Things To Do in Atlanta This Weekend

By Discover Atlanta Editorial Team

Last Updated September 30, 2026

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Team Discover Atlanta has suggestions for things to do in Atlanta this weekend, Oct. 2, 3 and 4.

Weekend Highlights

• Atlanta Art Fair
• SITE at Goat Farm
• The Georgia Aquarium’s Haunted Seas
• The Atlanta Shakespeare Co.’s Macbeth
• Porches and Pies Festival
• The Toy Factory opens
• Atlanta HorrorFest
• Decatur Book Festival
• Hispanic Yoga Festival
• Candler Park Fall Festival
• Ansley Park Tour of Homes
• And more…

Happenings

Atlanta Art Fair Back at Pullman Yards

The Atlanta Art Fair returns to Pullman Yards this weekend and features more than 100 local, regional and international artists and galleries that focus on contemporary art from the creative communities of Atlanta and the American South. The event, which takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, includes interactive installations, live performances, curated booth presentations and public talks.

SITE 2026 at Goat Farm

Goat Farm, a multi-disciplinary culture center in West Midtown, is hosting Site 2026, an experimental art festival Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Now in its third year, the event is a 12-acre campus-wide exhibition of contemporary art, performance, music, film, installation and experimentation. Explore new works by more than 50 local, national and international artists, including Broly Su, Ollie Goss, Gresham Cash and T.WW. Pilar will be on display. Among the musicians performing are Frankly Dope, Lungwing, and Wifi Daddy.

Other Art Fair

The Other Art Fair Atlanta, presented by London-based Saatchi Art, takes place Thursday through Sunday at Enspire Mercantile Park, 259 Milton Ave. in Grant Park. The fair features more than 100 independent artists and 1,000 original works, and artists who will sell their work directly to attendees. The fair will be from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday; 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and finally, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

AtlFREEFAIR returns

Atlanta’s mutual aid festival atlFREEfair is back this weekend and, of course, completely free! In the spirit of shared community resources, atlFREEfair includes free food, a plant swap, a clothes mending station, skill shares (like haircuts and reiki), arts and crafts, kids’ activities, live entertainment and so much more.

The atlFREEfair is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Friendship Center, 737 Woodland Avenue SE. The event is family-friendly and designed to bring neighbors together to share, learn, and build connections. 

Say “Cheese!”

The Atlanta History Center’s new exhibit, “Joy to the City: Atlanta Smiles at the Camera,” opens Oct. 3 and runs through summer 2027. The temporary exhibition, drawn from the Center’s expansive historic photography collection, highlights moments of joy and delight in the city over the years.

Haunted Seas

Dive into a sea of spook-macular fun at the Georgia Aquarium’s Haunted Seas. Get swept away in haunting legends, whimsical characters and Halloween magic galore. From daily themed dolphin and sea lion presentations to a completely transformed atrium decked out in eerie decor, there’s frightful fun for the whole family. Come in costume and join in the holiday fun.

Pumpkin Party at the Cemetery

Oakland Cemetery once again hosts its Pumpkin Patch Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The whole family will enjoy the season’s sights, flavors and activities. There will be pumpkins to take home, delicious bites from local vendors and an artist market. Don’t miss the pumpkin decorating, create your own scarecrow, fishing for apples and a pumpkin photo opportunity. The historic cemetery is located at 374 Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr.

Atlanta Fashion Week

Atlanta Fashion Week returns Sept. 30 through Oct. 4 and transforms the city into a five-day celebration of fashion, culture, and commerce. Among the highlights is “ATLFW: Intersections”, where independent and emerging designers will present their collections at Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Dr.

The Toy Factory Opens

The Toy Factory, an immersive 360-degree experience for the whole family, will now be at Pullman Yards until the end of the year. The Toy Factory invites guests behind the scenes to discover the mysteries of this secret factory filled with joy, laughter, tradition and wonder. Journey through an enchanting world filled with endearing, playful characters, interactive games, immersive worlds and, of course, a workshop to design and build your own toys. It’s an experience where world-class innovative technology blends with captivating sets and a story sure to engage the entire family. Perfect for all ages, The Toy Factory will be open daily at Pullman Yards, located at 225 Rogers St.

Porches and Pies

Come to Adair Park on Saturday for its annual Porches and Pies festival, bringing together homemade pies, live music, kids’ activities, local vendors and community spirit. There is also a pie contest that’s not to be missed. The event takes place at Monday Night Garage at Lee + White, 933 Lee St., from noon to 5 p.m.

Atlanta Arab Festival

The 19th annual Atlanta Arab Festival will be this weekend from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 3288 Marjan Dr. Embark on a culinary tour at the Arab world food court, and enjoy workshops, games, shops, panel discussions, and other programming.

Atlanta HorrorFest

Be scared! Be very scared! The Atlanta Horror Fest returns Oct. 1 through Oct. 4 at the 7 Stages Theatre, 1105 Euclid Ave. Celebrating 20 years of independent horror, the Atlanta HorrorFest is Georgia’s original horror festival and features four days of feature films, shorts, horror comedies, filmmaker Q&As, panels, mixers and late-night parties. Don’t miss the Saturday Horror Crawl in Little 5 Points.

