The Best Things To Do in Atlanta, GA This Weekend

Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re just in town for a few days, weekends here fill up quickly. From BeltLine strolls and live music to family attractions and neighborhood festivals, there’s usually something happening in every corner of the city.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to things to do in Atlanta, GA this weekend, organized by interest so you can mix and match a perfect plan.

Classic Atlanta Attractions to Check Off Your List

If you want the “only in Atlanta” experience, these are the big-name spots locals still visit again and again.

Explore Centennial Olympic Park & Nearby Attractions

In Downtown Atlanta, you can easily spend a full day in a few walkable blocks:

• Centennial Olympic Park – 265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Great for:
  • Walking paths and fountains
  • People-watching
  • Relaxing between attractions

Within a short walk around the park, you’ll find:

• Georgia Aquarium – 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  One of the largest aquariums in the world, with whale sharks, manta rays, and family-friendly exhibits.

• World of Coca‑Cola – 121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Focuses on the history, branding, and memorabilia of Coca‑Cola, plus tasting areas.

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  A powerful look at the U.S. civil rights movement and global human rights issues.

You can easily combine two of these attractions in one afternoon, then grab dinner in Downtown or nearby Midtown.

Enjoy the Outdoors: Parks, Trails, and Views

Walk, Bike, or Skate the Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the city’s most popular weekend hangouts, especially the Eastside Trail:

• Common access points:
  • Near Ponce City Market – 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  • Krog Street Market area – 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  • Old Fourth Ward Skatepark – 830 Willoughby Way NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

What to do on the BeltLine:

• Walk or bike between in-town neighborhoods
• Stop at patios, food stalls, and coffee shops alongside the trail
• Enjoy public art and murals
• People-watch on busy weekend afternoons

Relax in Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park – 400 Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Atlanta’s central green space in Midtown, and a go-to weekend spot:

• Walking/jogging paths and large fields
• Dog parks
• Playgrounds and picnic spots
• Seasonal festivals and farmers markets

From the park, you’re close to:

• Atlanta Botanical Garden – 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Known for seasonal flower displays, canopy walk, and evening events.

Head to Stone Mountain Park for a Day Trip

About 20–30 minutes east of Atlanta:

• Stone Mountain Park – 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Popular weekend activities include:

• Hiking up the mountain for skyline views
• Walking the trails at the base
• Lake and picnic areas
• Seasonal attractions and light shows (check current schedules before you go)

Neighborhoods to Explore This Weekend

Atlanta’s neighborhoods each have their own feel. Spend a few hours in one area to really get a sense of the city.

Midtown: Arts, Culture, and City Vibes

Midtown is ideal if you want walkability plus culture:

Key stops:

• High Museum of Art – 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Woodruff Arts Center – 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Crescent Avenue and surrounding streets for dining and nightlife
• Easy MARTA access (Arts Center and Midtown stations)

Weekend idea:
Visit the High Museum in the afternoon, stroll through Midtown, then end with dinner or drinks on a patio.

Old Fourth Ward & Inman Park: Trendy & Historic

Anchored by the BeltLine Eastside Trail:

• Old Fourth Ward – Historic neighborhood with:
  • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  • Murals, markets, and casual dining
• Inman Park – Tree-lined streets, historic homes, and restaurants around Euclid Ave NE and N Highland Ave NE

Weekend idea:
Start at Krog Street Market for food, walk the BeltLine to Ponce City Market, and wander Old Fourth Ward’s side streets.

Little Five Points & Candler Park: Eclectic & Local

• Little Five Points – Centered around Euclid Ave NE and Moreland Ave NE
  Known for:
  • Vintage shops
  • Record stores
  • Street art and indie restaurants
• Candler Park – 1500 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  Good for a quieter park setting, playgrounds, and neighborhood cafes.

This area is great for a laid-back Saturday afternoon.

Buckhead: Shopping and Upscale Dining

If your weekend plans include shopping:

• Lenox Square – 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
• Phipps Plaza – 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

Nearby, you’ll find many restaurants and bars, plus quieter residential streets north of Peachtree Rd.

Family-Friendly Things To Do This Weekend

Atlanta is full of activities that work well for kids, teens, and multigenerational groups.

Zoo and Aquarium Favorites

• Zoo Atlanta – 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
  Located in historic Grant Park, with animal exhibits, kids’ play areas, and shaded walking paths.

