The Ultimate List of Festivals in Atlanta by Season
Updated March 17th, 2024
Featured image photo credits left to right clockwise: 1. Decatur Book Festival – TW Meyer. 2. Atlanta Dogwood Festival 3. Little Five Points Halloween Parade – Tiffany Powell 4. Viva Tequila Festival 5. DragonCon 6. Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
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Are you wondering what to do this weekend in Atlanta, Georgia? You’re sure to find an event or festival in Atlanta happening soon. Anyone who claims there are not a lot of things to do in Atlanta must not know about all the events and festivals. While there are many music, food, and art festivals there are also a lot of unique ones. From a festival all about juggling to touring holiday homes in Virginia Highland, there is an event or festival in Atlanta for everyone.
If you are planning a trip and deciding when to visit Atlanta, you may want to visit when one of these Atlanta festivals take place. I update and add to this list of festivals in Atlanta every season to give you a variety of options.
Click the links below if you are specifically looking for more information about:
Festivals in Atlanta by Season
When: Dates are accurate as of the latest update noted above.
Where: A few bigger events and festivals located in nearby cities, OTP (out of the perimeter) are included in this post. Unless otherwise noted, the majority of the festivals take place ITP (in the perimeter) of Atlanta. Most take place in one of Atlanta’s great neighborhoods or parks. The park or neighborhood is listed as the festival location.
How Much: Note that ticket prices are the cheapest general admission price for one day for one adult to enter the festival. Other ticket options may be available. Prices may be more for different times, day amounts, etc. Food and additional activities may come at an extra cost.
Atlanta Spring Festivals & Events
Spring is a great time of the year to visit Atlanta. The city is in full bloom and the temperatures are ideal. Plus there are a lot of spring festivals in Atlanta.
Phoenix Flies
Phoenix Flies is a month long event by the Atlanta Preservation Center. It celebrates the history and culture of the city by giving free tours of many historical buildings and sites in the city.
When: March 2nd – 26th, 2024
Where: Varies
How Much: Free
Atlanta Brunch Festival
Atlantans love to go for brunch. There are some excellent brunch places in Atlanta. You can sample some of the best brunch items in the city and your favorite brunch drinks at this festival. Live music and a DJ will be playing all afternoon.
When: March 2nd & 9th, 2024
Where: Atlantic Station
How Much: $45
Atlanta Science Festival
This two week science festival has hands-on events for both children and adults. They include discovery walks, scavenger hunts, films, and workshops.
When: March 9th – 23rd, 2024
Where: Piedmont Park
How Much: Free and paid events
St Patrick’s Day Parade
The Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade is the city’s longest running event. This family friendly parade has been filling the Midtown streets with green since 1858.
When: March 16th, 2024
Where: Midtown
How Much: Free
Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival
All festivities here are great for the whole family. It includes music, food vendors, a Kidz Zone, and other community activities.
When: March 23rd – 24th, 2024
Where: Blackburn Park, Brookhaven
How Much: Free
Spring Festival on Ponce
Spring Festival on Ponce is one of the many art festivals presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces. In addition to the art displays, there are children’s areas and food vendors.
When: April 6th-7th, 2024
Where: Olmsted Linear Park (Druid Hills)
How Much: Free
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is not only one of the most popular spring festivals in Atlanta, but one of the best Atlanta festivals overall. This art festival has been going on in Atlanta for 85 years now. The focus is on the hundreds of artists who display their artwork. There’s also live music, kids activities, food vendors, and a 5K run.
When: April 12th – 14th, 2024
Where: Piedmont Park
How Much: $5 donation requested
Atlanta Caribbean Carnival
You don’t have to hop on a plane to experience the Caribbean. Celebrate the Caribbean at the annual carnival in Atlanta. The festival includes a parade, dancing, music, food, and more.
When: April 13th. 2024
Where: Downtown
How Much: $30 (some free events)
Georgia Renaissance Festival
Who doesn’t love a Renaissance festival? If you have never been to one, you need to go! There’s a variety of entertainment including jousts, comedy shows, acrobats, magicians, and musical performers. The artisan market includes shops and demonstrations of different types of art. There are games, rides, and a lot of food.
When: April 13th – June 2nd, 2024
Where: Fairburn, about 25 minutes southwest of Atlanta.
How Much: $26.95
Ilumine at Oakland Cemetery
The trees and landscaping at Oakland Cemetery make it one of the nicest places to walk in Atlanta. You’ll gain a whole new perspective of the well-preserved cemetery at Ilumine. This annual after dark event features light installations from local artists.
