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2026 Concessions & Entertainment Guide
Agile Ticketing Solutions agiletix.com Agile Ticketing Solutions (AgileTix) is a North America–based provider of ticketing and venue management software, serving the live entertainment industry since 1999. Headquartered in Hermitage, Tennessee, AgileTix supports cinemas, performing arts centers, museums, historic theaters, festivals, and cultural institutions with a unified platform that connects box office, concessions, merchandise, memberships, and […]
The Biggest Names in Food, Entertainment and Culture Come Together at the 2026 Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Invesco QQQ
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 21, 2026--
The Biggest Names in Food, Entertainment and Culture Come Together at the 2026 Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by Invesco QQQ
NEW YORK, September 21, 2026--NYCWFF returns October 15–18 with 50+ events featuring Rachael Ray, Bert Kreischer, mgk, Method Man, Whoopi Goldberg and more.
Thousands get hands-on with science at national festival
Thousands get hands-on with science at national festival
Explore what makes us human at the 16th Annual Wisconsin Science Festival
The 16th annual Wisconsin Science Festival will explore the science of Us — who we are, what it means to be human, and what humans are capable of — all across the state from Oct 15-25.
What events are happening in the South Bend area from Sept. 21 to 27?
From fall festivals to haunted parks and film screenings, here is a guide to events happening Sept 21 to Sept 27.
Heading to Queen City Mischief & Magic 2026? Here's the ultimate guide
Staunton hosts the Queen City Mischief & Magic' festival featuring new 'Wizard of Oz' attractions. Here's your guide, with schedule and highlights.
Whether you like it or not, celebrities have an impact on politics
The global groundswell of support for Macklemore’s pro-Palestinian advocacy serves to remind us that maybe celebrity activism really is that deep after all, writes Cheek’s Varsha Yajman. Subscribe In the last week, publications, podcasts, and influencers that have either rarely or never spoken about Israel’s genocide in Palestine have flooded my social feed. And it was all because singer Ed Sheeran and his team dropped Macklemore as his opener for saying “Free Palestine” on stage. Millions raised, millions speaking up in support of Palestine - all of this confirming my view that, whether I like it or not, celebrities do have an impact on political outcomes. And this is interesting when much of the time celebrity activism can induce an eye roll - I love to see Charli XCX pointing out a Palestinian flag in the crowd, but it’s hardly the bold symbol of allyship that some fans would make it out to be. But there’s a line between healthy scepticism and outright dismissal - and I’d argue that the latter lets the rich and powerful off far too easily. For instance, actress Jennifer Lawrence, once outspoken about her political views, last year told The Times she no longer believes celebrities have a role to play: “Celebrities do not make a difference whatsoever on who people vote for. So then what am I doing? I’m just sharing my opinion on something that’s going to add fuel to a fire that’s ripping the country apart.” While it’s a narrative she might find comfort in, it simply is not true. Grassroots movements often garner worldwide attention when celebrities and other high-profile spokespeople bring a mainstream platform to their causes. And this frustrates me. We have had three years of a live-streamed genocide. Macklemore himself has been calling for a Free Palestine long before he booked the Sheeran concert. Yet it’s the high-profile fallout of the last week that finally seems to have made saying “Free Palestine” socially acceptable in the mainstream. It feels like the collective mood has shifted, where calling out censorship is now the obvious response - not just the business of ‘radical’ activists. To recap, Sheeran’s decision followed an ultimatum from billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, one of the venues Sheeran was scheduled to perform at: either drop Macklemore as your opener after only two of the eight scheduled shows, or you do not play at any stadiums. Sheeran’s disappointing decision to stand on the side of billionaire-led censorship has ultimately seen a surge in support for Free Palestine. It began when all his openers and his backing band pulled out of Sheeran’s tour, in solidarity with Macklemore and with the Palestinian cause. It was met with an uproar of support from those who had never or barely touched politics before: influencers lip-syncing to Macklemore’s music, singers like Jack Antonoff singing “Free Palestine,” and publications and podcasts standing with Macklemore. And finally, we saw material support: Macklemore donated $1 million in profits from his two nights opening for Sheeran’s tour to several Palestinian aid groups and called for Sheeran and Kraft to match it, which they have since promised to do. We’ve also seen children’s entertainer Ms Rachel follow suit with a $1 million donation to Palestinian aid, and publication PopBase has donated $10,000. Anera, a humanitarian aid group working in Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan, said donations since Macklemore’s announcement were more than triple this month’s daily average. The group’s Instagram page has also gained 8,000 followers. Macklemore far from the first celebrity to speak and participate in politics in the Western World. In 1924, singer Al Jolson supported Republican candidate Warren G. Harding for president, and decades later, celebrities such as Harry Belafonte, Lena Horne, and Aretha Franklin voiced their public support for the Civil Rights movement. More recently, in the lead-up to the 2024 US election, ‘The Daily Show with Trevor Noah partnered with the organisation Power the Polls to recruit poll workers to address shortages- a problem disproportionately affecting voters of colour. The campaign saw 170,000 new sign-ups - 35,000 of which came directly through the TV show’s link - resulting in the recruitment of 713,000 total poll workers that year, an almost three-fold increase on the organisation’s goal. Alongside recruiting workers, celebrities in the US (where voting in elections is not compulsory) have made a huge difference by calling for people to register to vote. Taylor Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris in 2024 saw over 400,000 