10 things to do in Atlanta this weekend
Access Atlanta Staff
Embrace the festive vibes and gear up for an incredible weekend in Atlanta!
Join the spirited crowd as the Falcons clash with the Buccaneers at home on Sunday, immerse yourself in allll the holiday cheer, and have a memorable time with our carefully selected list of ten events. The weekend promises an array of activities that cater to all tastes.
And take special note, on Friday night, join the SCAD Bee Sharps, the university’s elite performance ensemble, for an evening of carols and good cheer at the all-new Holiday Spectacular concert. The Bee Sharps will be joined at the new SCADshow theater in Midtown Atlanta by special guest stars and alumni, including American Idol winner Candice Glover, as SCAD celebrates the holiday season. Guests will step into a winter wonderland to enjoy old and new holiday favorites at this festive new tradition directed by Tony Award-nominated producer, actor, and SCAD artistic director of executive ensembles Mike Evariste.
Vinings Jubilee’s 38th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Get ready for a FREE jolly good time at Vinings Jubilee’s 38th Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. Festivities for the whole family include train rides, face painting, ornament decorating, a holiday puppet show, live music, and even a visit from the man in red — Santa Claus!
Location: Vinings Jubilee - 4300 Paces Ferry Rd SE; Time: 6-8 p.m.; Date: Thursday, Dec. 7; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
The 85 South Show ‘Three-Headed Monster’ Tour
Don’t miss the comedy of Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly, and Chico Bean for two nights of pure hilarity! The 85 South Show, with over 2 million YouTube subscribers and a comedy revolution under its belt, guarantees an unforgettable night.
Location: Gateway Center Arena - 2330 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA 30337; Time: 8 p.m.; Date: Thursday, Dec. 7 and Friday, Dec. 8; Admission: $55+; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Fernbank After Dark: Cocktails and Candy Canes
This Friday night, indulge in 21+-only excitement at Fernbank After Dark: Cocktails & Candy Canes! Unleash your holiday spirit with after-hours exhibit access, WildWoods: AGLOW lights, festive activities, and live tunes by Lola Cole Music.
Location: Fernbank Museum - 767 Clifton Rd; Time: 7-11 p.m.; Date: Friday, Dec. 8; Admission: $34.95.95 for members and $39.95 for nonmembers; Website: fernbankmuseum.org
SCAD Holiday Spectacular
Celebrate the festive season with SCAD’s Bee Sharps at the Holiday Spectacular concert in Midtown’s SCADshow theater. Featuring special guests like American Idol winner Candice Glover, immerse yourself in a winter wonderland of festive tunes directed by Tony Award-nominee Mike Evariste.
Location: SCADshow - 1470 Spring St NW; Time: 7 p.m., Date: Friday, Dec. 8; Admission: $15 for SCAD Card holders, students, seniors, and military, and $25 for general public; Website: scad.edu
Virginia Highland Winterfest
Experience the magic of the season at Virginia Highland Winterfest, a two-day extravaganza in one of Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods! Marvel at dazzling decorations during the Tour of Lights Block Party on Friday. And on Saturday, dive into the festivities with the Jingle Jog, a parade, live music, and one of the biggest in-town holiday artist’s markets.
Location: Virginia Highland District - 797 Virginia Ave NE; Time and Date: 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9; Website: virginiahighlanddistrict.com
The Santa Bar Crawl
Unleash the festive spirit at the inaugural West Midtown Santa Bar Crawl, supporting Open Hand Atlanta. Suit up, join the merriment, and parade around to hotspots like Rooftop L.O.A., Barcelona, Flight Club, Painted Duck, and Palo Santo. Cheers for a great cause!
Location: Rooftop L.O.A - 1115 Howell Mill Rd; Time: 1-7 p.m.; Date: Saturday, Dec. 9; Admission: $25; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Pod Meets World Live: ‘The Kids Wanna Jump!’ Tour
Get ready for a blast from the ‘90s as Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle, and Rider Strong (Topanga, Eric, and Shawn) bring the nostalgia of “Boy Meets World” to Atlanta’s Tabernacle this Saturday night!
Location: Tabernacle - 152 Luckie St NW; Time: 7:30 p.m.; Date: Saturday, Dec. 9; Admission: $55+; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Bakie Book Fair
This weekend, heal your inner child while supporting small businesses at The Bakery Atlanta’s Bakie Book Fair. Attendees can explore a whimsical world of books, local art, craft stations, interactive activities, and specialty cocktails. Perfect for holiday shopping with a festive twist!
Location: The Bakery South Downtown - 92 Peachtree St; Time and Date: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Catch the Atlanta Falcons in action as they face off against divisional rivals, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, at home in Atlanta. With consecutive wins and leading the NFC South, the Falcons aim to build a winning streak and make a playoff statement.
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium - 1 AMB Dr NW; Time: 1 p.m.; Date: Sunday, Dec. 10; Admission: $50+; Website: events.accessatlanta.com
Marcus and Friends Coat Drive
Celebrate the holidays with Chef Marcus Samuelsson this Sunday at a festive gathering! Contribute to the kids’ winter coat drive for Atlanta Mission, and enjoy bites, specialty cocktails, live music, and a hot cocoa and cider bar.
Location: Marcus Bar & Grille - 525 Edgewood Ave SE; Time: 4:30 to 7 p.m.; Date: Sunday, Dec. 10; Admission: Free; Website: events.accessatlanta.com