Best Atlanta Festivals: Your Local Guide to the City’s Must-See Events

Atlanta’s festival calendar is packed almost year-round. Whether you live here or you’re visiting for a long weekend, there’s likely a major festival happening somewhere in the metro area.

From food and music to film, culture, and neighborhood street fairs, this guide breaks down the best Atlanta festivals, when they usually happen, what they’re known for, and how to choose which ones fit your style.

Quick Overview: Atlanta’s Biggest Festivals by Season

Dates and lineups change every year, so always confirm details before you go.

Major Music & Arts Festivals in Atlanta

Atlanta Jazz Festival

When: Typically Memorial Day Weekend
Where: Usually Piedmont Park, Midtown Atlanta

One of the largest free jazz festivals in the country, the Atlanta Jazz Festival is a local favorite if you want a laid-back, music-filled weekend.

What to know:

• Multiple stages with local, national, and international jazz artists
• Family-friendly atmosphere; many people bring blankets, chairs, and picnic setups
• Food trucks and drink vendors throughout the park

Tips:

• 🎟️ Admission is usually free, but food and drinks are not.
• 🚗 Parking near Piedmont Park can be challenging; consider MARTA (Arts Center or Midtown Station) or rideshare.
• 🌳 Shade is limited in some sections; bring sunscreen and plenty of water.

Shaky Knees Music Festival

When: Usually late April or early May
Where: Often in Central Park (Old Fourth Ward) or nearby intown venues

Shaky Knees is one of Atlanta’s biggest rock and alternative music festivals, drawing major touring acts and dedicated fans.

Highlights:

• Multi-day festival with overlapping sets on several stages
• Heavy on rock, indie, and alternative, with some crossover acts
• Food vendors, merch, VIP options, and nearby bar/restaurant scene

Good fit if you:

• Enjoy full-day music lineups and aren’t afraid to stand/walk a lot
• Like festival-style crowds and big-name bands
• Don’t mind variable spring weather (it can be hot, cold, or rainy)

Music Midtown (When Active)

When: Typically early fall (September), though some years are paused
Where: Historically Piedmont Park

Music Midtown has been Atlanta’s major multi-genre pop, rock, and hip-hop festival, known for big-name headliners.

Expect:

• Multiple stages with top national artists
• Large crowds and a true “festival weekend” feel
• Significant sound and production, visible across Midtown

Because this festival has experienced occasional cancellations and changes, check current-year announcements before planning travel around it.

Atlanta Film Festival

When: Typically April
Where: The Plaza Theatre, Midtown Art Cinema, and other venues around Atlanta

The Atlanta Film Festival is one of the region’s most established film events and a strong choice if you’re into independent film and creative storytelling.

What it includes:

• Screenings of feature films, shorts, and documentaries
• Filmmaker Q&As and panel discussions
• Workshops for aspiring filmmakers and industry networking

Good to know:

• Screenings happen across different neighborhoods; plan transportation between venues.
• Many locals buy passes, but you can often purchase single screening tickets.

Classic Atlanta Neighborhood & Cultural Festivals

Atlanta Dogwood Festival

When: Typically April, during dogwood bloom season
Where: Piedmont Park, Midtown

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is a long-running arts and crafts festival celebrating the city’s spring season.

You’ll find:

• Large artist market with painting, photography, jewelry, and more
• Live music stages
• Kids’ activities and games
• Food vendors and sometimes a 5K or fun run

Best for:

• Families and couples looking for a relaxed day in the park
• Art browsing and casual shopping
• Out-of-town visitors wanting a “classic” Atlanta spring experience

Inman Park Festival & Tour of Homes

When: Usually April
Where: Inman Park neighborhood, east of Downtown

The Inman Park Festival is both a street festival and a historic home tour, set in one of Atlanta’s most picturesque intown neighborhoods.

Highlights:

• A lively parade with floats, costumes, and neighborhood groups
• Street market with art, crafts, and local vendors
• Food and drink stands plus nearby restaurants and bars
• Ticketed Tour of Homes to see inside restored Victorian and early 20th-century houses

Tips:

• 🅿️ Street parking is limited; take MARTA (Inman Park/Reynoldstown Station) if possible.
• Crowds can be heavy during the parade; arrive early if you want a good viewing spot.