Decatur Book Fest

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Brian Goldstone will headline the Decatur Book Festival with a talk at 7 p.m. on Friday. The festival, one of the largest independent book festivals in the country, will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in various locations in downtown Decatur. Enjoy the Street Fair featuring a diverse array of exhibitors including authors, poets, publishers and artists, as well as Meet the Authors sessions throughout Decatur.

Ansley Park Tour of Homes

The Ansley Park Tour takes place Friday through Sunday, starting with a black-tie optional Preview Party at the Goizueta Stage for Youth and Families at the Woodruff Arts Center. The tour runs Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with eight houses that showcase the character and evolution of Ansley Park living.

New this year is an add-on experience where tour-goers can enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience at the Alliance Theatre from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, as well as free admission to the Museum of Design Atlanta on those days. In addition, the nearby First Church of Christ, Scientist will host an open house from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. both days.

Candler Park Fall Festival

Don’t miss one of the best neighborhood festivals, the Candler Park Fall Fest, Saturday (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.). The park is located at 1500 Ave. There will also be a Fall Ball on Friday at The Wrecking Bar. Now in its 25th year, the festival draws more than 20,000 people to enjoy two days of music, art, food, artist market, games, rides, 5K run and special attractions. Every dollar raised goes to the Candler Park neighborhood organizations for critical infrastructure improvements and park upgrades.

Hispanic Yoga Festival

The Atlanta Hispanic Yoga Festival returns Oct. 4 with an experience that’s bigger, more vibrant and more inspiring. Among the activities are yoga (of course!), sound bathing, yoga Nidra as well as a market featuring local crafts, a dance party, Latin flavors, Hispanic businesses and organizations that support the Latin community. The festival starts at 8:30 a.m. at Westside Warehouse, 996 Huff Rd.

Family Pride at Zoo Atlanta 

Discover the rainbow of diversity and types of “families” found in the natural world at Zoo Atlanta. Visit the zoo on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and stop at the various activity stations to learn about animal social structures, species survival and an interactive reading event at Amy’s Tree Theater. 

Live Entertainment

“Double Double, Toil and Trouble”

Head over to the Atlanta Shakespeare Company to hear those famous words spoken by the three witches in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”. While the play was first performed in 1606, it still resonates today as it is a dark tragedy about the corrupting power of unchecked ambitions when Macbeth, a Scottish general  (spurred on by his ambitious wife, Lady Macbeth), kills his king to seize the throne. The play opens on Saturday, Oct. 3 and runs through Oct. 25, starting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. The theater, located at 499 Peachtree St., opens an hour and 16 minutes before the performance for British-style food-and-pub food and beverage service.

Circus Vazquez 

The circus is in town — well, the Circus Vazquez — that is. The Mexican circus show offers some of the world’s best circus acts, including Kristina Vorobeva, an award-winning tightrope walker, the Bingo Troupe from Ukraine, and Mexican clown Chistirrin, a renowned clown. The circus will be at Plaza Fiesta for several dates through October. 

“Fences” at Theatrical Outfit 

The second-oldest nonprofit professional theater in Atlanta and the only one located Downtown, Theatrical Outfit will present August Wilson’s “Fences”, about a man trying to protect his family in the 1950s in Pittsburgh. It will run Sept. 16 through Oct. 4.

It’s All About the Gold

Au Room Show, inspired by the centuries-long fascination with gold, runs through Oct. 11 at Pullman Yards. The 100-minute production blends world-class aerial performances with powerful music and contemporary choreography inspired by humanity’s relationship with gold and wealth—spectacular LED visuals and a rich theatrical atmosphere transform the stage into immersive worlds where story, music, movement, lighting and design create an unforgettable evening. 

Read more about the show.

Music

Atlanta Symphony starts the season 

Music Director Nathalie Stutzmann tees up a season-long homage to the spirited delights of Johannes Brahms. Starting with an audience favorite, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra welcomes the young violin hotshot Johan Dalene, a “tantalizing talent,” for Brahms’ feverishly impassioned Violin Concerto. After intermission, the Orchestra roars back to life with Brahms’s thundering Symphony No. 1. Maestro Stutzmann opens the program with a pyrotechnic classic, the Overture to Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks. 

The performances are Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Woodruff Fine Arts Center. See what else is coming this season at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

From Cuba to Motown

The Fox Theatre will certainly be rocking this weekend as the iconic Cuban duo, Gente de Zona, brings its signature energy and infectious rhythms to the historic theatre this Friday at 8 p.m. Known worldwide for hits including “Bailando” and “La Gozadera,” Gente de Zona will also spotlight music rooted in the sound of Reparto and its Cuban heritage. The next night, on Saturday, it’s the Motown sound as the iconic Smokey Robinson brings his “Legacy of Love” tour at 7:30 p.m. A founding member of The Miracles, he will perform one of the most influential catalogs in American music.

