The Best Things To Do in Atlanta This Weekend: A Local’s Guide

Looking for things to do in Atlanta this weekend? Whether you live here, are in town for a quick visit, or are planning ahead, Atlanta offers plenty of options that work for different budgets, interests, and neighborhoods.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide you can use to build your weekend—mix and match depending on your mood, the weather, and how much time you have.

Quick-Glance Weekend Ideas in Atlanta

1. Explore Atlanta’s Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Spaces

Atlanta weekends often start outside. The city’s mix of urban green space, trails, and skyline views makes it easy to spend a whole day outdoors.

Piedmont Park & The Atlanta BeltLine

Piedmont Park (1320 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30306)
This is Atlanta’s classic weekend park—with walking paths, playgrounds, dog parks, and frequent festivals or small events.

Things to do this weekend there might include:

• Walk or run around Lake Clara Meer
• Bring a blanket for a picnic with skyline views
• Let your dog run at the off-leash dog park
• Join pick-up games on the fields or basketball courts

From Piedmont Park, you can easily access the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, a paved path that connects Midtown to Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and beyond. Along the BeltLine, you can:

• Rent a scooter or bike
• Stop for coffee, ice cream, or a quick bite
• Check out murals and public art installations

Stroll or Bike the Atlanta BeltLine

The BeltLine is one of the most popular “things to do in Atlanta this weekend” for locals:

• Eastside Trail: Buzzing with restaurants, bars, and people-watching
• Westside Trail: Calmer, with breweries and neighborhood parks
• Northside Trail: More wooded, good for a quieter walk

📝 Tip: Weekends, especially afternoons, can be crowded on the Eastside Trail. For a more relaxed vibe, go earlier in the day or check out the Westside Trail.

Other Great Parks for a Weekend

• Grant Park (840 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312) – Pair a park walk with a visit to Zoo Atlanta.
• Westside Reservoir Park (1660 Johnson Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318) – Newer park with impressive skyline views.
• Chastain Park (4469 Stella Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30342) – Walking paths, playgrounds, and often evening performances at the amphitheater.

2. Dive Into Atlanta’s Museums and Indoor Attractions

If the weather isn’t cooperating, or you just want some air conditioning, Atlanta has plenty of indoor things to do this weekend.

Downtown & Midtown Museum Highlights

• Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
  One of the city’s most visited attractions. Good for families, couples, and solo visitors who enjoy marine life and large-scale exhibits.

• World of Coca-Cola (121 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
  A brand-focused museum that often ends up on weekend itineraries, especially for out-of-town visitors.

• National Center for Civil and Human Rights (100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313)
  A powerful, educational museum that connects Atlanta’s civil rights history to global human rights issues.

• High Museum of Art (1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309)
  Located in Midtown’s arts district, often with rotating exhibits, family days, and special weekend programming.

History and Neighborhood-Focused Stops

• Atlanta History Center (130 West Paces Ferry Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305) in Buckhead – Combines museum exhibits with historic homes and gardens.
• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312) – Includes Dr. King’s childhood home area, the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and visitor center exhibits.

📝 Tip: If you’re planning several paid attractions, check for combo passes or city passes that can be used over the weekend to save money.

3. Enjoy Atlanta’s Food, Coffee, and Market Culture

Weekends in Atlanta often revolve around food. You can build an entire day around exploring different neighborhoods and trying local spots.

Food Halls and Markets

• Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)
  Located along the BeltLine Eastside Trail, Ponce City Market offers a food hall, rooftop amusement-style area, shops, and easy access to the trail.

• Krog Street Market (99 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307)
  In Inman Park, this food hall is great for casual eating with friends, then walking the BeltLine or exploring nearby bars.

• Sweet Auburn Curb Market (209 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303)
  An indoor market near Downtown with local vendors and prepared foods, often less touristy than the bigger food halls.

Neighborhood Food & Coffee Exploring

Some areas that are especially good for weekend wandering:

• Inman Park & Old Fourth Ward – Walkable, with easy BeltLine access and plenty of brunch options.
• West Midtown – Trendy restaurants and industrial-chic vibes.
• Buford Highway Corridor (just northeast of the city) – Known for diverse, authentic international dining, especially Asian and Latin American cuisines.

For slower mornings, Atlanta’s coffee scene is active across neighborhoods, including Midtown, Virginia-Highland, East Atlanta Village, and Westside.

4. Catch a Game, Concert, or Live Performance

If you’re looking for evening things to do in Atlanta this weekend, live events are a major draw.

Professional Sports

Depending on the time of year, you might find:

• Atlanta Braves at Truist Park (755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339) – Games are paired with dining and entertainment at The Battery Atlanta.
• Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303) – Easy MARTA access from the Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center station.
• Atlanta United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313) – Known for energetic crowds and a central location.
• Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during football season.

📝 Tip: If you don’t have tickets, the areas around the stadiums—especially The Battery and Downtown—still offer lively atmospheres on game days.

