When Is Carnival in Atlanta? Dates, Events, and How to Get Around

If you’re asking “When is Carnival in Atlanta?” you’re most likely talking about Atlanta Caribbean Carnival, the city’s biggest Caribbean-style Carnival celebration with costumes, music, and a parade through the streets.

Because Carnival in Atlanta isn’t a single official city holiday, it’s helpful to understand which Carnival you mean, when they usually happen, and how to get there and around on event day.

The Short Answer: When Carnival Happens in Atlanta

Atlanta now hosts multiple Carnival-style events each year. The two major ones most people mean are:

Both usually happen over Memorial Day weekend (late May), with:

• A big parade day (road march)
• Concerts, fetes, and parties spread over several days
• Crowds coming from across metro Atlanta and other states

Exact dates, parade routes, and start times can change from year to year, so always confirm the current year’s schedule before you go.

Understanding Carnival in Atlanta

What “Carnival” Means Here

In Atlanta, Carnival usually refers to Caribbean Carnival rather than a small fair or church carnival. You’ll see:

• Mas bands in colorful costumes
• Soca, dancehall, reggae, and calypso music
• Parade trucks with DJs or live bands
• Street vendors selling Caribbean food and drinks

You don’t have to be Caribbean or wear a costume to enjoy Carnival in Atlanta, but you should be ready for:

• Big crowds
• Street closures
• Loud music
• A festival-like atmosphere that can last most of the day

Atlanta Caribbean Carnival (Downtown / Midtown)

When It Usually Takes Place

Atlanta Caribbean Carnival is typically held on Memorial Day weekend, with the main parade and festival on Saturday. The celebration has historically centered around:

• Areas near Downtown and Midtown Atlanta
• Routes that may include major streets, changing slightly year to year

Because parade routes are adjusted for permits and roadwork, expect updated details every year.

General Location & Getting There

You’ll most likely be heading toward the Downtown/Midtown core, which is easily reachable by:

• MARTA Rail

  • Common stations for Carnival activity are often around Five Points, Peachtree Center, or Civic Center, depending on the year’s route and festival venue.
  • Taking MARTA often lets you avoid parking hassles and road closures.

• Driving

  • Expect road closures along the parade route.
  • Plan to park a few blocks away or near a MARTA station and ride in.
  • Use public parking decks in Downtown/Midtown; street parking is usually limited and heavily enforced during big events.

If you’re local, leaving the car at a MARTA park-and-ride lot and taking the train in is often the simplest option.

Atlanta Dekalb Carnival (East Metro / Stonecrest Area)

When It Usually Takes Place

Atlanta Dekalb Carnival is a separate Carnival celebration, also generally on Memorial Day weekend, often on Saturday as well.

This event serves much of the east metro Atlanta and DeKalb County community, with its own parade and festival grounds.

General Location & Getting There

Parade routes and venues can vary, but they’re commonly in or around:

• Stonecrest and east DeKalb County areas

To get there:

• Driving

  • Most people drive, since this area is more spread out than Downtown.
  • Be prepared for temporary street closures around the parade.

• Transit

  • MARTA buses serve parts of DeKalb and Stonecrest, but service frequency may be lower than rail in central Atlanta.
  • If you’re using transit, check current bus routes and weekend schedules ahead of time.

Other Carnival-Style Events in Atlanta

Beyond the two major Memorial Day weekend Carnivals, Atlanta may host:

• Smaller Caribbean festivals or block parties in neighborhoods like Clarkston, Decatur, or Southwest Atlanta
• Indoor Carnival-themed parties (“fêtes”) at clubs and event venues across the city
• Cultural events at community centers or parks that feature steel pan bands, dance groups, and Caribbean food

These are usually scheduled throughout the spring and summer, with some popping up around Labor Day or Independence celebrations for different Caribbean nations.

Because these are often independently organized, dates and venues change, so you’ll need to check current listings each year.

Getting Around Atlanta During Carnival

Expect Road Closures and Crowds

On Carnival parade day, especially for Atlanta Caribbean Carnival, expect:

• Major streets closed along the parade route
• Traffic slowdowns in and around Downtown or whichever area is hosting
• Limited parking close to the action

If you need to travel through these areas but aren’t attending:

• Consider taking I-75/85 or I-20 and exiting beyond the event zone.
• Allow extra travel time if you live or work near the route.

Using MARTA for Carnival

MARTA can be one of the easiest ways to get to Carnival events in central Atlanta.

Key tips:

• Buy or load your Breeze Card before Carnival weekend if possible.
• Check weekend and holiday schedules—Memorial Day weekend may have slightly different train frequencies.
• Be prepared for crowded trains, especially mid-morning heading in and late afternoon/early evening heading home.

If you’re coming from outside the Perimeter:

• Park at a MARTA rail station (for example, North Springs, Indian Creek, College Park, or Doraville) and ride the train into Downtown or Midtown.

Rideshare and Taxis

Rideshare services and taxis operate citywide, but on Carnival day:

• Your driver may not be able to reach you directly along the parade route.
• Plan to walk a few blocks to a less crowded pickup area.
• Give yourself extra time when requesting rides, especially right after the parade or concert ends.

Practical Planning Tips for Carnival in Atlanta

To make the most of Carnival weekend in Atlanta:

• Confirm the exact dates and times for:

  • Parade start and end
  • Festival gate opening
  • Any ticketed concerts or parties you’re attending

• Plan your route in advance:

  • Decide if you’ll drive, ride MARTA, or use rideshare.
  • Check for planned road closures and MARTA service updates for Memorial Day weekend.

• Bring essentials:

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (Atlanta late May can be hot and humid)
  • Water and sun protection, where allowed
  • A small bag that meets any venue security rules

• If you live nearby:

  • Expect more foot traffic, music, and street activity than usual.
  • If you park on the street, make sure your car is outside any posted closure or towing zones.

Who to Contact About Closures and Transit

For up-to-date information that affects getting here and around during Carnival in Atlanta, you can check with:

• City of Atlanta – Department of Transportation (ATLDOT)
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main city information line: (404) 330-6000
  They can direct you to information on street closures, permits, and traffic advisories.

• MARTA Customer Service
  Phone: (404) 848-5000
  Helpful for rail and bus schedules, service changes, and station information.

In summary, Carnival in Atlanta usually means one of the city’s Caribbean Carnival celebrations, most often held on Memorial Day weekend, with major events in Downtown/Midtown and DeKalb/Stonecrest. If you’re planning to go—or just trying to move around the city that weekend—focus on the current year’s dates, parade routes, and transit options so you can navigate Atlanta smoothly.