visitors on the voter registration site within 24 hours of her Instagram post. In 2023, Swift had urged her fans to register, resulting in 35,000 new voter registrations. Similarly, Ariana Grande promoted voter registration in 2019 by setting up booths at concerts on the American leg of her tour, resulting in over 33,000 voters registering. And the same thing is happening closer to home. This year, musician Jack River successfully called for government action to ensure creatives in Australia do not have their work scraped by generative AI companies. Celebrity as the mediator between the punter and the politician Celebrity activism isn’t just a feel-good news story - research tells us it actually makes a difference. By directing attention to issues affecting the average person, like voting inaccessibility or a lack of action on a genocide, researchers Alfred Archer and Amanda Cawston state that “celebrities can play a useful bridging role between political elites and the people they represent”. Alternatively, in a world where talking about politics is “not cool,” or where people lack exposure or knowledge to engage with politics, celebrities can act as an educational resource or an entry point into the political world - when they speak up about an issue, their audience gets exposed to it. Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields festival is a perfect example. Rodrigo partnered with twelve organisations focused on women’s issues, such as reproductive rights. These organisations had stalls at the festival for people to meet them and were also featured heavily on social media, giving their issues global attention and raising $20 million for the organisations. We have also seen celebrities at award shows such as the Emmys wearing F*CK ICE pins, referring to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s treatment and detainment of people - generally people of colour. When celebrities speak up about political issues in public forums, they put the issue at the forefront of mainstream media, rally their supporters, and make it clear that, however much they disagree, the government cannot simply ignore it. Our over-reliance on celebrities versus our politicians As much as I love seeing my favourite celebrity use their platform for a good cause, there is an important question to ask: not whether celebrity activism is good or bad, but whether we should have to rely on celebrities. And the answer would, in an ideal world, be no. In an ideal world, or merely a just world, action on Palestine would’ve happened decades ago, climate change would be taken seriously, and most importantly, people would understand their democratic rights. However, that is not our reality. Only around 28 per cent of Australian Year 10 students reach proficiency in civics and citizenship. In the US, almost two-thirds of people under 30 say high school civics education didn’t prepare them to understand voting deadlines, how to research candidates, or how to vote by mail. When civics education is weak, our trust in these institutions and our understanding of change-making processes also decline. This is where celebrity steps in and becomes our main source of reliance. As Mary R. Connelly notes in _The Tartan, “_Celebrities will always be involved in campaigns in one form or another, but their presence is not what causes people to vote blindly. The lack of political engagement and literacy is what allows celebrities to wield their influence on the political sphere so impactfully.” About the author Varsha Yajman is the Digital Content Producer at Cheek Media. She is a youth advocate and lawyer with a background in climate litigation and is passionate about looking at the intersection between race, climate justice, and mental health. Thanks for reading Cheek Media Co. ! This post is public so feel free to share it. Share
The ‘Wilson Shedd’ TIFF Diaries: Deal or no deal?
Tim Blake Nelson discusses the "encouraging" conversations he's had with distributors as the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival wraps up.
‘La Bola Negra’ wins TIFF’s People Choice Award, putting it on Oscar path
“La Bola Negra,” the Spanish queer epic about the intertwined lives of three gay men, won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, confirming its status as a major Oscar contender.
'La Bola Negra' wins TIFF's People Choice Award, putting it on Oscar path
“La Bola Negra,” the Spanish queer epic about the intertwined lives of three gay men, won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, confirming its status as a major Oscar contender | Talk 1370
\'La Bola Negra\' wins TIFF\'s People Choice Award, putting it on Oscar path
“La Bola Negra,” the Spanish queer epic about the intertwined lives of three gay men, won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, confirming its
'La Bola Negra' wins TIFF's People Choice Award, putting it on Oscar path
“La Bola Negra,” the Spanish queer epic about the intertwined lives of three gay men, won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, confirming its status as a major Oscar contender.
Conectando Dreamers: The Three Cities of Ross Mintzer
A bright red full moon hung low over Nahuel Huapi Lake one night in 2026, as hundreds gathered beneath Patagonia’s stars for the second Conectando Dreamers festival in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argenti...
Will Sharpe Jokes Unlike His Artist Character in “In Waves”, His Art ‘Looks Like Somebody Is Going Through Psychosis’ (Exclusive)
Sharpe voices AJ in the new animated film ‘In Waves,’ which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sept. 14
Legendary Rock Band Drops Out of Louder Than Life Music Festival Due to Medical Emergency
The bassist could not perform.
Legendary Rock Band Drops Out of Louder Than Life Music Festival Due to Medical Emergency
The bassist could not perform.
Help Us Fund the "Rethinking Mental Health" Film Festival!
Mad in Norway is asking you and your organization for support. Those who contribute will be given access to recordings of lectures, panel discussions and presentations afterwards.
Seafood Festival, Pensacola Beach Brawl among this week's big events
Seafood Festival, Pensacola Beach Brawl, Lionfish Invitational, and the Fall Big Book Sale are among this week's biggest events.
Ruth Patrick Science Education Center returns with SEED STEM Festival
The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center’s 41st annual SEED STEM Festival was held at the University of South Carolina Aiken on Sept. 19.
