Cool Things To Do in May in Atlanta
Last Updated May 7, 2026
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It’s May. Festival season is in full swing. There are plenty of events to keep you busy for Mother’s Day and Memorial Day Weekend.
Let the Fun Begin
Atlanta Film Festival
Celebrating 50 years, the Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) is one of the largest and longest-running film festivals in the country. The festival continues through May 3 showcasing independent, international, animated, documentary and short films. In addition to the screenings, there are Q&A panels with the directors, actors and crew members for a deeper look into their work.
Sweet Auburn Springfest
Enjoy free concerts all day at the 40th annual Sweet Auburn Springfest. There will be vendors, comedy shows, a kids area and delicious food. The festival is called the “World’s Largest Family Reunion” so it’s fitting that it’s happening Mother’s Day weekend, May 9-10.
Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival
The Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival has been named one of the nation’s Top 100 Arts Festivals Nationwide by Sunshine Artist Magazine. From fine art and crafts, a children’s area and food trucks and live music, there’s plenty to to enjoy. This festival is free to attend. The festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 9 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 10.
See ‘Frida’ Performed by Atlanta Ballet
Atlanta Ballet is showcasing the colorful portrait of the life of Frida Kahlo, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The emotional, passionate and introspective world of the celebrated Mexican artist is vividly brought to life through choreography, while her dreams are reimagined with a rich tapestry of paintings, motifs and self-portraits. The show runs May 8-10.
Black Music Week
The inaugural Black Music Week in Atlanta is happening May 25 through June 6. Events throughout the week will amplify Black American music, arts, culture, entertainment, technology and economic development. With a plethora of Black artists who call Atlanta home or who started their careers here, bamX is aimed at bringing together industry leaders, artists and fans from around the world.
Virginia Highland Porchfest
The VaHi Porchfest returns for another year of celebrating community through music on front porches in Virginia-Highland. Local bands and musicians will perform on porches around the neighborhood on May 16.
Virginia Highland Farmers Market
It’s Sunday morning and it’s time to hit up the Virginia Highland Farmers Market. Vendors sell everything from candles to fresh produce to organic juices. Plenty of stalls also have fresh flowers for purchase. The spring farmers market happens Sunday mornings from 8:30 a.m. until noon at Highland Woodworking.
MomoCon
MomoCon is one of the fastest growing “all ages” conventions in the country with more than 50,000 expected in Atlanta May 21-24 to celebrate costuming, comics, gaming, music, visual arts and voice acting. Fans of Japanese anime, American animation, comics and gaming (video games, esports, tabletop, LARP) will celebrate their passion, play games and dress in cosplay costumes. The convention occurs at the Georgia World Congress Center.
Atlanta Jazz Festival
During Memorial Day Weekend, enjoy live jazz in Piedmont Park during the Atlanta Jazz Festival. The festival showcases local and national jazz greats, a neighborhood jazz series, youth jazz band competition, a kids zone and many other family-friendly activities.
For Day 1, Saturday, Buddy Red, Nate Smith, Kamasi Washington and more will be performing. On Day 2, Sunday, see Cleveland P Jones and The Roots. And on Day 3, Monday, check out Nicole Zuraitis, Destin Conrad and PJ Morton.
The best park? The event is free and open to the public. There is limited parking, so it’s recommended to take MARTA or rideshare. There’s even a free bike valet station on 10th Street near Park Tavern.
Brew at the Zoo
Hang out at Zoo Atlanta while enjoying beer and wine from around Georgia. Brew at the Zoo will feature live music, yard games and more. This event has been a Memorial Day Weekend favorite for nearly 20 years. Get your tickets for the May 23 event VIP early entrance from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and regular entrance from 5:30-9 p.m.
Mutt Gala in Midtown
Midtown Alliance is bringing back the beloved tradition of the Mutt Gala. This free event features a doggy red carpet, a costume contest, music and food trucks. The event kicks off at 2 p.m. May 3 at 10th Street Park. The costume contest will be from 4-4:30 p.m. with the winners announced around 4:45 p.m.
Atlanta Fringe Festival
The annual Atlanta Fringe Festival features live theater, dance, comedy, storytelling and more from all over the world. This year’s festival will feature 80 performance groups across 10 venues. It’s happening May 27 through June 7. Featured Georgia artists include St. Elmo’s Fire – One Play Three Ways, Herd x Sainwood: An evening of Friendship and Fan fiction, That Haint Right and more. Atlanta Street Fringe is an outdoor showcase in Little 5 Points and East Atlanta Village happening May 20-31 and June 5-7.
Furry Weekend Atlanta
This community-driven, volunteer-led organization is committed to providing memorable, educational, inclusive and safe experiences where people can explore and express their true selves. There will be meet-and-greets, performances and more. Furry Weekend is May 7-10.
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 as the Artemis program prepares for its upcoming Artemis II launch. See the exhibit at Pullman Yards.
Downtown Sounds at Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park will be the place to be on Sunday, May 17 for Downtown Sounds. This event features live music and food trucks, plus you can enjoy the vibes at the park. The event is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the Southern Company Amphitheater at Centennial Olympic Park.
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Plenty of places around Atlanta are offering food and drink deals for Cinco de Mayo.
At New Realm Brewing Co., spend the evening on the rooftop with festive drinks, cold beer and delicious food. Festivities kick off at 6 p.m.
Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The month of May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. And Atlanta’s population is about 5% Asian, with about 400,000 being AANHPI. Explore their culture through food, community and tradition right here in Atlanta.
Feeling Sporty?
Atlanta Braves Home Games at Truist Park
Atlanta Braves vs. Chicago Cubs, May 12-14
Atlanta Braves vs. Boston Red Sox, May 15-17
Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals, May 22-24
Atlanta Dream
The WNBA is back and that means the Atlanta Dream returns to Gateway Center Arena.
Pre-Season: Atlanta Dream vs. Washington Mystics, May 3 at 3 p.m.
Atlanta Dream vs. Las Vegas Aces, May 17 at 3 p.m.
Atlanta Dream vs. Dallas Wings, May 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Atlanta Dream vs. Phoenix Mercury, May 24 at 3 p.m.
Atlanta United
Enjoy these soccer matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium before the World Cup comes to Atlanta in June.
Atlanta United vs. CF Montréal, May 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Atlanta United vs. LA Galaxy, May 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Mom
With Mother’s Day slated for Sunday, May 10, explore our list of ways to celebrate mom whether you’re looking for a delicious brunch or that perfect gift she will love.
For even more things to do in Atlanta, check 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.
Originally Published April 7, 2026
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