5 unusual but totally worth-going-to events this August

The Highland Inn is the location of the monthly meeting of the Write Club in the Highland Ballroom on Monday, Feb 9, 2015, in Atlanta. The pugnacious group of authors choose sides on an abstract topic and go toe to toe to see who writes it better. The audience of tipplers and hecklers decides who wins. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

Credit: Curtis Compton

Credit: Curtis Compton

The Highland Inn is the location of the monthly meeting of the Write Club in the Highland Ballroom on Monday, Feb 9, 2015, in Atlanta. The pugnacious group of authors choose sides on an abstract topic and go toe to toe to see who writes it better. The audience of tipplers and hecklers decides who wins. Curtis Compton / ccompton@ajc.com

Just because school's back in session doesn't mean the month of August should be dreaded. The month is jam-packed with great weather, new Rick and Morty, and tons of wacky pleasure.

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You may have heard of the Piedmont Park Summer Arts Festival and Sips Under the Sea, but what about variety shows and other quirky events happening in Atlanta?

Here are five unusual but totally worth-going-to events this month:

Bands and a Birthday Bash

9 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursday, August 3. $5 donation. Rowdy Dowdy. 1300 Sylvan Road, SW, Atlanta.

Nightlife entrepreneurs The Rowdy Girls are at it again - this time throwing a "barfday" party for a person called Schwab. There aren't many details on Schwab him/herself, but if you're down to crash a party (you're not really crashing - everyone's invited) and get wild, this event is for you. There's a load of hot bands set to perform: pounding rock 'n' roll riffs from Shagwüf, psych-shoegaze from Atlanta's own Reverends and many others. Prepare to get down at the Girls' mechanic shop turned glam spot with groovy tunes, DIY cake, and, if you're feeling real adventurous, the Dowdy-made wine.

Diesel Filling Station, 870 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta. 404-815-1820, www.dieselatlanta.com. This bar bills itself as “super nerdy” hosting all things Nerd Trivia from Dirty South Trivia on Tuesdays to Sunday "Walking Dead" viewing parties to themed bar crawls and more. It also offers a covered patio for pups to enjoy a rest during the walk through Virginia-Highland. / Photo by Tori Allen PR

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Multiverse Pub Crawl

7-11 p.m. Friday, August 11. $20. Diesel Filling Station. 870 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-815-1820.

Remember that cruel April Fool's prank from Adult Swim, the one where we all thought season three of Rick and Morty was being released, but instead viewers were teased with one new episode that replayed every half hour all night? Well, it sure was a cruel joke, but with the rest of the season out, it's time to celebrate with a wacky multiverse pub crawl. Super-fans are gathering from all over Atlanta to drink *burp* to the return of the show. The event spans more than five pubs in the Virginia-Highlands area - with each pub offering its own multiverse-themed shot. There will be a costume contest, food and drink specials, and plenty of photo-ops. Purchase your ticket here.

The crawl is produced by Markster Con and hosted by Diesel Filling Station. It is in no way affiliated with the network or TV show. The event will benefit TEAM FOX for Parkinson's Disease research.

The Highland Inn & Ballroom in the heart of Poncey-Highland

Credit: Courtesy of The Highland Inn & Ballroom's Facebook

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Credit: Courtesy of The Highland Inn & Ballroom's Facebook

Jeffrey Bützer's Ant Lodge (Variety Show)

8:30 p.m.- Midnight. Friday, August 18. $5 donation. Star Bar. 437 Moreland Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-500-4942.

Ant Lodge is a bit of an odd name, but it fits perfectly for this inaugural event hosted by Jeffrey Bützer. The Ant Lodge - like an Elk's Lodge, but smaller - will take place once a month at Little Vinyl Lounge (downstairs at Star Bar). Artists are welcome to come and try out new things, from music and films to magic and puppets. However, it's not the place to come and read your poetry, this event is more for the funny and strange. For the inaugural event, there will be performances from Bützer himself, Riley Pinkerton and Henry Black (from New York), along with the debut of Molly Harvey's new band, Dirty Titty.

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Night Market at The Highland Ballroom

6-10 p.m. Saturday, August 19th. Free. Highland Inn & Ballroom Lounge. 644 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-874-5756.

Artists' markets are a great way to support local art and make for a great morning/afternoon of shopping. Because this favorite pastime tend to take place earlier in the day, those who like to sleep in (or who have to work) end up missing out on the fun, but that's about to change. Thanks to The Highland Inn, the night owls will have their chance to discover local art made right here in Atlanta. Admission is free and a full bar will be available with drinks for purchase.

2015 partial solar eclipse

Credit: Courtesy of Wikimedia

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Credit: Courtesy of Wikimedia

Solar Eclipse by Kayak/Canoe

1-3 p.m. Monday, August 21. $20-$50. Don Carter State Park. 5000 N. Browning Bridge Rd, Gainesville. 678-450-7726.

The last total solar eclipse seen from this part of North America was nearly 100 years ago - that's a long time. The epic, beautiful sight will occur later this month, and for something so rare, take the opportunity to get as close and clear as you can get. Join the naturalists and paddle up the northern part of Lake Lanier, enjoying the changes in tones as the landscape transforms mid-afternoon. Registration is now open.