What’s Happening in Atlanta in May? Your Guide to Spring Events, Festivals, and Things To Do

May in Atlanta is one of the best months to be out and about. The weather is warm but usually not at peak summer heat yet, flowers are in full bloom, and the city’s calendar is packed with festivals, concerts, outdoor movies, markets, and neighborhood events.

Whether you live here, are visiting for a few days, or planning a future trip, here’s a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to what’s happening in Atlanta in May and how to make the most of it.

Big Themes in Atlanta in May

Before diving into specific ideas, it helps to know what May typically looks like around the city:

• Festival season is in full swing (arts, food, music, and neighborhood events).
• Outdoor spaces like Piedmont Park, the BeltLine, and Chattahoochee River become prime hangouts.
• Sports (baseball and soccer) and outdoor concerts ramp up.
• Many neighborhoods host block parties, tours, and markets.

If you like being outdoors, May is one of the easiest months to fill every weekend.

Major Festivals and Annual Events in May

Exact dates change year to year, so it’s always smart to double-check current calendars, but these are the types of events that regularly happen in Atlanta in May and are worth looking for.

1. Arts, Culture, and Neighborhood Festivals

These events highlight Atlanta’s creative side and unique neighborhoods:

• Atlanta Jazz Festival (often Memorial Day weekend) – Piedmont Park
  One of the city’s signature free music events. You’ll typically find multiple stages in Piedmont Park (400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306), food vendors, and crowds spread out on blankets for all-day jazz.
  🔹 Useful if you: enjoy live music, want a big event that’s easy to do on a budget, or love hanging out in the park.

• Inman Park or Other Intown Neighborhood Festivals
  Depending on the year, some long-running festivals land in late April or May. These usually feature:

  • Artist markets
  • Street food
  • House tours or neighborhood tours
  • Live bands
    If you’re trying to get a feel for “intown” Atlanta neighborhoods, these are a good introduction.

• Decatur Arts Festival (Decatur Square)
  Just east of Atlanta, Downtown Decatur often hosts a May arts festival with local artists, performances, and family activities. It’s walkable, MARTA-accessible (Decatur Station), and feels like a small-town center within metro Atlanta.

2. Food and Drink Events

Atlanta’s food scene takes advantage of the mild weather in May:

• Food truck nights and outdoor food events
  Look for recurring events at:

  • Park Tavern at Piedmont Park (500 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309)
  • Atlantic Station (1380 Atlantic Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30363)
  • Downtown and Midtown plazas
    These often feature clusters of food trucks, live DJs or bands, and casual lawn seating.

• Neighborhood tasting events
  Certain neighborhoods host “taste of” style events in late spring (for example, “Taste of…” events where local restaurants offer small portions or samples). These are useful if you want to explore a new part of Atlanta’s food scene without a full reservation tour.

Outdoor Activities and Places that Shine in May

Even beyond formal events, Atlanta in May is about being outside.

1. Parks and Green Spaces

Some of the most popular options:

• Piedmont Park – Midtown

  • Address: 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
    What to do in May:
  • Walk or jog the loop around the meadow and lake.
  • Picnic and people-watch on the main lawn.
  • Use it as a starting point to hop onto the Eastside BeltLine Trail.

• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
  Runs between Piedmont Park, Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE), Krog Street Market (99 Krog St NE), and down toward Reynoldstown.
  In May, this is one of the busiest and most lively stretches of the city with:

  • Walkers, runners, and cyclists
  • Patios and breweries along the trail
  • Street art and pop-up vendors on busy weekends

• Historic Fourth Ward Park

  • Address: 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
    A good park to pair with a visit to Ponce City Market and the BeltLine, with a large pond, playground, and green space for relaxing.

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (various units)
  Popular river access points near the city include:

  • Palisades Unit – Whitewater Creek Trailhead (Whitewater Creek Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327)
  • Cochran Shoals – Interstate North (1956 Eugene Gunby Dr, Marietta, GA 30067)
    May is a good time for:
  • Hiking along the river
  • Kayaking or paddleboarding with local outfitters
  • Picnics near the water

2. Botanical and Garden Experiences

• Atlanta Botanical Garden

  • Address: 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
    May is prime time here. Flowers are in bloom and seasonal exhibits are usually in full swing. Things to look for:
  • The Canopy Walk through the trees
  • The Children’s Garden if you’re bringing kids
  • Evening events like “cocktails in the garden” style nights (names and schedules vary by year)

• Oakland Cemetery Gardens and Tours

  • Address: 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
    Oakland is a historic cemetery that doubles as a garden and public space. In May you’ll often see:
  • Guided history tours on weekends
  • Blooming gardens and greenery
    If you’re interested in Atlanta’s history, this is a good mix of quiet outdoor time and learning.

Sports and Live Entertainment in May

1. Professional Sports

May is busy for Atlanta sports fans:

• Atlanta Braves (MLB – Truist Park)

  • Address: 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
    By May, baseball season is well underway. The Battery Atlanta area around the ballpark usually has:
  • Pre-game and post-game bars and dining
  • Outdoor screens showing the game
  • Occasional live music in the plaza

• Atlanta United FC (MLS – Mercedes-Benz Stadium)

  • Address: 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
    Home matches often fall in May. The stadium is in Downtown Atlanta near the Vine City and GWCC/CNN Center MARTA stations. Soccer matches here tend to be high-energy with:
  • Supporter sections with chants and flags
  • A mix of families, groups, and casual fans

2. Outdoor Concerts and Shows

May is one of the main months for outdoor concerts:

• Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park

  • Address: 4469 Stella Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
    A classic outdoor venue in Buckhead. Many people bring picnic-style setups to evening shows.

• Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood

  • Address: 2002 Lakewood Way SW, Atlanta, GA 30315
    A larger outdoor concert venue that frequently hosts big-name tours in late spring and summer.

• Smaller outdoor series
  Look for neighborhood music nights and small concert series in places like:

  • Atlantic Station
  • Colony Square (Midtown)
  • Downtown Atlanta parks

Family-Friendly Things To Do in May

If you’re looking for things that work for kids as well as adults, May offers a lot of options that blend education and fun.

1. Major Attractions

• Georgia Aquarium

  • Address: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
    One of the city’s most visited attractions. May weekends can be busy, so going on weekday mornings can be less crowded.

• World of Coca-Cola

  • Address: 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
    Located next to the Aquarium in Centennial Olympic Park area. A typical pairing for families spending a day downtown.

• Zoo Atlanta

  • Address: 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
    Located in Grant Park. May is usually warm but not too hot, so animal activity can be better than in mid-summer afternoons. Early mornings or late afternoons are often more comfortable.

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History

  • Address: 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
    Combines indoor exhibits (dinosaurs, natural science) with outdoor forest and trails, which are especially nice in May.

2. Parks and Playgrounds

Some popular family-friendly outdoor spots:

• Piedmont Park’s playgrounds – central and easy to reach.
• Historic Fourth Ward Park playground and splash areas (depending on season opening).
• Chastain Park – large fields and paths, good for bikes and scooters.

Neighborhood Walks, Markets, and Local Exploring

May is ideal for exploring Atlanta’s different neighborhoods on foot or by MARTA and short rideshares.

1. Neighborhoods to Wander

• Midtown

  • Highlights: Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, North Avenue and Midtown MARTA stations, arts venues, high-rise skyline views.
    In May, patios and rooftop bars get busy, especially on weekends.

• Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park

  • Highlights: BeltLine Eastside Trail, Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, historic homes.
    Good for: walking, grabbing coffee or ice cream, and people-watching.

• Virginia-Highland

  • Intersections around North Highland Ave NE and Virginia Ave NE.
    Known for: bungalow-lined streets, local restaurants, and casual bars. Great for a slow evening stroll.

• Grant Park & Summerhill

  • Grant Park: Zoo Atlanta, historic homes, leafy streets.
  • Summerhill: redeveloped Georgia Avenue corridor with restaurants and small shops.

2. Farmers Markets and Local Vendors

In May, farmers markets and local markets typically ramp up:

• Freedom Farmers Market at the Carter Center

  • Address: 453 Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
    A popular Saturday market (usually mornings) with local produce, prepared foods, and small vendors.

• Other markets may pop up in:

  • Piedmont Park
  • Decatur
  • East Atlanta Village
    These are good for picking up local goods, grabbing breakfast, and getting a feel for local communities.

Indoor Options for Rainy or Hot May Days

Even in May, Atlanta can have rainy spells or early hot days. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, there’s still plenty to do.

1. Museums and Cultural Sites

• High Museum of Art

  • Address: 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
    Atlanta’s major art museum, located in Midtown near the Arts Center MARTA station.

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights

  • Address: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
    Near Centennial Olympic Park, between the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola. Focused on the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and global human rights issues.

• Atlanta History Center

  • Address: 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
    In Buckhead. Combines museum exhibits with historic homes and gardens, which are particularly nice in late spring.

2. Shopping and Food Halls

• Ponce City Market

  • Address: 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
    An indoor food hall and shopping destination directly on the BeltLine. On rainy May days, many people still come here for:
  • Food stalls and restaurants
  • Small shops
  • Easy access to the BeltLine when/if the weather clears

• Krog Street Market

  • Address: 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
    Smaller than Ponce City Market, but with a strong food lineup and direct connection to the BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Planning Tips for Enjoying Atlanta in May

A few practical things to keep in mind:

1. Weather and What to Wear

• Temperature: Typically warm days with cooler mornings and evenings.
• Rain: Afternoon showers are possible.
• What helps:
  • Light layers
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A compact umbrella or light rain jacket
  • Sunscreen and a hat if you’ll be on the BeltLine or in parks for long stretches

2. Getting Around

• MARTA Rail & Bus

  • MARTA connects Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and Decatur.
  • Useful stops for May activities include:
    • Arts Center, Midtown, North Avenue (for Midtown, Piedmont Park access)
    • GWCC/CNN Center, Peachtree Center (for Downtown attractions)
    • Decatur (for Decatur festivals and dining)

• Parking

  • Popular events and areas like Piedmont Park, BeltLine, and Braves games can have limited or paid parking.
  • For big May events (festivals, concerts, games), planning for MARTA, rideshare, or coming early reduces stress.

3. Crowds and Timing

• Weekends in May are usually busy. To avoid the heaviest crowds:

  • Visit major attractions on weekdays or early in the day.
  • Hit popular outdoor spots (Piedmont Park, BeltLine) earlier in the morning if you want them less packed.

• For large events (like the Atlanta Jazz Festival or big stadium concerts):

  • Check event sites or local listings for any road closures, bag policies, or transit suggestions.
  • Build in extra travel time, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Atlanta traffic patterns.

Quick Snapshot: Types of Things To Do in Atlanta in May

In May, Atlanta leans heavily into outdoor living, live events, and neighborhood energy. If you focus on parks, the BeltLine, festivals, and a few anchor attractions, you’ll have more than enough to fill your calendar—whether you’re here for a weekend or you live in the city and want new ideas.