Things Going On in Atlanta: Your Local Guide to What’s Happening Now

Atlanta is always in motion. Whether you live here, just moved in, or are planning a visit, there’s always something going on in Atlanta—from festivals and food events to sports, concerts, neighborhood markets, and free community programs.

Use this guide as a starting point to plan what to do in Atlanta any week of the year.

Big-Name Attractions & Ongoing Experiences

These are the “always-on” things to do in Atlanta that you can plug into almost any day, perfect for visitors and locals showing off the city.

Downtown & Nearby

• Georgia Aquarium – Major draw with marine exhibits, dolphin and sea lion presentations, and seasonal events.
  225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 581-4000

• World of Coca‑Cola – Interactive exhibits about the brand’s history, memorabilia, and tasting room.
  121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 676-5151

• Centennial Olympic Park – Green space with fountains, seasonal concerts, and festivals right in the heart of downtown.
  265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights – Exhibits on the U.S. civil rights movement and global human rights.
  100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (678) 999-8990

Midtown & Arts District

• High Museum of Art – Permanent collection plus rotating special exhibits and family days.
  1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 733-4400

• Atlanta Botanical Garden – Seasonal flower shows, light displays, and evening events like concerts and cocktails in the garden.
  1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 876-5859

• Piedmont Park – Everyday activity hub with walking trails, sports fields, and frequent festivals around the meadow.

Historic & Cultural Districts

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park – Includes MLK Jr.’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Center.
  450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 | (404) 331-5190

• Atlanta History Center (Buckhead) – Museum, gardens, and the Swan House, with revolving historical exhibits and programs.
  130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 814-4000

Sports, Concerts, and Major Event Venues

If you’re asking “What’s going on in Atlanta this weekend?”, sports and concerts are often a big piece of the answer.

Professional Sports

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
  Home to the Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS), plus major concerts and special events.
  1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (470) 341-5000

• State Farm Arena
  Home of the Atlanta Hawks (NBA) and frequent concerts, comedy shows, and touring events.
  1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 878-3000

• Truist Park (Cobb County, just outside the city)
  Home of the Atlanta Braves (MLB), surrounded by The Battery Atlanta, a mixed-use district with dining, bars, and live music.
  755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339 | (404) 577-9100

Music & Performing Arts

• Fox Theatre – Historic Midtown theater hosting Broadway tours, concerts, and special film events.
  660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (855) 285-8499

• Alliance Theatre – Major regional theater with new plays, family productions, and classics.
  1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 733-4600

• Tabernacle, Variety Playhouse, Terminal West, and The Eastern – Smaller concert venues where you’ll find touring bands and local artists on most nights.

Festivals and Seasonal Events in Atlanta

Atlanta has a strong festival culture, especially in spring and fall when the weather is most pleasant. Many are annual traditions that locals plan around.

Typical Yearly Highlights (Timing May Vary)

Examples of well-known annual Atlanta-area events include:

• Atlanta Dogwood Festival – Arts, music, and food in Piedmont Park (usually spring).
• Atlanta Jazz Festival – Free jazz performances and events across the city, often centered in Piedmont Park.
• Atlanta Pride Festival & Parade – Major fall event based in Midtown’s Piedmont Park and Peachtree Street.
• Dragon Con – Large multi-genre convention in downtown hotels, usually around Labor Day weekend.
• Atlanta Film Festival – Screenings at various theaters, often including Plaza Theatre and other local cinemas.

For specific dates in a given year, check the official websites or venue calendars, as timing can shift.

Neighborhood Hotspots and Local Flavor

Beyond big-ticket attractions, many people asking about things going on in Atlanta are really looking for neighborhood-level experiences.

BeltLine & Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward

• The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is a constant source of things to do: pop-up art, street performers, outdoor patios, and markets.
• Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308) offers food halls, rooftop games, and rotating events.
• Krog Street Market and the nearby Krog Street Tunnel draw art lovers, photographers, and food fans.

Midtown

• Regular events in Piedmont Park, from charity runs to food festivals and concerts.
• An active restaurant and bar scene along Peachtree St and Juniper St with trivia nights, open mics, and happy hours.

