10 things to do in Atlanta this weekend

Professional artists will chalk the streets of Marietta at Chalktoberfest
Credit: Chalktoberfest's Facebook

Atlanta is packed with quirky adventures and delicious bites just waiting to be discovered! So get your camera — and your taste buds — ready as we dive into 10 fabulous things to do in Atlanta this weekend that will make your heart skip a beat and your social media feed pop!

Let’s start with the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University which is bringing Atlanta audiences an array of entertainment experiences this month. Enjoy a free Feed Your Senses lunch (while supplies last) and concert with Southern rockers Nikki Speake and Anna Kramer on Oct. 16. R&B and funk legends Tower of Power take the stage Oct. 18 to deliver a powerful, horn-drenched sound amplifying the group’s masterful songwriting. And fresh from their debut and 2024 Grammy Award with songwriter Jacob Collier, the all-female jazz ensemble säje unites four women creators who are composers, arrangers and vocalists with impressive individual careers performing Oct. 26. For tickets and other details visit rialto.gsu.edu.

World Mental Health Day

In honor of World Mental Health Day, mental health professionals, advocates and community organizations will gather for a day of education, wellness activities and connection. Attendees can participate in workshops, listen to inspiring speakers, engage in mindfulness exercises and explore resources focused on mental health and well-being.

Location: Home Depot Backyard, Downtown Atlanta - 80 Northside Dr NW; Date: October 10; Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. ; Admission: Free; Website: 1010unitedwewin.com

Taste Brookhaven

This event brings together local restaurants, chefs, and food lovers for an evening of good food, featuring a wide variety of dishes, from gourmet entrees to tasty desserts. Guests can sample signature creations from Brookhaven’s top dining spots, enjoy craft cocktails and savor fine wines at Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina.

Location: Brookhaven - 4000 Summit Blvd NE; Date: October 10; Time: 6-9 p.m. ; Admission: $65; Website: eventbrite.com

Wire & Wood Alpharetta

Wire & Wood Alpharetta is a unique and intimate two-day music festival that celebrates the art of songwriting and acoustic music. Held in the heart of downtown Alpharetta, this festivals highlights talented local, regional, and national musicians for live performances on multiple stages.

Location: Downtown Alpharetta - 1 S Main St; Date: October 11-12; Time: 6-11 p.m. (Friday); 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Saturday); Admission: Free; Website: awesomealpharetta.com

Duluth Fall Home Expo

Are you looking to enhance your living space? Stop by Gas South Convention Center for an exciting expo where guests can check out the latest trends in home renovation, landscaping and interior design. Attendees can also explore products and services, from smart home technologies and energy-efficient solutions to kitchen remodels and outdoor living ideas.

Location: Duluth - 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy; Date: October 11-13; Time: noon to 6 p.m. (Friday); 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday); 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Sunday); Admission: Free; Website: duluthhomeexpo.com

Atlanta Pride Festival

Held in the heart of Atlanta at Piedmont Park, this free, family-friendly, two-day festival features live entertainment, interactive exhibits and a diverse range of vendors. From local art displays to advocacy booths, the festival offers something for everyone while promoting equality and awareness. The highlight of the weekend is the iconic Pride Parade on Sunday, which winds through Midtown with floats, marchers and performers, showcasing Atlanta’s vibrant LGBTQ+ community.

Location: Midtown Atlanta - 1322 Monroe Dr NE; Date: October 12-13; Time: Times vary, see website; Admission: Free; Website: atlantapride.org

Taste and Brews Fall Festival

Taste and Brews Fall Festival is a lively annual event that combines the best of craft beer, delicious food and live entertainment. This fall celebration offers everyone the chance to sample a wide variety of local and regional craft beers alongside mouth-watering dishes from top food trucks and restaurants. The event also features live music, artisan vendor and family-friendly activities.

Location: Canton - 600 Brown Industrial Pkwy; Date: October 12-13; Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ; Admission: Free; Website: tasteandbrews.com

Old Fourth Ward Fall Arts Festival

This two-day festival showcases a diverse array of local and regional artists, offering everything from paintings and photography to handmade jewelry and sculpture. In addition to the art market, the festival features live music, food trucks and interactive art demonstrations, making it a fun-filled experience for visitors of all ages.

Location: Historic Fourth Ward Park - 592 N Angier Ave NE; Date: October 12-13; Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday); 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday); Admission: Free; Website: zapplication.org

Chalktoberfest

This two-day event attracts professional chalk artists from around the world who transform the streets into stunning, vibrant works of art. Chalktoberfest also offers activities for kids, including a section where they can create their own chalk masterpieces. It’s a unique blend of art, entertainment and community that draws crowds from all over!

Location: Marietta - 99 S Park Square NE; Date: October 12-13; Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Saturday); 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday); Admission: Free; Website: chalktoberfest.com

Halloween Spooktacular

Hosted by Dad’s Garage Theatre Company, this Halloween-themed party features games, prizes, a reverse haunted house, live music, a Halloween-themed edition of Wowie Zowie and more! Tex’s Tacos food truck and King of Pops will also be on-site.

Location: Old Fourth Ward area - 569 Ezzard St SE; Date: October 13; Time: 1-5 p.m. ; Admission: $15; Website: dadsgarage.com

Roswell Town Square Dinner Series

This exclusive dinner series features multi-course meals crafted by some of the area’s top chefs, showcasing gourmet dishes. Guests enjoy a unique dining atmosphere under the stars, complete with live music and local wines. The event offers an intimate and upscale way to connect with friends, family and fellow foodies while celebrating Roswell’s vibrant dining scene in a charming and historic setting.

Location: Roswell - 610 Atlanta St; Date: October 13; Time: 6-8 p.m. ; Admission: $140; Website: bigtickets.com

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