Things To Do in Atlanta This Weekend

By Discover Atlanta Editorial Team

Last Updated September 22, 2026

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Team Discover Atlanta has suggestions for things to do in Atlanta this weekend, Sept. 25, 26 and 27.

Weekend Highlights

• Old Fourth Ward Fall Arts Festival
• Out on Film Festival
• Atlanta United plays New York City FC
• Atlanta Greek Feast to Go
• Sweet Auburn Music Fest
• Dog Days of Summerhill
• Azcur Music Fest
• And more…

Happenings

Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade – Rescheduled

After thunderstorms last weekend, the Atlanta Beltline Parade has been rescheduled and is ready to bring thousands of people together, along with hundreds of lanterns, for a parade along the Southwest Trail, as well as live performances, food and market vendors and special daytime kids’ activities. The parade takes place Saturday, kicking off at 8 p.m. at Atlanta Beltline Marketplace at the Allene location (1089 Allene Ave SW) and then runs along the Southwest Trail before wrapping up in the Lee+White parking lot.

AIDS Walk Atlanta Music Festival and 5K Run

Help support local HIV and AIDS service organizations by joining in a 5K run or simply enjoy the music at the AIDS Walk Atlanta Music Festival and 5K Run Saturday at Piedmont Park. The event opens at 9 a.m. with DJ Sed the Saint, and the run/walk starts at 11 a.m. Music picks up again with Grammy Award-winning songwriter/performer Algebra Blessett and Destiny’s Child member and four-time Grammy Award winner Kelly Rowland. The event ends at 1:15 p.m.

Out on Film Festival

Since 1987, Atlanta’s Out On Film Festival celebrates LGBTQ+ stories and artists from Sept. 24 through October 4. The event is one of only two LGBTQ+ festivals in the country and one of only six in the world that is an Oscar-qualifying film festival. The festival includes screenings, special events, filmmaker conversations and the Queer Film Summit.

Opa!

The Atlanta Greek Feast to Go is this weekend, where you can order your favorite Greek food and then drive to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 2500 Clairmont Rd and pick it up.  Church members make a variety of Greek specialties, including pastitsio, moussaka, lamb, gyros, spanakopita and pastries. You don’t even need to pre-order. Hours are Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gluten Freedom Fest Atlanta

Gluten Freedom Fest ATL is Atlanta’s free, family-friendly gluten-free festival, returning with more food, beer, craft beverages and local vendors. The fun takes place Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. at Monday Night Garage, 933 Lee St. SW. Enjoy bites from establishments such as The Local Graze, Disco Chicken and Donuts, and Moon Planet, as well as drinks from Monday Night Garage.

Support Atlanta’s Seniors Through Art

Meals on Wheels Atlanta and UpperCircle Artist Collective bring together Atlanta’s creative community this Saturday for Arts for Meals, an evening celebrating local art and culture while raising money to support Atlanta’s seniors. The event takes place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1705WEST, 1705 Commerce Dr.

The event showcases work from more than 15 local artists representing Meals On Wheels Atlanta, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Uppercircle Artist Collektive, including five participating SCAD artists. Guests can discover and purchase original works and limited-edition prints throughout the evening, which will also feature a live art auction, bites, signature spirits and music at 1705WEST, 1705 Commerce Dr.

Westside Fall Beer & Bourbon Fest

For the fifth year in a row, the Chattahoochee Food Works is the place to go for the Annual Westside Fall Beer & Bourbon Fest on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of craft beer, bourbon tastings, food, live DJs, entertainment and, of course, football.

Arte Agave Atlanta

Taste more than 100 premium tequilas and mezcals, craft cocktails and delicious culinary creations at Arte Agave Atlanta, taking place Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Kimpton Sylvan Hotel, 374 East Paces Ferry Rd. In addition to the spirits, enjoy folkloric performances, live music and a vibrant artisan marketplace

17th Original Collard Green Cultural Festival

The Collard Greens Cultural Festival takes place Saturday, from noon until 7 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hillside International Truth Center, 2450 Cascade Rd. Be surprised and amazed by the many uses of vegetarian collards, including collard green muffins and ice cream, and support the winner of the Collard Greens Cook-off. In addition, there will be jazz, hip hop, gospel and blues, an African Marketplace, workshops, a wellness and sustainability pavilion and a children’s Sproutland.

Atlanta LGBTQ+ Wedding Expo

The Atlanta LGBTQ+Wedding Expo comes to Atlanta on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Georgian Terrace. Spend the afternoon mingling with LGBTQ+-friendly wedding professionals, including event planners, caterers, bakers, DJs, photographers, travel specialists and financial planners, all devoted to helping a couple plan their special day. Enjoy free tastings, signature cocktails, swag bags and raffle prizes.