When: April 18th – 28th, 2024
Where: Oakland Cemetery
How Much: $24.39
Sweetwater 420 Fest
This music festival sponsored by Sweetwater brewery also includes a food village and artist market.
When: April 20th – 21st, 2024
Where: Pullman Yards
How Much: $139
Old Fourth Ward Art Festival
The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces brings several art festivals to different parts of Atlanta every year. The fine arts festival in Old Fourth Ward Park showcases local artists from various disciplines including photography, sculpting, jewelry making, glass blowing, and more. Live entertainment and healthy food vendors are also part of the festival.
When: April 20th – 21st, 2024
Where: Old Fourth Ward Park
How Much: Free
Atlanta Film Festival
Over a ten day period the Atlanta Film Festival shows about 200 creative films to thousands of viewers.
When: April 25th – May 5th, 2024
Where: Varies
How Much: Varies
Georgia State Fair
You will find everything you love about a state fair at the Georgia State Fair. In addition to the rides there are a lot of acrobatic, magician, stunt, and animal shows. There’s also all that delicious fair food that isn’t that good for you, but sure tastes good.
When: April 26th – May 5th, 2024
Where: Atlanta Motor Speedway
How Much: $10
Inman Park Festival
Inman Park is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Atlanta. The Inman Park Festival is your opportunity to go inside some of the beautiful victorian homes in the neighborhood. There is a also a parade, dance festival, kids activities, and more. As Inman Park is one of my favorite neighborhoods, I really loved this Atlanta spring festival.
When: April 26th – 28th 2024
Where: Inman Park
How Much: Free (tour of homes $25)
Druid Hills Tour of Homes
You know all those gorgeous homes in Druid Hills? This is your chance to tour the inside of the homes! About 10 – 15 homes are included in your ticket to tour on your own over the weekend.
When: April 26th – 28th, 2024
Where: Druid Hills
How Much: $40
Shaky Knees Festival
Shaky Knees is a rock music festival with over 60 bands. One day and three day tickets are available for purchase.
When: May 3rd – 5th 2024
Where: Central Park (Old Fourth Ward)
How Much: $165
Decatur Arts Festival
An evening ArtWalk Kicks off the festival on Friday night. Visit ArtSpots downtown while enjoying light refreshments. The rest of the weekend includes a large artist market, live music and performances, a kids fest, and local food vendors.
When: May 3rd – 5th 2024
Where: Around Decatur Square
How Much: Free
Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade
One of the most popular fall festivals in Atlanta was the afternoon Old Fourth Ward Fest followed by the evening lantern parade. At night the Eastside BeltLine trail was illuminated with thousands of handmade lanterns. Now the festival takes place in the spring on the Westside BeltLine trail. You can watch alongside the trail or join in with your own lantern.
When: May 11th, 2024
Where: Atlanta Beltline – Westside Trail
How Much: Free
Sweet Auburn Springfest
Sweet Auburn is the historic neighborhood in Atlanta where MLK Jr called home. This spring festival in Atlanta brings awareness to the history and culture of the neighborhood. There is music, food, vendors, and family friendly events
When: May 11th – 12th, 2024
Where: Sweet Auburn
How Much: Free
Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival
This is a large fine arts festival that focuses on the visual arts. You’ll find booths with art from local painters, sculptors, photographers, glass blowers, jewelers, and leather and metal crafts people. Most of the artists are from the metro Atlanta area and the rest of the state. Live entertainment and healthy food vendors are also part of the festival.
When: May 11th – 12th, 2024
Where: Chastain Park (Buckhead)
How Much: Free
Kirkwood Spring Fling & Tour of Homes
This is a neighborhood festival with a tour of homes, artist market, music, 5K race, BBQ contest, food, and more.
When: May 18th, 2024
Where: Kirkwood
How Much: Free (tour of homes $20)
Virginia Highland Porchfest
This festival has a unique spin on live music. Listen to various local bands performing from neighborhood porches! Like any of the good community festivals in Atlanta there are food and art vendors. There’s also a Rock n Run jog in the morning.
When: May 18th, 2024
Where: Virginia Highland
How Much: Free
MomoCon
MomoCon is a large multi-day gaming convention. It is for anyone who loves anime, gaming, and comics. Many celebrity guests are involved in the convention.
