Cool Things To Do in August in Atlanta
Published June 24, 2025
Last Updated June 25, 2025
Back-to-school, football and festivals mean there’s plenty to do this August in Atlanta.
Events Bringing the Heat
Summer Shade Festival
Grant Park is hosting the 23rd Summer Shade Festival in August. There will be live performances and more than 140 regional artists showcasing their work. Deep South Wrestling will host events throughout the weekend, near the Gazebo. There will be a kids’ bouncy house village, face painting and the Sunday morning Move & Groove activation. There also will be yoga in the park. This event benefits the Grant Park Conservancy. It’s happening Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Piedmont Park Arts Festival
This outdoor festival features the work of more than 200 artists, including painters, photographers, sculptures, leather and metalworkers, glass blowers, jewelry and crafters. Happening in Piedmont Park Aug. 16 and 17, the Piedmont Park Arts Festival is free to attend. There will be live music, a children’s play area, and festival food and drinks. You can bring your dogs, but make sure they’re on a leash. The festival is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 16 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 17.
Glow Nights at Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium comes alive at night via Glow Nights. Starting at 4 p.m., the atrium transforms, and live performances start at 5 p.m. Enjoy unicyclists, jugglers, aerialists and more.Glow Nights runs through Aug. 17.
Cricket MEAC/SWAC Game
Football season is upon us with the Cricket MEAC/SWAC Challenge Kick-Off game. The Southern University Jaguars will face-off against the North Carolina Central University Eagles at Center Parc Stadium. The game is Aug. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Premier League Summer Series
The pre-season tournament will feature a double-header at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. AFC Bournemouth will take on West Ham United in the first match. Then, it will be Manchester United vs. Everton in the second match. Get ready for all the action on August 3.
Atlanta Black Theatre Festival & Creative Arts Conference
The theme for the 14th annual Atlanta Black Theatre Festival & Creative Arts Conference is “from resilience to innovation.” The festival showcases arts in a setting that is as daring and innovative as the stories it elevates. Bringing together playwrights, actors, directors and audiences, there will be original work shown showcasing Black life and experiences. The festival occurs at Fulton County Southwest Arts Center Aug. 28-30. You can get individual tickets or weekend passes.
TOUR Championship
The 2025 TOUR Championship brings some of the best golfers from around the world to Atlanta. The top 30 players compete in this tournament, which is the culminating event of the PGA TOUR Playoffs. Every year it takes place at East Lake Golf Club. This year’s tournament is Aug. 21-24.
Dragon Con
Dragon Con comes to Atlanta every Labor Day and brings the largest multi-media, pop culture convention in the university. It focuses on science fiction & fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music and film. There will be art shows, vendors and a parade. Mark your calendars for August 28 through September 1.
SCOOBY-DOO! Mansion Mayhem Exhibit
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta invites families to solve the mystery of SCOOBY-DOO! Mansion Mayhem. Kids combine forces with the members of Mystery Inc. to analyze clues and put their problem-solving skills to the test. Along the way, they find iconic TV show characters and the hope of unmasking the jewel thief in the end. The exhibit runs through Sept. 7.
BITTERSWEET: The Design of Chocolate at Museum of Design Atlanta
Feel like Charlie in the Chocolate Factory at the Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA). Their BITTERSWEET exhibit dives deeper into the systems that shape how chocolate is made, consumed and valued, highlighting stories of innovation, equity and sustainability across the globe. The exhibit is happening through September 14.
Atlanta’s Finest 5k
Starting at Pemberton Place in downtown Atlanta, this 5k raises money for Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta. The race will have more than 2,500 participants and is taking place Aug. 16.
Things to do around College Campuses
Back to school season has begun. Whether you’re a returning student looking for some new adventures around Atlanta or you’re brand new and ready to explore, there’s plenty to do around all the campuses in the A.
Explore Georgia Tech’s campus in Midtown.
Explore Georgia State University’s campus in Downtown.
Check out what’s around Emory University in East Atlanta.
For things to do in Atlanta anytime, check in with our calendar of events.
A Chicago transplant, Taylor loves exploring what makes Atlanta the place to be. Name a popular festival, food hall or brewery to check out and she will be there.
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