atlanta
weekend guide
THings to do in atlanta this weekend:
Labor Day Weekend
24S
Art & comedy
- A new exhibit, “In the City of Light: Paris, 1850–1920” opens at the High Museum of Art on Friday.
- Friday night brings Oasis to the High. Experience flow in yoga, practice art making and reflect with works of art.
- Fourth Ward Historic Park is the site of the 14th annual Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival, Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy music on two stages, visit the vendors, grab a bite.
- Horizon Theatre presents “Rooted” starting Friday and running through Sept. 24.
- The 2023 Essential Theatre Play Festival starts Friday at 7 Stages Theatre and runs through Sept. 3.
- The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is a highly regarded marathon of curated entertainment.
- “Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See,” opens at the Atlanta History Center on Saturday and runs through Sept 17.
- If you want a crash course on Shakespeare, go to the Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse Aug. 5 through. Sept. 3 and let the Atlanta Shakespeare Co. educate you with the “Complete Works of William Shakespeare.” It’s an irreverent, high-speed romp thorough his 37 plays all performed by three actors. Trust us; it’s nothing like you’ve ever seen or heard before.
- Every weekend through December (weather permitting), Creator’s Market sets up on the green at Atlantic Station. The market features more than a dozen vendors selling hand-crafted products including jewelry, home décor, soaps and candles.
More fun things!
- Dragon Con descends on Atlanta starting Thursday and continuing through the weekend, with the really big parade right on Peachtree Street on Saturday.
- Atlanta Black Pride returns for its annual Labor Day weekend gathering. Attend the festival in Piedmont Park, participate in events especially for women and especially for men. Have fun.
- The El Pum Pum Latin Festival brings Latin music to Lakewood Amphitheatre, but that’s not all. It’s also a cultural extravaganza, which includes The Pum Pum Market, full of unique crafts and goods from Latin artisans. Enjoy the festival from 2 until 5 p.m. on Sunday.
- Fourth Ward Historic Park is the site of the 14th annual Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival, Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy music on two stages, visit the vendors, grab a bite.
- Little 5 Points Business Association presents L5P Patio Parties which will include Bands, Wellness weekends, Comedians, Dance Parties, Open Mics, Poetry, Psychics, and many other unique events.
- Every Saturday until Oct 15, zoo goers can enjoy the Goat Painting Wild Encounter at Zoo Atlanta. Join the animal care team and “VanGoat” the artist during a painting session. Your group chooses two colors for this unique work of art, and gets to take home the painting.
- Midtown Atlanta Food and Cocktail Tour – Multiple days until 12/31/2023
For the family:
- Don’t miss the Dragon Con parade if you want to enjoy some free time with the kids and their favorite characters!
- Children’s Museum of Atlanta celebrates Latinx Heritage Month and the return of Dragon Con to Atlanta with TinyCON® and a rich array of events. August 22nd to 31st.
- At the High, it’s Toddler Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon. The creativity of the little ones will be engaged through exploration of monthly topics with related artwork, art-making activities and self-guided tours. On Saturday from 1 until 3 p.m. Family Art Escapes gives families an opportunity to create, collaborate and investigate in the museum. On Saturday from 2 until 4 p.m., it’s Teen Art Afternoon, where teens paint their own baguette tote.
- “Aanika’s Elephants” is playing at Center for Puppetry Arts through Sept. 3.
- Jurassic World: The Exhibition is open at Pullman Yards through the end of the year. Walk through Jurassic World and see a Brachiosaurus, a Velociraptor and Tyrannosaurus Rex.
- Dino Safari A Walk Thru Adventure 6/1/23 – 9/4/23 at North Point Mall
- Immersive Disney Animation is an innovative celebration that takes you inside the greatest films of Walt Disney Animation Studios, from their very earliest, groundbreaking features to the beloved hit movies of today from 5/4/23 to 9/30/23.
- “Shaun the Sheep: Flock this Way” opens Saturday at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta and runs through Sept. 4.
- Saturday at 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM Craft Time for Kids East Atlanta Library
- Running through Sept. 4 at Fernbank Museum of Natural History, “Survival of the Slowest” is all about slow-moving animals. (Live sloth and other animals!)
Sports, fitness & outdoors:
- The Aflac Kick-Off Game pitting Georgia Tech against Louisville starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Both teams closed last season with a 4-4 record in conference play.
- Take a tour of Truist Park when the Braves aren’t in town.
- Boxing fan? Then you’ll want to head to Atlantic Station’s Overtime Elite Arena to catch the action during OTX Friday Night Fights. Events are scheduled for Aug. 25.
- Want to get out of the city this weekend? Try scenic hiking trails, the shores of Lake Lanier, the idyllic grounds of Callaway Gardens or the serene beauty of Serenbe.
- Atlanta Beltline Weekly Run Group – Westside
- Cheer on the Atlanta Braves from the comfort of Midtown’s Living Room! In partnership with Bally Sports, Colony Square will be showing select Braves games on The Plaza big screen.
- Check out ongoing Free Fitness programs for all ages and fitness levels with a variety of exercise classes open to everyone in park location throughout the City of Atlanta including:
- Free Yoga Classes in Woodruff Park Saturdays from 10AM-11AM.
- Yoga at The Plaza. Enjoy a yoga experience outdoors every Wednesday from April to October.
- On non-game days, there’s free yoga at The Battery Atlanta every Monday evening, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required and free parking is available.
- Take a Hike at a local nature center
Plan ahead for these Coming soon events:
- Mark your calendars for BBQ & Bands on October 22 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. We are excited to share that BBQ & Bands is being brought to you this year by presenting partner, Ford’s BBQ. Proceeds from the festival will continue to benefit The Solarium at Historic Scottish Rite and their Community Grant Program. This year’s festival will feature FREE entry, a variety of BBQ and food options, beer, live music, a vendor marketplace, and more. Tasting and sip tickets will be available for purchase at the event.
- One of the best hidden gems of Atlanta Festivals, the Porches and Pies Festival in Adair Park will take place on Saturday September 9, 2023
- The Reynoldstown Wheelbarrow Festival will take place on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 11.30a-7p at Lang Carson Park.
- Don’t forget to grab your Kirkwood Wine Stroll Tickets before the prices go up or tickets sell out!
Ongoing:
- Food and Street Art Tour of the Atlanta BeltLine – Every Saturday until 11/18/2023
- Enjoy family-friendly events at Colony Square on the last Tuesday of the month from April to October.
- Through October, start your month off with lots of laughs from The Punchline Comedy featuring live comedy acts, drinks specials, and more! The performances occur on the first Monday of the month, last about 90 minutes, and are recommended for ages 13 and older.
- Coffee and Chrome Car Show (every 2nd Saturday.)
