The Best Things To Do on a Saturday in Atlanta

Planning your Saturday in Atlanta can feel overwhelming—in a good way. Whether you live here or you’re visiting for the weekend, the city offers a mix of outdoor adventures, food, history, arts, sports, and nightlife that can easily fill an entire day.

Use this guide as a practical, Atlanta-focused playbook to build your perfect Saturday.

Quick-Glance: How to Spend a Saturday in Atlanta

Start Your Saturday with Classic Atlanta Mornings

Walk, Run, or Bike the Atlanta BeltLine

The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is one of the most popular ways to start a Saturday:

• What it is: A paved multi-use trail connecting neighborhoods like Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, and Poncey-Highland.
• Why it’s great on Saturday: You can walk, jog, or bike, grab coffee, stop at parks, and people-watch.

Common entry points include:

• Near Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)
• Historic Fourth Ward Park area (680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308)

You can often find bike and scooter rentals nearby, and the trail is generally family-friendly during the day.

Enjoy Brunch the Atlanta Way

Saturday in Atlanta often starts with brunch, especially in:

• Midtown – walkable, with plenty of patios and quick access to Piedmont Park.
• Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward – close to the BeltLine, good for a walk-before-or-after-brunch routine.
• West Midtown – trendier warehouse conversions and modern restaurants.

For planning:

• Expect brunch spots to get busy after 10:30 a.m.
• Many Atlantans join waitlists through apps or call ahead.

Stroll or Picnic at Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park
400 Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30306

Known as Atlanta’s “Central Park,” Piedmont Park is ideal for:

• Walking paths and jogging routes
• Dog parks
• Relaxing with a blanket and to-go coffee or brunch
• Occasional Saturday green markets or seasonal events

Piedmont Park connects easily to Midtown MARTA stations (Arts Center and Midtown), making it convenient if you’re not driving.

Explore Top Atlanta Attractions and Museums

Downtown: Big Attractions in One Area

If you want a “hit the highlights” Saturday, Downtown Atlanta puts several attractions within walking distance of each other:

• Georgia Aquarium
  225 Baker St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313

  Known for its massive tanks and marine life, it’s a popular choice for families and visitors. Saturdays can be busy, so going earlier in the day often means easier entry.

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

  Focused on the history and branding of Coca-Cola, with interactive exhibits and memorabilia.

• Centennial Olympic Park
  265 Park Ave W NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313

  A public green space created for the 1996 Olympic Games. Good for a walk between attractions, letting kids run around, or relaxing by the fountains.

• College Football Hall of Fame
  250 Marietta St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313

  Popular with sports fans, with interactive exhibits and memorabilia.

These are all within a compact area, so you can park once (or ride MARTA to GWCC/CNN Center Station or Peachtree Center Station) and spend most of your Saturday here.

Midtown: Art, Science, and Culture

If you prefer art and culture:

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

  Features American, European, African, and contemporary art. Saturdays often include special exhibits and occasional family programs.

• Atlanta Symphony Hall (part of the Woodruff Arts Center)
  1280 Peachtree St NE
  Atlanta, GA 30309

  Check for Saturday performances if you’re planning an evening around the arts.

• Center for Puppetry Arts
  1404 Spring St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30309

  Offers museum exhibits and performances, including shows that can be family-friendly.

Midtown is walkable, and the Arts Center MARTA Station is a convenient transit hub.

Learn About Atlanta’s Civil and Human Rights History

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

Located downtown, this museum connects Atlanta’s civil rights legacy with global human rights issues. Many visitors pair it with the aquarium or World of Coca-Cola in a single Saturday.

For a deeper local history experience, plan time in the afternoon in the Sweet Auburn area (more on that below).

Dive Into Atlanta History and Neighborhood Culture

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park

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

In the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, this site often includes:

• Dr. King’s birth home (tour schedules may vary)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church
• The King Center and reflecting pool

It’s a meaningful Saturday stop if you’re interested in American history and Atlanta’s role in the civil rights movement.

Historic Oakland Cemetery

Oakland Cemetery
248 Oakland Ave SE
Atlanta, GA 30312

A historic cemetery near Grant Park, Oakland functions as both:

• A resting place for many notable Atlantans
• A green, walkable space with city skyline views

Guided tours are sometimes offered on weekends. It’s a quieter, reflective way to spend part of a Saturday afternoon.

Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta

Grant Park & Zoo Atlanta share the same general area:

• Zoo Atlanta
  800 Cherokee Ave SE
  Atlanta, GA 30315

• Grant Park
  537 Park Ave SE
  Atlanta, GA 30312

Zoo Atlanta is popular for families and animal lovers, with walking paths and exhibits. Grant Park surrounds the zoo and is good for picnics, playground time, and walks.

Many people spend a Saturday afternoon here, combining:

• A morning at the zoo
• A picnic or stroll in the park
• A nearby neighborhood stop in Summerhill or Reynoldstown later in the day

Eat and Shop Your Way Through Atlanta

Ponce City Market

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

This historic building along the BeltLine is a food hall, retail, and office complex with:

• A large variety of food stalls and sit-down restaurants
• Retail shops and local vendors
• Easy access to the BeltLine Eastside Trail

Many people:

• Walk or bike the BeltLine
• Stop at Ponce City Market for lunch, snacks, or coffee
• Continue on to parks or other neighborhoods

Krog Street Market and Inman Park

Krog Street Market
99 Krog St NE
Atlanta, GA 30307

Another BeltLine-adjacent food hall in a historic warehouse environment. This area is good for:

• Casual eats and drinks
• Exploring Inman Park’s residential streets and architecture
• Walking over to the Krog Street Tunnel, known for its graffiti and street art

Local Farmers Markets (Seasonal)

On Saturdays, Atlanta often has farmers markets in or near the city, commonly including:

• Freedom Farmers Market at the Carter Center
• Markets in neighborhoods like Grant Park or Piedmont Park (seasonal schedules)

These are good for:

• Fresh produce
• Local baked goods and prepared foods
• Meeting local artisans and vendors

Checking schedules in advance helps, as market hours and seasons can change.