Little Five Points Halloween Festival & Parade

When: October
Where: Little Five Points neighborhood

If you like costumes, alternative culture, and a slightly offbeat vibe, the Little Five Points Halloween Festival is one of Atlanta’s most memorable events.

Expect:

• A highly creative, often spooky parade
• Costumed performers and attendees
• Street vendors, food, and live music
• A mix of families earlier in the day and more adult-focused crowds later

Good to know:

• Some costumes and floats can be intense for younger kids; use judgment on timing.
• Parking is tough; consider MARTA (Inman Park/Reynoldstown or Edgewood/Candler Park) plus a short walk or rideshare.

Grant Park Summer Shade Festival

When: Late August
Where: Grant Park, southeast of Downtown

The Grant Park Summer Shade Festival combines art, music, and food under the park’s mature tree canopy.

Highlights:

• Artist market and local vendors
• Live music on multiple stages
• Kids’ zone and family activities
• Proximity to Zoo Atlanta and the surrounding historic neighborhood

This is a good option if you prefer a more laid-back, neighborhood feel versus the intensity of the very largest festivals.

Food, Drink & Culinary Festivals

Taste of Atlanta (When Held)

When: Varies by year, often fall
Where: Historically held in several Atlanta neighborhoods

Taste of Atlanta is designed to showcase local restaurants and chefs from across the metro area.

Typically includes:

• Sample-sized portions from a wide range of Atlanta restaurants
• Chef demos and cooking stages
• Beverage tastings and sometimes ticketed VIP experiences

Before you go:

• Some years focus on smaller, neighborhood-based events rather than one large festival; check current format.
• Tickets usually include a certain number of “tastes,” with options to add more.

Atlanta Ice Cream Festival

When: Typically July
Where: Piedmont Park

The Atlanta Ice Cream Festival is exactly what it sounds like: a summer celebration of frozen treats with a side of wellness activities.

You’ll see:

• Local and national ice cream brands
• Frozen yogurt, gelato, and other sweets
• Fitness activities, wellness screenings, and family games

Great for:

• Families, especially with younger kids
• Visitors looking for a unique, light-hearted summer event

Atlanta Winter Beer Fest & Atlanta Summer Beer Fest

When:

• Winter Beer Fest: usually January or February
• Summer Beer Fest: usually June
  Where: Midtown or Old Fourth Ward areas, typically at festival grounds or large venues

These festivals focus on craft beer tasting with a party atmosphere.

What to expect:

• Dozens of breweries offering sample pours
• Live music and sometimes DJ sets
• Food trucks and bar-style food

Important:

• These events are generally 21+ only.
• Plan safe transportation; many attendees use MARTA or rideshare.

Cultural, Heritage & Community Festivals

Atlanta Pride Festival & Parade

When: Most often in October (to align with National Coming Out Day), though occasionally different
Where: Centered around Piedmont Park and Midtown

The Atlanta Pride Festival is one of the largest LGBTQ+ pride events in the Southeast.

Festival features:

• Two-day festival in Piedmont Park with vendors, stages, and community organizations
• Pride Parade through Midtown, often along Peachtree Street
• Parties, performances, and related events hosted by local venues

Tips:

• 🏳️‍🌈 Very large crowds; plan meet-up points if you’re with a group.
• Bring water and sun protection; you may be outdoors for many hours.
• Family-friendly during the day; evenings can be more adult-focused.

Dragon Con

When: Labor Day Weekend
Where: Multiple Downtown Atlanta hotels and surrounding streets

Dragon Con is a huge multigenre convention celebrating sci-fi, fantasy, comics, gaming, and pop culture.

Highlights:

• Costumed attendees (cosplay) throughout Downtown
• Panels with authors, actors, and creators
• Gaming rooms, vendor halls, and late-night events
• Dragon Con Parade open to the public, usually on Saturday morning

If you’re not attending the convention:

• You can still enjoy “people-watching” in Downtown and along the parade route.
• Expect heavy traffic and limited parking around Peachtree Center.

Juneteenth Celebrations in Atlanta

When: Around June 19
Where: Varies, including events in parks, at the Atlanta University Center, and in neighboring cities

Juneteenth festivals in and around Atlanta focus on Black history, freedom, and community.

