10 things to do in Atlanta this weekend
This weekend in Atlanta, we’re starting to see festival season kick off! Whether you’re in the mood for oysters, chili, booze, brews, films and more, Atlanta has a festival for you this weekend. Plus, Black History Month celebrations continue with thought-provoking exhibitions, performances, and book fairs.
Mark your calendars! Following two years of sold-out shows, BAM! is back and bigger and better than ever. SCAD’s acclaimed celebration of Black History Month and Black musical artists will feature Grammy, Emmy, and Tony-nominated performers directly from Broadway, TV, and film. SCAD stars of the past and present, from stunning alumni to the university’s premier vocal ensemble The Bee Sharps and other SCAD students, come together for this exhilarating night of performances. Featuring iconic hit songs from culture-defining Black artists in gospel, R&B, soul, and jazz, as well as spoken word and dance, this uplifting and joyous concert experience spotlights the rich traditions and innovations of African American music. Tickets on sale at SCADshow.com.
SCAD Presents BAM! Celebrating Black Artists in Music
Celebrate Black History Month in true SCAD style! The Savannah College of Art and Design will be performing an electrifying show focused on Black musical artists ranging from Grammy, Emmy and Tony-nominated performers. Join SCAD alumni, vocal ensemble The Bee Sharps, as well as other SCAD students for an unforgettable performance.
Location: SCADshow - 1470 Spring Street NW; Date: Friday, February 23; Time: 7 p.m.; Admission: $20-35; Website: scadshow.com
Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival
Delight your senses with the soulful sounds of bluegrass music at Atlantic Station, paired with ice-cold beer, delicious BBQ, smooth bourbon and savory biscuits! Enjoy all-you-can-taste samples as well as a souvenir glass to take home as you indulge in this quintessential Southern-themed festival.
Location: Atlantic Station - 1380 Atlantic Drive NW; Date: Saturday, February 24; Time: 2 - 6 p.m.; Admission: $45-75; Website: atlanta.beerandbourbon.com
Westside Food, Booze and Brews Fest
Support the fantastic vendors at Chattahoochee Food Works at this Food, Booze and Brews festival. Delight your senses as you sample an eclectic array of various food and beverages offered by the vendors of this Westside food hall.
Location: Chattahoochee Food Works - 1235 Chattahoochee Ave NW; Date: Saturday, February 24; Time: 2 to 6 p.m.; Admission: See website; Website: eventbrite.com
Blacklisted! Banned Book Fair
Step into the Blacklisted world of Black artists, activists and scholars, where you’ll explore a collection of topics that have sparked controversy and led to bans across the United States. This exhibition shines a spotlight on voices that challenge norms and provoke thought.
Location: Loudermilk Conference Center - 40 Courtland Street NE; Date: February 24-25; Time: 12 to 6 p.m.; Admission: Free; Website: nbaf.org
Steamhouse Lounge Presents the 36th Annual Oysterfest
Get ready to shell-ebrate 36 years of Atlanta’s legendary Oysterfest, presented by Steamhouse Lounge! Dive into a sea of seafood treasures, from succulent roasted and chargrilled oysters to lobster bisque and po-boys – all against a backdrop of live entertainment.
Location: Steamhouse Oysterfest - Corner of Peachtree and 12th; Date: February 24-25; Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Admission: See website; Website: steamhouselounge.com
Inaugural Schoolhouse Brewing’s Chili Cook-Off
A day of flavor, fun and friendly competition awaits you at Schoolhouse Brewing for their first-ever Chili Cook-Off. Turn up to the heat as you join fellow chili enthusiasts in an exciting, spice-filled showdown focused on sampling delicious chilis and voting for your favorite.
Location: Schoolhouse Brewing - 840 Franklin Ct; Date: February 24 - 25; Time: 1 to 5 p.m.; Admission: $15; Website: schoolhousebeer.com
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival
It’s the last weekend of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival playing in Atlanta theatres before it transitions to streaming on AJFF’s virtual cinema. Immerse yourself in an array of world-class international and independent features, documentaries and more, while engaging with filmmakers, community leaders and fellow cinephiles during Q&A sessions.
Location: Tara Theatre - 2345 Cheshire Bridge; Date: Until February 26 in theatres; Time: See website; Admission: See website; Website: ajff.org
Brave Wojtek Polish and Eastern European Food Pop-Up
Extend your weekend excitement into Mondays with this interesting food pop-up spotlighting the flavors of Polish and Eastern European cuisine. This will be the last weekend of this pop-up, so mark your calendars!
Location: Elsewhere Brewing - 1039 Grant Street SE; Date: Until February 27; Time: 5 to 9 p.m..; Admission: Free; Website: eventvesta.com
Multitudes: Hapeville Celebrates Black History Month
Honor and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of local Black artists and performers at the fourth annual Hapeville Black History Month celebration. The city of Hapeville will be reflecting on the depth, breadth and diversity of the African American experience through this exhibition at the Hapeville Depot Museum that showcases Black artwork through various modes of artistic expression.
Location: Hapeville Depot Museum - 620 South Central; Date: Until March 9; Time: All Day; Admission: Free; Website: atldistrict.com
Prescious Lovell’s The Fabric of our Lives
This exhibition by Prescious Lovell explores the powerful narratives of Black American women and the complex intersections of history, identity and domestic labor. “The Ties that Bind” weaves together stories of resilience and strength through a focus on aprons and fabric, while “Ex-Domestication” sheds light on the legacy of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and its impact on societal behaviors.
Location: Hammonds House Museum - 503 Peeples Street SW; Date: Until April 14; Time: See website; Admission: See website; Website: hammondshouse.org