Ruth Patrick Science Education Center returns with SEED STEM Festival
AIKEN — The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center’s 41st annual SEED STEM Festival was held at the University of South Carolina Aiken on Sept. 19, and director of special programs John Hutchens said t...
Lake City hosts Crossroads Music and Market Festival with live music, food and family fun
Downtown Lake City turned into a hub of music, food and family fun Saturday as the Lake City held its annual Crossroads Music and Market Festival.
Oglebay Park food truck festival draws vendors, activities and entertainment for families
SEED STEM Festival brings science to life for local children
From building robots to exploring neuroscience, local children got hands-on experience with science, technology, engineering and math Saturday at Aiken’s 41st annual SEED STEM Festival.
The Atlantic Festival: Our Health at a Crossroads
me with Vann Newkirk and NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin
Sunflower Troupe seeks Four Corners playwrights for 2027 short-play festival
Selected works will be performed next summer
SEED STEM Festival brings science to life for local children
From building robots to exploring neuroscience, local children got hands-on experience with science, technology, engineering and math Saturday at Aiken’s 41st annual SEED STEM Festival.
Enjoy Mud Hens Opening Day, Walleye game, and Hensville entertainment all in one
Some days bring Toledo together. This one brings the entire city downtown. On Friday, March 26, 2027, we're launching the first-ever Fins and Feathers Festival. It all starts with Mud Hens Opening Day, continues with live music and entertainment throughout Hensville, and concludes with a Toledo Walleye game that night.
Here are all of the scary movies coming to AMC FearFest 2026 (so far)
Do you hear that? It’s the creepy whispers of this year’s AMC FearFest lineup. While the official list of films to be screened during the festival is still forthcoming, the first teaser for AMC FearFe...
Historic German House to host annual Turtle Hill Folk Festival
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The Historic German House in Rochester will be hosting the 55th annual Turtle Hill Folk Festival on Saturday. The gate will open on 315 Gregory Street at 10 a.m. Workshops and...
Flagstaff Festival of Science 2026: Message from the president
Just as the Festival of Science does today, Route 66 connected places, people and ideas. The Mother Road provided a new opportunity to explore and inspired countless people as they
Munich’s Oktoberfest roars to life as the mayor taps the first keg
Munich's Oktoberfest has kicked off with the city's mayor tapping the first beer keg, marking the start of the 191st edition of the festival.
Munich’s Oktoberfest roars to life as the mayor taps the first keg
Munich's Oktoberfest has kicked off with the city's mayor tapping the first beer keg, marking the start of the 191st edition of the festival | KNX News 1070 AM
Munich’s Oktoberfest roars to life as the mayor taps the first keg
Munich's Oktoberfest has kicked off with the city's mayor tapping the first beer keg, marking the start of the 191st edition of the festival | NewsRadio 1080 KRLD
Munich’s Oktoberfest roars to life as the mayor taps the first keg
Munich's Oktoberfest has kicked off with the city's mayor tapping the first beer keg, marking the start of the 191st edition of the festival | WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM
Sullivan Fall Fest promises family fun
A Fall Festival will take place at the Sorrento Sullivan Recreation Center on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lancaster Capital Day festival to move through 350 years with music, food, history
Downtown Lancaster has become known for its festivals — celebrating culture, food, music and art.
Recovery Is Beautiful Festival to celebrate people in mental health, addiction recovery
The Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County will host the free Recovery Is Beautiful Festival honoring people in mental health and addiction recovery Saturday from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at Hensville Park.
I listened to every ACL Fest 2026 act
Every year when the Austin City Limits Music Festival lineup comes out, a new group of people joins the "I can't believe I'm this old and out of touch" crew. Trust us, we don't recognize half of the acts either.
Walter Anderson Museum of Art hosting Science Saturday
Art and science come together this weekend at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art for Science Saturday, a hands-on celebration of STEAM in conjunction with the Mississippi Science Festival. Joining us is Director of Arts and Environmental Education Sandra Bilbo with more. Categories: Community Headlines, Local News Tags: Walter Anderson museum of Art
Black Gold Festival street closure boosts Hazard businesses
Main Street in Hazard will be closed for most of the weekend for the 45th annual Black Gold Festival, but how does this impact local businesses?
'The Betrayers' Director on Navigating Political Treachery in Crimea Thriller
Director David Bezmozgis' drama about two Soviet Union-era Jews facing off is set for a world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival.
Melinda French Gates Shares the State of Women’s Health
Melinda French Gates joins the 3rd Hour of TODAY to talk about new surveys from her organization, Pivotal, which found that one in four women are living in fair or poor health. “Women have been telling us this for years, and yet we’re not making changes to really support them in their health,” she says, adding, "I want to make sure that women can get the care they deserve at the right time in life." Melinda also talks about doubling donations at Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Fields Festival and opens up about being a grandmother. "They are just the light of my life," she says of her two grandchildren.
