Dunwoody Holiday HQ, Live Music, and Big Events with Mark Galvin
What’s Up Dunwoody: A Chat with Mark Galvin from Discover Dunwoody
This episode of the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast features Mark Galvin from Discover Dunwoody, who joins host Matt Weber for his regular monthly update. Together, they dive into all the exciting happenings across Dunwoody, Georgia, from live music venues and new restaurants to Dunwoody’s growing identity as the region’s official Holiday Headquarters.
Why Black Friday is the Biggest Day in Dunwoody
If you're living in Dunwoody, it may not surprise you to hear that Black Friday is the busiest day of the year in the city. Thanks to Perimeter Mall and surrounding shopping centers, Dunwoody experiences a massive surge in visitors during the Thanksgiving weekend. As the second-largest mall in the Southeast with more than 200 stores like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Apple, Zara, and Sephora, Perimeter Mall is the epicenter of holiday shopping. That spike in foot traffic has led the team at Discover Dunwoody to double down on branding the city as “Holiday HQ” for all things festive.
Check out Holiday-HQ.com for a curated list of events, shopping deals, holiday light tours, and music. Mark and podcast host Matt Weber are even working on reviving a beloved light tour map from the past, a guided Google Maps route through the best decorated homes in Dunwoody neighborhoods like Dunwoody North, Redfield, and Village Mill.
Live Music Spots You Shouldn’t Miss in Dunwoody
From lobby concerts to outdoor lawn shows, Dunwoody is becoming a hotspot for casual live music. Mark highlights Campus 244, located behind the Marriott near the State Farm buildings, as one of the city's premier venues. It offers a public lawn space and regular live music events, all set against a colorful mural backdrop with beautiful buildings and great food.
Le Méridien Hotel also hosts live music every Tuesday and Thursday night, usually featuring local talent like Michael Magno. According to Mark, it’s a great low-key spot for a drink, a burger (which he claims is one of the best burgers in Dunwoody), and some mellow tunes.
Your One-Stop Shop for Dunwoody Events
Trying to find things to do in Dunwoody? The best way is to visit whatsupdunwoody.com/events, which redirects to Discover Dunwoody’s official calendar. This site lists everything from live music and city council meetings to seasonal festivals and restaurant openings.
Bonus tip: By using Matt’s link, you help boost both Discover Dunwoody and What's Up Dunwoody’s SEO and website authority, which increases visibility for local businesses and events.
World Cup Excitement Hits Dunwoody
Atlanta will be a host city for the World Cup in 2026, and Dunwoody is already feeling the excitement. Three international teams are expected to set up training facilities in the Atlanta area, and Mark Galvin shares that they’re hoping Argentina will train here.
The Argentinian Consulate in Dunwoody has teamed up with a local nonprofit called Passion Soccer, a youth outreach organization that encourages kids to get involved in soccer instead of idle activities. Dunwoody residents can support this initiative by booking hotels through dis-dun.me/futbol. Five percent of each booking supports Passion Soccer’s mission.
Why Visitors Stay in Dunwoody During Big Atlanta Events
Relocating to Dunwoody has its perks, and proximity to MARTA is one of the biggest. With multiple hotels within walking distance of MARTA stations, it’s no wonder Dunwoody is a top choice for visitors who want to experience big Atlanta events without the chaos of staying downtown.
Add in the safe, family-friendly environment, great restaurants, and expanding shopping options, and it’s clear why Dunwoody is such a draw for both tourists and families moving to Dunwoody.
The Holiday Lights Tradition and Light Up Dunwoody
Remember the Dunwoody Holiday Lights Map? Matt's brother-in-law Justin Dike created a hyperlocal holiday tradition by mapping out the best light displays across East, Central, and West Dunwoody. Now that Holiday HQ is official, they’re planning to bring it back.
Expect to see banners, snowflake decorations, and events like Light Up Dunwoody and Brook Run Park’s annual Holiday Lights display. Families also flock to Ravinia, where the wooded trails become a winter wonderland during Ravinia Holiday in Lights. If you’re new to living in Dunwoody, these are traditions you won’t want to miss.
Festivities on the Farm and Holiday Markets
In addition to Light Up Dunwoody, new seasonal traditions are emerging. Donaldson-Bannister Farm will host “Festivities on the Farm,” a multicultural holiday market with international foods, handmade gifts, live entertainment, and photos with Santa. The DHA Holiday Farmers Market also pops up in December, giving locals more opportunities to shop small while enjoying seasonal treats.
Holiday Art Trees Program
The Holiday Art Trees Program turns Dunwoody hotels into showcases of local creativity. Professional artists decorate trees in unique styles, blending traditional holiday décor with modern artistic flair. For families relocating to Dunwoody, this program is a fun way to connect with the city’s creative community while enjoying the festive season.
Village Holiday Celebration and Lantern Parade
One of Dunwoody’s most charming traditions is the Village Holiday Celebration and Lantern Parade. This event features live music, kids’ crafts, hot cocoa, and a festive lantern walk through Dunwoody Village. It’s an inclusive celebration that brings together residents of all ages and is a favorite for families in neighborhoods like The Branches and Georgetown.
