Summer festivals mean fun for all
Hot Southern summers are no match for the city’s seasonal festivities. From enjoying music and art under the shade of a leafy neighborhood, watching acclaimed work at the Bronze Lens film festival or sampling delicious food and drinks at local food festivals, there is no shortage of ways to beat the heat. View a complete list of Atlanta summer festivals below.
Make it a weekend getaway and find a hotel nearby. And if you’re planning an Atlanta road trip to get to these festivals, check out our epic Atlanta road trip guide.
June festivals
FLYING COLORS BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL
The Flying Colors Butterfly Festival at Chattahoochee Nature Center fills the air with hundreds of beautiful butterflies as they are released during this annual family festival. Enjoy the new “Butterfly Encounter” exhibit, live music, photography and entomology exhibits, plus arts and crafts and face painting.
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ATLANTA SUMMER BEER FEST
Try a few of the more than 150 beers, including those from local breweries like SweetWater, Red Brick, Wild Heaven, Monday Night and many more. While you’re at it, enjoy live music on a pair of stages, a game zone and few surprises along the way.
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VIRGINIA HIGHLAND SUMMERFEST
Revered as one of the best artists’ markets in the Southeast, Virginia Highland Summerfest features works by local artists and activities for the entire family. Explore the eclectic shops and local dining scene which give the historic Virginia Highland neighborhood its quirky charm.
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July festivals
ATLANTA ICE CREAM FESTIVAL
What treat could be better during the Southern summer heat than ice cream? In July, come chill out in Piedmont Park with ice cream vendors (including local artisans and national favorites) and live music. Go ahead and grab seconds (and thirds), but don’t forget fitness activities are available as well.
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August festivals
ATLANTA UNDERGROUND FILM FESTIVAL
Celebrate Independent Film Month with Atlanta’s Underground Film Festival. This four-day event showcases every cinematic genre from around the globe and features more than 100 remarkable indie filmmakers.
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PIEDMONT PARK ARTS SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL
The Atlanta Arts Festival fills Piedmont Park with more than 200 of the nation’s top artists. This can’t-miss event features original paintings, photographs and sculptures, as well as handcrafted works of leather, metal and blown glass. Visitors can also enjoy demonstrations, hands-on activities and festival foods.
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BRONZELENS FILM FESTIVAL
Celebrate Atlanta’s history of box office gold. Helping the city become the new destination for film people of color, the BronzeLens Film Festival is a four-day cinematic celebration featuring premieres, workshops, panel discussions, master classes, special appearances and more.
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GRANT PARK SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL
This two-day festival celebrates visual arts and family fun in Atlanta’s signature green space. Up to 250 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather workers, metalworkers, glass blowers, jewelers and crafters display their work along the park’s many paths.
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