Fulton Fall Festival to offer variety of attractions, entertainment
FULTON — The Fulton Fall Festival, presented by the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, will bring a full day of family fun Sept. 26.The free event will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. throughout the Fulton War Memorial complex. × This page requires Javascript. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. kAmxE H:== :?4=F56 3@F?46 9@FD6D AC@G:565 3J t!xr tG6?ED !2CEJ #6?E2=[ EC242? u@F?52E:@?[ 7246 A2:?E:?8 3J uF=E@? w:89 $49@@= pCED[ 32==@@? 2?:>2=D 3J $E2CCJ $Ajv p?:>2=D[ 2?5 |28:4 |2EE 3J E96 ~DH68@ r@F?EJ *@FE9 qFC62F]k^Am#placement_726068_0_i{width:100%;margin:0 auto;}var rnd = window.rnd || Math.floor(Math.random()*10e6);var pid726068 = window.pid726068 || rnd;var plc726068 = window.plc726068 || 0;var abkw = window.abkw || '';var absrc = 'https://ads.empowerlocal.co/adserve/;ID=181918;size=0x0;setID=726068;type=js;sw='+screen.width+';sh='+screen.height+';spr='+window.devicePixelRatio+';kw='+abkw+';pid='+pid726068+';place='+(plc726068++)+';rnd='+rnd+';click=CLICK_MACRO_PLACEHOLDER';var _absrc = absrc.split("type=js"); absrc = _absrc[0] + 'type=js;referrer=' + encodeURIComponent(document.location.href) + _absrc[1];document.write('');kAmp=D@[ |C] $@?87=@H6C[ A6C7@C>2?46D 3J q6==6 #@J2=6 s2?46 p4256>J 2?5 ~77 qC@25H2J s2?46 r6?E6C[ 2 56>@?DEC2E:@? 3J |2DE6C !CJ@C’D %266C:42[ J2C5 82>6D[ E6>A@C2CJ E2EE@@D[ 2?5 >@C6]k^AmkAm%96C6 H:== 36 5@K6?D @7 G6?5@CD[ =@ED @7 7@@5[ 2?5 =:G6 >FD:4 2?5 6?E6CE2:?>6?E E9C@F89@FE E96 52J]k^Am googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('yup-rectangle-one'); });
Harwich cranberry festival features drone show, cider and music
The 50th Harwich Cranberry Arts and Music Festival returns this weekend with a drone show, live music, and crafts.
Underdogs are a film festival's best friend
TORONTO — Who could have predicted that Peter Farrelly would make the fan favorite of this year's Toronto International Film Festival? Everyone who voted for "Green Book" eight years ago.
Underdogs are a film festival's best friend
TORONTO — Who could have predicted that Peter Farrelly would make the fan favorite of this year's Toronto International Film Festival? Everyone who voted for "Green Book" eight years ago.
New attractions highlight Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta opening Tuesday
This year's festival, which runs Tuesday through Sunday, will feature some new events and a record number of restaurants.
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WWL-TV is New Orleans’ source for breaking news, weather, and unforgettable local stories. From live hurricane coverage to major investigations, recipes and local culture, our award-winning team brings you the most trusted journalism in Louisiana — now streaming FREE on WWL+ 24/7. 📲 Subscribe for exclusive digital specials, daily headlines, live press conferences, festival coverage, Saints updates and must-watch moments from across Southeast Louisiana. 🎥 Watch now on WWL+ or visit WWLTV.com for more. WWLTV.com: https://www.wwltv.com/ Local. Trusted. Relentless. Welcome to WWL-TV.
HOMETOWN ENTERTAINMENT: Fall festivals, art shows and Violent Femmes concert set for the next several days
Art, music and heritage festivals fill the schedule across the region this weekend
Science will get hands-on at USCA’s 41st SEED STEM Festival this weekend
AIKEN — Science is more than textbooks — it’s about exploring, discovering and experiencing the world around us. Bring the entire family for a day of hands-on fun at the Ruth Patrick Science Education...
'It's just not a pleasant crowd later': Manassas officials, business owners grapple with future of 'First Friday'
Manassas leaders are grappling this week with the future of widely-attended outdoor events in the wake of a “First Friday” festival shooting that left a 16-year-old girl dead.
Lodi Grape Festival returns to San Joaquin County with four-day event
The Lodi Grape Festival returns this week with live music, carnival rides and several ways to save on admission.
3 Local Libraries Bringing Short Film Festival to Mohawk Valley
Three local libraries are teaming up to bring the MANHATTAN SHORT 2026 Film Festival to the area, giving film lovers a chance to watch and judge international short films.
29th Pumpkin Festival set for Elkin
Even though the calendar says summer is still hanging on, the autumn festivities have commenced, and one of the area favorites is the 29th annual Yadkin Valley Pumpkin Festival set
Italian Festival returns to Historic Smithville with food, wine, live entertainment and 80 craft vendors
The Knights of Columbus Villa Marie Council #6342 will host its annual Italian Festival on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Historic Smithville
Riverfront hotel closes for renovations just before Louder Than Life, Bourbon & Beyond
Sheraton Louisville Riverside Hotel closes ahead of Louder Than Life and Bourbon & Beyond festivals, forcing tens of thousands of attendees to seek alternative accommodations.
Scottdale lines up entertainment, activities for annual fall festival
Scottdale will host its 52nd annual fall festival Friday through Sunday. The three-day celebration will feature a variety of handmade crafts, local and ethnic foods, a parade, live entertainment and a children’s area. It is held at the gazebo on the corner of Pittsburgh and Spring streets. Festival hours are
Las Vegas fall arts and entertainment: The season’s can't-miss concerts, festivals, theater, art shows and more
From Charli XCX at MGM Grand to "Oh Mary!" at the Smith Center to the Las Vegas Book Festival, the next few months will be packed with fun and culture.
