Things To Do in Atlanta This Weekend: A Local’s Guide to the City

Looking for what to do in Atlanta this weekend? Whether you live in the city, are visiting for a few days, or planning a quick staycation, Atlanta offers plenty of ways to fill your time—without having to search endlessly.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to help you plan your weekend, with ideas for outdoors, food, arts, family fun, nightlife, and neighborhoods that are usually active any given weekend.

Quick Weekend Planning Overview

Use this snapshot to decide what kind of Atlanta weekend you want:

Enjoy the Outdoors in Atlanta This Weekend

1. Walk, Run, or Bike the Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the best ways to experience the city on a weekend.

• The Eastside Trail (from Piedmont Park down through Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park toward Reynoldstown) is usually lively with:
  • Walkers, joggers, and cyclists
  • Patios and rooftop bars
  • Public art installations and murals

Tips:

• 🚶‍♀️ Don’t want to drive? Many sections are accessible from MARTA stations like Inman Park/Reynoldstown and Midtown.
• 🚲 You can rent bikes or scooters nearby from various services.

2. Relax at Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park
1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306

Often called Atlanta’s “Central Park,” this is a classic weekend hangout:

• Walking and jogging paths with skyline views
• Open fields for picnics or frisbee
• Dog parks
• Easy access to the BeltLine and Midtown restaurants

If the weather is good, this is usually one of the most active spots in the city.

3. Explore Stone Mountain Park

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

If you’re okay with a short drive from Atlanta, this park offers:

• A hike up Stone Mountain with panoramic views of the city
• Walking trails, a lake area, and picnic spots

Most weekends you can simply pay for parking and enjoy the outdoor spaces, though some attractions inside the park may have separate fees.

4. Stroll at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Bordering Piedmont Park, this is a calmer, curated outdoor experience:

• Seasonal flower displays
• Canopy walk among the trees
• Special weekend exhibits and events during various times of the year

It’s a good option if you want a scenic walk that feels organized and easy to navigate.

Food & Drink: Where to Eat and Sip This Weekend

1. Ponce City Market

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

Housed in a historic Sears building along the BeltLine, this is a go-to weekend spot:

• Large food hall with local and international options
• Retail shops and small vendors
• Rooftop amusement-style area (with games, mini-golf, and city views)

Great for groups because everyone can pick their own meal but sit together.

2. Krog Street Market

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

Smaller than Ponce City Market but with a strong local feel:

• Food stalls and bars in a converted warehouse
• Easy access to the BeltLine and Inman Park
• Short walk to the Krog Street Tunnel, known for colorful street art

Good choice if you want to combine food, art, and a casual walk.

3. Explore Neighborhood Food Scenes

Some of Atlanta’s food and drink neighborhoods are especially active on weekends:

• West Midtown – Restaurants, breweries, and modern industrial-style spaces.
• Virginia-Highland – Walkable area with brunch spots, bars, and casual restaurants.
• Edgewood Avenue – Mix of bars, late-night spots, and laid-back eateries.
• Buford Highway (a short drive north) – Known for a wide range of authentic international cuisines.

Tip:

• 🍳 Brunch is big in Atlanta. Expect crowds late morning through early afternoon, especially in Midtown, Inman Park, and Virginia-Highland.

Arts, Culture, and History in Atlanta This Weekend

1. High Museum of Art

High Museum of Art
1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

A central destination for art lovers:

• Permanent collection plus rotating exhibitions
• Often has special weekend programs, family activities, and tours

It’s located in the Midtown arts district, near other cultural venues and MARTA.

2. National Center for Civil and Human Rights

National Center for Civil and Human Rights
100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Located near Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium, this museum:

• Connects Atlanta’s civil rights history with global human rights issues
• Offers interactive exhibits and powerful storytelling

It’s a good choice if you want something meaningful and educational during your weekend.

3. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

MLK Jr. National Historical Park
450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

This historic district in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood may include:

• Dr. King’s birth home (by tour)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church
• Visitor center exhibits

It’s usually open on weekends, but hours and tours can vary, so it’s smart to verify timing before you go.

4. See a Show at the Fox Theatre

Fox Theatre
660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

An iconic, historic theater in Midtown:

• Hosts Broadway shows, concerts, comedy, and special events
• Weekends often have at least one major performance

Even if you’re not seeing a show, many people like to walk by and explore the surrounding Midtown restaurants.

Classic Atlanta Attractions for the Weekend

1. Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

One of Atlanta’s best-known attractions, especially for families:

• Large aquatic habitats with whales, sharks, rays, and more
• Educational presentations and shows throughout the day

Weekends can be busy, so many visitors aim for early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.

2. World of Coca‑Cola

World of Coca‑Cola
121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

Near the aquarium and easily combined in the same day:

• Exhibits on the history and branding of Coca‑Cola
• Tasting room with beverages from different regions

It’s more of a light, entertainment-style museum than a traditional history venue.

