Experience ATL’s Black Cultural Events

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 15, 2024
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a pioneer for civil rights. In Atlanta, we celebrate his fight for freedom, accomplishments for equality and contributions to societal progress. From annual marches and parades to tours of his birth home and the King Center, there are several ways to celebrate Dr. King in Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn District and surrounding downtown Atlanta neighborhoods.
MORE INFO

HBCU Culture Battle of the Bands and HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands

January 14, 2024
Has there ever been a more epic gathering of the top historically Black colleges and universities? The Battle of the Bands have been a longstanding tradition for families, friends and groups to meet in Atlanta for the love of precision drills and the unmistakable sound of marching bands. With the HBCU Culture Battle of the Bands and HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands, there are more shows you won’t want to miss. You’ll see iconic splits and dance moves from drum majors and majorettes in tandem with fantastic formations and classic arrangements.
MORE INFO

Black History Month

February 1-29, 2024
Black History Month is nationally acknowledged for 28 days each February. Atlanta’s museums and attractions make it possible to learn Black history 365 days a year. Visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Atlanta History Center, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park, APEX Museum and Auburn Avenue Research Library for exhibits, simulations and artifacts.
MORE INFO

Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show

February 24-26, 2024
For 75 years and counting, Bronner Bros. family-owned and operated business has worked to diversify the beauty industry. Globally impacting beauticians, salon owners, industry professionals, stylists and spectators, Bronner Bros. welcomes everyone to take part in the largest multicultural beauty show. From hair competitions to fashion shows, this international show offers endless entertainment and education.

UniverSoul Circus

TBA
Newsweek called the UniverSoul Circus the coolest show on earth. In addition to animal acts, dancers in colorful costumes and acrobats who risk it all on a tightrope, the circus adds an extra element of soul and a message of inclusion. Founder Cedric Walker launched his circus in 1994 at Atlanta’s old Fulton County Stadium. Fittingly, the Atlanta Journal Constitution dubbed it “Cirque du Soul.”

404 Day

April 4, 2024
All hail the 4-0-4! One of metro Atlanta’s first and most popular area codes is 404. On April 4  each year, we pay tribute to the city that raised, accepted and cultivated us. 404 Day is celebrated throughout Downtown, Midtown and Buckhead with community service, events and block parties, creative ads from Atlanta-based companies and organizations, all while ATLiens generate a frenzy of online engagement via social media. Stay in the mix with @DiscoverAtlanta, and partners @Butter.ATL and @AtlantaInfluencesEverything.

Sweet Auburn Springfest

May 11-12, 2024
Sweet Auburn Springfest is all about bringing awareness to Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn District. The festival bills itself as the largest annual worldwide family reunion for 35 years and counting. It features comedy, family-friendly activities, music, an international food court, dance competitions and prizes.
MORE INFO

Atlanta Caribbean Carnival

May 25, 2024
The highlight of the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival is a parade This celebration of Caribbean culture brings live music, food and all the trappings of a festival to the streets of downtown Atlanta over Memorial Day weekend. Revelers can gather with a group of friends and participate in “band mas” (masquerade band), attend ethnic events and experience a West-Indian style carnival.
MORE INFO

Atlanta Jazz Festival

May 2024
During the entire month of May, more than 100 of the best jazz performers showcase their talents in venues throughout the metro area before coming together in a huge weekend celebration at Piedmont Park. The festival showcases local and national jazz greats, a neighborhood jazz series, youth jazz band competition, a kid’s zone and other family-friendly activities. Explore Piedmont Park and visit vendors displaying some of the city’s finest arts and crafts, food and drinks, and merchandise.
MORE INFO

Juneteenth

June 19, 2024
Emancipation Day (or Freedom Day) is celebrated on June 19 in the United States to commemorate the day Union Gen. Gordon Granger and Union soldiers told enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, that they were free. In Atlanta, businesses and communities honor the cultural and historical importance of Juneteenth with education, parades and holidays. As the heartbeat of the American civil rights movement and home of many civil rights activists including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King and U.S. Rep. John Lewis, Atlanta honors Black history through several events.
MORE INFO

Atlanta Greek Picnic

June 25-30, 2024
Atlanta’s annual summer Greek Picnic is prime time for more than 350,000 Divine Nine members on the Atlanta University Center campus. Fraternity and sorority members come from all over the world to reunite for a weekend of networking, strolling and step show competitions plus barbecues. Ultimately, these alumni look forward to creating lifelong memories through brother and sisterly love.

BronzeLens Film Festival

August 21-24. 2024
Many actors, actresses and filmmakers kickstarted their careers in Atlanta. Coined Hollywood of the South, Atlanta launched BronzeLens Film Festival, an annual weekend of celebration for Black artists and creators making strides throughout the entertainment industry. Along with showcasing short films, documentary screenings and videos, BronzeLens also brings celebrities and honorees together for brunch and a red carpet awards show.
MORE INFO

Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge

August 24, 2024
Watch as teams representing the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) kickoff the HBCU college football season at Center Parc Stadium. ESPN hosts a four-day weekend full of events for college students, alumni and family members of all ages. Plan to take part in the kickoff reception, College Gameday, Coca-Cola Fan Experience plus the pre- and post-game battle of the bands performances.
MORE INFO

ONE Musicfest

TBA
ONE Musicfest stays true to its name by bringing together a diverse range of artists hailing from music genres such as old school, hip-hop, R&B, house, trap, soul and more. With past performers including Cee-Lo Green, The Roots, Andra Day, Kendrick Lamar and even a Dungeon Family reunion, it’s no wonder the annual event has been recognized by Billboard, Rolling Stone and MTV as a “Can’t Miss Festival.”
MORE INFO

Atlanta University Center (AUC) Homecoming

October 2024
Atlanta University Center (AUC) schools Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College and Spelman College draw large crowds (HBCU alum, current students and non-alumni) during AUC homecoming for a week full of memorable events. Homecoming in the nation’s largest collection of HBCUs is a tradition and a high time to stomp the yard, tent-hop for free food and make new memories with friends at concerts, tailgates, football games and after parties.

A3C Festival & Conference

TBA
Atlanta’s popular music, tech and culture festival annually showcases artists, producers and DJs from around the world and connects up-and-coming artists with influential hip-hop artists and innovators. Aspiring artists can learn at technology panels and get involved with social justice programming. Come for the concerts, stay for the cultural movement.
MORE INFO

National Black Arts Festival

October 2024
Throughout the year, the National Black Arts Festival (NBAF) in Atlanta showcases performing arts, literature and visual arts produced by creative artists of African descent. Although no longer a festival, NBAF produces year-round educational programming and fundraising for the arts while collaborating with partners in and around the Atlanta area. The National Black Arts Festival was first held in Atlanta in 1988 and continues to be part of a long-lasting African American tradition in support of Black artists.
MORE INFO

Cricket Celebration Bowl

December 2024
Get in on the action during Celebration Bowl as college football season comes to a close. Fans gather at Mercedes-Benz Stadium as the top two HBCU conference finalists go head-to-head for the championship title. Participate in community service projects, team press conferences, Coca-Cola Fan Experience and Celebration Bowl’s Kickoff.
MORE INFO