Things To Do This Weekend in Atlanta, GA: Events, Neighborhoods, and Local Tips

Looking for events in Atlanta, GA this weekend? Whether you live here or you’re in town for a quick visit, Atlanta offers an easy mix of festivals, concerts, sports, markets, and family-friendly activities almost every weekend.

Because specific lineups change week to week, this guide focuses on where and how to find the best Atlanta events each weekend, plus what types of events you can expect in each area. Use it as a local playbook to fill your calendar fast.

Quick-Glance Guide: Where To Look for Weekend Events in Atlanta

You won’t find a single “official” calendar that covers everything, but certain go-to places around the city tend to have weekend events all year.

Use this as a starting point, then layer in your interests—music, food, sports, family activities, or nightlife.

Big-Name Events: Sports, Concerts, and Major Shows

Professional Sports in Atlanta

On most weekends, there’s at least one major game happening in or near the city:

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) – Home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313. Fall and early winter weekends often center around Sunday football.
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – Also at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Expect a lively, loud atmosphere and big crowds on spring, summer, and fall weekends.
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – Home games at State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303. Winter and spring weekends regularly feature games.
• Atlanta Braves (MLB) – Home games at Truist Park, 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339, mostly from spring through early fall.

Tip: If you’re downtown and not heading to a game, be aware that traffic and parking around Mercedes-Benz Stadium and State Farm Arena can spike on event days. Consider MARTA (the Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center station is central for big events).

Concerts and Touring Shows

Atlanta is a major stop for national tours, so most weekends have at least one notable concert or show.

Common venues for weekend performances include:

• State Farm Arena – Large concerts and national acts.
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Stadium tours, festivals, and special one-off shows.
• Fox Theatre – Broadway touring productions, concerts, comedy specials, and classic film series.
• Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park – Seasonal outdoor shows (typically spring–fall).
• Variety Playhouse (Little Five Points), Tabernacle (Downtown), and Center Stage (Midtown) – Mid-sized concerts, often with multiple shows on weekends.

For this weekend in particular, you can:

• Check the “Events” or “Calendar” sections on each venue’s official site.
• Filter by date range (Fri–Sun) to quickly see what’s happening.

Festivals, Fairs, and Seasonal Events

Atlanta’s festival scene is especially active from spring through fall, but there are notable events year-round.

Common types of weekend festivals in and around Atlanta:

• Food & drink festivals – BBQ, wings, tacos, craft beer, wine, vegan food, and cultural food events.
• Music & arts festivals – Multi-stage outdoor festivals, art markets, craft fairs.
• Cultural and neighborhood festivals – Celebrations centered around specific communities and neighborhoods.
• Holiday and seasonal events – Holiday markets, light displays, and themed weekends.

Neighborhoods and venues that often host festivals:

• Piedmont Park (Atlanta, GA 30309) – A major festival hub for large city events.
• Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park area – Art and food festivals, often within walking distance of the BeltLine.
• Grant Park – Seasonal festivals, food events, and art markets.
• Historic Fourth Ward Park – Outdoor festivals and events near the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail.
• Downtown around Centennial Olympic Park – Special citywide or touring festivals.

If you’re planning this weekend:

• Search by “festival in Atlanta this weekend” and cross-check names and dates on the official organizer’s page.
• Expect paid entry and sometimes ticket pre-purchase for larger events, especially during high season.

Weekend Activities on the Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the easiest places to find something active and social to do without heavy planning.

What You’ll Typically Find on Weekends

Along the Eastside Trail (from roughly Midtown to Reynoldstown) and other segments, weekend offerings often include:

• Outdoor fitness classes (yoga, bootcamps, running groups)
• Pop-up art events and live mural painting
• Food and craft markets
• Street musicians and informal performances
• Patio-heavy restaurants and breweries with live music

Popular BeltLine access points include areas around:

• Ponce City Market – 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Krog Street Market – 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

Both are good anchors for a weekend walk, with easy access to shopping, food, and casual events.

Family-Friendly Things To Do This Weekend in Atlanta

If you’re planning a weekend with kids in Atlanta, you have several core attractions that frequently add special weekend programs.

Major Family Attractions That Often Host Weekend Events

• Georgia Aquarium
  225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Regular weekend crowd, plus occasional themed weekends, sleepovers, or educational activities.

• World of Coca-Cola
  121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Right near the Aquarium; sometimes features limited-time exhibits that are easy to work into a weekend.

• Zoo Atlanta
  800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
  Weekend events can include animal talks, seasonal celebrations, and family days.

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History
  767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
  Offers rotating exhibits, science events, and outdoor nature experiences.

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta
  275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Activity-based exhibits; often has scheduled weekend story times or special programs.

Planning tip: Many of these attractions offer timed entry, especially on busy Saturdays. Check the current hours and ticket availability before you head out.

Outdoor and Nature Events Around Atlanta

If your idea of a good weekend is more trails and trees than stadiums and stages, Atlanta’s green spaces often host organized events.

Parks and Outdoor Spaces With Regular Weekend Activities

• Piedmont Park – Runs, walks, markets, festivals, and guided activities.

• Atlanta Botanical Garden
  1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Weekend highlights can include plant shows, kids’ activities, seasonal light displays, and cocktail evenings.

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (various units, mostly north of the city)
  Guided walks, paddling events, and ranger-led programs are sometimes offered on weekends.

