Atlanta is a bright, energetic city in the Southeast. It’s known for its mix of rich history, modern style, and amazing festivals that happen all year long. If you want culture, fun, and a global atmosphere in one place, Atlanta is the perfect match.
The city hosts everything from big pop-culture and fantasy events to international film, art, food, and music festivals. Visitors always leave impressed, and Atlanta’s famous Southern hospitality makes the experience even better.
Check out the events that fit your plans…
Let’s start with Atlanta’s warm and lively Seasonal Festivals, which bring celebrations to the city throughout the year.
Table of Content
- 1. Atlanta Christkindl Market
- 2. Mardi Gras Streetcar adventure
- 3. Atlanta Film Festival
- 4. Sweet Auburn Springfest
- 5. Atlanta Dogwood Festival
- 6. Virginia Highland Summerfest
- 7. Piedmont Park Summer Arts Festival
- 8. Bronzelens Film Festival
- 9. Grant Park Summer Shade Festival
- 10. Yellow Daisy Festival
- 11. Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
- 12. Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park
- 13. Stone Mountain Scottish Festival & Highland Games
- 14. Hot Chocolate Run Atlanta
- 15. Red Bull Showrun Atlanta
- 16. Halloween
- 17. Christmas
- 18. New Year’s Eve
- 19. 2026 FIFA Fan Festival™
- 20. SweetWater 420 Fest
- 21. Shaky Knees Music Festival
- 22. Music Midtown
- 23. A3C Hip Hop Festival
- 24. Tunes from the Tombs at Oakland Cemetery
- 25. Atlanta Jazz Festival
- Final Words
- FAQs
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1. Atlanta Christkindl Market
Held from late November through Christmas Eve, this German-style holiday market brings a little bit of Europe right into Atlanta. Visitors can enjoy classic treats like schnitzel, bratwurst, pretzels, and warm Glühwein served with plenty of holiday cheer.
The market is filled with stalls selling handmade ornaments, jewelry, and festive keepsakes. A 50-foot Ferris wheel lights up the area, Santa stops by for photos, and live music sets the perfect cozy holiday vibe.
2. Mardi Gras Streetcar adventure
Held in early February or around Mardi Gras, this event brings a fun New Orleans-style vibe to the Atlanta Streetcar line. Visitors can enjoy a colorful parade, lively jazz music, and cheerful performances. Mardi Gras themed food and drinks are available at different stops along the route, and of course plenty of beads are handed out all day long.
3. Atlanta Film Festival
Held from late April into early May, with the 2026 dates set for April 23 to May 3, this major international festival is one of Atlanta’s biggest cultural events. It’s even been named one of the 25 Best Film Festivals in the World by Moviemaker Magazine. Each year, it screens nearly 150 films from more than 50 countries.
Visitors can watch powerful stories from around the world, join panel discussions with filmmakers, and connect with other movie fans. The Creative Conference also features over 40 panels and workshops that give a deeper look into the art and craft of filmmaking.
4. Sweet Auburn Springfest
Held on the first weekend of May in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn neighborhood, an area that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this festival brings the community together with live music, local art, handmade crafts, and plenty of great food. It’s a warm celebration that proudly showcases the neighborhood’s culture and history.
5. Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Held in Piedmont Park for three spring days in early April, right in the middle of dogwood season, this festival is one of Atlanta’s oldest traditions. Beautiful artwork fills the park, creating a relaxed outdoor experience. Visitors can explore an art market with creators from near and far, enjoy live music, join family-friendly activities, sample food from local vendors, and even take part in an international mixed drinks event.
6. Virginia Highland Summerfest
Held over two days on the first weekend of June, this popular community festival in the Virginia Highlands brings neighbors and visitors together for arts, music, and fun activities. Guests can enjoy live music throughout the day, a lively artist market, and a morning 5K run that kicks things off with great energy. There’s also a KidsFest area filled with activities that keep families entertained and happy.
