There’s always something going on in Atlanta, a city whose culinary, arts and nightlife scenes send ripples around the world. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, seasoned traveler or local, you’ll find that Atlanta highlights its best assets through food, music and cultural festivals throughout the year.
While these festivals tend to have a central focus, you can expect delicious food options and vibe-setting music at most. As far as events timing goes, you’ll find that spring and summer are the best times to visit, so put these annual events on the calendar and plan your trip accordingly.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
Best Music Festivals
Atlanta Jazz Festival
Held in Piedmont Park, one of the city’s largest green spaces, the Atlanta Jazz Festival has been a celebration of all things jazz since 1978, with programming that highlights the genre’s importance in American culture for both longtime fans and young music lovers.
Catering to hundreds of thousands of attendees, this Atlanta music festival is free to attend and takes place over Memorial Day weekend. Famed musicians like Ray Charles, Nina Simone, Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock have previously graced its stages.
When: Typically occurs in May
Where to Stay: Atlanta Marriott Suites Midtown
Shaky Knees Music Festival
While newer to Atlanta’s music festival calendar than the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Shaky Knees has become one of the hottest tickets of the summer.
Generally focusing on rock music, the festival showcases more than 60 artists over the course of a weekend with multiple stages in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood’s Central Park, as well as exclusive late-night shows around town.
When: Typically occurs in May
Where to Stay: Moxy Atlanta Midtown
Best Arts Festivals
Atlanta Film Festival
Atlanta has grown into a leading film hub — even garnering the nickname “the Hollywood of the South.” Since 1977, the Atlanta Film Festival has run right alongside the local film industry’s development, fostering the creative community with screenings and discussions of indie, foreign and short films across all genres.
The festival takes place every April and lasts about 11 days, so once you’ve snagged a pass or badge, there are plenty of opportunities to take part in the fun. It usually includes celebrity guests at the events, which take place at the Plaza and Tara theaters, the city’s arthouse spaces.
When: Typically occurs in April and May
Where to Stay: Bellyard, West Midtown Atlanta, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Dogwood Festival
Springtime doesn’t (unofficially) start in Atlanta until the Dogwood Festival in April. The long-running arts festival is named for the omnipresent bloom found around the city and showcases works across a wide range of mediums, including painting, photography, pottery, sculpture and jewelry.
The festival in Piedmont Park includes an artist market and juried awards, plus a children’s area, live music and cultural performances. It’s also free to attend, making it a popular day out for families.
When: Typically occurs in April
Where to Stay: Element Atlanta Midtown
Best Food Festivals
Atlanta Food and Wine Festival
Set in Historic Fourth Ward Park, Atlanta Food and Wine Festival brings together the best culinary professionals from around the region for three days of delicious bites and sips. The September event includes a tasting village, demonstrations from chefs and special dinners at restaurants across the city. If you’re a foodie, this is one you won’t want to miss.
When: Typically occurs in September
Where to Stay: Epicurean Atlanta, Autograph Collection
Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival
Taking its name from the 1978 film, the Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival is a celebration of Georgia’s farmers. The one-day event invites the city’s best chefs and bartenders to create a signature dish or drink using the ingredient. From bloody marys to pastries, it’s a paradise for tomato lovers.
Usually held in Atlanta’s Westside neighborhood, the event also has an auction and live music.
When: Typically occurs in July
Where to Stay: W Atlanta – Downtown
Best Quirky Annual Events
Little Five Points Halloween Festival & Parade
The fiercely independent neighborhood of Little Five Points gets its name from the intersection of five streets. (Not to be confused with the historic “Five Points” intersection in the heart of downtown Atlanta.). And the annual two-day Little Five Points Halloween Festival & Parade runs from Austin Avenue to Freedom Park, with local groups in costume and themed floats.
The event also boasts food, drink, vintage and local art vendors, and live music sets a festive mood.
When: Typically occurs in October
Where to Stay: Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection
Georgia Renaissance Festival
Step back in time at the annual Georgia Renaissance Festival, held on weekends from mid-April to June in the suburb of Fairburn. Expect all of the favorites, like turkey legs, jousting demonstrations, crafts and performances.
This festival, which is a favorite among kids and their families, also has themed weekends where attendees dress as pirates, superheroes, Vikings and wizards.
When: Typically occurs in April, May and June
Where to Stay: Trilith Guesthouse, Fayetteville, GA, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
DragonCon
Every Labor Day weekend, gaming, pop-culture and film-fan communities descend upon downtown Atlanta for five days of celebrity panels, art sales and cosplay.
DragonCon itself is a members-only ticketed convention (although anyone can become a member), but visitors to Atlanta will love the parade, where the celebrity grand marshal appears alongside different cosplay groups featuring attire inspired by popular sci-fi and fantasy franchises.
When: Typically occurs in September
Where to Stay: Atlanta Marriott Marquis
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