Turn up the heat with Atlanta’s coolest summer events
One thing always holds true for summer in the South: It’s going to be hot! But you’ll have the coolest experiences ever with these Atlanta events. Consider these options as you plan your summer.
Marietta Greek Festival
Greek out at this annual ode to Mediterranean culture in Marietta! Peruse a marketplace full of Greek-themed gifts, art jewelry and more, and catch traditional dance shows each night designed to transport you through 100 years of Greek history. Find out more about the Greek Orthodox faith with church tours, and fill up on incredible Greek cuisine - rice bowls, gyros, crisp salads!
Location: Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church; Website: mariettagreekfestival.com; Dates: May 17-19; Times: Friday - 4-10:30 p.m., Saturday - 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Sunday - 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Admission: $5, 12 and under - free
North Georgia Live Steamers
All aboard - everyone 18 months and older, that is! Experience the joy of riding a mini steam train on specially sized tracks while learning about what it takes to operate and maintain miniature steam equipment.
Location: Georgia International Horse Park; Website: northgeorgialivesteamers.org; Date: May 18; Times: 1-4:30 p.m.; Admission: $2 per person per ride
Star Party at the Tellus Science Museum
Come on up to Cartersville and join in on this celebration of National Astronomy Day! Solar viewing in the observatory kicks off at 5:30 p.m., and there will be activities for all ages throughout the museum. Design a spacecraft and pick up some NASA giveaways! There will be star walks at 9:15 p.m., 10 p.m. and 10:15 p.m.
Location: Tellus Science Museum; Website: tellusmuseum.org; Date: May 18; Time: 5:30 p.m.; Admission: members - free, adults - $19, children (3-17) - $15, students with ID - $15, active military with ID - free, active duty dependents with ID - half price, seniors (65+) - $17
Brew at the Zoo
Come on in - inside the Perimeter, that is - for a tasting experience where you’ll be surrounded by the world’s most interesting wildlife! Live music, yard games and incredible views will accompany your sampling of beer and wine from more than 30 breweries.
Location: Zoo Atlanta; Website: zooatlanta.org; Dates: May 25; Times: VIP - 5-6 p.m., main event - 6-9:30 p.m.; Admission: VIP - $120, general - $60 (members) and $70 (nonmembers)
Flying Colors Butterfly Festival
It’s a celebration of pollinators! This longstanding festival celebrates its 25th iteration this year with live butterfly encounters, educational presentations and food and live entertainment. And you’ll have a chance to purchase plants that attract pollinators at the native plant sale!
Location: Chattahoochee Nature Center; Website: chattnaturecenter.org; Dates: June 1-2; Times: Saturday - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday - noon to 5 p.m.; Admission: $25, children 2 and under - free
Atlanta Botanical Garden Monument of Dirt and Air
Consider plants through a technology lens via 10 Jared Sprecher paintings that depict natural subjects in the context of failed ink cartridges and computer glitches. These abstract botanical works are viewable in the Gardenhouse Gallery.
Location: Atlanta Botanical Garden; Website: atlantabg.org; Dates: Tuesdays-Sundays through June 3; Times: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Admission: Tuesday-Friday: adult - $26.95, adult FLEX - $31.95, children 3-12 - $23.95, child FLEX - $28.95, children 3 and under and garden members - free; Saturday-Sunday: adult - $29.95, adult FLEX - $34.95, children 3-12 - $26.95, child FLEX - $31.95, children 3 and under and garden members - free (FLEX tickets allow for visit date changes due to weather/unforeseen circumstance.)
Wills Park Fourth of July celebration
A celebration of the nation with a brilliant fireworks show is the perfect mid-summer activity with family and friends. This 20-minute fireworks show begins at 9:15 p.m. If there’s bad weather, the latest start will be 10:40 p.m. Attendees can picnic on the grounds with blankets and chairs. No charcoal grills, but there will be limited permits for propane grills.
Location: Wills Park; Website: awesomealpharetta.com; Date: July 4; Time: 9:15 p.m.
Lift Up Atlanta Community Festival
Come out for a great time and help families and those experiencing homelessness while you’re at it! Lift Up Atlanta is a nonprofit helping families in need, and this community event supports its mission. The festival promises live entertainment, a kids’ fun zone, face painting, vendors and delicious food!
