City of Atlanta Events: Your Guide to What’s Happening In and Around the City

Atlanta is one of the South’s busiest event cities, with something happening almost every day of the year. From major festivals in Downtown and Midtown to neighborhood block parties, concerts, food events, and civic meetings, there are many ways to plug into what’s going on.

This guide walks you through how City of Atlanta events work, the main types of events you’ll see, key event districts and venues, and how to find, attend, or host events in Atlanta, Georgia.

How “City of Atlanta Events” Work

When people talk about “City of Atlanta events,” they usually mean three overlapping kinds of activities:

1. Official city-sponsored or city-permitted events
2. Major public events hosted at city-owned facilities
3. Community and neighborhood events happening within city limits

Atlanta’s local government, private organizers, nonprofits, and neighborhood associations all play a role in filling the calendar.

Key City Offices Involved in Events

Several city departments are directly involved in planning, permitting, or supporting public events:

• Mayor’s Office of Special Events
  Oversees permits and logistics for many outdoor events on city property, streets, and parks.

  • Location: Often coordinated through Atlanta City Hall
  • Main City Hall Address:
    55 Trinity Ave SW
    Atlanta, GA 30303

• Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
  Handles reservations and events at parks, recreation centers, and some facilities.

• Atlanta Police Department (APD) and Atlanta Fire Rescue Department (AFRD)
  Review safety plans, traffic management, crowd control, and emergency access for larger events.

If you’re attending events, these offices affect things like street closures, parking, and safety. If you’re hosting an event, you’ll often interact with one or more of them for permits.

Major Types of Events in the City of Atlanta

1. Festivals and Cultural Celebrations

Atlanta is known for large, high-energy festivals that draw residents and visitors from across the region. These often feature live music, food vendors, art, and family activities.

Common festival themes in Atlanta include:

• Music and arts festivals (jazz, hip-hop, indie, film, visual arts)
• Food and drink festivals (Southern cuisine, BBQ, international food, beer and wine tastings)
• Cultural and heritage celebrations (Black cultural festivals, international culture days, LGBTQ+ events, etc.)
• Holiday events (New Year celebrations, winter and fall festivals, July 4th activities)

Events like these frequently take place in:

• Downtown Atlanta (near Centennial Olympic Park and around Peachtree Street)
• Midtown (around Peachtree Street NE, 10th Street NE, or cultural venues)
• Piedmont Park and other major city parks

These festivals are typically public, ticketed or partially free, and may involve street closures and heavy transit use.

2. Sports and Stadium Events

Atlanta’s professional sports and major college games bring large crowds and regular events:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Hosts football, soccer, concerts, and large-scale special events.

• State Farm Arena
  1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Hosts basketball, concerts, and multi-day entertainment events.

Game days and major concerts can feel like citywide events, especially around Downtown and the Gulch area, with road congestion, increased rideshare demand, and packed MARTA stations.

3. Park, Greenway, and Outdoor Events

Atlanta’s parks and trails are frequent event locations, especially:

• Piedmont Park – large festivals, charity runs, outdoor concerts, and family days

  • General area: 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

• Historic Fourth Ward Park – mid-size festivals, markets, and performances

• Atlanta BeltLine segments – fitness events, pop-up markets, art walks, and community gatherings

Outdoor events may include:

• 5K/10K runs and charity walks
• Fitness classes (yoga in the park, group workouts)
• Pop-up markets and food truck events
• Movie nights and concerts in the park

Because these take place on shared public land, they typically require park use permits and coordination with the Parks and Recreation Department or the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.

4. Neighborhood and Community Events

Inside the city limits, many neighborhoods host their own:

• Block parties
• Porch concerts and home tours
• Small festivals and arts markets
• Public meetings and town halls

Neighborhood Planning Units (NPUs), community associations, and local nonprofits often lead these efforts.

These events are especially useful if you live in Atlanta and want to connect with neighbors, learn about local issues, or support nearby businesses and artists.

5. Civic, Government, and Public Meeting Events

The City of Atlanta government regularly holds:

• City Council meetings and committee sessions
• Public hearings on zoning, transportation, and development
• Budget and policy town halls
• Community forums hosted by the Mayor or Councilmembers

Most official meetings are held in or near City Hall:

• Atlanta City Hall
  55 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

Some neighborhood-focused meetings are held at community centers, recreation centers, or libraries within the city.

These events are important if you want to:

• Comment on proposed projects
• Learn about changes to your neighborhood
• Understand local laws and programs

Key Event Areas and Venues in Atlanta

Here’s a simple overview of where many major events in Atlanta tend to cluster:

Getting Around During City of Atlanta Events

Events can significantly change how you move around Atlanta for the day. Planning ahead can save time and frustration.

Transportation Tips 🚆🚗

• Use MARTA when possible.
  Rail stations in Downtown and Midtown (like Five Points, Peachtree Center, Civic Center, Arts Center, and Midtown) are often within walking distance of major event areas.

• Expect road closures.
  Runs, parades, and festivals may close key streets such as portions of Peachtree Street, 10th Street, or streets near stadiums and parks.

