Atlanta, Georgia Events: Your Local Guide to Festivals, Concerts, and Things to Do

Atlanta has events happening every week of the year—from huge citywide festivals that shut down streets to neighborhood markets, sports, and family-friendly gatherings. Whether you live in the city, are visiting for a weekend, or planning a future trip, understanding how Atlanta events work will help you make the most of what the city offers.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to the major event types, where they usually happen, how to find them, and tips for navigating them like a local.

How Atlanta’s Event Scene Is Organized

Atlanta’s events typically fall into a few broad categories:

• Major annual festivals and parades
• Music, arts, and cultural events
• Sports and game days
• Neighborhood and park events
• Conventions and trade shows
• Holiday and seasonal attractions

Most of these cluster around a few key areas:

• Downtown & Centennial Olympic Park District – big festivals, sports, conventions
• Midtown – arts, music, nightlife, Pride, parades
• Old Fourth Ward & Eastside BeltLine – food, markets, younger crowds
• Buckhead – higher-end fundraisers, nightlife events
• Suburban/metro venues – large concerts and stadium events

Major Annual Events in Atlanta

These are some of the best-known recurring events that shape Atlanta’s yearly calendar. Specific dates change each year, so always confirm before you go.

Spring Events in Atlanta (March–May)

Spring is one of the most popular times for outdoor events before the summer heat fully sets in.

Typical spring highlights include:

• Atlanta Dogwood Festival – Usually in April

  • Where: Piedmont Park, 1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
  • What to expect: Fine arts market, live music, food vendors, family zone, and midway rides. Very popular with locals; parking fills up quickly.

• Atlanta Film Festival – Late March or April

  • Where: Primarily at theaters around Midtown and Little Five Points
  • What to expect: Independent films, premieres, and filmmaker events; great for movie lovers and creatives.

• Shaky Knees Music Festival – Spring

  • Where: Central Park (Old Fourth Ward) or nearby in-town venues
  • What to expect: Multi-day rock/indie festival with major touring acts and local bands.

• Atlanta Jazz Festival – Often around Memorial Day weekend

  • Where: Piedmont Park and smaller venues around the city
  • What to expect: Free jazz performances, food trucks, and a relaxed park atmosphere.

Summer Events in Atlanta (June–August)

Summer brings longer days, heat, and a lot of big, high-energy events.

• Atlanta Summer Beer Fest / Food & Drink Festivals

  • Where: Often at Historic Fourth Ward Park, downtown, or large event spaces
  • What to expect: Craft beer, food trucks, and live music. Many are 21+.

• Juneteenth celebrations

  • Where: Across the city, including parks and community centers
  • What to expect: Festivals, parades, concerts, and educational events honoring Black history and freedom.

• Peachtree Road Race (July 4th)

  • Where: Starts in Buckhead and ends in Midtown near Piedmont Park
  • What to expect: Massive 10K race; if you’re not running, expect road closures and large crowds around Peachtree Street.

• Fourth of July fireworks

  • Where: Commonly at places like Centennial Olympic Park area and Truist Park (home of the Atlanta Braves)
  • What to expect: Fireworks, concerts, and game-day events.

Fall Events in Atlanta (September–November)

Fall is peak festival season—more comfortable weather and many signature events.

• Dragon Con – Labor Day weekend

  • Where: Downtown Atlanta hotels and Georgia World Congress Center (285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
  • What to expect: Multimedia and pop-culture convention with costumes, panels, a parade, and 24/7 activities. Downtown becomes very busy.

• Music Midtown (when held)

  • Where: Piedmont Park
  • What to expect: Large multi-genre music festival with big-name artists.

• Atlanta Pride Festival & Parade – Typically in October

  • Where: Piedmont Park and Midtown streets
  • What to expect: Parade, performances, vendor booths, and community organizations.

• Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade (or similar BeltLine events)

  • Where: Eastside BeltLine Trail and surrounding neighborhoods
  • What to expect: Evening parade with handmade lanterns, community groups, and live music.

Winter and Holiday Events in Atlanta (December–February)

Winter brings holiday lights, themed attractions, and more indoor events.

• Holiday light displays

  • Where: Places like the Atlanta Botanical Garden (1345 Piedmont Ave NE) and Zoo Atlanta (800 Cherokee Ave SE)
  • What to expect: Light shows, seasonal decorations, and family-friendly evening events.

• New Year’s celebrations

  • Where: Often in downtown venues, hotels, and popular nightlife districts
  • What to expect: Ticketed parties, concerts, and fireworks at select locations.

Where Atlanta Events Usually Happen

To plan your schedule, it helps to know the main event hubs in Atlanta.

Downtown Atlanta

Key venues and uses:

• Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC)

  • 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • Major conventions, trade shows, fan events, and corporate gatherings.

• State Farm Arena

  • 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • NBA games, large concerts, and touring shows.

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium

  • 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  • NFL games, MLS matches, large concerts, and major sporting events.

• Centennial Olympic Park Area

  • Frequent outdoor celebrations, festivals, and special events around major holidays or big game weekends.

Midtown Atlanta

Known for:

• Piedmont Park (1320 Monroe Dr NE) – Large outdoor festivals, charity walks, cultural events, and art shows.
• Fox Theatre (660 Peachtree St NE) – Broadway tours, concerts, comedy, and special screenings.
• High Museum of Art / Woodruff Arts Center – Art events, performances, and lectures.

