Spin the District, the ATL Airport District's annual cycling race series is just around the corner, and with it comes some of the world's top cyclists racing through the streets of Union City, Hapeville and College Park at record-breaking speeds. While we celebrate the pro cyclists who come to compete from around the world (37 states and 17 countries were represented in 2023), all levels are invited to register, including children. In our sixth year, the 2024 line-up of events is the best yet with the return of Union City's twilight criterium and community disco party followed by a weekend full of racing, local food and art, craft beer, cocktails, a bike giveaway, and family-friendly fun in Hapeville and College Park. There’s something for cyclists and non-cyclists alike, and we welcome everyone to attend the festivities. Did we mention that this is all happening during USA Crits Speed Week? It’s kind of a big deal!
We're thrilled to partner with Outback Bikes to give away a brand new Batch Fitness 21 Gear Hybrid bike to one lucky attendee this year! To enter for your chance to win a sweet new two-wheeled ride, simply locate the contest QR code on display at the merch tent, the food trucks, and the beverage vendors' tents, fill out a quick and easy form and hit submit. The more events you attend, the more entries you can submit (one per event) - so attend all three and increase your odds! We will randomly pick a winner and make an announcement on our Instagram and Facebook pages (so be sure to follow us) on Tuesday, May 7!
Planning to attend for the first time? Consider this your ultimate one-stop guide with everything you need to know before attending Spin the District. Dive in for all the details, helpful tips and tricks, what to bring and more!
Tuesday, April 30 | 4 - 10 pm
Union City Twilight Crit and Disco Party
Last year's first-ever Union City Twilight criterium was hugely successful, so we're doing it again! Starting at 4 p.m. under the streetlights, the Union City Crit will feature a fast-paced course with a crazy tight corner. While the cyclists pedal for the medal, switch gears and head to the family-friendly disco-themed street festival for music, tasty wood-fired pizza from the Kalura food truck, beer - including the Spin All Day Lager by Arches Brewing - and more until 10 pm!
Friday, May 3 | 4 - 10 pm
The Hapeville Crit & Friday Night Beats
For the first time ever, we're hosting the Hapeville Crit and street party on a Friday evening! Join us for a super fun kick-off to the weekend with an old-school DJ spinning throwback beats, refreshing beverages, delicious food, and family-friendly games - oh, and bicycle races! Our friends from Beer Girl and Brass Tap will have your beer, wine, seltzer and cocktail needs covered, and Icey Chicks will be serving their delicious açai bowls alongside Atlanta food-truck staples, The Pickle and Kalura Pizza. The evening will include racing for all ages and levels and we'll have plenty of cowbells on hand to help you cheer to the max.
Sunday, May 5 | Noon - 6 pm
College Park Crit & Artist Market
It’s a race to the ultimate finish line – USA Crits Speed Week Finals take place at the College Park Crit, a five-corner course with tight turns, a screaming fast back straight and an uphill finish. The action-packed day begins at 9 a.m. with junior races. The competition will include some of the nation's fastest cyclists racing for the crown through the historic streets of downtown College Park, as well as two kid races, the Hill Sprint and the Straightaway Sprint. The spectator festivities kick off at noon with an artist market, College Park favorites The Corner Grille and Zubi's Taco Kitchen dishing out deliciousness from their food trucks, beer, games, and more!
First-Timer Tips:
- All events are free to attend with food and beverages available for purchase.
- Bring a fold-up chair, shade tent, and/or blanket so you can get comfy to enjoy the races.
- Spectators are welcome to ride their own bikes to the event! There will be free bike valet service available at all events.
- Wear comfortable clothing and be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, especially on Sunday, May 5.
- Don't miss out on your chance to win a free bike from Outback Bikes! One entry per event, so the more festivals you attend, the greater your odds!
- Make a weekend of it and explore the District between races! For more information on nearby lodging or to book your hotel, visit SpinTheDistrict.com/lodging.
- If you prefer a visual, here's our recap video from 2023 to get you hyped for this year - which is going to be even bigger and better!
Spectator attendance is free for all three criteriums. For more information on how to be a part of this experience as a participant, volunteer or artist visit SpinTheDistrict.com and follow @spinthedistrict on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.