• Georgia Aquarium (Downtown) – 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Especially popular for:

  • Large ocean tanks
  • Touch pools and interactive exhibits

Tip: 🕒 Go early on weekend mornings to avoid the heaviest crowds.

Educational but Fun Stops

• Fernbank Museum – 767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307
  Natural history museum with dinosaur exhibits, rotating science displays, and an adjacent forest area.

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta – 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Designed for younger kids with hands-on exhibits and play zones.

Parks and Playgrounds

Good weekend options with space to run:

• Piedmont Park – Midtown
• Grant Park – 840 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
• Chastain Park – 140 Chastain Park Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30342

Pack snacks, a ball or Frisbee, and make a flexible half-day of it.

Atlanta Food & Drink Experiences

Weekends in Atlanta often revolve around food. You can plan a full outing around one of these places.

Food Halls and Markets

• Ponce City Market – 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

  • Indoor food hall with many vendors
  • Retail shops
  • BeltLine access
  • Rooftop amusement area (Skyline views and games)

• Krog Street Market – 99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307

  • Smaller but very popular food hall
  • Easy access to the BeltLine
  • Good starting point for an Eastside Trail walk

Farmers Markets

Several farmers markets operate on weekends (days and hours can vary seasonally). Common options include:

• Markets in or near Piedmont Park
• Neighborhood markets in Grant Park, East Atlanta, and other intown neighborhoods

These are good for:

• Local produce
• Prepared foods and coffee
• Meeting local vendors and community groups

Coffee, Breweries, and Casual Hangouts

Atlanta has many local roasteries and breweries. Popular clusters can be found around:

• West Midtown / Blandtown area – along Howell Mill Rd NW and nearby streets
• Edgewood Avenue – Eastside
• BeltLine-adjacent spots – especially on the Eastside Trail

Weekend tip: ☕🍺
Pair a BeltLine walk or neighborhood stroll with a stop at a local coffee shop or brewery patio.

Arts, Culture, and History

Museums and Cultural Centers

If you want indoor activities this weekend:

• High Museum of Art – 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
• Atlanta History Center – 130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
  Includes museum exhibits, historic homes, and gardens.
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

These spots often host special exhibits or programs on weekends, so checking their current schedule before heading out can help you time your visit.

Atlanta’s Civil Rights Landmarks

If you’re interested in Atlanta’s role in the civil rights movement:

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  Includes:
  • MLK Jr.’s childhood home (tours are often scheduled and limited)
  • Ebenezer Baptist Church
  • Visitor center exhibits

Walking Auburn Avenue and surrounding streets offers a meaningful, reflective weekend activity.

Live Music, Sports, and Nightlife

Catch a Game or Big Event

Depending on the season, you may find weekend home games at:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium – 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  (NFL and MLS, plus major concerts and events)

• Truist Park – 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
  (Baseball, plus dining and entertainment at The Battery Atlanta)

• State Farm Arena – 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
  (Basketball and concerts)

The Battery Atlanta around Truist Park is often busy even when there’s no game, with restaurants and outdoor spaces.

Nightlife and Music Districts

For evening and late-night energy:

• Edgewood Avenue – East of Downtown
  Clusters of bars, lounges, and music spots.

• Virginia‑Highland – Around N Highland Ave NE
  Mix of bars, restaurants, and walkable streets.

• Midtown – Around Crescent Ave NE, Peachtree St NE, and 10th St NE
  Known for clubs, bars, and late-night options.

If you’re new to town, taking a rideshare or MARTA and sticking to one neighborhood for the whole night often works best.

Quick Weekend Planning Guide

Use this at-a-glance overview to build your schedule.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta This Weekend

• Transportation:

  • MARTA rail is useful for Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and some event venues.
  • Rideshare is common for BeltLine areas and nightlife districts where parking can be tight.

• Parking:

  • Downtown and Midtown garages fill up during big events.
  • Neighborhood streets may have parking restrictions—always check signs.

• Weather planning:

  • Summers can be hot and humid; plan indoor visits midday and outdoor walks early or later.
  • Pack water and sunscreen if you’re on the BeltLine or in parks for long stretches.

• Timing:

  • Mornings: Best for big attractions and family activities.
  • Afternoons: Good for BeltLine, food halls, and parks.
  • Evenings: Ideal for dining, concerts, and nightlife.

If you pick one major attraction, one neighborhood to explore, and one food or nightlife stop, you’ll have a full Atlanta weekend that feels both manageable and memorable.