A Guide to Atlanta’s Festivals and Events

Atlanta is a vibrant city with a thriving arts and culture scene. Throughout the year, various festivals and events are held in the city, covering a wide range of interests. Whether you’re a fan of music, food, arts, or culture, there’s sure to be an event happening in Atlanta that you’ll enjoy.

Here’s a guide to some of the most popular festivals and events in Atlanta:

Music Festivals

• Shaky Knees Music Festival: This annual music festival takes place in April and features a variety of indie rock, alternative rock, and Americana artists.
• Music Midtown: This two-day music festival takes place in September and features various famous artists from multiple genres.
• Imagine Music Festival: This three-day electronic music festival takes place in September and features a variety of DJs and producers.
• Atlanta Jazz Festival: This annual jazz festival takes place on Memorial Day weekend and features a variety of jazz artists from around the world.
• SweetWater 420 Fest: This annual music festival takes place on April 20th and features a variety of jam bands, rock bands, and other artists.

Food Festivals

• Taste of Atlanta: In October each year, Atlanta hosts its annual food festival, Taste of Atlanta, where patrons can try bites from dozens of restaurants.
• Atlanta Food & Wine Festival: This annual food and wine festival takes place in May and features a variety of celebrity chefs, winemakers, and other food and wine experts.
• Atlanta Taco Festival: The Atlanta Taco Festival is an annual event in September featuring a wide selection of taco vendors from all over the city.
• Atlanta BBQ Festival: In October each year, Atlanta hosts the Atlanta BBQ Festival, where local barbecue restaurants and food trucks showcase their wares and serve free samples of their best-smoked meats.
• Atlanta Pizza Festival: The Atlanta Pizza Festival is an annual event in November with a wide selection of pizza vendors from all over the city.

Arts and Culture Festivals

• Atlanta Dogwood Festival: This annual festival takes place in April and features a variety of arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, and live music.
• Atlanta Fringe Festival: This annual festival takes place in June and features a variety of independent theater, dance, and performance art productions.
• Atlanta Pride Festival: This annual festival takes place in October and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with various events, including a parade, a festival in Piedmont Park, and other activities.
• Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade: This annual parade takes place in November and features a variety of illuminated floats, costumes, and performances.
• Atlanta Film Festival: This annual film festival takes place in April and features a variety of independent films from around the world.

These are just a few of the many festivals and events that take place in Atlanta every year. Check the City of Atlanta and Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau websites for details on upcoming activities.

Here are a few tips for making the most of your time at an Atlanta festival or event:

• Arrive early: Popular festivals and events can get crowded quickly, so arriving early is a good idea. This will give you time to find a good spot to watch the performances or activities, and it will also give you a chance to check out all of the vendors.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking at most festivals and events, so it’s essential to wear comfortable shoes.
• Bring sunscreen and water: It’s essential to stay hydrated and protected from the sun at outdoor festivals and events. Be sure to bring sunscreen, water, and a hat.
• Take breaks: It’s easy to get overwhelmed at a festival or event, so taking breaks is essential. Find a shady spot to sit down and rest or grab a bite.
• Have fun! Festivals and events are a great way to celebrate and have a good time. Relax, enjoy yourself, and make some memories.