10 things to do in Atlanta this weekend
Access Atlanta Staff
We’re a little more than a week away from fall, but Atlanta is ready to keep the heat alive with an exciting weekend lineup featuring a variety of events and festivals to suit every taste.
From experiencing “Black Panther” with the sounds of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to a late-night foodie fest for the 21+ crowd, and a hilarious comedy set at the Fox Theatre, we’ve got you covered with 10 of the best events happening this weekend. Here’s your insider’s guide to Atlanta’s weekend extravaganza:
And if you’re in the mood for a change of scenery, venture north to the picturesque Blue Ridge mountains for the Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival. This isn’t just a one-day affair; it’s a full weekend of entertainment, with music, delicious food, beverages, a kickoff party, a scenic ride on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway, and more than 40 unique vendors to explore.
Midnight Market ATL
Get ready to indulge your taste buds and dance the night away because Midnight Market, Atlanta’s ultimate late-night foodie festival for the 21+ crowd, is BACK. Expect two nights filled with dancing, DJs, roller skating, over 25 delectable food vendors offering items priced between $5 and $8, an artisan marketplace, exciting games, and a whole lot more. Use promo code ACCESS for 15% off VIP tickets!
Location: Midtown at Atlantic Station - 241 20th St; Time: 6 p.m. til midnight; Date: Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15-16; Admission: $25+; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Hapeville Happy Days
Discover Hapeville’s charm this weekend with the fam during two evenings of FREE live music at Jess Lucas Park. Enjoy music from Spectrum, Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics, and more, and savor delicious bites from local restaurants while soaking in the vibes.
Location: Hapeville at Jess Lucas Park - 680 S Central Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354; Time: 7-10 p.m.; Date: Friday and Saturday, Sept. 15-16; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
‘Black Panther’: Live In Concert with the ASO
Experience the thrilling journey of T’Challa’s ascent to the throne and his epic showdown with Killmonger! The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra skillfully infuses Ludwig Göransson’s Oscar-winning score into the on-screen movie, offering a truly unique and memorable experience.
Location: Midtown at Atlanta Symphony Hall - 1280 Peachtree St NE; Time: Various showtimes; Date: Sept. 15-17; Admission: $80+; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Salsa on the Square
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with authentic Hispanic food, drinks, and vendors right on the Decatur Square. Salsa on the Square boasts a live salsa band, dance instructors and an afterparty led by DJ La Superior of La Choloteca!
Location: Decatur at Decatur Square - 509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030; Time: 4-10:30 p.m.; Date: Saturday, Sept. 16; Admission: Free; Website: placitalatinaga.org
Atlanta United FC vs. Inter Miami CF
Get ready for an epic showdown and the potential chance to witness Lionel Messi on the field during Saturday’s Atlanta United game. The soccer legend is expected to rejoin Inter Miami in time for the Atlanta match, as reported by the Miami Herald. Nonetheless, thrilling soccer action, electrifying energy, and unforgettable moments await.
Location: Downtown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium - 1 AMB Dr NW; Time: 5 p.m., Date: Saturday, Sept. 16; Admission: $100+; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Colin Jost and Michael Che
Calling all who love to laugh! Join the Fox Theatre on Saturday night as Colin Jost and Michael Che, the comedy duo behind Weekend Update on “SNL”, bring the house down.
Location: Midtown at The Fox Theatre - 660 Peachtree St NE; Time: 7 p.m., Date: Saturday, Sept. 16; Admission: $35+; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Buckhead Arts Festival
Join the creative celebration at the Buckhead Arts Festival on Saturday and Sunday! This FREE two-day extravaganza showcases the works of 100+ talented artists, from painters to sculptors. Experience live artist demos and chill to acoustic tunes in the heart of Buckhead’s vibrant arts scene.
Location: Buckhead at Buckhead Village - 259 Buckhead Ave; Time and Date: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
JapanFest Atlanta
An unforgettable cultural journey awaits this weekend in Gwinnett at JapanFest. Immerse yourself in live music, captivating dance performances, martial arts displays, cultural workshops, Japanese delicacies, a fun beer garden, kids’ games, and much more.
Location: Duluth at Gas South Arena - 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, GA 30097; Time and Date: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17; Admission: $16, kids 6 & under are free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Pumpkin Festival
It’s never too early for fall fun! Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival is back, starting this weekend. Delight in daytime family adventures, meet classic storybook characters, and as the sun sets, experience the all-new pumpkin light show and other enchanting glowing surprises.
Location: Stone Mountain at Stone Mountain Park - 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083; Time: Various times; Date: Saturday, Sept. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 29; Admission: $35+; Website: stonemountainpark.com
Atlanta Vintage Books 35th Anniversary
Join the literary festivities as Atlanta Vintage Books marks its 35th anniversary this Sunday! Established in 1988 by Giles and Helen Hollingsworth, this treasure trove has evolved from rare books for collectors to an expansive haven with over 80,000 books spanning genres.
Location: Brookhaven at Atlanta Vintage Books - 3660 Clairmont Rd; Time: Noon to 5 p.m.; Date: Sunday, Sept. 17; Admission: Free; Website: atlantavintagebooks.com