Atlanta Events: Your Guide to What’s Happening in the ATL

Atlanta is one of the South’s busiest event cities, with something happening almost every day of the year. Whether you live in Atlanta, are planning a weekend visit, or just want to understand how events here work, it helps to know where to look, what to expect, and how to plan.

This guide walks through major Atlanta events by season and type, where they usually take place, how to get around, and practical tips for enjoying the city like a local.

How Atlanta’s Event Scene Works

Atlanta events tend to revolve around a few key things:

• Neighborhood hubs (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Westside, Eastside, the BeltLine)
• Major venues (State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Fox Theatre, Tabernacle, etc.)
• Seasonal festivals (music, food, film, sports, arts)
• Big annual traditions (Peach Drop, Dragon Con, AJC Peachtree Road Race, Atlanta Pride)

Many events repeat yearly, so once you learn the patterns, it’s easier to plan trips and tickets in advance.

Major Event Areas in Atlanta

Here’s a quick overview of where a lot of events cluster around the city.

Big Annual Events in Atlanta to Know

These are some of the most recognizable Atlanta events that locals and visitors often plan around. Dates can shift year to year, so it’s wise to check details before going.

Winter & New Year Events

New Year’s Celebrations

Atlanta traditionally hosts large New Year’s Eve events, often centered in Downtown around major attractions and hotels. While the classic “Peach Drop” at Underground Atlanta has changed formats over the years, you can still expect:

• Big hotel parties and rooftop countdowns
• Concerts at State Farm Arena and The Tabernacle
• Family-friendly early evening events at major attractions

Holiday Lights & Winter Activities

From late November through early January, you’ll typically find:

• Garden lights at large attractions like botanical gardens or city attractions
• Outdoor ice skating rinks at mixed-use developments
• Holiday markets and craft fairs in neighborhoods around the city

These types of events tend to cluster in Midtown, Downtown, and larger suburban town centers.

Spring Events in Atlanta

Spring is one of Atlanta’s prime event seasons due to mild weather and blooming trees.

Dogwood & Cherry Blossom–Season Events

Atlanta celebrates spring with multiple outdoor festivals, often in parks and along the BeltLine. Typical spring events include:

• Arts and crafts festivals in large parks
• Neighborhood festivals with local vendors and live music
• Food and drink events featuring local restaurants and breweries

AJC Peachtree Road Race (July 4, but planning starts in spring)
Even though the race is on July 4, registration and planning start early. The route traditionally runs down Peachtree Street from the Buckhead area toward Midtown, ending near Piedmont Park.
Participants usually:

• Register in advance (a lottery or online sign-up system is typically used)
• Pick up race packets at an expo in the weeks prior
• Plan MARTA or rideshare due to major road closures

Summer Events in Atlanta

Summer can be hot and humid, but it’s also loaded with music, sports, and outdoor festivals.

Music Festivals & Big Concerts

Large concerts and music events often take place at:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• State Farm Arena – 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood – 2002 Lakewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

You’ll also see many free or lower-cost outdoor concerts in parks and neighborhood plazas.

July 4th Events

Beyond the Peachtree Road Race, Atlanta usually hosts:

• Fireworks displays around major attractions and stadiums
• Family events and festivals at city parks
• Baseball games with post-game fireworks at Truist Park (technically in Cobb County, but a major draw for metro Atlanta)

Fall Events in Atlanta

Fall might be the busiest season for Atlanta events, with comfortable weather and many signature festivals.

Dragon Con (Labor Day Weekend)

Dragon Con is a huge multi-genre convention that usually spans several Downtown hotels. It draws tens of thousands of attendees and includes a large parade that’s free to watch along Peachtree Street.

Plan for:

• Very crowded Downtown sidewalks and hotel lobbies
• Costumed attendees throughout the area
• Road closures and heavy MARTA usage, especially during the parade

Atlanta Pride Festival & Parade

Atlanta Pride is typically held in October and centers around Piedmont Park and Midtown. It usually includes:

• A large parade down Midtown streets
• Stages with music, speakers, and performances
• Booths for nonprofits, community groups, and vendors

If you’re driving, plan around road closures; many locals use MARTA or walk from Midtown stations.

Neighborhood & Food Festivals

Fall also brings:

• Neighborhood festivals in Inman Park, Grant Park, Cabbagetown, East Atlanta, and others
• Food and drink festivals showcasing local restaurants, chefs, and breweries
• Outdoor art shows and maker markets

These events are often walkable and family-friendly, with a mix of food trucks, local vendors, and live music.

Winter & Holiday Season Events

As temperatures cool, Atlanta shifts toward lights, markets, and indoor events.

Common winter activities include:

• Holiday light displays at major attractions and around city centers
• Seasonal markets featuring local makers, gifts, and food
• Theatrical productions such as seasonal shows, ballets, and symphonies

Many of these are concentrated around Midtown, Downtown, and mixed-use developments like large shopping and entertainment districts.

Key Venues for Atlanta Events

Knowing the main venues helps you understand where events actually happen and how to get there.

