Cool Things To Do in July in Atlanta

By Taylor Boser

Published May 7, 2026

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The FIFA World Cup 2026™ isn’t over yet with more matches to come, including the semifinal. Plus, we know the weather will be hot, but there are a lot of cool things to do — both inside and out.

July Highlights

• FIFA World Cup 2026™
• Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race
• Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
• Summer Kickoff ATL at State Farm Arena

FIFA World Cup 2026™

The action in Atlanta for FIFA World Cup 2026™ is far from over. If you haven’t made it to a match yet, there’s still time. Here are the match-ups happening in Atlanta:

Round of 32

Group L winners vs. Group E/H/I/J/K third place on July 1

Round of 16

Winner match 86 vs. Winner match 88, July 7

Semifinal

Winner match 99 vs. Winner match 100, July 15

Not going to the matches, but still need somewhere to watch? Check out the city’s top sports bars and venues. Or find bars and restaurants near Mercedes-Benz Stadium to enjoy the action.

FIFA Events

FIFA Fan Festival 2026

Centennial Olympic Park will be the official home of the FIFA Fan Festival™ Atlanta, a gathering place for fans, families and visitors to come together to celebrate the game. The festival will be hosted by the city of Atlanta and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority. This free event will run for select days during the tournament, but general admission registration must be reserved in advance. Dates in July are July 1, July 7, July 11, July 14 and July 15.

Decatur WatchFest ’26

Throughout the World Cup, the city of Decatur will bring live music to Decatur Square. Reserve your free tickets to see the Indigo Girls on July 19.

In addition to the musical appearances, Decatur pubs will pour drinks in special to-go cups so you can sip and stroll within the entertainment zones. MARTA takes you directly to Decatur Square, so you can ride the train home safely.

Summer Kickoff ATL

While FIFA is here, State Farm Arena is bringing top-notch performers to the A to keep the vibes high all summer long through their Summer Kickoff ATL series.

Joji, July 2

Ariana Grande, July 6, 8 and 9

Tame Impala, July 11-12

J. Cole, July 17-18

Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire, July 19

Louis Tomlinson, July 22

Daniel Caesar, July 24

Find our full list of events here.

More Sports this Summer

Atlanta Braves Home Games at Truist Park

Atlanta Braves vs. St. Louis Cardinals, July 1-2

Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets, July 3-6

Atlanta Braves vs. Texas Rangers, July 17-19

Atlanta Braves vs. San Diego Padres, July 21-23

Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals, July 30-31

Atlanta Dream Home Games at Gateway Center Arena @ College Park

Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries, July 4 at 1 p.m.

Atlanta Dream vs. Seattle Storm, July 9 at 8 p.m.

Atlanta Dream vs. Portland Fire, July 11 at 4 p.m.

Atlanta Dream vs. Los Angeles Sparks, July 13 at 7 p.m.

Atlanta Dream vs. Chicago Sky, July 19 at 4 p.m.

Atlanta Dream vs. Seattle Storm, July 31 at 7:30 p.m.

Celebrate the Fourth of July

Peachtree Road Race

Nearly 50,000 people will make the journey from Buckhead to Midtown along Peachtree Street for the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race, the world’s largest 10K. This iconic race takes place on the morning of July 4. Happening on America’s 250th anniversary, this year’s race will be even more electric.

The lottery registration is closed, but by becoming an Atlanta Track Club member, you can still register. If running isn’t your thing, this is a very popular race for spectators and fans cheering those braving the hills.

Fireworks on the Fourth of July

Celebrate the Fourth of July by finding the perfect fireworks show. All throughout Atlanta, communities will be decked out in red, white and blue so explore our list of where to see fireworks near you.

Celebrate America’s 250

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum where you can learn about the 39th president and the only president from Georgia. There will be activities for kids, including crafts, cupcakes, festive decorations and giveaways.

Denise Kiernan, author of New York Times bestsellers “The Last Castle” and “The Girls of Atomic City” will be there discussing her new book, “Obstinate Daughters: The Rebels, Writers, and Renegade Women Who Ignited the American Revolution.”

Admission on July 4 will be free and open to the public.

Fun in July

Footwork: Where We Gather exhibit

At the Michael C. Carlos Museum, you’ll find the exhibit “Footwork: Where We Gather.” The exhibit links traditional sports photography with contemporary works by photographer Sheila Pree Bright. From Atlanta United tailgates to the pitch, Falcons training camp to the stands and abroad, Pree Bright turns the camera to the fans, showcasing togetherness and solidarity in the places where sport becomes tradition and fans become family. The exhibit will be on display through July 19.

Night Nation Run

The Night Nation Run blends a music festival and a fun run, with DJs, bubble zones and light shows along the course. After you cross the finish line, you’ll be greeted with an after party featuring top headliner DJs. The race starts at Center Parc Stadium on July 11 at 8:30 p.m.

Space Explorers: THE INFINITE

Experience life as an astronaut onboard the International Space Station at the Space Explores: THE INFINITE exhibit. Using VR immersive technology, guests are transported nearly 250 miles above Earth. They will get a front-row seat to NASA’s Artemis I rocket launch presented on giant screens, connecting humanity’s achievements in orbit with the next chapter of deep-space exploration. See the exhibit at Pullman Yards all month long.

Atlanta Ice Cream Festival

Beat the heat by enjoying delicious ice cream during one of the sweetest summer festivals. The Atlanta Ice Cream Festival is happening at Piedmont Park on July 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry is free.

Need more summer fun? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Summer in Atlanta. Or find more things to do on 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.