Common elements:

• Live music, speakers, and cultural performances
• Local Black-owned vendors and food stalls
• Family activities and educational programming

Because multiple organizations host events, search for Juneteenth festivals specific to the year you’re attending and note the exact park or venue.

Yellow Daisy Festival (Stone Mountain Park)

When: Typically early September
Where: Stone Mountain Park, just east of Atlanta

While technically outside city limits, the Yellow Daisy Festival is a major arts and crafts festival many Atlantans consider part of the regional festival circuit.

Expect:

• Hundreds of arts and crafts vendors
• A focus on handmade goods and home decor
• Live entertainment and food areas

Note:

• There is usually a parking or park entry fee at Stone Mountain Park.
• This is a full-day outing; plan for walking and being outdoors.

Atlanta Greek Festival (When Held)

When: Often fall (schedule can vary)
Where: Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 2500 Clairmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329

The Atlanta Greek Festival celebrates Greek food, dance, and culture.

Festival features:

• Traditional Greek dishes and pastries
• Live music and dance performances
• Church tours and cultural exhibits
• Market with imported items and crafts

Parking can get tight; follow posted signs and directions from event staff.

Family-Friendly Festivals in Atlanta

Many Atlanta festivals are family-friendly, but some are particularly popular with parents and kids:

• Atlanta Dogwood Festival (Piedmont Park)
• Grant Park Summer Shade Festival (Grant Park)
• Atlanta Ice Cream Festival (Piedmont Park)
• Atlanta Jazz Festival (daytime hours)
• Atlanta Film Festival (select screenings suitable for teens, depending on film ratings)

Family tips:

• 👟 Bring strollers or carriers for younger kids; festival grounds can involve long walks.
• 🧴 Pack sunscreen, snacks, and refillable water bottles.
• 🕒 Go earlier in the day to avoid the most crowded and intense hours.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta Festivals

Getting Around

Atlanta’s traffic and parking can be challenging during major events. To make it easier:

• Use MARTA when possible, especially for events in Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead.
• Rideshare can be convenient, but expect surge pricing and road closures near big festivals.
• If you drive:
  • Check event maps for official parking areas.
  • Avoid parking in neighborhoods with clearly posted restrictions to prevent tickets or towing.

Weather & What to Bring

Atlanta’s weather can be hot, humid, or suddenly stormy, depending on the season.

Consider bringing:

• Light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes
• A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• A small backpack or crossbody bag
• Refillable water bottle (some festivals have refill stations; check rules)
• Portable phone charger if you’ll be out all day

Many festivals restrict large coolers, glass containers, or outside alcohol, so check guidelines in advance.

Cost & Budgeting

Atlanta festivals range from free community events to multi-day ticketed festivals.

Budgeting basics:

• Free festivals (like Atlanta Jazz Festival) still involve costs for food, drinks, and transportation.
• Large music festivals (Shaky Knees, Dragon Con, Music Midtown when active) can be significant investments once you add tickets, food, and parking.
• Some festivals offer:
  • Early-bird pricing
  • Single-day vs. full-weekend passes
  • VIP options with shade, dedicated restrooms, or better views

Decide what matters most to you—music lineup, comfort, budget—and choose accordingly.

How to Choose the Best Atlanta Festival for You

To narrow down the options, think about:

• Your interests:

  • Music-focused? Look at Shaky Knees, Atlanta Jazz Festival, Music Midtown (when held).
  • Arts and crafts? Try Dogwood Festival, Yellow Daisy Festival, Grant Park Summer Shade.
  • Culture and community? Consider Atlanta Pride, Juneteenth events, Greek Festival, neighborhood festivals.

• Crowd size and intensity:

  • Prefer massive energy and headliners? Go for the big music festivals or Dragon Con.
  • Want something calmer? Neighborhood festivals and smaller cultural events may suit you better.

• Season and weather tolerance:

  • Spring and fall festivals tend to have milder weather.
  • Summer events can be very hot; plan for hydration and shade.

• Family vs. adults-only:

  • Many festivals are family-friendly during the day.
  • Some, like beer festivals, are explicitly 21+.

By matching your preferences to the style, size, and season of the event, you can pick the best Atlanta festivals to build into your year—whether you’re a long-time local or discovering the city for the first time.