23 Things You Have to Do in Atlanta This Year, From One Musicfest to Homecoming
Make plans to attend these annual events in Atlanta that keep the party going all year.
Known as the epicenter of hip-hop and center of rich history, Atlanta remains one of the greatest spots in America for a trip. Locals like me know, there’s always something going down in the city. Throughout the year, Georgia’s capital is buzzing with long standing festivals, iconic sporting events, and so much more.
People gravitate towards Atlanta for many reasons, so whether you love the food, music, or culture in the 404, there’s always something going on here to accommodate your needs. While some folks are more of the planning type, others may be more spontaneous, so check out a list of the best experiences that city has to offer this year to make plans.
January
January 17–20, 2025
The King Center
There’s no better way to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. than by visiting The King Center in Old Fourth Ward. In addition to featuring the Freedom Hall exhibition space, this space houses the beautiful marble crypt that serves as the final resting place for King and his wife, Coretta Scott King. Furthermore, MLK’s birth home is also within walking distance of the King Center, and you can schedule a tour in advance here.
Ready to go? Book here.
February
2025 dates TBD
Atlantic Station
Celebrating its 13th year, the highly anticipated Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival will return to Atlantic Station early next year. With a selection of more than 60 beers, 40 bourbons, and lots of barbecue, this festival is sure to leave everyone in attendance both full and satisfied. In my opinion, the long liquor list is one of the best parts of this festival, so keep your souvenir glass handy when you’re traveling from table to table so you can indulge. The onsite vendors offer items such as pulled pork, whole hogs, ribs, brisket, chickens, and sausages. You can also listen to live music on the main stage from a few of the best bands in the South.
Ready to go? Book here.
March
March 15, 2025
Midtown
Year after year, the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a staple of the spring season and one of the city’s oldest events. Running from Arts Center to Cypress Street through Midtown, along the way you’ll see floats, dancers, and drum and bagpipe corps, all led by the grand marshals, who are usually Irish dignitaries or local figures. Don’t forget, the 5K starts the day, so get there early for a nice run.
Ready to go? This event is free.
2025 dates TBD
Pullman Yards
Every year, Art, Beats + Lyrics returns for an event in its original home of Atlanta. Presented by Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey, this traveling urban art and music exhibition that supports visionary artists and musicians who exude traits of authenticity, creativity, and individuality. These uniquely curated showcases blur the line between artist and audience and have had performances from some of the biggest artists in the business.
Ready to go? Book here.
April
April 24–May 4, 2025
Multiple locations
The Atlanta Film Festival is one of the largest celebrations of cinema in the entire South. Next year, attendees can enjoy thousands of films by creators all over the world. The ATLFF also focuses on projects directed by women, non-binary, BIPOC, and Georgia residents. For 11 days, the city of Atlanta will be the epicenter of the film industry. “It’s one of those events that you have to attend if you respect the craft of filmmaking,” says Van Steward, a local actor and director. “Creativity at its best.”
Ready to go? Book here.
2025 dates TBD
Pullman Yards
I’ve attended this event for the past two years, and I believe it’s one of the best festivals that the city has to offer. The Black Effect Podcast Fest features music, delicious food, and more. There’s also in-person renditions from popular shows for the company, along with informative panels, and a variety of other activities including immersive activations, a local vendor Marketplace and Networking Sessions with iHeartMedia and Black Effect staff.
Ready to go? Book here.
2025 dates TBD
The High Museum of Art
For me, The High is one of the greatest establishments that the city has to offer. The art is exquisite, and the events are even better. Every year, the museum hosts one of the most anticipated galas in the country. Established in 2005, the Driskell Prize recognizes field-defining contributions to Black art by some of the leading scholars and artists from around the country, and brings about notable figures in the art world.
Ready to go? Book here.
May
May 5, 2025
La Parrilla
Cinco De Mayo has celebrations popping up all over the city. The celebration at La Parrilla on Howell Mill stands above the rest. “I enjoy and look forward to this event every year,” says Georgia native Tangi Hoskins. During the day, attendees can enjoy live music, food and drink specials, and of course—a great time.
Ready to go? This event is free to attend.
May 24, 2025
Westside Park
No matter where you are in the world, the Caribbean’s influence can be felt in some shape or form. For almost 40 years, the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival has promoted a broader understanding and deeper appreciation of the Caribbean and will return for another event during Memorial Day weekend. Held in Westside Park, you and many others can enjoy music, dancing, food, children's activities, and much more while paying homage to a culture that has become so deeply ingrained in our country.
Ready to go? This event is free.
2025 dates TBD
Piedmont Park
Amidst all of the innovations and creations that this country has produced, jazz music is the only true American artform—and the Atlanta Jazz Festival is an event that pays homage to the genre like none other. Known as one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country, the ATL Jazz Fest is a yearly celebration of culture and art in order to expose a larger audience to the history, heritage, and variety of jazz. This event will feature artists from all over, so you will get a taste of just how eclectic this genre of music can be.
Ready to go? Book here.
June
2025 dates TBD
Morris Brown College
“It’s amazing to see fraternities and sororities from all over coming together to fellowship,” says Nate Alexander, member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. Atlanta’s Greek Picnic has existed as an event designed to give members of Greek lettered organizations the opportunity to fellowship and represent their sorority or fraternity. Founded in 2004, this event has attracted more than 350,000 Divine 9 members from numerous states across the country and has grown from its humble beginnings to becoming the place to reunite, socialize, network, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready to go? Book here.