Concerts, Comedy, and Theater

Check out:

• Major venues like Fox Theatre (660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308) in Midtown.
• Smaller performance spaces and comedy clubs around Little Five Points, East Atlanta Village, and Old Fourth Ward.

Weekend lineups change frequently, so it’s helpful to check venue calendars before heading out.

5. Family-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta This Weekend

Atlanta works well for families with kids, with plenty of hands-on, active, and educational options.

Top Family Stops

• Zoo Atlanta (800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315) – In Grant Park, easy to pair with playground time and a picnic.
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta (275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313) – Right by Centennial Olympic Park, geared toward younger children.
• Fernbank Museum of Natural History (767 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307) – Exhibits, giant dinosaur displays, and outdoor forest areas.
• Stone Mountain Park (1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083) – Just outside city limits, with hiking, views, and family attractions.

Weekend mornings usually feel less crowded than afternoons at many of these spots.

6. Budget-Friendly and Free Things To Do in Atlanta

You don’t need to spend much to have a full weekend in Atlanta.

Free or Low-Cost Ideas

• Walk the BeltLine and explore public art.
• Spend time in Piedmont Park, Grant Park, or Historic Fourth Ward Park.
• Visit Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park (no admission fee for the main site, though some areas may require reservations or timed entry).
• Window shop and people-watch in Little Five Points, Virginia-Highland, or Inman Park.
• Explore local farmers markets, such as the Freedom Farmers Market at the Carter Center (453 Freedom Pkwy NE, Atlanta, GA 30307) on many Saturday mornings.

📝 Tip: Parking can be the biggest hidden cost. When possible, use MARTA, rideshares, or park once and walk/BeltLine between nearby neighborhoods.

7. Nightlife, Bars, and Late-Night Activities

For those looking for things to do in Atlanta this weekend at night, options range from relaxed lounges to energetic clubs.

Popular Nighttime Areas

• Midtown – Bars, lounges, and dance spots clustered in a walkable area.
• Edgewood Avenue (Old Fourth Ward) – Known for busy bars and late-night energy.
• Buckhead – Mix of bars, restaurants, and more upscale venues.
• West Midtown – Trendy restaurants that transition into later-night scenes.

If you prefer a calmer evening:

• Catch an independent film at a local theater.
• Find a rooftop bar with downtown or Midtown skyline views.
• Try a jazz spot, wine bar, or speakeasy-style bar for a quieter atmosphere.

8. Active and Wellness-Focused Weekend Ideas

If your ideal weekend in Atlanta involves staying active or recharging:

• Join a yoga or fitness class in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Buckhead—many studios offer weekend sessions, sometimes in parks.
• Go for a hike at:
  • East Palisades or Cochran Shoals along the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (northwest of the city)
  • Stone Mountain trails for a short but steep hike with views
• Rent a bike or scooter and ride the BeltLine or city streets designed with bike lanes.

Many Atlantans combine a morning workout or hike with brunch and a leisurely afternoon.

9. Practical Tips for Planning Your Atlanta Weekend

To make the most of your time:

• Check event calendars: Major venues (Fox Theatre, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Truist Park, State Farm Arena) and neighborhood events can affect traffic and crowds.
• Consider MARTA:
  • Rail lines connect the airport, Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead.
  • North Avenue, Midtown, and Arts Center stations are useful for many central attractions.
• Plan for traffic and parking:
  • Arrive early for big events.
  • Look for parking decks near attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, Ponce City Market, and major stadiums.
• Stay weather-aware: Atlanta weekends can be hot, humid, or rainy depending on the season. Have a mix of indoor and outdoor ideas ready so you can switch plans if needed.

10. Sample “Things To Do in Atlanta This Weekend” Itineraries

To make this easier, here are a few sample ways to structure a weekend day.

A Classic Midtown & BeltLine Day

• Morning: Coffee and walk through Piedmont Park
• Late morning: Explore the High Museum of Art
• Afternoon: Walk or bike the BeltLine Eastside Trail, stop at Ponce City Market
• Evening: Dinner in Inman Park or Old Fourth Ward

Family-Friendly Downtown Day

• Morning: Georgia Aquarium
• Midday: Lunch near Centennial Olympic Park
• Afternoon: World of Coca-Cola or Children’s Museum of Atlanta
• Evening: Stroll around the park or head back to your hotel/house for downtime

Budget-Friendly Local Day

• Morning: Farmers market (such as at the Carter Center)
• Midday: Walk the BeltLine and explore free public art
• Afternoon: Visit Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park
• Evening: Casual dinner in Edgewood, Little Five Points, or a neighborhood spot close to home

Atlanta weekends can be as packed or as relaxed as you want. Use this guide as a starting point, then layer in your own interests—whether that’s art, food, sports, music, history, or just enjoying the city’s neighborhoods at your own pace.