The Culture Connection Auto Show

The Culture Connection Auto Show at Sweet Auburn Music Fest takes place Saturday from noon until 7 p.m. Check out the stunning cars and soak up the festival atmosphere, with music, family fun and food vendors. The auto show takes place at 214 John Wesley Dobbs Ave.

Value Fest for Teens

Value Fest is a fun, high-energy community event created by Narrow Path Coaching for teens to connect, compete, have fun and relax in a positive community. The fest will be in Grant Park on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and features sports, music, games, food, prizes, giveaways, mentorship, prayer and encouragement.

Dog Days of Summerhill

It’s a dog’s world at the Dog Days of Summerhill Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. along Georgia Ave. Shop from more than 10 pet-centric and local vendors and find some treats and swag such as custom dog biscuits, bandanas and goodies.

Old Fourth Ward Fall Arts Festival

The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces invites Atlantans to celebrate creativity along the Beltline with the return of the Old Fourth Ward Arts Festival, Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 150 local and regional artists will display their works at Historic Fourth Ward Park, 592 N. Angier Ave. Art disciplines include painting, metalwork, photography, jewelry, woodcraft, fiber arts and ceramics. In addition, there will be live art demonstrations, food and drinks from local vendors, live acoustic music and all the fun that is the Beltline. Feel free to bring your leashed dog.

Live Entertainment

Little Big Town

Multiple platinum, Grammy Award-winning Little Big Town brings its “For The Art Of it Tour” to the Fox Theatre on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

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. 

“Fences” at Theatrical Outfit 

The second-oldest nonprofit professional theater in Atlanta and the only one located Downtown, Theatrical Outfit will present August Wilson’s “Fences”, about a man trying to protect his family in the 1950s in Pittsburgh. It will run Sept. 16 through Oct. 4.

“Measure for Measure”

The Atlanta Shakespeare Company presents “Measure for Measure” this weekend through Sept. 28. The play defies straightforward categorization as it has comic elements along with darker themes of control, subterfuge, passion and justice. 

Roar of the Greasepaint at the Alliance

“Carmela Full of Wishes,” the play inspired by the award-winning picture book by Matt de la Peña, ends its run at the Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families at the Alliance Theater on Sunday. There is a 3:30 p.m. performance on Saturday and a 2 p.m. one on Sunday.

It’s All About the Gold

Au Room Show, inspired by the centuries-long fascination with gold, runs through Oct. 11 at Pullman Yards. The 100-minute production blends world-class aerial performances with powerful music and contemporary choreography inspired by humanity’s relationship with gold and wealth—spectacular LED visuals and a rich theatrical atmosphere transform the stage into immersive worlds where story, music, movement, lighting and design create an unforgettable evening. 

Read more about the show.

Music

Atlanta Symphony Plays

The Atlanta Symphony offers an Indian Classical Recital with Violin Maestros Dr. Mysore Manjunath and Mysore Nagaraj, known worldwide for their exceptional artistry and advocacy for the Carnatic music tradition of South India. The concert will take place Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Goizueta Stage for Youth & Families at the Alliance Theatre.

In addition, the Atlanta Symphony will play the score from “La La Land” on Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Conducted by Esin Aydingoz, the show features a full orchestra and jazz band performing the track alongside the movie.

More great performances in the 2026-2027 season.

Beats on the Block

Beats on the Block is Atlanta’s premier free outdoor electronic music experience, which will take place Saturday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark, 830 Willoughby Way. Enjoy a diverse mix of electronic music genres while checking out local food trucks, a vibrant vendor market, beverages, live art and dancing while supporting community-focused nonprofits. Last year, more than 10,000 enjoyed the festival, which will include at least 12 DJs as well as emerging and established artists.

Azucar Music Festival

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month at the Azucar Music Festival in South Fulton County this Saturday starting at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy salsa dancing, live performances and Hispanic-owned businesses and vendors serving an array of authentic dishes and selling cultural items. The fest takes place at the Wolf Creek Amphitheater.

Sweet Auburn Music Fest

The Sweet Auburn Music Fest returns Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 320 Irwin St. The festival features a diverse range of music, food and craft vendors. Enjoy the festival and then walk a block or two to Sweet Auburn and visit the King Center and learn about Atlanta’s Civil Rights history.

