The Best Things Happening in Atlanta This Weekend

Looking for things to do in Atlanta this weekend? Whether you live here or you’re just in town for a couple of days, Atlanta always has plenty going on—from festivals and concerts to family activities and neighborhood markets.

Because specific lineups change every week, this guide is built to help you quickly find the most current events and classic Atlanta weekend activities that are almost always available.

Quick Snapshot: Where to Look First This Weekend

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

1. Big-Event Weekends: Sports, Concerts, and Festivals

Atlanta often anchors its weekends around major events. Even if you don’t have tickets, these can shape traffic, parking, and the energy in certain neighborhoods.

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium Area (Downtown)

Large events commonly hosted here include:

• Professional football games
• Soccer matches
• Major concerts and touring shows

These events bring crowds to the Downtown and Castleberry Hill area. If you plan to be nearby:

• MARTA rail stations:
  • GWCC/CNN Center and Vine City are the closest.
• Expect heavier traffic on Northside Dr NW, Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, and around Martin Luther King Jr Dr NW.

Tip: If you don’t have event tickets but want the atmosphere, the areas around Centennial Olympic Park and State Farm Arena often feel lively on event nights, with nearby restaurants and casual bars.

State Farm Arena and Downtown Entertainment

Just a short walk from Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena frequently hosts:

• Basketball games
• Concerts
• Special events and tours

Nearby attractions that are worth pairing with an event:

• Georgia Aquarium – 225 Baker St NW
• World of Coca‑Cola – 121 Baker St NW
• Centennial Olympic Park – often has casual weekend activity, performers, and open green space.

Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta (Cobb County, Metro Atlanta)

If you’re willing to go slightly outside Atlanta city limits, weekends around Truist Park (home of professional baseball) feature:

• Ballgames in season
• Live music in The Battery Atlanta plaza
• Many restaurants and bars that stay busy even when no game is scheduled

Parking is easier to plan ahead; many people prepay for a deck and arrive early to walk around.

2. Classic Atlanta Weekend Activities (Good Almost Any Time)

Even when there isn’t a big festival or game, Atlanta has reliable, year‑round things to do.

Walk, Bike, or Skate the Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine is one of the city’s most popular weekend hangouts.

Key stretches to try:

• Eastside Trail – connects Piedmont Park to Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Ponce City Market, and Krog Street Market.
• Westside Trail – runs through neighborhoods like Adair Park and West End, with new restaurants and breweries nearby.

Common weekend activities:

• Strolling or jogging the trail
• Renting scooters or bikes from shared mobility hubs
• Stopping for patio dining, coffee, or breweries just off the path
• Viewing rotating public art installations and murals

👟 Practical tip: Weekends can be crowded, especially mid‑day. Early morning or late afternoon feel more open, especially near Piedmont Park.

Explore Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market

Both of these food‑hall style destinations are Atlanta weekend staples:

• Ponce City Market – 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
  • Shops, a large central food hall, rooftop amusement‑style area (tickets usually required), and direct access to the BeltLine.
• Krog Street Market – 99 Krog St NE
  • Smaller but packed with popular eateries, near Krog Street Tunnel (street art hub) and the BeltLine.

Expect:

• Crowds around brunch and dinner
• Parking garages that fill quickly (many locals choose rideshare or BeltLine access)

Relax at Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park – 400 Park Dr NE – is sometimes called Atlanta’s “Central Park.”

Weekend options:

• Walking or jogging loops
• Dog parks for both small and large dogs
• Open fields for picnics or pickup sports
• Occasional festivals, 5K races, and cultural events

Many people combine Piedmont Park with a visit to:

• Atlanta Botanical Garden – 1345 Piedmont Ave NE (adjacent to the park). It often hosts seasonal exhibits, light displays (in winter), and special weekend programming.

3. Family‑Friendly Things to Do This Weekend in Atlanta

If you have kids with you, Atlanta offers a lot of hands‑on, educational, and just‑for‑fun weekend choices.