ENTERTAINMENT: Leslie Whittlin’ & Fiddlin’ Festival leads weekend calendar
The second annual Whittlin' & Fiddlin' Festival, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday in Leslie City Park, marks the 71st anniversary of Collier's magazine's naming the Searcy County town the "Whittling Capital of America."
ENTERTAINMENT: Leslie Whittlin’ & Fiddlin’ Festival leads weekend calendar
The second annual Whittlin' & Fiddlin' Festival, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday in Leslie City Park, marks the 71st anniversary of Collier's magazine's naming the Searcy County town the "Whittling Capital of America."
On shores of Lake Ontario, the Toronto International Film Festival bristles at Trump's trade war
The 51st Toronto International Film Festival has unspooled against a backdrop of rising tensions between the U.S. and Canadian governments, though it would be hard to tell it from the convivial atmosphere on the ground | KMBZ
Fusion Fest returns to Howard Park next weekend with global foods, music, and cultural celebration
The popular South Bend cultural festival features live entertainment, international food vendors and hands-on activities.
Duluth Fall Festival set for last weekend in September
The 42nd annual Duluth Fall Festival is set for Sept. 26-27.
Westbank Heritage Festival celebrates 10 years with Joe, King George
The free festival returns Sept. 19-20 with live entertainment, food vendors and the fifth annual Gospel Explosion.
Blackwood Pumpkin Festival will bring 200+ vendors, food trucks and live entertainment to South Jersey
The free Oct. 4 festival will take over downtown Blackwood with pumpkin painting, scarecrow building, inflatables and games.
JapanFest Atlanta celebrates ‘Timeless Japan’ with two days of culture, cuisine and entertainment
Illuminating the rich culture of the Land of the Rising Sun, the award-winning JapanFest Atlanta attracts more than 20,000 attendees annually and is one of the largest Japanese cultural festivals
Sunsets Soul Music Festival coming to Atlantic Beach in October
The Sunsets & Soul Music Festival is coming to the historic beach town Oct. 9-11, 2026, presented by the Supporters of the Tyson Ancestral Restrictions on the Deeds (STARD).
5 fun events happening in Madison this week, Sept. 17-23 💃🏻🌾🎡
This week around Madison, enjoy a night of Latin dance, celebrate the return of Urban Triage's Harvest Festival, strut your stuff at the Willy Street Fair and more.
Best of Detroit 2026 readers’ picks: Arts & Entertainment
Metro Times readers picked their favorite festivals, theaters, artists, music venues, film events, and more across metro Detroit.
Sponsored: Marin packs one weekend with endless entertainment
Your weekend plans just got a whole lot busier! Marin County is packed with ways to get out and explore — from an iconic arts festival beneath the redwoods to authentic Oktoberfest celebrations and…
Burtonsville Day Returns This Saturday With Parade, Food and Live Entertainment
A parade, live performances and a community festival will bring residents together this Saturday, September 19, for Burtonsville Day at the Marilyn J. Praisner Library and Community Recreation Center. This […]
5th annual Tri-City Latino Parade returns to Columbus area. What to know if you go
The parade is a showcase of regional Latino identity, with participants representing multiple countries and community groups.
Iowa African Film Festival announces inaugural winners, online screenings
The Iowa African Film Festival has announced the winners of its inaugural event, held Aug. 6-8 at Drake University. The festival received more than 500 film submissions from around the world, with 30 films representing 22 countries selected for its program of feature films, documentaries and shorts. “Destiny of a Migrant,” directed by Omar Brams…
NoMa neighborhood transforms for annual mural festival: NoMa in Color
Seventeen artists will paint 16 new murals in NoMa from September 11-18, raising the neighborhood's total to 75 large-scale works.
Mothman festival returns to Point Pleasant for a weekend of cryptids and entertainment
A map and guide to the 2026 Mothman Festival.
An Israeli documentary on the war in Gaza sets off a firestorm at home after Venice award
An Israeli documentary about the civilian death toll from the war in Gaza has sparked a fierce backlash in Israel after being awarded the special jury prize at the Venice International Film Festival.
Explore world cultures at Gypsy Hill Park festival
The African American Heritage and Multicultural Festival returns to Gypsy Hill Park Sept. 19 and 20 with music, food and family activities.
More live entertainment announcements for the Mothman Festival
POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — The annual Mothman Festival returns Sept. 19 and 20, bringing a packed schedule of live entertainment, guest speakers, food trucks, merchandise vendors, and cosplay to downtown
Lodi Grape Festival lineup features local talent
The Lodi Grape Festival will once again showcase a diverse lineup of entertainers, including several local performers.