Downtown Atlanta Venues

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium
  1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Hosts NFL and MLS games, major concerts, large conventions, and national-scale events.

• State Farm Arena
  1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Home to professional basketball and a major concert venue, plus family shows and special events.

• Georgia World Congress Center
  285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Large convention center used for trade shows, expos, professional conferences, and fan conventions.

• The Tabernacle
  152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Historic concert hall for mid- to large-size music events and comedy shows.

Midtown & Arts District

• Fox Theatre
  660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
  Iconic historic venue for Broadway tours, concerts, comedy, and special film events.

• Woodruff Arts Center
  1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Houses the High Museum of Art, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and Alliance Theatre — a hub for cultural events.

• Piedmont Park
  1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
  Major site for large festivals, concerts, seasonal events, and community runs/walks.

Other Notable Event Spots

• Truist Park & The Battery Atlanta (Cumberland area, just outside city limits)
  Frequent concerts, baseball games, and outdoor events.

• Historic Fourth Ward Park, Grant Park, Candler Park, and Westside Park
  Often used for neighborhood festivals, races, and outdoor concerts.

Types of Atlanta Events You’ll Commonly See

Sports Events

Atlanta is a major sports city. Depending on the season, you’ll find:

• Football at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Basketball at State Farm Arena
• Baseball at Truist Park
• Soccer at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• College sports at various campus stadiums (Georgia Tech in Midtown, among others)

Game days often mean:

• Heavier traffic near stadiums
• Higher demand (and prices) for parking and rideshare
• Crowds at nearby restaurants and bars

Concerts & Live Music

Atlanta has venues for every size and genre:

• Stadium-level concerts (Mercedes-Benz Stadium)
• Arena shows (State Farm Arena)
• Theater concerts (Fox Theatre)
• Mid-size venues and clubs throughout Midtown, East Atlanta, Westside, and Buckhead

Locals often recommend:

• Checking seating charts before buying tickets
• Leaving early and using MARTA or rideshare for Downtown/Midtown shows

Festivals & Fairs

Across the city and year-round, you’ll see:

• Arts & crafts festivals in parks
• Food & wine festivals featuring local chefs and breweries
• Cultural festivals celebrating communities from around the world
• Film festivals and screenings at independent theaters and art centers

Most are daytime weekend events, outdoors, and often family-friendly, though some evening or 21+ food/drink events are common.

Community & Neighborhood Events

Many intown neighborhoods host:

• Porchfests and house tours
• Neighborhood block parties
• Farmers markets and maker markets
• Park cleanups and community days

These events are great if you want a local, less touristy feel and are often free or low-cost.

Getting Around to Atlanta Events

Transportation is a big part of planning any Atlanta outing.

Using MARTA

MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) is often the most reliable way to reach major events in Downtown and Midtown.

• Rail lines run north–south and east–west through the city
• Many big venues (Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Downtown hotels) are walkable from stations
• During major events, trains run more frequently, but cars can be crowded

General info line: MARTA Customer Service – (404) 848-5000
(Information lines can confirm current routes, operating hours, and service changes.)

Driving & Parking

Driving is common, but you’ll want to:

• Arrive early for big events to avoid gridlock
• Factor in event pricing at decks and lots
• Check maps for road closures (especially for parades, races, and festivals)

Downtown, Midtown, and around stadiums, private and public parking decks are widely available but fill quickly during major events.

Rideshare & Taxis

Rideshare is widely used around Atlanta, especially:

• Late at night after concerts or games
• In heavily trafficked areas like Buckhead, Midtown, and Downtown
• For visitors staying near MARTA stations without rental cars

During large events, expect:

• Surge pricing at peak times
• Designated pickup/drop-off zones near stadiums and big venues

Practical Tips for Enjoying Atlanta Events

Here are some locally relevant tips to make events smoother:

• Plan for weather
  Atlanta can be hot and humid in summer, cool and damp in winter, and stormy in spring and fall. Many outdoor events are rain-or-shine, so bring layers, sunscreen, or ponchos as needed.

• Watch traffic patterns
  Large events can affect highways like I-75/85, I-20, and I-285, not just surface streets. Checking traffic before you leave helps avoid delays.

• Build in walking time
  Between MARTA stops, parking decks, and actual entrances, you may walk farther than expected, especially around Downtown, Midtown, and stadium districts.

• Keep cash/card options handy
  Some vendors and small festivals may favor cards or mobile payments, while others still accept cash for quick transactions.

• Check age restrictions
  Some nightlife or food/drink events are 21+. Others are specifically family-focused. Confirm details in advance if attending with kids or teens.

• Look for local neighborhood events
  If you’re staying in a particular area (like Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, West Midtown, East Atlanta), local markets and small festivals can be just as memorable as big downtown events.

Atlanta’s events calendar is always full, from massive stadium concerts and international conventions to intimate neighborhood gatherings. Once you understand the main venues, transportation options, and seasonal patterns, it becomes much easier to build a visit or a weekend around the type of Atlanta events you’re most interested in.