Georgia Aquarium

• Location: 225 Baker St NW (Downtown)

One of the largest aquariums in the country, it commonly offers:

• Dolphin and sea lion presentations
• Large viewing windows into ocean habitats
• Kid‑friendly touch areas and educational exhibits

🕒 Weekend tip: Mornings usually feel less crowded than mid‑day; many families reserve visits early, then walk to Centennial Olympic Park afterward.

Zoo Atlanta

• Location: 800 Cherokee Ave SE (Grant Park neighborhood)

Activities often include:

• Animal exhibits (pandas, gorillas, reptiles, and more)
• Keeper talks and feedings on many weekends
• Family‑friendly play zones and a train ride

Many people pair this with a stroll around Grant Park or nearby restaurants along Memorial Dr SE.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History

• Location: 767 Clifton Rd (Druid Hills area)

Good for:

• Dinosaur exhibits
• Nature trails and outdoor play spaces (Fernbank Forest and WildWoods)
• Rotating special exhibitions that often have kid‑friendly components

This is a strong option for rainy or very hot weekends when you want mostly indoor activities.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

• Location: 275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW (Downtown)

Designed for younger children, typical weekend activities include:

• Hands‑on exhibits focused on play and learning
• Art, science, and building stations

It’s walkable from other Downtown attractions, making it easy to plan a full day in one area.

4. Art, History, and Culture: Atlanta’s Weekend Highlights

Atlanta has a deep cultural and historical landscape that’s accessible and active on weekends.

High Museum of Art

• Location: 1280 Peachtree St NE (Midtown)

Expect:

• Permanent collections of classic and modern art
• Special exhibitions that change regularly
• Family days and special weekend tours at certain times of the year

Many visitors pair the High with a stroll through Midtown or nearby Colony Square for dining.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

• Location: 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW (Downtown)

This museum focuses on:

• The U.S. Civil Rights Movement
• Global human rights issues

Weekends are popular for:

• Self‑guided visits
• Occasional talks and special programs

Because it sits close to Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca‑Cola, it’s easy to build a meaningful half‑ or full‑day visit in this area.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

• General area: Auburn Ave NE (Sweet Auburn neighborhood)

Sites often visited together:

• MLK Jr.’s birth home (guided tours require timed entry)
• Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church
• Visitor center and exhibits

This area provides an important look at Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights Movement. Weekends frequently see steady visitor traffic; parking is generally manageable but can be busier midday.

5. Neighborhood Events, Markets, and “Local” Atlanta Weekends

Many of Atlanta’s best weekend experiences come from neighborhood‑based activities that locals love.

Farmers Markets and Food‑Focused Events

While exact schedules can change by season, some Atlanta‑area markets are frequently active on weekends:

• Freedom Farmers Market at The Carter Center
  • Typical area: 453 Freedom Pkwy NE
  • Often features local produce, baked goods, and food vendors.
• Peachtree Road Farmers Market (Buckhead area)
  • Commonly held on Saturdays in season and known for a wide range of local foods.
• Smaller neighborhood markets around Grant Park, East Atlanta Village, and West End appear most weekends in spring, summer, and fall.

🛒 Tip: Many vendors accept cards, but carrying a small amount of cash can be helpful for certain booths or parking setups.

Street Festivals and Block Parties

Atlanta’s in‑town neighborhoods often host weekend festivals featuring:

• Live music and DJ sets
• Local artists and makers
• Food trucks and pop‑up food vendors

Neighborhoods that commonly see these events:

• Inman Park
• Grant Park
• Old Fourth Ward
• East Atlanta Village
• Little Five Points
• Westside/West Midtown

Because these festivals can bring road closures, check event details before driving; some visitors prefer MARTA or rideshare to avoid parking challenges.

6. Nightlife, Music, and Date‑Night Ideas

When the sun goes down, Atlanta’s weekend scene shifts to music, bars, clubs, and late‑night dining.