7. Piedmont Park Summer Arts Festival
Held in mid-to-late August in Piedmont Park, this festival welcomes artists from all across the country. Visitors can stroll through open air displays showcasing work from talented creators, enjoy soft acoustic music throughout the day, grab food and drinks from friendly vendors, and let kids explore a dedicated activity area that stays fun and lively.
8. Bronzelens Film Festival
Running for four days in mid-to-late August, this festival shines a spotlight on African American, Caucasian, and other minority filmmakers and actors. It plays an important role in promoting representation in the film industry. Visitors can watch short films, features, and documentaries, attend candid panel discussions with filmmakers, and take part in networking events that connect people in a natural, welcoming way.
9. Grant Park Summer Shade Festival
Held over two days on the last weekend of August, this free festival supports the preservation of historic Grant Park. Visitors can enjoy art, music, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Browse regional vendors at the art market and vintage showcase, listen to live music throughout the day, and let kids enjoy activities that keep everyone entertained. The weekend kicks off with the Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K, setting a lively and proud start to the event.
10. Yellow Daisy Festival
Held for four days from the Thursday after Labor Day through Sunday at Stone Mountain Park, this popular festival is named after the Confederate yellow daisy. Known as one of the top arts and crafts events in the Southeast, it attracts nearly 200,000 visitors each year.
Guests can explore over 300 juried exhibitors offering crafts, furniture, glasswork, jewelry, and paintings. Live bands and DJs provide music throughout the day, and food stalls serve delicious treats for everyone to enjoy.
11. Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
Held over four days in mid-September, this festival celebrates food, wine, beer, and craft spirits from the South and beyond. More than 200 chefs and beverage experts take part each year.
Visitors can explore themed tasting tents, enjoy relaxed gourmet gatherings, and join hands-on seminars. At the Culinary Demonstration Stage, guests can watch chefs showcase their skills and techniques up close.
12. Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park
Running from mid-September to late October, this family-friendly fall festival greets visitors with cheerful pumpkin displays, a pumpkin patch, and plenty of fun attractions. At night, the park lights up with glowing sculptures, creating a playful and magical atmosphere for all ages.
13. Stone Mountain Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Held over two days in mid-October, this event celebrates Scottish heritage with energy and heart. Visitors can watch traditional Highland games like the Tossing the Caber, explore Clan tents, enjoy pipe band competitions, and sample classic Scottish foods.
Next, Atlanta’s Seasonal Events bring cheerful, fun moments throughout the year, keeping the city lively and full of experiences for everyone.
14. Hot Chocolate Run Atlanta
Held in January or February, this popular race is called “America’s Sweetest Run.” Runners can take part in 5K, 10K, or 15K courses and celebrate at the finish line with hot chocolate, fondue, and other chocolate treats. The event promotes health, supports local charities, and includes a fun expo and gathering for runners of all levels.
15. Red Bull Showrun Atlanta
Held in October or November, this fall event brings Formula One excitement to the streets of Atlanta. Spectators can watch high-speed cars perform donuts, burnouts, and tire screeching stunts. Fans get to feel the roar of engines and enjoy the rare thrill of F1 action up close.
16. Halloween
Halloween, celebrated every October 31, has its roots in Celtic traditions but is now a fun, secular holiday. Children dress in costumes and go trick or treating, while families carve pumpkins, create jack-o’-lanterns, and decorate their homes with playful, spooky touches.
17. Christmas
Christmas, celebrated on December 25, honors the birth of Jesus Christ. Observed both as a religious and cultural holiday, families decorate trees, exchange gifts, and share special meals. Children excitedly await visits from Santa Claus, and the day is filled with love, kindness, and togetherness.
18. New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve on December 31 marks the end of one year and the start of another. People come together for parties, make resolutions, and celebrate midnight with fireworks, bells, and confetti. It’s a time for reflection, celebration, and fresh beginnings.