• Parking can be limited and expensive.
  Many large events rely on decks and surface lots; some neighborhoods use resident-only parking during big events.

• Rideshare pickup zones may be designated.
  At venues like Mercedes‑Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena, follow signs to official rideshare areas.

• Allow extra travel time.
  Arrive early for major events to navigate security checkpoints and crowds.

How to Find City of Atlanta Events

If you’re trying to see what’s happening in Atlanta on a specific day or weekend, use several reliable sources:

1. City of Atlanta Government Sources

The City of Atlanta provides information about:

• Official meetings and hearings
• Public notices for major events and street closures
• Some city-sponsored festivals or programs

Check:

• City of Atlanta main information line:
  Many residents start by calling the main city information or 3‑1‑1 service to ask about permits, street closures, or event-related issues.
  • Dial: 3‑1‑1 inside city limits (or the published direct number if calling from outside)

2. Parks & Recreation and Facility Calendars

Atlanta’s Department of Parks and Recreation and major public venues may share:

• Park event calendars
• Recreation center events
• Facility bookings open to the public

This is especially helpful if you want family-friendly activities, sports leagues, or community programs within city parks and centers.

3. Local Visitor and Tourism Channels

Atlanta’s tourism and convention services promote:

• Large festivals and public events
• Citywide celebrations and seasonal attractions
• Major conventions and shows

While these are more visitor-focused, residents often use them to spot citywide or downtown events they might otherwise miss.

4. Neighborhood and Community Sources

For localized events, look to:

• Neighborhood associations and community groups
• Social media pages for your specific Atlanta neighborhood
• Local churches, schools, and nonprofits inside the city

These sources often promote smaller, free or low-cost events that don’t appear on citywide calendars.

Hosting an Event in the City of Atlanta

If you want to host an event in Atlanta—anything from a large festival to a neighborhood block party—you’ll need to understand the city’s permit process.

When You Likely Need a Permit

You typically need a special event permit or related approval if your event:

• Uses a public park or recreation facility
• Takes place on a public street, sidewalk, or right-of-way
• Involves street closures, detours, or traffic control
• Expects large crowds or amplified sound
• Includes tents, stages, generators, or food vendors on city property

Even smaller events, like block parties, often require:

• A permit application
• Proof of neighborhood support (for residential streets)
• A plan for cleanup and safety

Who to Contact

For most public events within city limits, your starting point is:

• Mayor’s Office of Special Events
  (Often coordinated through Atlanta City Hall)
  55 Trinity Ave SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

They can direct you on:

• Which permits and approvals you need
• Timelines (many major events require applications months in advance)
• Requirements for security, medical support, trash, and sanitation
• Insurance and liability expectations

For events strictly inside a city park or recreation center, you may also work with the:

• Department of Parks and Recreation
  for facility reservations, park usage terms, and related fees.

Practical Steps to Plan a City Event

1. Define your event clearly.
   Estimate attendance, location, date, time, and key features (music, vendors, alcohol, etc.).

2. Choose a suitable location.
   Consider access to transit, parking, restrooms, and neighborhood impact.

3. Contact the city early.
   Larger events often need months of lead time for review, route planning, and coordination.

4. Prepare safety and logistics plans.
   Include security, first aid, emergency access routes, crowd control, and cleanup.

5. Communicate with nearby residents and businesses.
   This helps reduce complaints and can improve cooperation around noise, parking, and access.

Attending Events as an Atlanta Resident or Visitor

Whether you live in the city or are visiting, you can make the most of Atlanta’s event scene by planning ahead.

Tips for Enjoying City of Atlanta Events

• Check event details carefully.
  Confirm start times, entry requirements, allowed items, and whether admission is free or ticketed.

• Understand security rules.
  Large venues and major festivals often use metal detectors and bag checks; some have clear bag policies.

• Dress for the weather.
  Atlanta can be hot and humid much of the year, with sudden storms. Outdoor events may be rain-or-shine.

• Bring essentials.
  Water, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and a fully charged phone are helpful.

• Be aware of neighborhood impact.
  If you’re driving and parking on residential streets, observe all posted signs and respect driveways and private property.

If Events Affect Your Home or Business

Living or operating a business in the City of Atlanta means big events may sometimes affect you through:

• Street or lane closures
• Temporary parking restrictions
• Increased foot traffic and noise

If you have concerns about a particular event near you, you can:

• Contact the City of Atlanta’s information or 3‑1‑1 service to ask about permits and street impacts.
• Reach out to your City Councilmember’s office for help understanding the schedule and any mitigation steps.
• Talk with your Neighborhood Planning Unit (NPU) or neighborhood association if events are recurring or heavily affecting your area.

Knowing when and where events are happening can help you plan work schedules, deliveries, and customer access if you run a local business.

The City of Atlanta’s event scene is active, diverse, and constantly evolving. Whether you’re planning a visit, looking for something to do this weekend, or preparing to host your own event on city property, understanding how events are organized, permitted, and supported in Atlanta will help you navigate the city with confidence.