10 things to do in Atlanta this weekend
Access Atlanta Staff
The dog days of summer are officially here in Atlanta, so brace yourselves for a wild, warm weekend ahead. From a lively Filipino festival to a Madonna-themed drag brunch, to family-friendly events all around town, the city’s events calendar is going full speed and the heat is on.
This weekend will also bring a new Fernbank After Dark theme, Improv Comedy, an after-hours aquarium event, a reggae festival and so much more.
And be sure to mark your calendar now for The TOUR Championship at Historic East Lake Golf Club from August 23-27. Every August, the top PGA TOUR pros battle it out for the FedExCup, adding a thrilling twist to Atlanta’s event calendar at the end of the professional golf season. The TOUR offers plenty to do for all ages, including indulging in local bites, sipping specialty cocktails, experiencing family-friendly activations and much more! So whether you’re a golf fan or just up for a great time, The TOUR Championship is where it’s at!
Here’s everything you need to know about events around Atlanta this weekend:
Fernbank After Dark: Senses
If you’re looking for unique Friday night plans, your search is over! Get ready for an absolutely amazing adventure at Fernbank After Dark.
Every second Friday of the month, Fernbank opens its doors after hours to those 21 and up. Attendees will find different themes each month, interactive museum exhibits, live music, drinks, and a tempting menu of delightful bites. This month’s theme is “Senses,” showcasing “experiments that will challenge your eyes, ears, and especially your brain!”
Location: Druid Hills at Fernbank Museum - 767 Clifton Rd; Time: 7-11 p.m.., Date: Friday, Aug. 11; Admission: $22.95; Website: fernbankmuseum.org
Blown Cartridge: Improv Comedy
On Friday night, catch talents from Adult Swim, TruTv, and more unite for one hour of hilarious antics. Plus, enjoy a fantastic featured team and bits of stand-up to kick off your night on Edgewood in style!
Location: Edgewood at Joystick Gamebar - 427 Edgewood Ave SE; Time: 8:30 p.m.; Date: Friday, Aug. 11; Admission: $5; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Sips Under the Sea – Beach Night
Dive into an unforgettable evening at Sips Under the Sea: Beach Night, an exclusive event for those 21 and up at the Georgia Aquarium. Enjoy cocktails, yummy bites, a DJ set, and an enchanting Polynesian dance showcase by Mahealani Polynesian Entertainment. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind beachy bash amidst the Aquarium’s galleries!
Location: Downtown at Georgia Aquarium - 225 Baker St NW; Time: 7 p.m.; Date: Friday, Aug. 11; Admission: $60+; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
BeREGGAE Music and Arts Festival
Get ready for a fun weekend at the BeREGGAE Music and Arts Festival, now celebrating its tenth year! This 3-day extravaganza in Piedmont Park welcomes all to enjoy music, arts, culture, and more, in a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere.
Location: Midtown at Piedmont Park - 1320 Monroe Dr NE; Time and Date: 4-11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11; Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12; 1-11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Atlanta Summer Wine Fest
Get your weekend vibes on at the Atlanta Summer Wine Fest! Enjoy 50+ wines, beer, and groove to live tunes by Davis & The Love, with DJ Q-Tip spinning too. There are two sessions to choose from. Your ticket gets you entry, entertainment, a cool acrylic wine glass, and all the sips you desire.
Location: Northwest Atlanta at Guardian Works - 775 Echo St NW; Time: Noon to 4 p.m.; 6-10 p.m.; Date: Saturday, Aug. 12; Admission: $55; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Atlanta BeltLine Indie Markets on Second Saturdays
Discover local artists and musicians at the Atlanta Beltline Indie Markets this weekend. These vibrant pop-ups have two locations on the Beltline - Eastside under the John Lewis Freedom Parkway Bridge and Westside on Allene Ave near Adair Park and Murphy Crossing.
Location: Eastside Beltline - 850 Willoughby Way NE; Westside Beltline - 1089 Allene Ave SW; Time: 5-9 p.m.; Date: Saturday, Aug. 12; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Union City’s Light Up the Night Festival
On Saturday evening, step into the enchanting world of Union City’s inaugural Light Up the Night Festival! Enjoy a free, family-friendly atmosphere with a night market, dazzling installations, live music, and a spectacular laser show finale that paints the sky with mesmerizing lights and colors.
Location: Union City - 5027 Dixie Lake Rd, Union City, GA 30291; Time: 6:30-10:30 p.m.; Date: Saturday, Aug. 12; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Gimme Gimme Disco
Dust off your disco attire and prepare to groove at the Masquerade this Saturday night! If you’re all about ABBA, Donna Summer, the Bee Gees, and all things chic, Gimme Gimme Disco is the place to be. Grab your $12 advance tickets now for this 18+ party.
Location: Downtown at The Masquerade (Heaven) - 75 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW; Time: 9 p.m., Date: Saturday, Aug. 12; Admission: $15; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Philippines Fest
Discover the inaugural Philippines Festival in Atlanta this weekend! Attend Saturday or Sunday (or both) to enjoy authentic Filipino flavors, with over 40 vendors offering mouthwatering cuisines, drinks, desserts, and pastries. There will also be raffles and giveaways by Kamayan ATL on both days.
Location: Northwest Atlanta at Village Skate Park - 1060 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW; Time: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Date: Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 12-13; Admission: $15, kids under 11 are free; Website: kamayanatl.com
The Big Atlanta MADONNA Drag Brunch
Strike a pose at The Big Atlanta MADONNA Drag Brunch this Sunday! Two epic forces, Southern Exchange Ballrooms and WUSSY Magazine, have joined together for an iconic event at downtown’s historic Whitehall Ballroom. Expect boundless entertainment, fierce drag acts, iconic Madonna tunes, and a brunch buffet with bottomless mimosas.
“This is a one-of-a-king drag brunch,” said Jon Dean, Director of Operations at WUSSY Mag. “We’ve pulled out all the stops for this Queen of Pop celebration so come on and vogue! Our hosts, Drew Friday and Brigitte Bidet can’t wait to welcome you!”
This marks the start of a three-part Drag Brunch Series. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
Sept. 24 — Britney Spears-themed Drag Brunch: Indulge in an afternoon of Britney’s greatest hits and performances that’ll leave you craving “Gimme More.”
Oct. 15 — Atlanta Pride Drag Brunch: Showcasing the incomparable RuPaul’s Drag Race season 15 winner - SASHA COLBY!
For more information visit wussymag.com!
Location: Downtown at Southern Exchange Ballrooms - 200 Peachtree St; Time: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Date: Sunday, Aug. 13; Admission: $20+; Website: events.accessatlanta.com