10 things to do in Atlanta this weekend
Access Atlanta Staff
Atlanta’s summer is still in full swing, and a sizzling weekend awaits! With a sneaker convention, art in the park, and family-friendly fun, the city’s events calendar is on fire.
This weekend also brings Zoo Atlanta’s last Savanna Nights of the summer, an Atlanta Falcons preseason game at the Benz, and a spicy one-day Hatch Chile festival.
Here’s the lowdown on Atlanta’s weekend extravaganza:
Savanna Nights
If you’re up for enjoying handcrafted cocktails as the sun sets, all while surrounded by the beauty of a wild landscape, then Zoo Atlanta’s Savanna Nights is where you need to be. This Friday night is the final night of the summer series in 2023 — and it’s ‘90s themed!
Location: East Atlanta at Zoo Atlanta - 800 Cherokee Ave SE; Time: 6-9 p.m.; Date: Friday, Aug. 18; Admission: $40; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Atlanta Falcons vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Last week, the Falcons took victory against the Dolphins. It was a great start to the preseason! And this Friday night, get ready for an exhilarating showdown as the Bengals come to Atlanta. This is your chance to have an amazing football-filled evening without breaking the bank — tickets start at just $8.
Location: Downtown at Mercedes-Benz Stadium - 1 AMB Dr NW; Time: 7:30 p.m., Date: Friday, Aug. 18; Admission: $8+; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Friday Jazz
Experience a night of glamour this Friday night at the High Museum! Treat yourself to delicious bites, sip on swanky drinks, and lose yourself in the enchanting galleries, all while being serenaded by live jazz.
Location: Midtown at High Museum of Art - 1280 Peachtree St NE; Time: 6-10 p.m.; Date: Friday, Aug.18; Admission: $25, members free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Atlanta Funk Fest
Get ready to have a time at Atlanta Funk Fest this weekend, Aug. 18-19! Groove to Jazmine Sullivan, Ella Mai, Keith Sweat, and more at the Wolf Creek Amphitheater. Plus, catch Jeezy, Juvenile, and other rap stars rock the stage.
Location: Southwest Atlanta at Wolf Creek Amphitheater - 3025 Merk Rd SW; Time and Date: 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18 and 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19; Admission: $65+; Website: funkfesttour.com
Pan African Festival
Take part in Decatur’s celebration of Black culture and joy at the Pan African Festival, now in its third year. Friday night’s event highlights a screening of the acclaimed documentary “The Big Payback,” with special guest Robin Rue Simmons, the founder and executive director of FirstRepair. Saturday brings a day of community bonding with music, art, performances, a children’s village, an African Marketplace, and a walking tour.
Location: Decatur at Decatur High School Performing Arts Center - 310 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030 and Decatur Square - 509 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030; Time and Date: 6:30 p.m Friday, Aug. 18 and 2-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Sneaker Con
Sneakerheads get to stepping. Join collectors, top brands, and influencers nationwide at Sneaker Con this Saturday. Discover exclusive kicks for sale, trade, and more. Whether you’re a pro or new to the game, it’s a day of sneaker paradise and connections!
Location: Cobb at Cobb Galleria Center - 2 Galleria Pkwy SE, Atlanta, GA 30339; Time: Noon to 7 p.m.; Date: Saturday, Aug. 19; Admission: $30; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
PAWty in the Park
Saturday is the ultimate dog-lovers bash at PAWty in the Park! Chill out in the cool zone, grab bites from Ganji, and vibe to NeonHorror’s tunes. Plus, meet Lifeline and Wags and Wiggles’ adorable adoptable dogs. This pawsome party takes place every third Saturday until October at 10th Street Park.
Location: Midtown at 10th Street Park - 1005 Peachtree St NE; Time: 4-8 p.m.; Date: Saturday, Aug. 19; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Piedmont Park Arts Festival
Immerse yourself in creativity and fun at the Piedmont Park Arts Festival. On Saturday and Sunday, the heart of Midtown comes alive with more than 200 artists, live music, kids’ entertainment, and yummy food trucks. All ages, including your furry friends, are welcome at this FREE event!
Location: Midtown at Piedmont Park - 1215 Piedmont Ave NE; Time and Date: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Hatch Chile Fest
Join the flavorful fiesta at the 9th Annual Foxeria del Sol Hatch Chile Fest on Sunday. The one-day food festival celebrates the fresh chiles from Hatch, New Mexico, and features chile-inspired dishes, cocktails, Scofflaw Brewing beer, and live music. All proceeds support Hogs for the Cause, aiding families with pediatric brain cancer.
Location: Northwest Atlanta at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q at The Works - 204 Chattahoochee Row NW; Time: 2-6 p.m.; Date: Sunday, Aug. 20; Admission: $60, kids under 8 are free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Top Shelf Stand-up Comedy
Sundays are made for laughter! Join the fun at Top Shelf Comedy, a monthly stand-up gig starring some of Atlanta’s finest comedians. Get ready to chuckle with Carter Deems, David Perdue (the other one), Amy Brown, and Amanda Marks at the super cool Distillery of Modern Art in Chamblee.
Location: Chamblee at Distillery of Modern Art - 2197 Irvindale Way, Chamblee, GA 30341; Time: 7-10 p.m..; Date: Sunday, Aug. 20; Admission: $20; Website: events.accessatlanta.com