Things To Do in Atlanta This Weekend

By Discover Atlanta Editorial Team

Last Updated November 5, 2026

Team Discover Atlanta has suggestions for things to do in Atlanta this weekend, Nov. 6-8.

Weekend Highlights

• Cabbagetown’s Chomp & Stomp
• Diwali Party
• Buried Alive Film Festival
• Atlanta Arab Festival
• Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival
• Usher and Chris Brown
• Westview Makers Village Market
• Renaissance Festival
• Atlanta Hawks and United play
• Donut Dash

Chomp & Stomp

The 23rd annual Chomp & Stomp bluegrass and chili festival returns to Cabbagetown Nov. 7 and 8 at 701 Kirkwood Ave. On Friday, the kick-off starts at 8 p.m. and goes to 10 p.m. with live music as well as comedy by Dad’s Garage at Cabbagetown Park.

One of the highlights takes place on Saturday when more than 15 restaurants and 50 home cooks take to the streets of historic Cabbagetown, dishing out samples of chili for around 30,000 attendees as they vie for awards: Best Restaurant Chili, Best Individual Winner (meat) and Best Individual Winner (veggie), and Spirit award. Alongside the fiercely competitive chili cookoff are six outdoor stages of music featuring more than 30 artists and bands, a “Romp” 5K run, and vibrant Artist Market featuring more than 50 local vendors. Tickets are $12 with the proceeds going to the nonprofit Cabbagetown Initiative and its current campaign to build an amphitheater near Cabbagetown Park.

Atlanta’s Usher — and Chris Brown

Atlanta’s Usher and Chris Brown will take over Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB Dr., from Thursday through Nov. 11 with their acclaimed R&B Tour.

Diwali Party

Chai Pani Decatur’s annual Diwali party is Sunday and will include live Bollywood music, free henna, food and beverages from local Desi-owned brands, and a fireworks display by Chef Daniel Peach. Meherwan Irani will sign his new cookbook, “No. 1 Best Indian Cookbook in the World.” Inside guests can dine inside the restaurant while DJ Siddkel will spin live Bollywood music outside along with a free henna artist, a photo booth and food and drinks from Chai Pani, Botiwalla, Raani Coffee and GoapGang. Fireworks will be set off around duck. The event take place Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 406 W Ponce de Leon Ave.

Blind Elf is back

The Blind Elf is back for another holiday season, bringing its annual Atlanta pop-up to Tin Lizzy’s Midtown, 77 12th St. Beginning this Friday, the neighborhood cantina will get the full Blind Elf treatment, with twinkling lights, over-the-top décor and festive food and drinks.

Expect holiday cheer around every corner. The menu welcomes back some of The Blind Elf’s most-loved cocktails and bites inspired by the magic of the season alongside Tin Lizzy’s familiar favorites.

Buried Alive Film Festival

Be scared…be very scared! For more than 18 years the Buried Alive Film Festival has championed underground filmmaking, delivering the finest independent horror, sci-fi and thrilled to audiences. The festival is from Nov. 5 through the 8th at the historic Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Celebrate veterans at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, presented by The Home Depot Foundation. During Veterans Day Weekend, visitors are invited to explore exhibitions and experiences that highlight the ongoing pursuit of civil and human rights and the individuals who have worked to create positive change in their communities and around the world. The center is offering free admission on Saturday, Sunday and Nov. 11 to active-duty military personnel and 20 percent off admission for up to four guests.

The Atlanta Arab Festival

The Atlanta Arab Festival takes place this Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Alif Institute 3288 Marjan Dr. Enjoy traditional foods in the Arab Food Court, clap for live performances of music and traditional folk dances, such as Dabkeh, and an Arabic folkloric fashion show. In addition there will be interactive workshops, children’s activities, henna art, Arabic calligraphy and other cultural events.