Female athletes accuse Sydney Sweeney ad of sexualizing women in sports
An ad campaign featuring actor Sydney Sweeney has sparked backlash from female athletes who say it sexualizes women in sports | Newsradio 1140 WRVA
Please Stop Conflating Sports Betting Handle With Spending On Entertainment
Editor’s note: The Cashout for paid subscribers will publish on Tuesday. Every September there’s a huge uptick in how much people bet on sports with the start of football season. Which means it’s time to get ahead of a ridiculous narrative before it picks up steam on social media or in mainstream media. Subscribe Every few months I see some version of this: [ Charlie Bilello@charliebilello Americans bet over $165 billion on sports last year, which is more than they spent on movies, books, concerts and sports tickets - combined. 1:00 PM · Jun 28, 2026 · 4.1M Views 258 Replies · 674 Reposts · 4.23K Likes ](https://x.com/charliebilello/status/2071217050328895935?s=20) Fortune published this in July. The headline and start of the story tell the same narrative (emphasis added): Gambling becomes America’s favorite pastime as Americans spend more on sports bets than movies, arts, museums, and music combined: The North American box office totaled $8.87 billion in 2025, which is still 22% below pre-pandemic levels. Recorded music revenue hit a record $11.5 billion. Live music like concerts and festivals brought in $18.51 billion. Meanwhile, book publishers tracked by the Association of American Publishers reported $14.6 billion for the year. And the U.S. museum industry generated an estimated $16.4 billion. Add it up and the total comes to roughly $70 billion, which is less than half what Americans wagered on sports. The story, to its credit, goes on to tell us why sports betting is entirely different, although people who only read headlines will miss that nuance. (The tweet above definitely skips over the nuance.) I will mostly be preaching to the choir here, but it’s worth saying out loud: Wagering money on sports is not the same thing as spending on entertainment from a financial perspective. When you spend money on a movie or concert ticket, that money is gone. You exchanged money for an experience. It’s a good trade! I get to have fun for “x” dollars. (Unless the movie sucks, I guess.) When you bet money on sports, the money is not necessarily gone every time you wager it. It could be gone, but sometimes it’s not and you actually get more money back! That’s not “spending” money or something you should try to compare directly to entertainment spend. A far better comp would be how much people lose at sports betting. That number was more like $17 billion in the US last year, at least for state-regulated sportsbooks. Why are we trying to equate handle and entertainment spending? I dunno. It makes for splashy headlines, I guess. Now, people should be betting for entertainment, and not because they expect to win in the long term; no doubt about it. Anyway, here’s hoping I don’t see people saying Americans “spent” hundreds of millions of dollars on sports betting this fall. Mindway AI and DraftKings Expand Responsible Gaming Drive with Launch of Gamalyze American Football In time for the NFL kickoff, Mindway AI has expanded its partnership with DraftKings to launch Gamalyze American Football the second title in the neuroscience-based Gamalyze Sports collection. Following the success of Gamalyze Football (soccer) during the FIFA World Cup, this gridiron-themed update replaces static questionnaires with immersive, stadium-inspired gameplay. Backed by 10+ years of Aarhus University research, Gamalyze evaluates real-time decision-making to deliver instant, unbiased player risk assessments. Integrated into DraftKings’ platform and nationwide activations, it engages fans when excitement peaks. Ready to upgrade your player protection? Contact Mindway AI to try Gamalyze Sports today. Gambling news roundup 🚨The important stuff 1st NFL Sunday of Season ‘Champagne-Popping Day for Bettors’ (Covers): “The first NFL Sunday of the season was a champagne-popping day for bettors, while the book was left cleaning up the corks,” Caesars’ head of football Joey Feazel said prior to the Sunday night game. “Caesars Sportsbook reported that Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs, Baltimore’s Derrick Henry, Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor, and Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson were among the top five most-bet players to reach the end zone, and all of them cashed tickets.” [ Ben Fawkes@BFawkes22 A @CaesarsSports oddsmaker on how Week 1 has gone so far: “The first NFL Sunday of the season was a champagne-popping day for bettors, while the book was left cleaning up the corks.” ➡️8 of 10 most popular anytime TD scorers cashed 1:31 AM · Sep 14, 2026 · 276K Views 16 Replies · 16 Reposts · 615 Likes ](https://x.com/BFawkes22/status/2099310001927995849?s=20) 🔍 Are we already getting a “customer-friendly results” narrative in Week 1? NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke with CNBC about the prediction markets industry: “We think that there needs to be stronger regulations into the predictive markets,” Goodell said. “We want to see that to protect the integrity of our game. We want to make sure we’re protecting the consumers that are on those platforms for the NFL. So, we’re continuing to have conversations with them and talk to them about the things that we think they need to do to strengthen that so that they could be potential partners at some point in the future.” More on the NFL + PMs: [ Straight to the Point Quid Pro Quo The NFL has asked Kalshi and other prediction markets to remove certain easy to manipulate markets. Does a potential partnership hang in the balance… Read more 6 hours ago · 19 likes · Steve Ruddock ](https://straighttothepoint.substack.com/p/quid-pro-quo?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web&embedding_publication_id=1472492) Kalshi was on my podcast?: Kalshi was on my podcast [ The Event Horizon Episode 32: Talking Prediction Market Enforcement With Kalshi’s Robert DeNault Kalshi? On my podcast? Yep… Listen now 5 hours ago · 6 likes · 1 comment · Dustin Gouker ](https://nexteventhorizon.substack.com/p/episode-32-talking-prediction-market-enforcement-kalshi?