When: May 24th – 27th, 2024
Where: Downtown
How Much: Starting at $54.45 for one day tickets
Atlanta Jazz Festival
Another one of the most popular Atlanta spring festivals is the Atlanta Jazz Festival. The free jazz festivals culminates in Piedmont Park. Both up and coming and well known jazz musicians take part.
When: May 25th – 27th, 2024
Where: Piedmont Park (Midtown)
How Much: Free
Atlanta Summer Festivals & Events
It is hot out but these summer festivals in Atlanta will make you want to go outside anyway.
Juneteenth Parade & Festival
Juneteenth is now a federal holiday that celebrates the ending of slavery. The festival includes a Black history parade, music, and vendors.
When: June 21st – 23rd, 2024
Where: Centennial Park (downtown). The parade starts downtown and ends at Piedmont Park.
How Much: Free
Atlanta Summer Beer Fest
Try over 150 types of different beers, many from local breweries. Wine, ciders, mimosas, and hard seltzers are also available. Ticket price includes samples and live music.
When: TBD
Where: Historic Fourth Ward Park
How Much: TBD
Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
What would be a better summer festival in Atlanta than an ice cream festival? It’s a festival where you eat ice cream, need I say more!?
When: July 27th, 2024
Where: Piedmont Park
How Much: Free
Piedmont Park Arts Festival
This visual arts festival is by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces. It features a variety of local and regional artists.
When: August 17th – 18th, 2024
Where: Piedmont Park
How Much: Free
Southern Fried Gaming Expo
This three day convention is all about gaming. There are arcade games, pinball machines, tabletop games, and console systems to play. Almost all the games are included with the price of admission. Guest speakers, vendors, tournaments, and other activities take place as well.
When: July 19th – 21st, 2024
Where: Cobb Galleria Convention Centre
How Much: $75
Grant Park Summer Shade Festival
This is a fundraiser for the Grant Park Conservancy which maintains the beautiful Grant Park. It involves an artist market, food trucks, and live music.
When: August 24th – 25th, 2024
Where: Grant Park
How Much: Free
Decatur BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass
Summer festivals in Atlanta mean good food and good music. You can have your fill of music and BBQ at this Decatur festival. Tickets purchased raise funds for the Community Center of South Decatur. Tickets do not include food or drinks.
When: TBD
Where: Decatur
How Much: TBD
Food-O-Rama
Try the best food truck food from top southeast food trucks. This is a great food festival for foodies who don’t want to pay a high admission fee. You only need to pay for the food you eat. They have different events around the city including Grant Park and Piedmont Park.
When: TBD
Where: Grant Park
How Much: Free
Atlanta Fall Festivals & Events
As you can see fall festivals in Atlanta are not lacking.
DragonCon
The Atlanta fall festivals begin every year with DragonCon over Labor Day weekend. DragonCon is a pop culture convention focused on science fiction, fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film. Various ticket options are available, including one day, five day, and lifetime! It takes place downtown Atlanta in different hotels.
When: August 29th – Septemer 2nd, 2024
Where: Downtown
How Much: 5 days for $160
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
One day and three day weekend tickets can be purchased to this annual food and wine festival. Tickets start at $125 for one general admission. They include unlimited food, beer, wine, and cocktails. In addition to all the southern foods, there is also live entertainment.
When: September 13th – 15th. 2024
Where: Tasting Tents at Historic Fourth Ward Park (other events located elsewhere)
How Much: TBD
Sweet Auburn Music Fest
A lot of the music festivals in Atlanta come with high admissions. The Sweet Auburn Music Fest has free admission! In addition to the music, the majority of the events are free. Bring some cash for the international food vendors though.
When: September 27th – 29th, 2024
Where: Sweet Auburn
How Much: Free
Imagine Festival
Imagine is one of the best festivals in Atlanta. This three day electronic dance music festival takes place in Kingston Downs. There are even pool parties with performers. You can buy single day tickets or three day tickets and camp on site.
When: September 2024
Where: Kingston downs (OTP)
How Much: TBD
Music Midtown
A large music festival featuring artists from various genres including rock and roll, hip hop, pop, and electronic. The festival takes place in Piedmont Park.
When: September 2024
Where: Piedmont Park (Midtown)
How Much: TBD
Elevate ATL Art
Elevate is a public art program that provides a variety of performances, art installations, and other art events to Atlanta. Local, national, and international artists are involved to bring these free cultural experiences to the city.
When: September 2024
Where: Various Locations
How Much: Free
Atlanta International Fashion Week
A week full of runway shows, fashion workshops, trunk shows, live entertainment, and celebrity events. The mission is to connect continents through fashion.
