10 things to do in Atlanta this weekend
Access Atlanta Staff
Hey, Atlanta! Are you ready for an amazing weekend filled with non-stop fun? We’ve got something special just for you, whether you’re from here or just passing through.
From being transported to a galaxy far, far away with an out-of-this-world Star Wars extravaganza at a Braves game to garden strolls and lantern parades, the lively city of Atlanta offers plenty of exciting experiences. So rally your crew, and get ready to dive headfirst into the wild and lively weekend scene — check out our recommendations below:
Friday Jazz
Kick off your Friday night with an exhilarating experience at the High Museum! Indulge in cocktails and delectable light bites while immersing yourself in the stunning galleries while listening to live jazz musicians. Attendees can also join a docent-led tour to dive deep into the collection’s secrets. Best part? It’s free for members and just $25 for everyone else.
Location: Midtown at High Museum of Art - 1280 Peachtree St NE; Time: 6-10 p.m.; Date: Friday, May 19; Admission: $25; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Atlanta Braves Star Wars Night
Join the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park on Friday evening for an epic Star Wars-themed showdown against the Seattle Mariners at 7:20 p.m. Dress up as your favorite Star Wars character and cheer for the Braves. Stick around for the FREE Friday Night Fireworks, a mesmerizing display that will transport you to cosmic realms.
Location: Cobb at Truist Park - 755 Battery Ave SE; Time: 7:20 p.m.; Date: Friday, May 19; Admission: $22+; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Gardens After Dark and Midtown Garden Stroll
Get ready for a weekend of garden delights in Midtown! On Friday night, immerse yourself in the enchanting Gardens After Dark event. Explore two historic homes, live music, retro beats, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails under the starry sky.
Then, on Sunday, celebrate the 10th Annual Midtown Garden Stroll. Discover breathtaking private gardens in the Historic Midtown Garden District, showcasing formal and casual designs, fountains, beekeeping, and ingenious landscaping ideas.
Location: Midtown at Historic Midtown Garden District - 777 Argonne Ave NE; Time and Date: 8-10 p.m. Friday, May 19; Noon to 5 p.m, Sunday, May 21; Admission: $45; Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
VaHi PorchFest
Get ready for the epic VaHi Porchfest! This neighborhood event is about to rock your world with 87 bands performing on 55 porches. Experience the incredible talents of Elly Low, The Murphs, Soup Kink, and feel the explosive energy of We The Party Band as they headline the final hour at John Howell Park.
But that’s not all! The Rock n Run will kick things off, setting the tone for an adrenaline-fueled day. The Kids Corner will be a hub of excitement with captivating magic shows, thrilling bounce houses, and creative crafts. And when hunger strikes, indulge in mouthwatering delights from local food trucks while perusing the arts and crafts market on Adair Avenue.
Location: Virginia-Highland at John C Howell Park - 797 Virginia Ave NE; Time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Date: Saturday, May 20; Admission: Free; Website: virginiahighlanddistrict.com
Ormewood Park Makers Festival
Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant and exciting Ormewood Park Makers Festival! This neighborhood event, organized by South Atlantans for Neighborhood Development (SAND), celebrates creativity and community. Explore a world of artistic wonders as you stroll through the artist booths, dive into a realm of culinary delights with notable pop-ups serving up mouthwatering treats, groove to the rhythm of live music, and so much more.
Location: East Atlanta at Ormewood Park Presbyterian Church - 1071 Delaware Ave SE; Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Date: Saturday, May 20; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Puppy Haven’s Party for the Paws!
Join Puppy Haven at its sixth annual Party for the Paws on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. in Brookhaven. Indulge in delicious bites, witness amazing tricks, and participate in costume contests. Also, enjoy face painting, photo booths, obstacle courses, live music, and more. This event is a fantastically fun way to support the Atlanta Humane Society while having a blast — plus, free admission for all ages and pets, with donations encouraged!
Location: Brookhaven at Puppy Haven - 2740 Caldwell Rd NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319; Time: Noon to 3 p.m.; Date: Saturday, May 20; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
La Fiesta en Hapeville
Get ready to fiesta in Hapeville and groove to the electrifying tunes of Mariachi Tequila, Alma Mexicana, and DJ Fernando. This extravaganza features delicious offerings from local food vendors, a mechanical bull, face painting and more. Admission and parking are free!
Location: Hapeville at Hapeville Memorial Football Field - 3444 N Fulton Ave, Hapeville, GA 30354; Time: 1-5 p.m.; Date: Saturday, May 20; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade
Join the 13th Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade this Saturday. Led by the incredible Chantelle Rytter and the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons, this explosive parade, now on the Westside Trail, will dazzle with giant lantern puppets, marching bands, and a vibrant atmosphere. Indulge in food and drinks at the Lee + White district before during and after. Unforgettable fun for the whole family!
Location: West End at Atlanta Beltline Westside Trail - 742 Catherine St SW; Time: Noon to 10:30 p.m.; Date: Saturday, May 20; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Kamay Arts and Music Festival
On Saturday night, don’t miss out on this incredible event that embraces diversity and creativity! The Kamay Arts and Music Festival at Underground Atlanta is a great way to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Southeast Asian American art and culture. Explore stunning murals, captivating art exhibits, and dance the night away on the vibrant dance floor with talented DJs.
Killamari, one of the artists who will be at the festival, is “stoked” to be putting up a mural at the event.
“I feel like Southeast Asians are under-represented compared to other Asian ethnic groups. As an artist, it’s fun to take inspiration from my culture and blend it with all the other things I’m interested in. I’m a product of the ‘80s and a child of the ‘90s. I feel like we had the best music and the best cartoons, comics, etc. Taking all that and mashing it with my Asian-American, and specifically Southeast Asian-American experience, allows me to create things uniquely mine but relatable at the same time.”
Location: Downtown at Underground Atlanta - 50 Upper Alabama St; Time: 7-11 p.m.; Date: Saturday, May 20; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show
Calling all young Bluey fans in Atlanta! Get ready to be thrilled as Bluey’s Big Play, an incredible theatrical adaptation of the Emmy award-winning children’s television series, is coming to town. Created by the talented Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and featuring new music by Bluey composer Joff Bush, this live show promises to be an unforgettable experience for kids of all ages.
Location: Midtown at Fox Theatre- 660 Peachtree St NE; Time and Date: 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21; Admission: $40+; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
20 free things to do in metro Atlanta in May