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web&embedding_publication_id=1472492) DraftKings Enhances Responsible Engagement Efforts With New Customer Initiatives, Tools and Education (press release): DraftKings Inc. today announced a series of new initiatives designed to promote responsible engagement and increase awareness and use of the tools and resources to help customers make informed decisions and engage responsibly. The efforts include a new digital advertising campaign featuring Kevin Hart and Nick Jonas that promotes responsible engagement, a PGA TOUR sweepstakes that promotes customer engagement with responsible engagement features, the launch of Gamalyze American Football in collaboration with Mindway AI, and new custom cool-off options that give customers enhanced flexibility when choosing a cool-off period. The initiatives build on DraftKings’ commitment to making responsible engagement an integral part of the customer experience and providing players with accessible tools and resources that help them make informed choices about their gaming experience. “At DraftKings, responsible engagement is embedded in how we operate and is essential to building trust with our customers and our long-term sustainability,” said Lori Kalani, Chief Responsible Gaming Officer at DraftKings. “We’ve continued to invest in tools and resources that give customers enhanced access to information about their play and more choices for managing how they engage. From My Budget Builder and My Stat Sheet to player-set limits and new custom cool-offs, we’re continuing to evolve our approach while promoting awareness and use of the tools and resources available to help customers play responsibly.” … DraftKings is launching a new digital advertising campaign featuring Kevin Hart and Nick Jonas that continues the pair’s road trip and promotes responsible engagement and awareness of the tools and resources available to help customers make informed choices about their gaming experience and engage responsibly. The campaign was initially launched on Sep. 10th and will reach customers through digital channels, bringing responsible engagement messaging to fans in an engaging way. bet365 Launches “The Matchup,” a New Weekly Video Podcast Hosted by Super Bowl Champions Chris Harris Jr. and Emmanuel Sanders (press release): "bet365, a global leader in online sports betting and gaming, today announced the launch of “The Matchup,” a new weekly video podcast hosted by former Super Bowl Champions Chris Harris Jr. and Emmanuel Sanders. Featuring current and former NFL players, the original series marks a significant, intentional investment in football as bet365 works to become a go-to destination for U.S. bettors throughout the season. “The Matchup” premieres September 10, with new episodes released weekly in both video and audio formats. Full episodes will be available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever podcasts are available, with clips and additional content rolling out across YouTube, X, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, and TikTok. The show is being produced by Last Row Digital Media. Each week, Harris and Sanders will be joined by guests from across the game to break down the biggest NFL matchups, unpack the latest league news and share perspectives that go beyond the box score. By bringing together two former players with distinct perspectives and firsthand experience, “The Matchup” will give audiences timely context and a deeper understanding of the teams, players and storylines shaping the week ahead. “Every great football conversation starts with a matchup—who has the edge, what everyone is overlooking and what could change the game,” said Chris Harris Jr. “Emmanuel and I have experienced the game from different perspectives, and we want the audience to feel like they are part of the conversation and leave every episode knowing more about the week ahead.” Today’s iGaming companies face new litigation threats as expansive consumer protection statutes spark lawsuits with sky’s-the-limit aspirations, sometimes backed by private funders. Clients of Ifrah Law have a staunch defender in Robert Ward – an agile litigator and case tactician who responds to the changing state of play with creative legal defenses and efficient case-closing strategies. Robert draws on federal clerkship experience and appellate defense work to advise iGaming clients on litigation exposure, white-collar risk, and regulatory defense across multiple jurisdictions. Read More: Robert Ward on Helping iGaming Clients Outmaneuver Lawsuit-Obsessed Adversaries 🔮 Prediction markets Update on legal action in Connecticut: [ Daniel Wallach@WALLACHLEGAL Connecticut says gaming service license holders which received subpoenas over sports prediction markets “are not under investigation” by the @CTDCP but may possess information that could assist the state “in evaluating the conduct of prediction market platforms.” 2:31 PM · Sep 13, 2026 · 844 Views 5 Likes ](https://x.com/WALLACHLEGAL/status/2099143914271670576?s=20) American Gaming Association Opposes CFTC Bid to Block New York Prediction-Market Enforcement (DeFi Rate): “The brief points to the Ninth Circuit’s Aug. 28 decision in KalshiEX LLC v. Assad, which the AGA says supports New York’s authority to regulate sports contracts as gambling. It also cites Kalshi advertising, product comparisons and reporting on Kalshi’s sports volume to argue that the economic product resembles a sportsbook wager more than a conventional financial hedge.” [ Daniel Wallach@WALLACHLEGAL AGA intervenes in CFTC v. NY case to oppose CFTC request for preliminary injunction, says the CFTC’s arguments “obfuscate a simple truth: prediction markets offer sports betting.” Highlights CA9 decision, @DustinGouker (6x), and $1.32 billion in OSB taxes for NY (0 from PMs). Daniel Wallach @WALLACHLEGAL High stakes hearing on Monday in CFTC v. New York State. If SDNY judge Lorna Schofield denies the CFTC’s motion for preliminary injunction, the New York AG would have a clearer path for securing a state court geofencing order against Kalshi, Coinbase, and Gemini Titan. 2:08 AM · Sep 13, 2026 · 4.78K Views 1 Reply · 2 Reposts · 8 Likes ](https://x.com/WALLACHLEGAL/status/2098957043474280584?s=20) Gaming Commission remains member of gambling council after questions raised over ties to Kalshi (Mass Live): “The Massachusetts Gaming Commission will not follow the leads of gaming regulators in Ohio and Michigan and drop ties with the National Council on Problem Gambling over its new association with Kalshi.” Sponsor’s messageTrusted Voices: Conversations About Betting is designed to equip adults, including parents and coaches, with tools and resources to talk to young people about gambling, including information on warning signs, risks and proxy betting. The program is led by retired professional basketball player Randy Livingston and his wife, basketball agent Anita Smith, who share their personal stories related to problem gambling, with the hope of preventing others from experiencing similar harms. Learn more and join the conversation here. 