2025 dates TBD
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
The BET Hip Hop Awards are an annual awards show, airing on BET, showcasing hip hop performers, producers and music video directors. Taking place in Atlanta, the weekend features an array of events and activations, making the city boom with excitement. “It’s a great place to network and meet people in the industry,” Campbell says. “People in high places are really accessible, too.”
Ready to go? Book here.
July
July 4, 2025
Lenox Square
Every Fourth of July weekend, the Peachtree Road Race happens at Lenox Square. “This is one of the city’s oldest traditions,” says Myles Braxton, an Atlanta native. “It’s a good way to kick off the holiday, and it’s also an exciting and communal experience.” As a wellness event for all ages, the race is the perfect event for the entire family to enjoy.
Ready to go? Book here.
July 20–21, 2024
Atlanta Expo Center
The Atlanta Street Wear Market, which usually happens in April, is back for a new and exciting summer installment. This time around, the event will feature more than 200 brands, thousands of creators, and live entertainment to cap off an immersive experience for countless fashion enthusiasts throughout the city. The Summer ‘24 ASWM is taking place at the Atlanta Expo Center’s 100,000-square-foot floor and will highlight a diverse range of vendors to purchase from, as well as DJ sets, free giveaways, and food selections.
Ready to go? Book here.
August
August 23–25, 2024
The Fox Theatre
Every August, the Fox Theatre pays homage to its history as an iconic movie venue with its annual Coca Cola Summer Film Festival. This year’s edition features several anniversary titles that include The Little Mermaid, Bohemian Rhapsody, Casablanca, West Side Story, and more. “I look forward to the festival every year,” says Mason Jones, a frequent attendee of the festival. “I’ve seen films like Ghostbusters and Do The Right Thing here, and the Fox never disappoints.”
Ready to go? Book here.
August 29–September 2, 2024
Westin Peachtree Plaza
Since 1987, Dragon Con has been a staple in Atlanta’s history, now it’s back for another year, again focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film. Throughout the weekend, attendees can experience a series of events including burlesque shows, author signings, live performances, wrestling, and a DJ, among so many other activities. As the largest pop culture convention, it’s definitely the best place if you’re a fan of the genre.
Ready to go? Book here.
September
September 28–29, 2024
Old Fourth Ward
One of the city’s most anticipated events is back in September. The Sweet Auburn Music Fest is the perfect blend of music, food, entertainment, and culture. “The festival has some great music and performers, but it’s also a celebration of the area’s history,” says Royale Campbell, entertainer and longtime Atlanta resident. “It’s like you’re getting the best of both worlds here.” From the art to the live shows, there’s no other music festivals in Atlanta comparable to this amazing experience.
Ready to go? This event is free.
September 30–October 6, 2024
Founded by Art Advisor Kendra Walker in 2022 with SUTTON, Atlanta Art Week has created a dynamic environment that brings together galleries, artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts to promote cultural exchange, education, economic development, and art appreciation to the great city of ATL. “Atlanta Art Week has really changed the way that the country looks at this city’s art scene,” says Jaleesa Taylor, a local event curator. “It’s really important that this continues to grow.”
Ready to go? Book here.
October
October 11–13, 2024
Various locations
Atlanta Pride is back again for its annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community. This year, attendees will be able to experience an array of events, such as the Kickoff Party at the Georgia Aquarium, the United with Pride Music Festival at Piedmont Park, dozens of marches, and more. The weekend culminates on Sunday afternoon with the Atlanta Pride Parade, which will begin at the Civic Center MARTA Station. As always, the festival and parade are free of charge, so come out and have a great time for an even better cause.
Ready to go? This event is free.
October 26, 2024
Morehouse College
There are many things to look forward to during the fall season in Atlanta, and the Spelhouse tailgate is one of those things that sits at the top of the list. Morehouse College’s campus will be filled with thousands of people looking to eat, drink, and kick back with people from across the country. As well as being a time for students and alums to gather, homecoming is also a celebration of HBCU culture and shared experiences, so it’s something that everyone should attend at least once in life.
Ready to go? This event is free.
October 26–27, 2024
Piedmont Park
Every time I’ve gone to ONE Musicfest, it has reminded me of a big family reunion. I tend to bump into people I haven’t seen in a long time, and the atmosphere is always filled with love. On top of that, the performers are second-to-none. Artists such as Janet Jackson, Kendrick Lamer, Pharrell, Outkast, Usher, Lauryn Hill, SZA, Nas, Erykah Badu, and so many others have graced the OMF stage, making it one of the most diverse festivals in the country.
Ready to go? Book here.
October 4–November 3, 2024
Old Turner Field
The Atlanta Fair returns to Center Parc Stadium—formerly Turner Field—on October 4. Standing as Georgia’s only urban fair, this event will include all your fairground favorites, including deep-fried Oreos and Snickers, funnel cakes and more. The Atlanta Fair also features some exciting rides, and yields an amazing view of Downtown if you decide to hop on the heralded Ferris Wheel. For more than 50 years the fair has dazzled attendees from near and far, so you can bet your bottom dollar that this year will be just as satisfying as the last.
Ready to go? Book here.
December
December 7, 2024
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
The SEC Championship Game has been held in the ATL since 1994, and it features the top two teams in the NCAA’s Southeastern Conference. Known as the toughest conference in all of college football, squads such as Georgia, LSU, Alabama and Florida have all grabbed the trophy in years past. “So many times the winner of this game goes on to snag the National Championship,” Atlanta native Everett Jolly says. “So it’s must-see TV from start to finish.”
Ready to go? Book here.