When: September 2024
Where: Downtown
How Much: TBD
A3C Festival & Conference
A3C is a tech, film, music, and culture festival and conference. The ticket price covers the two day conference.
When: September/October 2024
Where: The Gathering Spot ATL (Downtown)
How Much: TBD
Georgia State Fair
The Georgia State Fair also has a fall fair with all the same great shows, foods, and rides as in the spring. Read my full review in my fall festivals in Atlanta post.
When: September/October 2024
Where: Atlanta Motor Speedway
How Much: $10
Atlanta Design Festival
This year’s Atlanta Design Festival is a mix of in person and virtual events. They include architectural tours, presentations, and bike tours.
When: September 28th – October 6th, 2024
Where: Varies
How Much: Varies (some free events)
Candler Park Fall Fest
This is a community festival with a full music line-up of musicians from a variety of genres. There are also food vendors, a 5K, and a variety of family friendly games and activities. There is a tour of homes on Sunday. Check out my fall festivals in Atlanta post for more information.
When: October 5th – 6th, 2024
Where: Candler Park
How Much: Free
Fall Festival on Ponce
Fall Festival on Ponce is an arts and crafts festival that showcases a variety of types of visual arts. In addition to the art displays, there are children’s areas and food vendors.
When: October 5th – 6th, 2024
Where: Olmsted Linear Park (Druid Hills)
How Much: Free
Old Fourth Ward Art Festival
This is the fall version of the the Old Forth Ward Art Festival.
When: October 12th – 13th. 2024
Where: Old Fourth Ward Park
How Much: Free
Atlanta Pride
The Atlanta Pride festival is a huge event for LGBTQ+ people and allies. It includes music, art, food, and a parade. There are also three marches: a trans march, a bi and pan march, and a dyke march.
When: October 2024
Where: Midtown
How Much: Free
Taste of Atlanta
This is a tasty food event where you can try samples of the best bites from restaurants around the city. Find out everything you need to know about Taste of Atlanta and how it works here. There are also other events around the metro area throughout the year.
When: October 2024
Where: Midtown
How Much: TBD
Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tours
Oakland Cemetery in Grant Park is one of the nicest places to walk in Atlanta. The weekly tours and numerous yearly events that take place throughout the year are excellent as well. One of the most popular events is the Halloween tours. The guided tours, led by a costumed docent, will be full of tales of the cemetery’s residents. These special nighttime tours sell out fast so don’t wait until October to buy tickets.
When: October 2024
Where: Oakland Cemetery
How Much: TBD
Little Five Points Halloween Festival & Parade
Another popular Atlanta fall festival takes place in Little Five Points every year. The annual Halloween parade returns again this year! There will also be live music, a market, a 3D haunted house, and ghost tours.
When: October 2024
Where: Little Five Points
How Much: Free (except ghost tours)
Chomp & Stomp
This Atlanta fall festival begins with a Romp & Stomp 5k run. The day continues with an amateur and professional chili cook off. As the name implies there is a lot of chili to chomp on and bluegrass music to stomp along with. Plus there are games and artist booths. Read all about it in my fall festivals in Atlanta post.
When: November 2024
Where: Cabbagetown
How Much: TBD
Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival
The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces holds another one of their art festivals in Chastain Park every year.
When: November 2nd – 3rd, 2024
Where: Chastain Park (Buckhead)
How Much: Free
Atlanta Grilled Cheese Festival
This is the Atlanta festival for cheese lovers. Vendors will sell grilled cheese and other food samples. There is a grilled cheese competition. General admission tickets include access to the event and all activities, as well as three grilled cheese samples.
When: Fall 2024
Where: Atlantic Station
How Much: TBD
Viva Tequila Festival
This is your opportunity to try hand crafted Mexican tequilas that you can’t find in the US. Small plates by Atlanta’s best chefs will be paired with the tequilas. The day long festival includes live music. There is an after party as well.
When: Fall 2024
Where: Truist Park
How Much: TBD
Decatur Book Festival
Book panels will discuss picture books, young adult books, and adult books. There are also food and book vendors.
When: Fall 2024
Where: First Baptist Church (Decatur)
How Much: Free
Oktoberfest Atlanta
The largest Oktoberfest celebration in Atlanta is in the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark. Enjoy German food, music, games, and other Oktoberfest themed activities.
When: Fall 2024
Where: Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark
How Much: TBD
Atlanta Winter Festivals & Events
Due to Atlanta’s mild winters, this time of year is perfect for festivals. For more holiday events, check out my post dedicated to all the Christmas activities in Atlanta.
