Cool Things To Do in September in Atlanta

By Allison Ramirez

Published August 20, 2026

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In Atlanta, September brings cooler mornings, packed event calendars and plenty of reasons to get out and explore the beautiful city around you. We’re talking can’t-miss festivals, major concerts, dancing, great food, neighborhood celebrations, wine education, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences and more. Here’s what’s happening around The City in a Forest this month.

Food & Drink

Wine School, Sept. 2 at Burle’s Bar

Wine School at Burle’s Bar returns! Join sommelier and wine educator Adam Venable on the first Wednesday of every month from 7 to 9 PM for a fun, approachable deep dive into wine, featuring between six and 12 curated pours and light food pairings.

Taste of Soul Atlanta, Sept. 5 & 6

Celebrate Atlanta’s rich culinary culture with a weekend of soul food, live music, and local vendors. Come hungry and sample signature dishes while enjoying performances and family-friendly entertainment at this free festival that takes place over Labor Day Weekend.

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, Sept. 10-13 at The Home Depot Backyard

One of the Southeast’s premier culinary events returns with chef demonstrations, curated tastings, and pours from top wineries, breweries and distilleries. Keep your eyes peeled for beloved celebrity chefs like Andrew Zimmern. It’s a must for food lovers looking to experience the region’s best flavors.

Tequila Tasting, Sept. 18 at Ancestral Bottle Shop

Head to Westside Paper for a guided tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. with Aguasol Tequila, featuring a lineup of expressive pours and an inside look at what makes a good tequila, plus the brand’s craftsmanship and story.

Sippin’ Safari, Sept. 19 at Zoo Atlanta

Sip, stroll and explore at Zoo Atlanta’s four-hour wine festival. Sippin’ Safari brings wine producers, carousel rides, and a fun evening to Grant Park for a night out that’s a little different from the norm – and supports conservation programs at the same time.

Cocktails & Castoffs with Chef Demetrius Brown, Sept. 20 at Halfway Crooks and Heritage Supper Club

Spend an evening bopping around Summerhill with acclaimed chefs Demetrius Brown, Justin Dixon, and Maximilian Hines for a good cause. The event supports Atlanta-based nonprofit DIG (Development in Gardening) and promises an unforgettable dining experience featuring inventive cocktails and an intimate chef’s tasting.

Music

Gary Clark Jr., Sept. 1 at The Eastern

Kick off a month of music with none other than Grammy-winning guitarist Gary Clark Jr., whose electrifying blend of blues, rock and soul makes for an unforgettable live show. Pre-game in the Reynoldstown area with dinner and drinks at La Semilla.

Jack Harlow – Monica Tour, Sept. 4 at Coca-Cola Roxy

Catch chart-topping rapper Jack Harlow as he brings his latest tour to Atlanta for an energetic night of fan favorites and new hits at the Battery across the street from Truist Park.

Rumours ATL: Fleetwood Mac Tribute, Sept. 6 at Peachtree Pointe Amphitheater at Lanier Islands Resort

Say goodbye to summer lakeside with Rumours ATL, a tribute band recreating Fleetwood Mac’s iconic sound against the scenic shores of Lake Lanier.

Juanes North America Tour, Sept. 9 at at Coca-Cola Roxy

Colombian music superstar Juanes returns to Atlanta with a packed performance of beloved Latin Rock hits and powerful new music.

Thee Sacred Souls & LA LOM, Sept. 15 at Coca-Cola Roxy

Soul revival favorites Thee Sacred Souls team up with Cumbia-inspired LA LOM and special guests The Womack Sisters for an evening of rhythm and smooth vocals.

Shaky Knees Music Festival, Sept. 18-20 at Piedmont Park

One of Atlanta’s biggest music weekends returns with a lineup spanning indie rock, alternative and emerging artists. Spend the weekend discovering new favorites and seeing headliners like the Strokes and LCD Soundsystem across multiple stages.

Karol G – Viajando Por El Mundo Tropitour, Sept. 24 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Global superstar Karol G brings her stadium-worthy energy and Latin hits to downtown Atlanta for one of the hottest concerts of the year.

Charley Crockett – Age of the Ram Tour, Sept. 25 at Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park

Country, blues and Americana come together as Charley Crockett delivers his signature storytelling and soulful sound live. Durand Jones & The Indications will open the show.

Kacey Musgraves – Middle of Nowhere Tour, Sept. 30 at State Farm Arena

End the month with Grammy-award-winning singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves as she performs her pop and country fan favorites and new music in downtown Atlanta.

Live Jazz, Various dates and locations

Live jazz is on the menu every week at some of the coolest spots in the city. Pop into Burle’s Bar or The Waiting Room (above Bon Ton) on Tuesdays. Thursdays at Side Saddle in Boulevard Heights brings live music, great wines, and the best people watching.

Outdoors

Cocktails in the Garden, Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24 at Atlanta Botanical Garden

Make an evening of it at Atlanta Botanical Garden’s popular after-hours summer cocktail event. Grab a drink, enjoy live music and wander the gardens at your own pace. Perfect for a date night—or just a fun night out.

Yellow Daisy Festival, Sept. 10-13 at Stone Mountain Park

Browse hundreds of artists and makers, enjoy live entertainment and sample festival favorites at the 58th annual Yellow Daisy festival, one of the top arts and crafts shows in the country.