Live Music and Performance Venues

Many of Atlanta’s popular music venues host shows Friday–Sunday, including:

• Venues in Midtown and Downtown
• Stages around East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points, and Old Fourth Ward
• Outdoor amphitheaters (often busier in warm weather months)

Types of shows you can look for:

• Local and regional bands
• Touring national acts
• Comedy, spoken word, and open‑mic events

If you’re planning a night out, it’s common to eat and park once, then walk between a restaurant and show venue within the same neighborhood.

Rooftops and Skyline Views

For a more relaxed date night or evening with friends, Atlantans often head to:

• Rooftop bars and lounges in Midtown, Downtown, and Buckhead
• Ponce City Market Rooftop area (access often ticketed and time‑specific)

These spots typically offer:

• City views
• Light bites or full menus
• A mix of casual and dress‑up atmospheres depending on location

Dress codes can vary; checking ahead is common for more upscale Buckhead or Midtown spots.

7. Outdoor Adventures and Nature Near Atlanta

If you’d rather be outside than in a museum or restaurant, Atlanta still has plenty to offer, both inside the city and just beyond it.

Chattahoochee River and Nearby Trails

Many locals spend weekend mornings near the Chattahoochee River, with access points in the metro area offering:

• Easy riverside trails
• Kayaking or tubing (in warmer months)
• Scenic picnic spots

Certain access points fall under the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, where parking lots can fill on pretty weekends—arriving earlier in the day generally helps.

Stone Mountain Park (Metro Atlanta)

While not in the city itself, Stone Mountain Park is a short drive from many Atlanta neighborhoods and offers:

• Hiking up Stone Mountain with skyline views at the top
• Lakeside walking paths and picnic areas
• Seasonal weekend events, including light or laser shows at some times of year

Parking is typically paid per vehicle, so carpooling can be cost‑effective.

8. Practical Tips for Enjoying an Atlanta Weekend

To make the most of things happening in Atlanta this weekend, a few local‑style habits help:

Getting Around

• MARTA Rail & Bus
  • Handy for major event venues (Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead).
  • Avoids parking fees near stadiums and arenas.
• Rideshare
  • Often easier than parking in dense neighborhoods like Inman Park or Old Fourth Ward on Saturday nights.
• Driving and Parking
  • Many event areas use paid lots or garages.
  • Residential streets around popular neighborhoods can have resident‑only restrictions; read signs carefully.

Timing Your Day

• Mornings – Better for family attractions, hiking, and hitting the BeltLine if you want smaller crowds.
• Afternoons – Busier at markets, parks, and food halls.
• Evenings – Best for live music, rooftop experiences, and bar/restaurant hopping.

Weather and Backup Plans

Atlanta weather can change quickly, especially in warmer months:

• Many residents keep a backup indoor plan (museum, food hall, shopping district) in the same area as their outdoor activity.
• Pop‑up showers are common; carrying a light rain jacket or umbrella makes outdoor festivals and BeltLine walks more comfortable.

9. How to Quickly Find What’s Happening This Specific Weekend

Because event calendars change weekly, locals often use a simple process to see what’s on:

1. Pick your general area

   • Downtown, Midtown, BeltLine, Buckhead, or a neighborhood you want to explore.

2. Decide your main theme

   • Sports, live music, family attractions, parks/outdoors, art & history, or food/markets.

3. Check current event listings or venue calendars

   • Look up the schedule for places like Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Truist Park, major museums, and your chosen neighborhood.

4. Plan for transit and parking upfront

   • For big events, decide whether you’ll use MARTA, paid parking, or rideshare before you leave.

By focusing on a neighborhood plus an activity type, you can easily build a full, memorable weekend in Atlanta without feeling overwhelmed by options. Whether you want a low‑key BeltLine walk and lunch, a museum‑heavy day, or a sports‑and‑concert doubleheader, Atlanta reliably has something happening every weekend.