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
One of the best winter festivals in Atlanta happens every year at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. The beautiful gardens turn into a magical oasis in the evenings. You will be mesmerized by all the twinkling lights.
When: Begins November 16th, 2024
Where: Atlanta Botanical Gardens (Midtown)
How Much: TBD
Virginia Highland Winterfest
Tour the beautiful homes of the historic Virginia Highland neighborhood. It is your opportunity to admire these Victorian homes all decked out for the holidays. This year the self-guided Tour of Lights takes place on Friday night and does not include going inside the homes.
On Saturday there will be a jingle jog and parade in the morning. An artist market and live entertainment will finish out the festival in the afternoon. This is one of the winter festivals in Atlanta that I enjoyed the most last year.
When: TBD
Where: Virginia Highland
How Much: $25 (Tour of Lights)
Lanta Gras
You don’t need to go to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras. Atlanta has it’s own annual celebration in downtown Kirkwood every year. This family friendly event includes a parade, lots of music and dancing, and many southern food trucks.
When: TBD
Where: Kirkwood
How Much: Free
Atlanta Winter BeerFest
Out of all the winter festivals in Atlanta, Beerfest is a favorite for many people. There is a lot of beer, wine, and cider as well as food and music.
When: TBD
Where: Atlantic Station
How Much: TBD
Atlanta Oyster Festival
I’m not a fan of oysters so I am going to stay away from this one, but if you are don’t miss out! In addition to oysters tickets also include alcohol samples and live music.
When: TBD
Where: Atlantic Station
How Much: $45 advance tickets
Groundhog Day Jugglers Festival
This is a fun festival with juggling shows, workshops and lessons. There are games and vendors as well.
When: Feb 2024
Where: Yaarab Shrine Center (Midtown)
How Much:Free, $10 Cabaret
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
The mission of the festival is to use film to both entertain and educate audiences about Jewish history and culture. In 2015 it became the biggest Jewish film festival in the world!
When: TBD
Where: The Home-Depot Backyard Mercedes Benz Stadium and virtual screenings
How Much: $14 for early bird virtual, $40 for in person
Black History Month Parade
This entertaining parade celebrates Black history month in the historic Sweet Auburn neighborhood.
When: TBD
Where: Sweet Auburn
How Much: Free
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ
This festival is just as the name implies, a lot of beer, bourbon, and BBQ. There is also live music and a cornhole competition.
When: February 25th, 2023
Where: Atlantic Station
How Much: $45
Purim Parade and Festival
Celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim with this family friendly festival. There are kids activities, food, and a parade.
When: February 24th, 2024
Where: Beth Jacob Synagogue (North Druid Hills)
How Much: Free
Which events and festivals in Atlanta do you want to make sure to attend? Did I forget any of your favorite Atlanta festivals or events?
More in Atlanta
ACTIVITIES:
ART:
DAY TRIPS:
FESTIVALS & HOLIDAY:
FOOD:
- BBQ
- BeltLine Restaurants
- Breakfast Spots
- Brunch Places
- Burger Restaurants
- Casual Restaurants
- Chicken & Waffles
- Donut Shops
- Food Halls
- Healthy Restaurants
- Mystery Picnic
OUTDOORS:
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12 Comments
Lisa
Love love love this list! I just attended music midtown last weekend, so I was glad to see it on the list! so many other fun ones I need to participate in!
The Fearless Foreigner
I heard Music Midtown was great!
Terri
This is an incredible resource!
The Fearless Foreigner
Thanks!
Rachel - Rays of Adventure
This is a great list! So many of these festivals look so much fun. I love the idea of a book festival!
The Fearless Foreigner
If you like book festivals another one you should check out is in Hay on Wye in Wales. It is known as the “Book Town” and has a big book festival every year. https://www.thefearlessforeigner.com/books/small-towns-in-wales-hay-on-wye/
Krista
I had no idea there were so many festivals held in Atlanta! I would love to check out the tequila one and see what cocktails I could locate.
The Fearless Foreigner
Yes, Atlanta is full of festivals!
Denise
Just spent time in Savannah, Georgia and loved it. Maybe I’ll have to try Atlanta next!
The Fearless Foreigner
The cities are really different, but both are great!
Nina Clapperton
Love this list! I’ven ever been to Atlanta but I adore a festival. I’ll definitely be planning some 4 season trips now.
The Fearless Foreigner
Thanks!