Forward, Warrior!! Live Painting Event, Sept. 18 in Cabbagetown

Watch Atlanta’s coolest mural project come to life as artists transform walls into vibrant works of public art during this free street festival and community celebration from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival, Begins Sept. 19

Celebrate the start of fall Friday through Sunday with giant pumpkins, family attractions, seasonal entertainment and festive fun at Stone Mountain Park.

AIDS Walk Atlanta Music Festival & 5K Run, Sept. 26 at Piedmont Park

Support a meaningful cause while enjoying live music, community programming and a 5K benefiting organizations across metro Atlanta.

East Atlanta Strut, Sept. 26 in East Atlanta Village

This beloved neighborhood festival combines live music, local artists, a colorful parade, food vendors and the quirky neighborhood spirit. Register to have a float, car or marchers in the parade or show your support by cheering on those who are participating.

Sunday in the Park featuring Tunes From the Tombs, Sept. 27 at Oakland Cemetery

Pack a picnic and enjoy live music in one of Atlanta’s most beautiful historic settings during this beloved annual tradition in the Grant Park neighborhood.

Atlanta Streets Alive, Sept. 27 in Midtown

Atlanta Streets Alive

Take advantage of a car-free Peachtree Street and walk, bike, skate or roll along while exploring the neighborhood through pop-up activities, music, games, and even fitness activations along the route.

Sports

Atlanta Braves Baseball, Sept 8-13 and Sept 22-24 at Truist Park

Cheer on the Braves during exciting interleague matchups as they face the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and then the Cincinnati Reds and enjoy one of baseball’s best game-day experiences.

Atlanta Falcons Football, Sept. 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

The Falcons return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for their Week 2 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, for the team’s only September home game.

Atlanta United Soccer, Sept. 9 and 26 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Atlanta United has two September home matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Catch the Five Stripes take on Orlando City on September 9 at 7:30 p.m., followed by New York City FC on September 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Atlanta Dream Basketball, Sept. 17 at Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and September 19 at State Farm Arena

Catch the Atlanta Dream in action this September as the WNBA team takes the court. Experience the excitement of elite women’s basketball right here in Atlanta.

Arts, Books and Theater

Hamilton, Sept. 2-20 at the Fox Theatre

Don’t miss the award-winning Broadway phenomenon as Hamilton returns with its unforgettable music, storytelling and history-making performances.

High Frequency Friday, Sept. 4 at the High Museum

Kick off the first Friday of the month at the High Museum with drinks, a DJ and plenty of art to explore. High Frequency Friday turns the museum into a lively after-hours hangout for an easygoing night in Midtown.

Fernbank After Dark: Forensics, Sept. 11 at Fernbank

Put your detective skills to the test at Fernbank’s 21+ After Dark series. This month’s forensics theme brings after-hours museum access, science demonstrations, music, full bars, small plates, giant-screen movies and more.

Black Authors Festival, Sept. 12 at Norwood Vineyard & Gardens in Jonesboro

Meet acclaimed writers, attend engaging conversations and celebrate Black literature during this inspiring community event from 2-10 p.m.

Atlanta Ballet Presents: Passion & Pride, Sept. 18-20 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

Experience an evening of powerful choreography and the magic of world-class performances as Atlanta Ballet opens its new season.

Everybody Loves Pirates, Sept. 30-Oct. 11 at Center for Puppetry Arts

Families can set sail on a swashbuckling adventure filled with puppetry, music and interactive fun perfect for young audiences. Tickets include museum admission and free parking.

Culture and Community

Fall Fest 2026 with 4-H, Sept. 19 at Atlanta History Center

Honor the arrival of fall at the Atlanta History Center with harvests, history and some hands-on activities. The event includes historic demonstrations, seasonal garden activities, fall-themed games, food and interactive programs from Georgia 4-H Extension.

Atlanta Black Pride Weekend, Sept. 2-7 at various locations

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of one of the country’s largest Black Pride celebrations with parties, community events, entertainment and cultural programming.

Dragon Con Night, Sept. 5 at Georgia Aquarium

Cosplay meets marine life during this after-hours event where Dragon Con fans can explore the Aquarium in costume.

Circus Vazquez, Sept. 18 through Oct. 3 at Plaza Fiesta

Step under the big top for high-flying acrobatics, daring stunts and family-friendly entertainment from the largest family-owned traveling circus in the United States.

PUPFEST, Sept. 19 at The Works

The sixth annual PUPFEST event returns with a tailgate theme, featuring dog-friendly vendors, live music, college football, photo ops, a Pup Rally Contest and tailgate-inspired food and drinks. A portion of ticket sales benefits the Atlanta Humane Society.

Korean Festival in Atlanta, Sept. 19 & 20 at Gwinnett Place Mall

Experience Korean culture through traditional performances, K-pop, authentic cuisine and family activities during this awesome annual festival.

Estamos Aquí Fiesta, Sept. 27 at the Old Fourth Ward Skate Park

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with live performances, food, art and cultural programming that highlights Atlanta’s diverse Latinx community from 3-8 p.m.

Hispanic Heritage Month events

See the full list of events happening during Hispanic Heritage Month in Atlanta here.

Always keep an eye on our calendar of events for even more things to do in Atlanta.

Allison Ramirez is an Atlanta-based freelance journalist with over a decade of experience writing for publications like Travel + Leisure, the Daily Beast, Eater, Thrillist and others. Her recent work spans art, architecture, travel, and food & beverage stories, focusing on diversity within those spaces in the South and beyond.