East Atlanta, Edgewood, and Little Five Points

• Little Five Points is known for vintage shops, tattoo studios, street art, and Halloween-season events.
• Edgewood Avenue has nightlife, DJs, and small venues, especially on weekends.
• East Atlanta Village hosts markets, music, and neighborhood gatherings.

West Midtown & Westside

• Renovated industrial spaces with breweries, art galleries, and food halls (like Westside Provisions District).
• Pop-up markets, design shows, and food events are common in this area.

Free and Low-Cost Things Going On in Atlanta

Atlanta can be done on almost any budget. There are many free or low-cost activities:

Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Activities

• Piedmont Park – Walking, jogging, playgrounds, and frequent free events.
• Atlanta BeltLine trails – Eastside, Westside, Southside segments with public art and easy biking/walking.
• Historic Fourth Ward Park, Grant Park, and Chastain Park – Regular gathering spots, some with amphitheaters that host shows.

Public Programs & Community Events

• Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
  Central Library: 1 Margaret Mitchell Sq, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 612-8700
  Offers free author talks, workshops, children’s story times, and community meetings.

• City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
  233 Peachtree St NE, Ste 2400, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 546-6788
  Many recreation centers provide low-cost or free fitness classes, youth sports, and seasonal events.

Family-Friendly Things Going On in Atlanta

Families looking for things to do in Atlanta have a wide range of options.

Educational & Interactive

• Fernbank Museum of Natural History
  767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 929-6300
  Dinosaurs, nature exhibits, and a large outdoor forest area with interactive features.

• Children’s Museum of Atlanta
  275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 659-5437
  Hands-on exhibits geared toward younger children.

• Zoo Atlanta
  800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 | (404) 624-5600
  Animal exhibits, keeper talks, and periodic family nights.

Simple Everyday Options

• Splash pads and playgrounds in Piedmont Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park, and other city parks.
• Family story times and craft activities at branches of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.
• Kids’ workshops and seasonal events at major attractions (often on weekends).

Nightlife, Food, and Culture

Atlanta’s nightlife and dining scene are central to what’s going on after dark.

Food & Drink

• Food halls like Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and others around the metro area host chef pop-ups and themed events.
• Many neighborhoods, including Buckhead, Midtown, and West Midtown, have clusters of restaurants and lounges with live music, DJs, and special menus.

Arts & Culture

• Museum nights – Some museums occasionally offer after-hours events with music, drinks, and special exhibits.
• Comedy clubs – Venues in Midtown, Buckhead, and surrounding areas frequently host stand-up shows and open-mic nights.
• Local theaters – Beyond the big venues, smaller theaters across the city put on plays, improv, and experimental work.

How to Keep Up With What’s Going On in Atlanta

Because Atlanta’s calendar changes quickly, locals typically rely on a mix of sources:

• Venue calendars – Checking specific places like Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Fox Theatre, and major museums for upcoming dates.
• Neighborhood associations – Many have websites or social feeds listing block parties, festivals, and meetings.
• City and county websites – City of Atlanta and Fulton/DeKalb recreation departments post info on camps, sports, and seasonal events.
• Transit and traffic updates – MARTA and local traffic alerts can be helpful if you’re planning to attend large downtown events.

Quick Planning Tips for Enjoying Atlanta Events

• Plan for traffic and parking. Many major events near Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead draw large crowds, especially evenings and weekends. Arrive early or consider MARTA rail and buses.
• Check weather and outdoor rules. For BeltLine events, festivals in Piedmont Park, and open-air concerts, plan for sun or rain and review any restrictions on bags or outside food.
• Verify times and ticketing. Event schedules, prices, and hours can change, especially for special exhibits and one-time festivals. Confirm details directly with the venue or organizer before heading out.

If you’re in or heading to Atlanta, there is almost always a mix of sports, arts, music, food, family activities, and free community events happening somewhere in the city. Use the sections above to match what’s going on in Atlanta with what you want to do today or this weekend.