar turnout as families, food lovers and pit‑master teams gathered for an autumn Sunday of shared meals and live music.

“The Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival is about bringing people together across all backgrounds through a shared love of great food and community,” said Jacqueline Morris, executive director of the Atlanta Jewish Life Foundation.

Georgia State University hits all‑time enrollment high

Georgia State University announced a new enrollment record of 54,320 students for the fall semester, surpassing the 2020 peak by roughly 600 students. The Atlanta Campus enrolled 35,200 students, up 1.22 percent, while Perimeter College saw a 4.46 percent increase to more than 19,000 students. Graduate enrollment reached a two‑decade high of 8,426 degree‑seeking students.

First‑year enrollment also grew, with 4,433 new freshmen on the Atlanta Campus and 3,142 at Perimeter College. President M. Brian Blake credited the university’s focus on student success, educational value and an enhanced campus experience for the gains.

Kennesaw State appoints new dean for health and human services

Kennesaw State University named Peter W. Grandjean as dean of the Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, effective Jan. 1. Grandjean comes from Middle Tennessee State University, where he led the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences. He will oversee programs serving more than 7,000 students in healthcare, public health, social services and related fields, emphasizing research, interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement.

Out On Film festival crowns award winners

Atlanta’s Out On Film festival concluded its 11‑day run with a slate of awards. Spanish drama “La Bola Negra” captured the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature and will represent Spain at the 2027 Oscars. The documentary “Love Patrick: Nothing Is Impossible” earned the documentary prize, while Allan Deberton’s “Gugu’s World” swept three jury awards, including Best Narrative Feature.

The festival screened 155 films, including 38 features and 108 shorts, with more than 20 regional premieres and 10 world premieres.

Spelman and Morehouse break ground on joint student housing

Mayor Andre Dickens, Spelman College President Dr. Ayanna Howard and Morehouse College President Dr. F. DuBois Bowman broke ground on The Den at Eight50 West, a $147 million student housing project in Atlanta’s West End. The development will provide 793 apartment‑style beds across 305 units, slated for completion before the fall 2028 academic year.

Radnor Property Group and Madrone Community Development Foundation lead the project, with C.D. Moody Construction as a partner. Former U.S. Representative Kwanza Hall attended the ceremony. The public‑private partnership aims to address rising student‑housing demand and improve college affordability for the Atlanta University Center.

Fox Theatre launches storytelling series

The historic Fox Theatre introduced two original video series—Fox Voices and Atlanta Creative Voices—to preserve oral histories and highlight the people shaping Atlanta’s creative culture. President and CEO Allan C. Vella emphasized the importance of capturing these stories as the theatre approaches its centennial in 2029.

Episodes will debut on the Fox Theatre’s YouTube channel and be shared across social platforms through December.

Virginia‑Highland Tour of Homes returns

The Virginia‑Highland Civic Association will host its annual Tour of Homes on Dec. 12‑13, in partnership with the neighborhood’s Winterfest. The event invites residents to explore historic architecture and enjoy seasonal festivities.

These varied events illustrate Atlanta’s thriving cultural, educational and faith‑based landscape, reinforcing the city’s commitment to family‑friendly experiences and community growth.

Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.