Location: Gwinnett County Fairgrounds; Website: liftupatlanta.org; Date: July 6; Times: noon to 6 p.m.; Admission: $5
Atlanta Children’s Film Festival
This event will celebrate 17 years of making components of the film industry accessible to Atlanta’s young people. For two weeks, area youth can experience activities like film screenings, video production, media literacy activities and filmmaking camp at locations around the city, all made possible by local nonprofit Kids Video Connection.
Location: varied - see website; Website: eventbrite.com; Dates: varied - see website; June 7-23; Times: varied - see website; Admission: Free-$269
Braves game
What’s a summer in Atlanta, really, without at least one Braves game at Truist Park? Catch Atlanta’s legendary baseball team taking on the Tampa Bay Rays for a Saturday afternoon game, make memories and try the delicious food available throughout the venue. Just like the Braves, this choice will be a homerun with family and friends!
Location: Truist Park; Website: mlb.com/braves; Date: June 15; Time: 4:10 p.m.; Admission: $38-$191
Sad Summer Festival
This multi-city musical tour sweeps through Atlanta in late July. Catch bands like Mayday Parade, The Wonder Years, Real Friends, Daisy Grenade and more at the Coca-Cola Roxy for one day only. Private bar for fans age 21 and up.
Location: Coca-Cola Roxy; Website: sadsummerfest.com; Date: July 26; Times: 1 p.m. - doors open; 2 p.m. - show starts; Admission: $75-$184
Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
Cool off at one of the hottest times of the summer - and satisfy your sweet tooth! There’s no better way to do both than at the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival, a convergence of sweet flavors, alongside savory food offerings.
Location: Piedmont Park; Website: atlantaicecreamfestival.com; Date: July 27; Time: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Admission: Free
‘Funny Girl’ at the Fox
This updated love letter to the theater brings it all: an iconic score and tap choreography over a storyline that sees a star blossom on Broadway. Experience the cool luxury of a world-famous theater and be transported for the evening.
Location: Fox Theatre; Website: foxtheatre.org; Dates: July 30-Aug. 4; Times: Tuesday-Thursday - 7:30 p.m., Friday - 8 p.m., Saturday - 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday - 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Admission: $34-$149
Piedmont Park Arts Festival
This two-day festival will bring the visual arts and the family fun. See the work of over 250 artists - painters, photographers, metalworkers, sculptors and more. See artist demos and catch live music as you enjoy tasty food and beverages. And there will be a children’s play area!
Location: Piedmont Park; Website: piedmontparkartsfestival.com; Dates: Aug. 17-18; Times: Saturday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Admission: Free
Cobb County International Festival
Cultural performances, global cuisine, cultural exhibits, fun and educational arts, crafts and storytelling for kids: This is a celebration of diversity and unity. Traditions and talents from around the world - dancing, theater, artisan displays - will offer those who attend a glimpse at different cultures.
Location: Jim Miller Park Event Center; Website: cobbcounty.org; Dates: Aug. 24; Times: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Admission: Free
Grant Park Conservancy Summer Shade Festival
You’ll have it made in the shade at this late-summer festival celebrating the city’s oldest park! Browse handmade products in the artist market, fill up on delicious food and catch musical entertainment. Or lace up for the 22nd Annual Adams Realty Run for the Park 5K.
Location: Grant Park; Website: summershadefestival.org; Dates: Aug. 24-25; Times: (Festival) Saturday - 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday - 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; (Run) 7 a.m. check-in; Admission: Free
Yellow Daisy Festival
Close out your summer at one of the premier arts and crafts events in the nation. See the creations of more than 400 crafters and artists and enjoy great food as you stroll. Catch live music, crafter demos and a beer garden, too!
Location: Stone Mountain Park; Website: stonemountainpark.com; Dates: Sept. 5-8; Times: Thursday - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Admission: Free with paid park parking - $20 (day fee), $40 (annual)
Atlanta British Car Fayre
The 23rd annual Atlanta British Car Fayre will include more than 300 British automobiles - and motorcycles, too! And when you’ve seen your share of antiques and rarities, there’s the boot sale - shop this yard sale in which participants sell from the trunks of their cars!
This event supports Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries in Norcross.
Location: Historic Downtown Norcross; Website: atlantabritishcarfayre.com; Date: Sept. 7; Times: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Admission: Free