📣 Industry news Gaming M&A: Latest Mergers, Acquisitions and Deals (SBC Americas): “But what else is happening in the world of gaming mergers, acquisitions, investments, and partnerships? Here, we round up some of the news you might have missed.” BetMGM Named Official Sports Betting and Online Casino Partner of the Minnesota Vikings in Canada (press release): BetMGM, a leading iGaming and sports betting operator, announced a multi-year partnership with the Minnesota Vikings, naming it the Official Sports Betting Partner and Online Casino Partner of the team in Canada. The agreement gives BetMGM rights to use Vikings marks across approved sports betting, online casino and marketing activities in Canada. In addition, Vikings Big Kick LuckyTap™, a casino game by Design Works Gaming, is available now exclusively at BetMGM Casino in Alberta and Ontario. “Vikings fans bring a level of passion and loyalty that extends well beyond game day,” said Matt Prevost, Chief Revenue Officer at BetMGM. “As the home of one of the largest collections of sports-themed casino content in North America, BetMGM is uniquely positioned to combine sports fandom with iGaming. We are eager to start football season off strong with another fantastic partnership especially as we expand our reach in Canada to Alberta.” Martin Nance, Minnesota Vikings Chief Marketing Officer, said, “As we continue to deepen our connection with Vikings fans across Canada, we’re proud to welcome BetMGM as the team’s official sports betting and online casino partner in Canada. Their commitment to innovation and fan engagement aligns well with our organization, and we’re excited to create memorable experiences that celebrate Vikings football and connect with Canadian fans in new and meaningful ways.” Caesars Entertainment Launches Ball Rush Jackpots™ in New Jersey,the Latest Proprietary Online Title from Empire Creative™ (press release): Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR) (“Caesars”) today announced the launch of Ball Rush Jackpots™, a new ball-and-peg style online casino game developed by Empire Creative™, the Company’s in-house game development studio. Now live in New Jersey across Caesars Palace Online Casino, Caesars Sportsbook & Casino and Horseshoe Online Casino, Ball Rush Jackpots is expected to become available in additional jurisdictions where Caesars offers online casino gaming following regulatory approval. The title expands Caesars’ growing portfolio of proprietary online casino titles, following the successful launch of Ca$hline™ earlier this year and further diversifying the Company’s lineup beyond traditional slots and table games. Ball Rush Jackpots follows the traditional ball-drop gameplay experience where players drop a ball down a board filled with pegs to land in a prize slot. As balls navigate independently through a field of pegs, every drop creates new opportunities to collect feature symbols, unlock bonuses and pursue jackpots, delivering a different experience with every round. “Ball Rush Jackpots delivers a different kind of casino experience for our players, combining easy-to-understand gameplay with meaningful customization, exciting bonus opportunities and jackpot potential,” said Matthew Sunderland, Senior Vice President and Chief iGaming Officer at Caesars Digital. “As we continue expanding our proprietary content portfolio, we’re focused on creating games that are simple to pick up, rewarding to revisit and designed around the features players enjoy most.” Bally’s Corporation Secures New Financing to Support the Development of the Bally’s Bronx Project (press release): Bally’s Corporation (NYSE: BALY) (“Bally’s” or the “Company”) announced today that it secured new financing led by WhiteHawk Capital Partners, LP to fund further development of the Bally’s Bronx project and general corporate purposes. The new financing comprises closing date term loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $400 million and delayed draw term loan commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $160 million (together, the “Facilities”). … Bally’s Chairman of the Board, Soo Kim, commented, “This important financing allows us to progress the pre-construction planning process so that we are ready to complete the remainder of the capital raise and remain on schedule. Furthermore, the additional liquidity provides us greater flexibility for other capital opportunities.” WORLD JAI ALAI LEAGUE LAUNCHES CENTENNIAL SEASON AND ENTERS NEXT CHAPTER IN MIAMI (press release): The World Jai Alai League will open its 2026 fall season on Tuesday, September 15 at Miami’s JAM Arena, beginning a milestone season that marks 100 years since professional Jai Alai first arrived in Miami. Season X, the tenth season of the Battle Court team-based competition launched in 2022, will also be the first since entrepreneur and sports asset investor Rob Gough acquired the World Jai Alai League in August 2026. The acquisition marks the beginning of a new chapter for the league. World Jai Alai League will maintain the existing Battle Court competition and operating format, with Chief Operating Officer Scott Savin overseeing Season X. Gough and his team will use the coming months to listen to players and fans, evaluate opportunities across the league, and execute plans for a broader evolution of Jai Alai’s presentation, live experience, media, marketing and commercial strategy beginning in 2027. “This is a really unique moment for Jai Alai,” said Rob Gough, Owner of the World Jai Alai League. “We have a sport with more than 100 years of history in Miami, extraordinary athletes and incredible speed, but I also believe there is enormous untapped potential.” bet365 reveals most popular online slots in 3 US states in August (SBC Americas): “In its monthly Gaming Insights and Performance report, growing online casino operator bet365 tracks player trends and game performance in online slots across its North American online casino markets.” The Closing Line is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Subscribe
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