Things To Do in Atlanta This Weekend
Published October 14, 2026
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Team Discover Atlanta has suggestions for things to do in Atlanta this weekend, Oct. 16, 17 and 18.
Weekend Highlights
- Atlanta Fair
- High Museum of Art turns 100
- Netherworld Haunted House
- Atlanta Falcons vs. Chicago Bears
- Little 5 Points Halloween
- Clark Atlanta Homecoming
- And more…
Happenings
Atlanta Fair
The Atlanta Fair returns offering rides, games and plenty of kettle corn until Nov. 8. Located at the corner of Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard and Central Avenue, this annual fall tradition is open Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m,; Friday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. New this year are two rides, Fireball and The Jumping Jumbos.
Little 5 Points Halloween
It’s one of the country’s best Halloween festivals so head on over to Little 5 Points, which is famous for its costume parade, floats and marching bands. The festival is the entire weekend starting at noon until 8 p.m. throughout Little 5 Points, with the hub being at Little 5 Points Community Center, 1083 Austin Ave.
More celebrations at the High
The High Museum of Art’s 100th Birthday Bash is taking over Peachtree Street Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Jollof Festival
Get a taste of iconic West African regional specialities at the Jollof Festival at the Westside Motor Lounge on Saturday at 3 p.m. The lounge is located at the bustling Westside part of town at 725 Echo St. Be sure to vote in the competitive “Jollof Wars” for the best dish.
Cheers!
Atlanta Magazine is hosting its Whiskey Festival Saturday at 7 p.m. at Pullman Yards, with VIPs arriving at 6 p.m. Sample premium whiskeys, meet master distillers and enjoy chef-driven bites. Pullman Yards is located at 225 Rogers St.
Taste of Soul Atlanta
One of Atlanta’s favorite food festivals takes place Saturday and Sunday near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as Taste of Soul Atlanta brings together soul food, live music and urban art for lots of festive fun.
Disco Fever!
Get on your spandex and dancing shoes at Lawn at Upton, 575 Main St., Saturday at 5 p.m. for a “Battle of the Generations” outdoor dance party featuring three live DJs and wireless headphones.
Mario-themed paint & sip
You’re never too old to put a little Mario in your heart so go to the Rose Bistro & Champagne party on Saturday at 8 p.m. where you can paint your favorite Mario characters. Cosplay of Mario, a Nintendo favorite, and his friends, is certainly encouraged.
Secret World of Elephants
The Fernbank Nuseum of Natural History recently unveiled a new exhibit, The Secret World of Elephants, that is perfect for families, nature lovers or those fascinated by these wonderful animals. The exhibit runs through Jan. 3 at the museum located at 767 Clifton Rd.
Clark Atlanta Homecoming
The Clark Atlanta Homecoming takes place this Saturday with a Homecoming Parade at 9 a.m., tailgating at noon and the Clark Atlanta Panthers going up against the Allen University Yellow Jackets at 1 p.m. at Panther Stadium. There will be a Finale Party at the Dome, 174 Northside Dr. starting at 9:30 p.m. Clark Atlanta is located at 223 James P. Brawley Dr.
Best of Midtown
Taste of Atlanta brings the Taste of Midtown and the best of Midtown foods and drinks to the Epicurean Hotel on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy an all-inclusive evening sampling tastings from more than 25 tops restaurants, including Le Barbecue, Eclipse di Luna, Bartaco and Estrellita Filipino. The Epicurean Hotel is located at 1117 West Peachtree St.
Indian Celebrations
The Atlanta Diwali Festival takes place Friday at NaanStop at Atlantic Green, 26518th St. from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. It’s a free festival with Indian dance, food and the screening of Zindagi NaMilegi Dobara, a Bollywood film.
Filipino Festival
The Bayanihan Fest, a free outdoor celebration of Filipino-American history and culture takes, place Saturday at Uptown Atlanta,, 500 Lindbergh Dr. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Work on your Warrior Pose
The Dirty South Yoga Fest takes place Saturday at the Loudermilk Conference Center, 40 Courtland Street, on Saturday for day-long yoga sessions, meditation and sound baths.
Live Entertainment
Macbeth
The timeless story of “Macbeth” continues to wow audiences at the Atlanta Shakespeare Company until Oct. 25 with performances at 7:30 p.m. The theatre is located at 499 Peachtree St.
Alliance Theatre
“Like Father”, a coming-of-age musical set against America’s true-crime obsession, opens its run on Oct. 8 and goes through Nov. 15 at the Hertz Stage at the Alliance Theatre.
The Horizon Theatre’s Latest Play
“The Heart Sellers”, a play about two young immigrant women navigating life in America — and Thanksgiving — without a recipe, will be on the Horizon Theatre stage from Oct. 10 through Nov. 9. What starts as a kitchen disaster becomes a funny, heartfelt night of honesty, laughter, confessions and friendship.
“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 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.
Frankenstein
Theatre Bazarae presents the tragic tale of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” in a retold version by the three Fates of Roman mythology at the 7Stages Theatre Co. Oct. 5-18. at 110 Euclid Ave.
World Premier
The Horizon Theatre Company debuts a world premiere of Other Paths to God, a juicy hospital whodunit and dramedy by acclaimed Atlanta playwright Kelundra Smith. The play will run until Nov. 8 at the theatre located at 1083 Austin Ave.
Music
Atlanta Concerts: Oct. 16-18
Kelela
Enjoy innovative alternative R&B, electronic beats and gorgeous vocals as she brings her New Avatar Live Tour to Buckhead.
When: Thursday, Oct. 15 at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Buckhead Theatre
Tickets: starting at $90
Waylon Wyatt
Don’t miss this rising folk-country star live in Little Five Points for an intimate night of his Dustpiles World Tour.
When: Friday, Oct. 16 at 8:00 p.m.
Where: Variety Playhouse
Tickets: starting at $34
Reggae concert
Don Omar, the legendary reggaeton pioneer, brings his hits to State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Dr. on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.
Sports
Go United!
Join the Atlanta United on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. as they take on Miami CF at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Drive. Be a part of an incredibly loud, passionate and energetic atmosphere as the crowd cheers the team on to victory.
Go Dirty Birds!
The Atlanta Falcons take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Art
The Art of Banksy
“The Art of Banksy: Without Limits” is a stunning street art exhibition at Pullman Yards. The exhibit features more than 200 pieces, including original certified artworks, such as prints, sculptures, installations and murals. Located at 225 Rogers St., this is the biggest exhibition about the anonymous street artist Banksy.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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