Medieval Halloween

The Georgia Renaissance Festival has a variety of fall activities, including GRAF After Dark on Fridays on Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13 and 20, plus Nov. 25. Aimed at adults over the age of 21, the experience includes a DJ, two live stages, a nighttime joust, fire and aerial performances, hookah lounges and premium cocktails.

Also, on Saturday, from Oct. 31 through Dec. 5, The Fall Fling Festival takes place with artisans, performers and taverns reimagined under autumn skies and lantern light. It spans seven festival days and six themed weekends, beginning with Hallowtide, each with its own story. Guests can watch three daily jousts, browse more than 160 artisan shops, sample more than 300 seasonal sips and bites, and enjoy games and live entertainment throughout.

Celebrating Veterans

The Atlanta History Center celebrates veterans Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at Veterans Park, 130 West Paces Ferry Rd. There is a special breakfast for active service members or veterans and then USMCR Nicholas Reynolds will give a keynote speech at 11 a.m. Other activities include a performance by the Atlanta Opera, a book signing by Katie S. Sanders of her book “Ortiz’s War,” and Civil War Guided Tours.

Waldorf School of Atlanta Holiday Fair

The 38th annual Waldorf School of Atlanta Holiday Fair takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the school, 827 Kirk Rd., Decatur. It’s free admission for a day of fun that includes an artist & maker market, interactive games and crafts for all ages, live music and a traditional puppet show. There will also be food trucks, a bake shop and a dedicated kids’ cafe.

Westside Stride Block Party at Upper Westside

The fourth annual Westside Stride Block party returns on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. at Howell Mill Rd. (between 8th Street and 17th Street). It’ll be a car-free zone with multiple performance stages with live music and sidewalk musicians. Located between 8th and 10th streets, as well as 14th and 17th street will be an artist & makers market. Family activities such as games will also add to the fun.

Atlanta Fair at Georgia State Stadium

The fair ends its annual visit this Sunday so go out an enjoy the new rides, FireBall and Jumping Jumbos as well as all the funnel cakes, cotton candy and deep-fried Oreos you can eat until next year. The fair opens at 1 p.m. and is located at 688 Central Ave.

Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival

Get a head start on holiday shopping as the Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival returns to beautiful Chastain Park in Buckhead on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, the award-winning, two-day festival will feature more than 155 local and regional artists showcasing original artwork and handcrafted goods, including paintings, photography, sculptures, jewelry, hand-blown glass, leather goods and metalwork.

Festival goers can get a jump on their holiday gift lists, meet the artists behind the work and find one-of-a-kind pieces while exploring the park. The weekend will also feature live artist demonstrations, hands-on activities, a children’s area, food trucks and vendors, and music from a live DJ. The Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival is free to attend and open to all ages. Leashed dogs are welcome. The festival is located at Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Drive.

Georgia Renaissance Festival

The Georgia Renaissance Festival is in full swing with its Fall Fling where the Nottingham sheriff wants to control the revelry while Robin Hood just wants you to have fun. Enjoy such characters as Gabs The Fool, Fortress Dwellers and Sisters of The Skies, along with roving musicians as well as a crafts market, food, lots of games and rides and knife throwing. The Fall Fling is open on selected dates from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 6905 Virlyn B. Smith Rd., Fairburn.

Thanksgiving Food Helpers

Network over coffee and breakfast while fighting against food insecurity in Atlanta by coming to Westside Park on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., for the 3rd Annual Thanksgiving Community Networking & Food Drive. Drop off non-perishable food, holiday meal staples and pet food and mingle with others trying to make a difference. The food collected will be donated to Meals on Wheels Atlanta and Hosea Helps.

Sheep & Goats at History Center

Head over to the 19th century Smith Farm on Friday and say hi to the Atlanta History Center’s flock of heritage-breed sheep and goats. Each sheep — Gulliver, Samson, Daisy and Maribelle — plus the Angora goats — Claud and Dorothy — have distinct personalities. The museum, located at 130 West Paces Ferry Rd., is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Donut Dash

The 2026 Atlanta Donut Dash 5K will take place Saturday at Piedmont Park, 400 Park Dr., at 7 a.m. until about 9 a.m. The race is a USATGF-certified and chip-timed 5K run/walk. Not only do you get the health benefits of finishing a race, there are donuts and cold brew coffee at the post-race finish line.