Jason Marsalis Quartet

Experience modern bebop and New Orleans jazz with the Jason Marsalis Quartet and vocalist Vanisha Gould live in concert on Friday starting at 7 p.m. A recipient of honors from the National Endowment for the Arts, Marsalis leads an evening of exceptional artistry, complemented by Gould’s expressive style reminiscent of Billie Holiday and Joni Mitchell. The concert takes place at Serenade’s Gainey Hall.

Atlanta Concerts: Oct. 1-4

ScHoolboy Q

Enjoy West Coast hip-hop as ScHoolboy Q kicks off his tour, celebrating the 10th anniversary of his album “Blank Face LP,” in downtown Atlanta.

When: Thursday, Oct. 1 at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Tabernacle
Tickets: starting at $54

The Travelin’ McCourys 

Hear authentic American bluegrass and eclectic acoustics from the band out of Nashville in this cozy, beloved listening room. 

When: Thursday, Oct. 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Eddie’s Attic
Tickets: starting at $45

TLC & Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue

Catch a historic, star-studded outdoor celebration as legendary groups deliver 90s R&B and hip-hop hits as part of their IT’S ICONIC tour.

When: Friday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
Tickets: starting at $98

Chinese Football

Experience an energetic math-rock spectacle as the group from Wuhan, China takes the stage alongside local emo band Michael Cera Palin.

When: Friday, Oct. 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Altar at The Masquerade
Tickets: starting at $27

Jeff Bernat 

Enjoy an evening of contemporary R&B and soul as the Filipino-American singer and songwriter shares the stage with Atlanta’s own ELHAE.

When: Friday, Oct. 2 at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Aisle 5
Tickets: starting at $39

Ed Sheeran: LOOP Tour

Experience a massive stadium show as the global superstar brings his radio hits to Atlanta, alongside special guests Lukas Graham and Aaron Rowe.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Tickets: starting at $103

Duelo

Dance to a night of regional Mexican music featuring romantic ballads, heartfelt lyrics, and high-energy hits at the Roxy.

When: Saturday, Oct. 3 at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Coca-Cola Roxy
Tickets: starting at $175

Sports

Atlanta Dream Playoffs

Atlanta’s professional women’s basketball team, the Atlanta Dream, is in the first round of the WNBA playoffs and, if necessary, will be ready for Game 3 on Friday at the State Farm Arena, with the time not yet stated.

Georgia State football

The Georgia State Panthers football team will meet the Old Dominion Monarchs on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at Turner Field.

Art

High Museum’s Latest Show

Since the 1970s, Martin Puryear has captivated the public with beautiful and thought-provoking works inspired by global culture, social history and the natural world. The High Museum of Art will be the exclusive Southeast venue for this comprehensive collection through Jan. 17, 2027. More than 70 works in a wide variety of materials will be on display.

I SPY! Comes to the High

“I SPY! Walter Wick’s Hidden Wonders,” the largest exhibition of Walter Wick’s work, is at the High Museum of Art through Jan. 3, 2027. Featuring works from “I SPY!” and “Can You See What I See,” the exhibition showcases Wick’s intricate miniature worlds, optical illusions and search-and-find puzzles, inviting visitors of all ages to explore his imaginative visual storytelling.

‘Paper Trees’ Exhibit Open at High Museum of Art

“Paper Trees” is on view at the High Museum of Art through Feb. 21, 2027. Featuring nearly 50 prints, drawings and sculptures, the exhibition explores how artists have depicted landscapes and the natural world, using the tree as a central subject across works from the 19th century to today.

High Museum Presents Playful Exhibit on Carroll Slater Sifly Piazza

The High Museum of Art presents “Los Porfiados” (The Stubborns) on Carroll Slater Sifly Piazza, a playful installation by Chilean creative studio gt2P. Inspired by the classic Chilean “mono porfiado” roly-poly toy, the exhibit features 14 inflatable, interactive sculptures, some reaching 17 feet tall. The installation is the 10th project in the High’s multiyear outdoor series and remains through Nov. 29.

Ongoing Events

Netherworld Haunted House 

Netherworld continues until Nov. 1. Now in its 30th year, Netherworld is opening the vault of fear with two massive haunted attractions: The Curse of the Collector and Beyond Oblivion: Legacy of Evil. Guests will enjoy gargoyles, gorgons, vampires, werewolves, the Army of the Dead, as well as supernatural creatures, slaughterhouses and swamps.

Learn about how Netherworld became Atlanta’s legendary Halloween Attraction.

Pumpkin Festival Stone Mountain 

Play by day and glow at night at Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival from Sept. 19 through Nov. 1. Enjoy refreshing hikes and nature walks along with character meet-and-greets, a pie-eating contest with the Mad Hatter and enchanting fairytale scenes and photo spots. 

Center for Puppetry Arts Explores Stop-Motion Animation

Center for Puppetry Arts has opened the special exhibition, “Frame by Frame: The Art of Stop Motion Animation.” The exhibition, running through Nov. 1, explores how stop motion combines puppets, scenery, human hands and patience to bring still artwork to life.

This article updates weekly with brand new things to do in Atlanta for the weekend. Feel free to bookmark it for next weekend. For more weekend events, check our calendar.

Originally Published September 10, 2026