Candlelight Concerts

Set against a backdrop of thousands of candles, the Candlelight experience comes to Atlanta with three shows this weekend. “Candlelight: Tribute to Juan Gabriel on Strings” takes place Friday at 6:30 p.m. at The Chapel on Sycamore, 318 Sycamore St., Decatur, followed on Saturday by “Candlelight Open Air: Tribute to Queen” at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Nobu Atlanta, 3520 Peachtree St. On Sunday, it will be “Candlelight: Tribute to Michael Jackson” at the Greater Atlanta Christian School, 1575 Indian Trail Rd., Lilburn, at 6:30 p.m.

Atlanta Concerts: Sept. 21-27

Karol G 

Experience reggaeton and Latin pop with chart-topping hits, stunning visuals and a massive stadium production at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 

When: Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. 
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium 
Tickets: starting at $128 

Houndmouth 

Enjoy indie rock, blues and Americana as Houndmouth brings its soulful storytelling to the historic Tabernacle. 

When: Thursday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. 
Where: Tabernacle 
Tickets: starting at $46 

ZHU 

Dance to ZHU’s signature mix of deep house and electronic music as he transforms The Eastern into an immersive, late-night dance party. 

When: Friday, Sept. 25 at 8:30 p.m. 
Where: The Eastern 
Tickets: starting at $65 

Castle Rat 

Experience theatrical doom metal as Castle Rat combines heavy riffs and fantasy-inspired performances at The Masquerade. 

When: Saturday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. 
Where: Heaven at The Masquerade 
Tickets: starting at $36 

Damien Jurado 

Settle in for an evening of intimate indie folk and heartfelt acoustic songs as Damien Jurado performs at Eddie’s Attic. 

When: Sunday, Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. 
Where: Eddie’s Attic 
Tickets: starting at $32 

Sports

Score!

Cheer as Atlanta United goes up against New York City FC Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Ga. Tech Women Volleyball

The Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets’ women’s volleyball team goes up against the Virginia Tech Hokies at 7 p.m. on Friday and the Virginia Cavaliers on Sunday at 1 p.m. Both matches are played at the McCamish Pavilion, 965 Fowler Sr.

Ongoing Events

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.

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. 

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. 

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, where museumgoers will marvel at his imagined landscapes and intricate impossible worlds. “I SPY! “and “Can You See What I See” are just two of Wick’s most renowned works on display from Aug. 28 through Jan. 3, 2027. 

Wick has captivated readers across cultures and generations with his award-winning magazine illustrations and books. His immersive large-scale photographs feature miniature worlds, optical illusions, search-and-find games, and puzzle challenges, reflecting his unique approach to layered visual storytelling. Meticulously designed, hand-built and assembled, his complex images bring together art, craft and technology. Through Wick’s lens, everyday objects become portals to imagined landscapes and intricate, impossible worlds, inviting viewers of all ages to explore visual stories that transcend age and time.

‘Paper Trees’ Exhibit Open at High Museum of Art

The exhibit “Paper Trees” is open at the High Museum of Art and remains through Feb. 21, 2027. Featuring nearly 50 prints, drawings and sculptures from the High’s collection as well as loans from the Robert C. Williams Museum of Papermaking and Clark Atlanta University Art Museum, the exhibition traces different schools of thought in the depiction and representation of landscape and the natural world.

In addition to a selection of 19th- and 20th-century prints and works on paper from the High’s American collection, the exhibition features modern and contemporary works from across the museum’s collecting areas, including folk and self-taught art and decorative arts and design. Together, the works put forth the tree as the primary visual vehicle for the study of nature, from unfinished sketches to finished works.

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.

High Museum Presents Playful Exhibit on Carroll Slater Sifly Piazza

The High Museum of Art presents on Carroll Slater Sifly Piazza, “Los Porfiados” (The Stubborns). It is a group of monumental, interactive sculptures by Chilean creative studio gt2P, the 10th in the High’s multiyear series of inclusive and playful projects on its outdoor space.

Inspired by the classic roly-poly wobbling toy, known in Chile as “mono porfiado,” the installation comprises a landscape of 14 inflatable, limber sculptures, some measuring up to 17-feet tall, and invites visitors to interact with their pliable surfaces. The exhibit will remain through Nov. 29.

Amy Sherald Works on Display at High Museum of Art

The High Museum of Art has opened an exhibit of Amy Sherald paintings. “Amy Sherald: American Sublime” is the largest exhibition of her work to date. Featuring a broad range of paintings made from 2007 to 2024, the presentation includes many of Sherald’s most iconic works, along with rarely seen paintings spanning her career. See it through Sept. 27. To enjoy the exhibit with smaller crowds, consider the museum’s VIP Nights.

Born in Columbus, Ga., Sherald has deep ties to Atlanta and to the High. She trained as a painter in the city and graduated from Clark Atlanta University. In 2018, the High awarded her its annual David C. Driskell Prize in African American Art and Art History,

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 September 10, 2026