Closet Confidential

Dress for Success Georgia is hosting a shopping event Saturday that features pre-loved and new designer fashion, shoes and handbags from more than 75 designers. The event takes play from noon until 2 p.m. (VIP First Look: 10 a.m. to noon) at 6255 Barfield Rd., Suite 155. Dress for Success Georgia empowers women with the career development and professional attire tools needed to thrive in work and in life.

Atlanta Children’s Film Festival

The Atlanta Children’s Film Festival wraps up on Saturday with in-person events such as Family Day at Emory University on Friday as well as online and in-person screenings. For 20th years the festival as promoted positive, educational and entertaining films for children and families whole encouraging creativity and media literacy awareness through the art of filmmaking. There are several events for kids and parents on the Emory University campus.

Angels of Epilepsy Awareness Celebration

This 18th annual event takes place Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Midtown Collective Studio, 1429 Fairmont Ave. There will be a variety of activities including guest speakers, survivors and caregiver stories, award recognition, food and desserts, raffle giveaways and live entertainment.

A Wren’s Nest celebration

Step back in time for Christmas at the Wren’s Nest this Saturday. Enjoy a cozy Victorian holiday filled with festive cheer, charming decorations and traditions such as period games and festive treats. There will also be holiday portraits by a professional photographer. The Wren’s Nest (the residence of author Joel Chandler Harris), is located at 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.

Brew Your Cask Off

Join local SweetWater for a one-of-a-kind craft beer celebration featuring more than 30 unique casks created by breweries from across the county this Saturday. Enjoy exclusive beers, live music, local vendors and a great festival vibe all day. The festival takes place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 195 Ottley Dr.

B&B

Bach + Brahms will be featured Thursday through Saturday with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Thursday and Sunday, both at 8 p.m. at Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1800 Peachtree St. The program will feature Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3 and Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture and the Piano Concerto No. 2.

Black Women Short Film Festival

The Black Women Short Film Festival brings together some amazing short films, including some made by students. Doors open at 5 p.m. followed by the student film showcase and awards and then the showing of finalist film selections from 7 p.m. to 9:35 p.m. at the Silverspot Cinema, 960 Battery Ave., Suite 5000.

Westview Makers Village Market

It’ll be a day of curated selection of local artisans and creators featuring handmade art, Black dolls, crafts and pottery as well as stunning fashions and food and music. The market takes place this Saturday (and every first Saturday) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1554 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.

Sports

Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks will be busy this weekend with a game on Friday at 7 p.m. against the Washington Wizards and Saturday against the Brooklyn Nets at 7:30 p.m. Both games are at State Farm Arena, 1 State Farm Dr.

Georgia Tech

Bobby Dodd Stadium will be filled with fans rooting for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to beat the Louisville Cardinals Saturday at 1 p.m. at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field, 177 North Ave. In addition, Tech’s basketball team will hit the court again the Georgia Southern Eagles Friday at 7 p.m. at McCamish Pavilion, 964 Fowler St.

United Take the Pitch

The Atlanta United faces off with RBNY Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, 1 AMB St.

Art

Working Artist 

The MOCA GA Working Artist Project centers on the artistry of Wilay Méndez Páez, an Afro-Cuban artist whose work explores the intersections of life, urban space and human connection through the eyes of a Black Hispanic Caribbean man. The exhibit, “Wilay Méndez Páez: La Aleatoriedad De Los SImbolos”, starts on October. 24 and will be a the Museum of Contemporary Art GA, 1260 Foster St., through Jan. 2, 2027. 

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. 

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

Secret World of Elephants

The Fernbank Museum 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.

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.

Originally Published October 14, 2026