Get Outside: Parks, Trails, and Views

Chattahoochee River Recreation

Many Atlantans spend Saturday near the Chattahoochee River for a more natural escape. Popular access points not far from the city (though technically beyond central Atlanta’s city grid) include areas within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, where people:

• Walk riverside trails
• Go tubing or paddling (in season)
• Relax with shaded river views

If you’re staying in central Atlanta, consider a late-morning or early-afternoon drive north, then return for evening activities in the city.

Stone Mountain Park (Day Trip Style Saturday)

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

Located east of Atlanta, this is a common day-trip-style Saturday destination with:

• Hiking trails, including the walk-up trail to the top of Stone Mountain
• Lake views and open spaces

Traffic in and out can be heavier on clear Saturdays, so many locals go early in the morning and return by late afternoon.

Experience Atlanta’s Saturday Sports and Live Events

Pro Sports and College Games

Depending on the season, Saturday in Atlanta may include:

• Atlanta Braves (MLB) – Truist Park, 755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339
• Atlanta United FC (MLS) – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Atlanta Hawks (NBA) – State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Local college games (Georgia Tech in Midtown, among others)

If you plan your Saturday around a game:

• Arrive early for tailgating, dining, or walking around stadium districts
• Consider MARTA for events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena to avoid downtown parking pressure

Live Music and Shows

Popular areas for Saturday concerts and shows include:

• Downtown & Midtown – larger venues and theaters
• East Atlanta Village – smaller bars and live music spots
• Little Five Points – alternative venues and bars

Schedules vary widely; many Atlantans check event calendars mid-week and build their Saturday night around a show.

Explore Atlanta Neighborhoods by Vibe

Artsy and Eclectic: Little Five Points & East Atlanta Village

Little Five Points (centered around Euclid Ave NE & Moreland Ave NE) is known for:

• Vintage and record shops
• Street murals
• Casual and alternative bars and eateries

East Atlanta Village offers:

• A walkable village feel
• Bars and music spots
• Neighborhood restaurants

Both are more active from afternoon into late night, making them good choices for a laid-back Saturday outing.

Trendy and Upscale: Buckhead and West Midtown

Buckhead (Peachtree Rd corridor) is known for:

• High-end restaurants
• Shopping centers and boutiques
• Lounges and bars that are popular on Saturday nights

West Midtown (Howell Mill Rd and Marietta St area) has:

• Converted warehouses with restaurants and bars
• Art galleries and design shops
• A more industrial-chic atmosphere

These areas are popular for dinner, drinks, and socializing to close out your Saturday.

Family-Friendly Saturday Itinerary Ideas

1. Classic Downtown Family Day

Morning to early afternoon:

• Georgia Aquarium
• Lunch nearby
• Walk through Centennial Olympic Park

Afternoon:

• World of Coca-Cola or College Football Hall of Fame

Evening:

• Early dinner downtown or in Midtown
• Optional: drive through the city for skyline views or stop at Piedmont Park

2. Outdoor + Food Hall Combo

Morning:

• Walk or bike the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Playground stop at Historic Fourth Ward Park

Late morning / afternoon:

• Brunch or lunch at Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market

Afternoon:

• Visit Piedmont Park or Grant Park
• Ice cream or coffee at a nearby shop

Evening:

• Head home or to your hotel, or explore a quiet early dinner spot

Nightlife and Late Saturday Options

If you want to keep your Saturday going into the night:

• Downtown / Midtown: Larger bars, hotel lounges, some rooftop options
• Edgewood Avenue Corridor (Old Fourth Ward): Bars, clubs, and late-night spots with a local feel
• Buckhead: Busy nightlife scene, particularly along Peachtree Rd and side streets

When planning:

• Parking can be tight in popular nightlife corridors; rideshare or MARTA often simplifies the night.
• Some areas get loud and crowded late; if you prefer a calmer Saturday, consider earlier dinners and walks instead.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Saturday in Atlanta

• Traffic & Timing:

  • Mid-morning and late afternoon can be busy on major roads like I-75/85 and I-285, especially if there are games or large events.
  • Building your day around one general area at a time (Downtown, BeltLine, Midtown, etc.) helps avoid constant driving.

• Using MARTA:

  • Good for reaching Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and stadiums.
  • Stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, Arts Center, Midtown, and Buckhead are key for Saturday plans.

• Parking:

  • Major attractions typically have dedicated garages or lots.
  • Neighborhood spots (Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Little Five Points) may rely more on street parking and small lots—arrive earlier for easier options.

• Weather Backups:

  • Hot, humid, or rainy Saturdays are common certain times of year.
  • Have an indoor backup: museums in Midtown/Downtown, Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, or other indoor attractions.

A Saturday in Atlanta can be as relaxed or packed as you want: stroll the BeltLine, visit historic sites, take in major attractions, then finish with good food and live music. Choosing one or two main areas and building your day around them is usually the easiest way to enjoy everything Atlanta offers in a single Saturday.