Glow Strong Hanukkah and Donuts, Drinks & Dinks
The holiday season in Dunwoody is about more than just Christmas lights. “Glow Strong: A Family Hanukkah Celebration” offers hands-on activities, creative crafts, and games for children. Later in the season, the “Donuts, Drinks & Dinks” party combines Hanukkah traditions with a fun pickleball twist, making it one of the most unique holiday events in the metro area.
Chubby Cattle and the Rise of Dunwoody’s Asian District
New restaurant alert: Chubby Cattle has opened at the front of Perimeter Mall, adding to what Matt jokingly called Dunwoody’s emerging “Asian District.” Alongside P.F. Chang’s, 26 Thai Kitchen & Bar, and other Asian eateries, Chubby Cattle brings upscale Japanese BBQ to the scene.
This is not your typical Korean BBQ joint. It features prime meat cuts, buffet-style selections, and interactive dining experiences. For a quieter vibe, Mark recommends checking out Steak and Grace nearby.
New Shopping Additions at Perimeter Mall
Perimeter Mall continues to evolve with new retailers that make it a true destination. A brand-new LEGO Store has opened, drawing families from all over metro Atlanta to Dunwoody. Kids and adults alike can enjoy hands-on play stations, custom mini-figure building, and exclusive LEGO sets that aren’t available online. This addition strengthens Dunwoody’s reputation as a family-friendly hub for both shopping and entertainment.
Other new arrivals like Warby Parker, UNTUCKit, and Evereve give shoppers even more variety, making Perimeter Mall one of the best places in the Southeast to find unique gifts during the holidays. These updates further highlight why moving to Dunwoody offers such easy access to world-class shopping.
Seasonal pop-ups also add to the mix. A limited-time SHEIN pop-up near Macy’s has been drawing large crowds on weekends, while POP MART, the trendy collectible toy brand, is preparing to open its first Georgia store in the former Lolli & Pops space. These unique additions create buzz and bring fresh energy to Dunwoody’s retail scene, ensuring that visitors always have something new to discover.
The Growth of High Street and Private-Sector Events
High Street Dunwoody is turning into a central hub for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Mark mentions the arrival of big names like Rosetta Bakery, Varuni Napoli, and Ben & Jerry’s. Matt shares his son’s birthday experience at Puttshack, followed by a surprise concert on the lawn.
What’s unique? These events are not city-funded. The individual complexes like High Street, Ashford Lane, Campus 244, and Park Place are investing their own money to organize concerts, DJs, family activities, and seasonal celebrations. Discover Dunwoody, What’s Up Dunwoody, and Create Dunwoody then step in to help promote the events, which creates a win-win for both the businesses and the community. The complexes get strong marketing support, and residents benefit from a steady calendar of fun activities without any burden on taxpayer dollars.
Mark is especially excited that some of these complexes are already planning soccer watch parties for next summer’s World Cup. With Dunwoody’s international connections and growing soccer culture, these gatherings are expected to bring the community together in a big way, while giving local restaurants and retailers a boost in visibility and foot traffic.
How Hotel Taxes Power Dunwoody’s Glow-Up
Much of Dunwoody’s growth and beautification, especially during the holidays, is funded by the hotel tax. With an 8% tax on all hotel stays, 3.5% supports Discover Dunwoody, while 1.5% goes to tourism product development. Another 3% is allocated directly to the City of Dunwoody’s general fund, where it helps cover city services and infrastructure improvements. That’s how new snowflake decorations, events, and even social media campaigns get funded, all without raising local taxes.
As Matt puts it, if you're living in Dunwoody, you're not paying for the lights. Visitors are. And that’s a win-win.
ATL Eyecare and Other New Businesses in Dunwoody
Dunwoody’s business community continues to thrive. Matt highlights ATL Eyecare, a new optometry practice run by Dr. Thomas Koepke, who personally sees each patient. Dr. Koepke grew up in Dunwoody, studied at Wesleyan School and Wake Forest, and later returned home with years of experience in treating complex eye conditions.
The office has a welcoming, family-owned feel, managed by Dr. Koepke and his wife, Laura Mahone. With a full optical center and a focus on personal care, ATL Eyecare offers glasses, contacts, and eye health management in a way that feels both professional and neighborly. Matt shared that his own visit there was fantastic, praising the friendliness and attention to detail.
Mark encourages everyone to support new businesses like ATL Eyecare, which add value to the growing Dunwoody real estate market and reflect the strong sense of community here.
Final Thoughts: Why Dunwoody is the Place to Be
From cultural events to live music, shopping, new restaurants, and holiday fun, Dunwoody has something for everyone. Whether you're considering moving to Dunwoody, looking for homes for sale in Dunwoody, or just trying to find the best real estate agent in Dunwoody, host Matt Weber and guests like Mark Galvin are here to keep you informed.