After that, Atlanta proudly presents Special Events in 2026, showcasing major gatherings that draw visitors from near and far.
19. 2026 FIFA Fan Festival™
The FIFA Fan Festival is a multi-week football celebration held at Centennial Olympic Park as part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ in Atlanta. Running for about 20 days across June and July, it coincides with the World Cup matches in the city. Fans can watch every game live on giant screens, enjoy lively concerts, cultural events, and sample delicious food from local vendors.
The festival is a perfect spot to experience World Cup excitement without a stadium ticket. It also celebrates global heritage and civic pride, marking the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Olympic Games. Visitors can cheer for their teams, enjoy music, and connect with people from around the world in a festive, united atmosphere.
Next up, Atlanta’s Music Festivals keep the city’s love for live sound and community energy alive, offering unforgettable experiences for music fans.
20. SweetWater 420 Fest
Held in April, this outdoor festival showcases rock, hip-hop, alternative, and bluegrass music. Visitors can enjoy local food and drinks, sip on craft beers, and take part in eco friendly activities. The event brings together music, culture, and community in a fun, lively atmosphere.
21. Shaky Knees Music Festival
Held over three days in May, this festival celebrates alternative and indie rock. Fans can enjoy performances from both world-renowned and up-and-coming bands across multiple stages, while sampling local food and drinks. It’s a must-visit event for rock lovers looking to immerse themselves in great music.
22. Music Midtown
Held in September at Piedmont Park, Music Midtown brings together pop, rock, and hip-hop artists for a weekend of music and fun. Fans gather on the park’s green lawns to enjoy performances and celebrate the end of summer with great tunes and a lively community atmosphere.
23. A3C Hip Hop Festival
Held over five days in October, this festival celebrates hip-hop culture with live performances, panels, networking opportunities, and industry discussions. It’s a hub for artists, producers, and entrepreneurs, where audiences can enjoy both renowned and emerging talent while learning more about hip-hop’s impact and influence.
24. Tunes from the Tombs at Oakland Cemetery
Held in late May or early June, this unique festival combines music and history. Local bands perform as visitors take guided tours of the historic cemetery. The event supports preservation while offering a thoughtful and engaging experience for everyone.
25. Atlanta Jazz Festival
Held over Memorial Day weekend in Piedmont Park, this free three-day festival celebrates jazz from traditional sounds to contemporary styles. Visitors bring blankets and chairs to relax while enjoying performances by world-class artists and soaking in the lively park atmosphere.
Final Words
These internationally acclaimed festivals and events clearly show why Atlanta is a “must-see” destination for tourists worldwide. The city has carefully woven a thread of global culture, art, and entertainment. Over the years, these festivals have brought joy, creativity, and innovation not just to locals but to people from all over the world.
Each event here gives you a chance to experience something extraordinary. Put Atlanta on your next travel list and join in the excitement. Atlanta is ready to welcome you!
FAQs
Atlanta’s Atlanta Film Festival and Dragon Con consistently draw fans from all over the world. Visitors eagerly attend, enjoying the lively atmosphere and globally inspired programming that makes each event feel exceptional.
Some of Atlanta’s most celebrated festivals include Music Midtown, Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Dragon Con, and the Atlanta Jazz Festival. Each one uniquely entertains, offering visitors an exceptionally memorable experience.
Yes, Atlanta generally provides plenty of nearby hotels and rentals. Planning early helps you secure options conveniently and comfortably, so you can enjoy the festival without worry.
For first-time visitors, events like Music Midtown, Atlanta Dogwood Festival, and Dragon Con stand out beautifully. They offer a lively mix of music, art, food, and pop culture, letting newcomers quickly feel the city’s energy and excitement.
Most major Atlanta venues are thoughtfully equipped with ramps, elevators, and accessible seating. Organizers generally work carefully to ensure everyone can enjoy the festivities comfortably and safely.
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