20 must-see live shows and festivals in metro Atlanta this spring
Access Atlanta Staff
Note: Morgan Wallen’s “One Night At A Time World Tour” stop in Atlanta on June 1-2 at Truist Park has been delayed due to vocal cord injury. New dates have not been announced as of May 10.
As the weather is heating up, so is the line-up of shows coming to the city! How will you keep up with it all? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a roundup of the concerts and festivals you can’t miss this spring.
Georgia Renaissance Festival
Location: Fairburn - 6905 Virlyn B Smith Rd, Fairburn, GA 30213; Date: Saturday, April 15 – June 4; Website: garenfest.com
The Atlanta Film Festival
It’s been six decades of the Academy Award-qualifying festival and it’s back for another year! The festival has been deemed one of the region’s largest and longest-running preeminent celebrations of cinema in the Southeast United States. You’ll enjoy independent, animated, documentary, and short films selected from more than 9,000 submissions from 30 countries.
Location: Multiple locations; Date: Thursday, April 20 – 30; Website: atlantafilmfestival.com
Janet Jackson
We’re finally “Together Again!” That’s the name of Janet Jackson’s new tour that you’ll get to experience at State Farm Arena this spring alongside Atlanta legend Ludacris.
Location: Downtown – 1 State Farm Drive; Date: Friday, April 28; Website: accessatlanta.com
Kali Uchis
The singer/songwriter released her debut mixtape, “Drunken Babble,” in 2012 and has continued to be a rising star ever since! Catch her this spring at the Coca-Cola Roxy this May.
Location: Cobb - 800 Battery Ave SE #500; Date: Tuesday, May 2; Website: accessatlanta.com
Shaky Knees Music Festival
It’s a rock and roll paradise! The festival is in its 10th year, and it only continues to get bigger and better, with this year being no exception. Between the epic acts and amazing vendors, your day will be full of nothing but a good time at Central Park!
Location: Old Fourth Ward - 400 Merritts Ave NE; Date: Friday, May 5 -7; Website: shakykneesfestival.com
Jill Scott
The songstress is bringing her smooth yet powerful voice to Cadence Bank Amphitheatre for her “Who is Jill Scott?” If you’ve been to a Jill show before, then you know she puts on a show!
Location: Buckhead - 4469 Stella Dr NW; Date: Saturday, May 6; Website: accessatlanta.com
Tracy Morgan
He’s been a hilarious joke-telling machine for decades and the comedic stylings of Tracy Morgan can be seen on full display at the Tabernacle this May. After suffering a near-death experience, Morgan has lived a lot of life, with plenty of stories to tell!
Location: Downtown - 152 Luckie St NW; Date: Saturday, May 6; Website: accessatlanta.com
Strength of a Woman Festival
Ladies, this one’s for us! Mary J Blige and Pepsi have teamed up for the second year of the Strength of a Woman Festival and the celebrity line-up is one that will not disappoint.
Location: Multiple locations; Date: Thursday, May 11-14; Website: soawfestival.com
Lauryn Hill
It’s not every day you get a chance to see a legend like Lauryn Hill hit the State Farm Arena stage during the Strength of a Woman Festival. Luckily for us, it’s happening this May! As long as we get to here Doo Wop (That Thing), my night will be made.
Location: Downtown – 1 State Farm Drive; Date: Saturday, May 13; Website: ticketmaster.com
Mike Epps
If you’re ready to laugh all night long, then you’re ready for a Mike Epps show! The comedian will be performing during Mary J Blige’s Strength of a Woman weekend at the Tabernacle.
Location: Downtown - 152 Luckie St NW; Date: Sunday, May 14; Website: accessatlanta.com
Stevie Nicks
With decades in the music game, Stevie Nicks knows a thing or two about putting on an amazing show! She has hits that’ll have everyone from ages 8 to 80 singing their hearts out at State Farm Arena.
Location: Downtown – 1 State Farm Drive; Date: Monday, May 22; Website: accessatlanta.com
Paramore
The rock band is getting to rock out at State Farm Arena! With a recently released album, you can expect to hear new music and I’m sure a few of their classics.
Location: Downtown - 1 State Farm Drive; Date: Thursday, May 25; Website: accessatlanta.com
Atlanta Caribbean Carnival
The festival’s whole goal is to promote a “broader understanding and a deeper appreciation for Caribbean culture.” You’ll be surrounded by amazing music, culture and delicious food at Westside Park!
Location: Northwest - 1660 Johnson Rd NW; Date: Saturday, May 27; Website: atlantacarnival.org
Ed Sheeran
The “Perfect” singer and songwriter will be lighting the Mercedes Benz Stadium stage on fire! His smooth voice and raw talent are going to shine through, along with the talents of his special guests Khalid & DYLAN.
Location: Downtown – 1 AMB Drive NW; Date: Saturday, May 27; Website: accessatlanta.com
Atlanta Jazz Festival
It’s almost time to hear your favorite jazz artists at Piedmont Park! With a huge market full of arts and crafts, plus tons of food and drinks to choose from, there isn’t a shortage of things to do at the Jazz Festival.
Location: Midtown - 1320 Monroe Dr NE; Date: Saturday, May 27-29; Website: atljazzfest.com
Charlie Puth
Charlie Puth is bringing his live experience to Cadence Bank Amphitheatre! While his success may have started off with viral YouTube uploads, he has found massive mainstream success.
Location: Northeast - 4469 Stella Dr NW; Date: Sunday, May 28; Website: accessatlanta.com
Morgan Wallen *DELAYED* New Date TBA
If you love country music, you most likely love Morgan Wallen; and if that’s the case, Truist Park is calling your name! It’s amazing to see how far he’s come since all those years ago when he appeared on “The Voice.”
Location: Cobb - 755 Battery Ave SE; Date: Thursday, June 1; Website: accessatlanta.com
Atlanta R and B Music Experience
Get ready for several legends to hit the State Farm Arena stage! XSCAPE, Tyrese, Trey Songz, 112, and a slew of others are ready to bring all the smooth R&B vibes you can handle.
Location: Downtown – 1 State Farm Drive; Date: Friday, June 2; Website: accessatlanta.com
Atlanta Wine and Jazz Festival
It’s the perfect pairing at the park! You’ll want to head to the historic Fourth Ward Park this June for a little bit of wine, a little bit of Jazz, and a whole lot of fun.
Location: Fourth Ward – 680 Dallas Street; Date: Saturday, June 3; Website: atlantawineandjazz.com
Duran Duran
When you have a classic group like Duran Duran headed to State Farm Arena, you can’t miss them! You’ll be able to see decades of hits, up close and personal.
Location: Downtown – 1 State Farm Drive; Date: Thursday, June 15; Website: accessatlanta.com
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