3. Zoo Atlanta

Zoo Atlanta
800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315

Located in Grant Park:

• Wide variety of animals in an easily walkable layout
• Typically has animal talks and activities throughout the weekend

Pair with a walk around the Grant Park neighborhood or a visit to nearby restaurants.

4. Fernbank Museum of Natural History

Fernbank Museum
767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307

In the Druid Hills area, this museum often appeals to both kids and adults:

• Dinosaur exhibits
• Science and nature displays
• Outdoor forest and trails in the Fernbank Forest

It’s a calmer alternative to downtown attractions but still very engaging.

Family-Friendly Ideas for Atlanta This Weekend

If you’re planning a kid-focused Atlanta weekend, consider:

• Centennial Olympic Park (265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313) – Open green space near major attractions. Good for a break between the aquarium, World of Coca‑Cola, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta (275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313) – Hands-on exhibits designed for younger children.
• SkyView Atlanta (168 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303) – Large Ferris wheel offering skyline views right across from Centennial Olympic Park.

Many families choose to park once downtown and walk to these spots in a loop.

Nightlife, Music, and Entertainment

1. Midtown and Buckhead

• Midtown – Popular for bars, lounges, and clubs, especially along Peachtree St and Crescent Ave. Close to MARTA and walkable from many hotels.
• Buckhead – Known for more upscale bars, steakhouses, and late-night spots, centered around Peachtree Rd and the Buckhead Village area.

If you’re staying nearby, these areas offer easy options for an evening out without driving far.

2. Edgewood Avenue and East Atlanta Village

• Edgewood Avenue (Old Fourth Ward) – Mix of bars, music spots, and casual late-night food. Often busy on weekends.
• East Atlanta Village – Neighborhood with live music venues, bars, and a more laid-back, local feel.

Both are popular with locals who prefer smaller venues and a neighborhood vibe.

3. Live Music Venues

Atlanta has an active live music scene most weekends. Well-known venues include:

• Tabernacle – 152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Variety Playhouse – 1099 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 (Little Five Points)
• Terminal West – 887 W Marietta St NW C, Atlanta, GA 30318 (West Midtown)

Lineups change frequently, so checking schedules ahead is helpful if you want a specific type of music.

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring This Weekend

If you prefer to wander, shop, and discover local spots, focus on one or two neighborhoods instead of trying to see everything.

1. Inman Park & Old Fourth Ward

These adjacent neighborhoods offer:

• Direct access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Historic homes, tree-lined streets, and parks
• Restaurants, coffee shops, and small boutiques

You can easily walk between Krog Street Market, the BeltLine, and nearby residential streets for a full afternoon outing.

2. Virginia-Highland

A classic intown neighborhood known for:

• Walkable intersections with restaurants, bars, and dessert spots
• Older homes and shaded streets
• Proximity to both Piedmont Park and Morningside

Good for a casual brunch, coffee, and stroll kind of weekend.

3. Little Five Points

One of Atlanta’s most distinctive areas, known for:

• Vintage shops and record stores
• Street art and murals
• Casual bars and quick food options

Often combined with a visit to Variety Playhouse or nearby Freedom Park trails.

4. West Midtown

Former industrial area turned modern hotspot:

• Trendy restaurants, rooftop spaces, and breweries
• Art galleries and design shops in some sections
• More driving-oriented, but clusters of spots are walkable once you’re parked.

Practical Tips for Spending a Weekend in Atlanta

• Get around:
  • MARTA rail works well for Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead.
  • Rideshare is common for nightlife and when parking is tight.
• Parking:
  • Popular spots like Ponce City Market, the BeltLine, and major attractions often have paid decks or lots. Street parking can be limited on busy weekends.
• Timing:
  • Outdoor activities and attractions are often less crowded earlier in the day.
  • Brunch and BeltLine areas can be busiest late morning to mid-afternoon.
• Weather backup:
  • On rainy weekends, prioritize museums, indoor markets like Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market, and shows at venues such as the Fox Theatre or local cinemas.

How to Build Your Own “Atlanta This Weekend” Plan

You can quickly create a full weekend around a few anchor ideas:

• If you love the outdoors:

  • Morning at Piedmont Park → Walk the BeltLine → Lunch at Ponce City Market → Evening drinks in Midtown or Virginia-Highland.

• If you’re with kids:

  • Georgia Aquarium + World of Coca‑Cola → Playtime in Centennial Olympic Park → Early dinner nearby.
  • Another day at Zoo Atlanta → Walk around Grant Park → Ice cream or casual dinner in the neighborhood.

• If you want culture and nightlife:

  • Daytime at the High Museum or National Center for Civil and Human Rights → Dinner in Midtown or West Midtown → Show at the Fox Theatre or concert at a local venue.

Staying focused on one or two areas each day will help you enjoy Atlanta this weekend without spending all your time in traffic.