• Stone Mountain Park (east of Atlanta)
  Seasonal weekend laser shows, festivals, and outdoor activities are common.

When you’re checking for this weekend’s events, look for:

• “Programs” or “Events” on nature center or park websites.
• Any weather-related updates, since outdoor plans can shift quickly in Atlanta.

Arts, Theater, and Culture This Weekend

Atlanta’s arts and culture calendar is often heaviest Thursday through Sunday.

Key Spots for Weekend Arts & Culture

• Fox Theatre (Midtown) – Broadway shows, classic movie nights, comedy tours, and special concerts.

• Woodruff Arts Center – 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Home to the High Museum of Art, Alliance Theatre, and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, which frequently schedule weekend performances and programs.

• Alliance Theatre – Often has both mainstage and family-oriented shows on weekends.

• Local theater companies around Little Five Points, West Midtown, and Decatur – Smaller productions, improv, and experimental theater.

For this weekend, search:

• “Atlanta theater calendar” or “Atlanta symphony events this weekend”
• Verify showtimes directly with the venue, as matinee vs. evening options differ by day.

Markets, Shopping, and Food-Centered Events

Weekend markets are a big part of Atlanta’s routine, and they’re an easy option if you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for.

Farmers Markets and Artisan Markets

Well-known markets that often run on weekends:

• Freedom Farmers Market at the Carter Center
  453 Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 – Commonly Saturday mornings, with local produce and vendors.

• Peachtree Road Farmers Market (seasonal)
  Often held near Peachtree and West Paces Ferry in Buckhead.

• Markets in neighborhoods like Grant Park, East Atlanta Village, or West End may pop up seasonally or monthly.

These markets sometimes add:

• Live music
• Chef demos or tastings
• Seasonal or holiday-themed events

Food Halls and Brewery Events

Atlanta’s food halls and breweries are reliable sources for casual weekend events:

• Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, The Municipal Market (Sweet Auburn Curb Market) – Often partner with pop-ups, tastings, or small-scale events.

• Breweries in West Midtown, West End, Summerhill, and Kirkwood/Oakhurst frequently host:

  • Live music
  • Trivia and bingo nights
  • Food truck roundups
  • Special release parties

Most of these are come-and-go friendly, making them easy to add to a bigger weekend plan.

Nightlife and Evening Events

If your weekend in Atlanta extends late into the night, you’ll find a wide range of options, from low-key lounges to high-energy clubs.

Common Nightlife Areas With Weekend Events

• Midtown – Bars, clubs, and lounges concentrated along Peachtree St and Crescent Ave.
• Buckhead – Upscale lounges, rooftop bars, and club-style venues.
• Edgewood / Old Fourth Ward – More casual, creative bar scene, often with DJs or live music.
• West Midtown – Breweries, cocktail spots, and music venues.

Look for:

• DJ nights, themed parties, and live-band sets posted on venue calendars or social media.
• Cover charges and dress codes for more upscale or club-style locations.

If you prefer a quieter evening, consider:

• A rooftop bar for city views
• An evening show at a theater or comedy club
• A late dinner in areas like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, or West Midtown

How to Quickly Find Events in Atlanta This Specific Weekend

Because schedules change constantly, the most reliable way to see what’s actually happening this weekend in Atlanta is to combine local tools and a quick plan.

1. Use Local Event Calendars and Filters

Search for “Atlanta events this weekend” and then, on major listing platforms:

• Filter by date range (Friday–Sunday).
• Narrow by category (music, family, free events, outdoors, nightlife).
• Sort by distance from your ZIP code or hotel if you want to stay close.

2. Check Official Venue and Attraction Calendars

Go directly to calendars for:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Truist Park, Fox Theatre
• Piedmont Park, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Zoo Atlanta, major museums
• Any neighborhood festivals or markets you’ve heard about

This helps confirm:

• Exact dates and times
• Any ticket requirements or age restrictions
• Parking and transit recommendations

3. Factor in Atlanta Traffic and Transit

When you’re mapping out your weekend:

• Allow extra time if an event is near Downtown, Midtown, or a stadium during game days.
• Consider using MARTA for big events:
  • Many venues are near stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, Midtown, Arts Center, and Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center.
• Ride-hailing services and scooters are common around the BeltLine and intown neighborhoods.

4. Have a Backup Plan

Weather can shift quickly in Atlanta, especially in warmer months.

• If you’re planning outdoor festivals or BeltLine activities, identify:
  • An indoor backup (museum, market, brewery, food hall).
  • Alternative showtimes for theater or movies if your first choice sells out.

If You’re New to Atlanta or Visiting for the Weekend

To make the most of a single weekend in Atlanta:

1. Anchor each day with one must-do event (a game, concert, festival, or major attraction).
2. Build around it with flexible options:
   • BeltLine walk, brunch, or markets during the day.
   • A show, casual live music, or a neighborhood bar/restaurant at night.
3. Choose one or two neighborhoods per day to avoid spending your time in traffic:
   • For example, Saturday in Midtown/BeltLine, Sunday in Downtown/Centennial Olympic Park area.

By combining official venue calendars, local event listings, and this guide to Atlanta’s most active weekend spots, you can reliably find a full lineup of events in Atlanta, GA this weekend that match your interests, budget, and schedule.