Things to Do this Autumn in Atlanta
Fall fun is in the air at these popular Atlanta attractions. See what’s new and add these places to your Atlanta itinerary.
Michael C. Carlos Museum
Opening at the end of September is the exhibit “Each/Other: Marie Watt and Cannupa Hanska Luger.” The exhibit includes mixed-media sculptures, wall hangings and large-scale installations created by contemporary indigenous artists.
www.carlos.emory.edu
Georgia Aquarium
Join shark and ray interactions, where you get into the water with zebra sharks and ribbontail rays. Or, for a more daring experience, the Shark Cave Dive takes you underwater into the “SHARKS! Predators of the Deep” exhibit. Back after a hiatus are both the Dolphin Celebration Presentation and Sea Lion Under the Boardwalk Presentation. Don’t miss Dragon Con Night and Atlanta Pride Official Kickoff, happening this fall.
www.georgiaaquarium.org
Center for Puppetry Arts
Through Oct. 31, learn how The Jim Henson Company recreated the inhabitants and landscapes for the Emmy Award-winning series “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.” On stage through Sept. 26 is “Mother Goose” for ages 2-8, featuring singalongs and familiar stories.
www.puppet.org
Stone Mountain Park
The fall festival season at Stone Mountain Park kicks off with Labor Day fun Sept. 4-6. The Yellow Daisy Festival, voted one of the top arts and crafts shows in the nation, happens Sept. 9-12. Find your inner Scot during Highland Games Oct. 16-17 with music, food and presentations.
www.stonemountainpark.com
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
“Rube Goldberg: The World of Hilarious Invention!” comes to the Children’s Museum of Atlanta Sept.18 through Jan. 2, 2022. The exhibit showcases humorist and inventor Rube Goldberg’s iconic contraptions, imaginative illustrations and humorous storytelling.
www.childrensmuseumatlanta.org
High Museum of Art
There’s so much to see at the High Museum of Art. “Calder-Picasso” runs through Sept. 19 while “Electrifying Design: A Century of Lighting” is on view through Sept. 29. On the piazza, “Outside the Lines” will keep you entertained through Nov. 28. More fall exhibits include “Gatecrashers” about self-taught artists, an exhibit about artist Nellie Rowe and the photo exhibit, “Picturing the South.”
www.high.org
Atlanta History Center
The Atlanta History Center houses the Atlanta Cyclorama as well as several exhibitions, gardens and three historic homes on the property. Inside, the exhibition “Atlanta ‘96: Shaping an Olympic and Paralympic City” explores the legacy of the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. Toddler Story Time on Oct. 4 honors National Hispanic Heritage Month with a fiesta, crafts, song, dance and a look at the book “Dia de los Muertos” by Roseanne Greenfield Thong.
www.atlantahistorycenter.com
Illuminarium
Step off the Atlanta BeltLine and into Africa. Thanks to amazing technology, you’ll come face-to-face with exotic animals all while standing (well, sort of) in their natural habitats.
www.illuminarium.com
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
This 20,000-square-foot light and sound show projects the artist’s work two-stories high. Smaller galleries chronicle his life, technique and influence.
www.vangoghexpo.com/atlanta
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
At press time, the museum was temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, you can still stroll through the garden outside of the library for an encounter not normally found at a presidential library. The gardens include 35 acres of ponds and blooming flowers and several areas to pause and reflect.
www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov
Oakland Cemetery
Sunday in the Park returns Sept. 26, featuring the Tunes from the Tombs music festival. The idea is to celebrate the practices of Victorians who brought blankets and musical instruments for their cemetery-based picnics.
www.oaklandcemetery.com
Southern Museum
In Kennesaw, get a dose of Civil War history including a look at The General from history’s Great Locomotive Chase. Join the party Sept. 1 and Nov. 19 during Southern Spirits and hit the pavement during the Great Locomotive Chase 5K.
www.southernmuseum.org
SCAD FASH Museum
See an exhibit featuring the work of Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, creator of costumes for films including “Black Panther” through Sept. 12. The first U.S. solo exhibition of Albert Watson, “The Light Behind the Lens,” is on view through Oct. 17.
www.scadfash.org/exhibitions
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Embark on an adventure to uncover dinosaur fossils from one of the most isolated environments on Earth when “Antarctic Dinosaurs” opens Oct. 9. Get the jump on the holiday season when “Winter Wonderland,” celebrating traditions from around the world, opens on Nov. 13.
www.fernbankmuseum.org
World of Coca-Cola
Visit Scent Discovery and take a trip through the anatomy of smell. In the tasting room, learn to pour fountain drinks — by phone. Scan the QR codes on the dispensers then use your phone to choose and pour the drink of your choice.
www.worldofcoca-cola.com
Zoo Atlanta
Starting on Nov. 22, the Lantern Festival becomes a new tradition at Zoo Atlanta. Happening on the zoo grounds, the festival promises to be a nighttime wonderland featuring vistas of handcrafted, illuminated wildlife and sights celebrating the diversity of the natural world.
www.zooatlanta.org
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
The status and hours of the events, venues and businesses listed in our magazine may vary due to COVID-19. Please check the business website for the most up-to-date information, including entry requirements and what to expect.
Journalist Carol Carter writes and edits for Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
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