Midtown is highly walkable and popular for arts, culture, and nightlife-focused events.

Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and the BeltLine

These eastside neighborhoods host many community-centered and food-oriented events.

• Historic Fourth Ward Park – Food and drink festivals, local concerts, and seasonal events.
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail – Pop-up markets, fitness events, lantern parades, and art walks.

Buckhead, West Midtown, and Beyond

• Buckhead – Charity galas, high-end fundraisers, and nightlife events.
• West Midtown – Warehouse venues, breweries, and arts spaces hosting concerts and markets.
• Metro Atlanta amphitheaters and arenas – Big-name concerts and seasonal shows in suburbs like Alpharetta or Cobb County, often marketed as “Atlanta” events.

Types of Events You’ll Find in Atlanta

1. Festivals and Fairs

Atlanta runs on festivals—expect something nearly every weekend in peak seasons.

Common festival types:

• Arts and crafts festivals (Piedmont Park, Inman Park, Chastain Park)
• Food and drink festivals (BBQ, beer, wine, wings, tacos, and more)
• Neighborhood festivals celebrating specific communities and historic areas
• Cultural and heritage festivals highlighting local and international cultures

Tips for Atlanta festivals:

• 🌡️ Heat awareness: Spring and fall are more comfortable than mid-summer. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
• 🚗 Parking: Many in-town festivals encourage rideshare or MARTA due to limited parking.
• 💵 Payment: Many vendors accept cards, but some smaller booths may be cash-only.

2. Music, Arts, and Cultural Events

Atlanta has a strong music and arts scene, supported by large venues and intimate spaces.

Common event formats:

• Concerts at State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, local theaters, and clubs
• Symphony and ballet at Woodruff Arts Center and other performing arts spaces
• Art walks and gallery nights in Midtown, Westside, and other arts districts
• Cultural showcases hosted by museums, international communities, and universities

These events often run year-round, with schedules published months in advance for planning.

3. Sports and Game-Day Events

Atlanta is home to several major sports teams, and game days can feel like citywide events.

• Atlanta Falcons (NFL) – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – State Farm Arena
• Atlanta Braves (MLB) – Truist Park, 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 (Cobb County, just outside Atlanta city limits)

On game days, expect:

• Heavier traffic near stadiums
• Pre-game tailgating and fan festivals
• Post-game concerts or fireworks during select promotions

4. Conventions, Conferences, and Trade Shows

Atlanta is a major convention hub in the Southeast. Events may be public or industry-specific.

Typical locations:

• Georgia World Congress Center – Large trade shows, fan expos, corporate gatherings
• Downtown and airport-area hotels – Business conferences and professional events

These events can significantly affect hotel availability and downtown traffic, especially during major conventions.

5. Family and Community Events

For residents and visitors with children, Atlanta offers regular family-friendly events:

• Zoo days, themed weekends, and educational programs at Zoo Atlanta
• Science, space, and children’s events at museums and attractions around the city
• Library story times, local fairs, and park events through Atlanta’s parks and recreation centers

These tend to be more neighborhood-focused and low-cost, making them good options for casual weekends.

How to Find Events in Atlanta

Because events change constantly, the most reliable approach is to combine several local sources:

• Official city or county calendars – For parades, public hearings with festivities, and government-organized events.
• Major venue websites – State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Fox Theatre, and Georgia World Congress Center list their own event schedules.
• Neighborhood and park groups – Many neighborhoods maintain social media pages or community boards advertising local festivals, farmers markets, and seasonal events.
• Tourist and visitor centers – Visitor info stands in downtown and at major attractions often have up-to-date event brochures.

When planning, always double-check dates, times, and any ticket requirements directly with the event organizer or venue.

Getting Around: Transportation for Atlanta Events

Transportation is one of the biggest practical questions for Atlanta events.

MARTA (Transit System)

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) operates rail and bus service through much of the city and to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

• Useful for major venues like State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Midtown, and downtown
• Many event-goers use MARTA to avoid parking hassles and game-day surcharges
• Trains run more frequently during some major events, but always confirm schedules ahead of time

Driving and Parking

If you plan to drive:

• Expect higher parking costs near major venues and festivals
• Some events use online parking reservations for nearby decks or lots
• Residential streets may have permit-only zones; pay attention to posted signs to avoid tickets or towing

Rideshare and Taxis

• Widely used for large events, especially at night
• Major venues have designated pick-up/drop-off zones to keep traffic organized
• During peak times (concert end, game end, festival close), wait times and surge pricing may increase

Typical Atlanta Event Calendar at a Glance

Use this simplified overview as a starting point. Always verify exact dates each year.

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta Events

To make the most of Atlanta, Georgia events, keep these points in mind:

• Plan for weather: Summers are hot and humid, fall and spring can be ideal, and sudden showers are common. Check the forecast and dress accordingly.
• Arrive early: Big events around Piedmont Park, downtown, or stadiums get busy. Early arrival helps with parking, seating, and lines.
• Check accessibility: If you need accessible parking or seating, contact the venue in advance to understand what’s available.
• Look for local discounts: Some attractions and events offer resident, weekday, or off-peak pricing.
• Stay informed on road closures: Large parades and races often close major streets—particularly Peachtree Street and roads around parks and stadiums.

By understanding where events usually take place, the types of gatherings Atlanta is known for, and how to navigate transportation and crowds, you’ll be well prepared to enjoy the city’s busy, year-round event calendar.