10 things to do in Atlanta this weekend
Atlanta is calling, and your weekend plans just got a major upgrade! Whether you’re into food, music, art, or outdoor adventures, this city is packed with events that are about to take your weekend to the next level. Here are our top 10 things to do in ATL this weekend.
Drift away with SweetWater Brewery’s bright, juicy brew and journey to a realm of citrus bliss. Nothing hoppy here – it’s a tropical trip in every sip. Some say this Shangri-la is a myth: an IPA that’s high on refreshment and low on bitterness. But those who know understand. And those who’ve tasted it swear it’s a trip worth taking.
Try DayTrip IPA at the SweetWater Taproom or on draft around Atlanta.
Holiday Tree Lighting at Atlanta History Center
Kick off the holiday season with the Atlanta History Center at the Holiday Tree Lighting in Veterans Park! This year’s celebration brings exciting new attractions, including a children’s train ride and a special snowfall to add even more holiday magic. The highlight of the evening will be the lighting of a grand 50-foot holiday tree, surrounded by festive music, a cash bar, and photo ops with Santa himself inside the museum.
Location: Northwest Atlanta - 130 W Paces Ferry Rd NW; Date: November 15; Time: Starts at 7 p.m.; Admission: $35; Website: atlantahistorycenter.com
The Nutcracker
Get ready for an unforgettable holiday experience as The Nutcracker returns, bringing the magic, wonder, and nostalgia we all crave! Whether you’re a first-timer or it’s your family’s annual tradition, don’t miss out on this magical journey at Gas South Arena this weekend.
Location: Duluth - 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy; Date: November 15-17; Time: Show times vary, see website; Admission: $24 and up; Website: gassouthdistrict.com
Latin Restaurant Weeks
Get ready to spice up your taste buds and celebrate culture at Latin Restaurant Weeks! This exciting event spotlights the incredible diversity of Latin flavors, bringing you mouthwatering dishes crafted by the top Latin chefs, mixologists, and restaurants in the metro Atlanta area. Share the experience, tag your foodie crew and join the celebration that everyone will be talking about!
Location: Metro Atlanta area; Date: November 15-30; Time: See website for participating restaurants; Admission: Free; Website: latinrestaurantweeks.com
Skate the Station
Lace up and hit the ice at Skate the Station, Atlanta’s winter wonderland that brings all the glitz and glamour of holiday skating right to Atlantic Station! Perfect for date nights, family outings, or a fun night with friends, Skate the Station gives you that classic winter magic this holiday season.
Location: Atlantic Station - 1380 Atlantic Dr NW; Date: November 15-January 20; Time: Times vary, see website; Admission: $17; Website: atlanticstation.com
Atlanta Chili Cook Off
Get ready to heat things up at the Atlanta Chili Cook Off, the city’s spiciest event of the year! Held at Brook Run Park, this chili showdown brings together the area’s best chefs and home cooks for a fierce battle of flavors, from smoky and sweet to blazing hot. Don’t miss your chance to support local talent, taste something new, and see who takes home the chili crown.
Location: Dunwoody - 4770 N Peachtree Rd; Date: November 16; Time: 1-4 p.m.; Admission: $25; Website: atlantachilicookoff.com
Hola Holidays at Westside Paper
Get ready for Hola Holidays at Westside Paper – your ultimate destination for holiday cheer, amazing finds, and community vibes! Discover a curated collection of local vendors offering holiday-ready gifts, from handmade treasures to delicious treats – all while supporting Latinx and minority-owned businesses. It’s the perfect way to shop small, celebrate creativity, and kick off your season of giving.
Location: Northwest Atlanta - 950 West Marietta St NW; Date: November 16; Time: Noon-6 p.m.; Admission: Free; Website: eventbrite.com
West Ponce Music Stroll
Get ready to groove at the West Ponce Music Stroll, a one-of-a-kind festival that turns the streets of Decatur into a live music paradise! Picture yourself walking along West Ponce, with bands and solo artists playing every genre—from indie rock and jazz to hip-hop and folk—all while you explore local food trucks, pop-up bars, and art vendors.
Location: Decatur - West Ponce De Leon Ave; Date: November 16; Time: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Admission: Free; Website: decaturmakers.org
Paw Patrol Live! “A Mighty Adventure”
Calling all little heroes! Paw Patrol Live! “A Mighty Adventure” is coming to town, and it’s the ultimate action-packed experience your kids have been waiting for! With high-energy performances and larger-than-life moments, A Mighty Adventure is more than a show—it’s a chance to make memories with your kids that will last a lifetime!
Location: Duluth - 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy; Date: November 16-17; Time: Show times vary, see website; Admission: $35 and up; Website: gassouthdistrict.com
Garden Lights, Holiday Nights
Step into a magical winter wonderland at Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, where millions of twinkling lights transform the landscape into an immersive holiday spectacle! Grab your loved ones and wander through this glowing maze, sip on hot cocoa, and marvel at the stunning botanical displays.
Location: Midtown Atlanta - 1345 Piedmont Ave NE; Date: November 16-January 12; Time: Times vary, see website; Admission: $26.95 and up; Website: atlantabg.org
Cocktail Masterclass
Shake up your night with a one-of-a-kind Cocktail Masterclass at Lingering Shade Social Club! This hands-on experience is the ultimate way to learn the art of mixology, whether you’re a cocktail newbie or a seasoned sipper. Guided by top-tier bartenders, you’ll discover the secrets behind crafting the perfect drink, from classic cocktails to signature creations, all while enjoying sips, laughs, and a whole lot of fun.
Location: Atlanta Beltline - 660 Irwin St NE; Date: November 17; Time: 5-7 p.m.; Admission: $70; Website: eventbrite.com
10 things to do in Atlanta this weekend