Summertime in Atlanta means being outdoors, laying in the sun, and engaging in local activities and festivals for fun. Whether you’re looking for live entertainment, local food trucks, wanting to take in the arts or looking for a kid-friendly event this summer.
Here are the best festivals this summer in Atlanta.
Atlanta Film Festival
April 4 – 14
The 43rd annual Atlanta Film Festival is one of the premier entertainment events in the city. This is a great place for film lover and filmmakers looking to break into the television/film industry. You’ll have the chance to discover over 150+ independent short films, documentaries and more. Tickets for general screenings and the creative conference are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
Atlanta Jazz Festival
May 25-26
Spend your memorial day weekend at the Atlanta Jazz Festival’s Vodka and Vegan lounge with food and drinks provided by Tito’s Handmade vodka and Atlanta’s own Slutty Vegan and Local Green Atlanta. Celebrate music, culture and art performances with Jazz legends and upcoming artists in Piedmont Park this summer.
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival
May 30 – June 2
Indulge in rich food and drinks from all over the south from Texas to D.C.
Seminars on southern cuisine in other countries such as Greece, Cuba, Japan and more. Sip wine during one of the Connoisseur Lounge Tasting Experiences or special dinner series.
Atlanta Fringe Festival
June 3-9
This is for theatre and art lovers. The Atlanta Fringe Festival is a five-day festival of performances by national and local-based artists under the theatre spectrum, reaching a more “appreciative audiences for the betterment of the Atlanta arts community.” It’s a great opportunity to get a glimpse of the art scene in Atlanta but to also find a deeper appreciation for art.
Atlanta Summer Beer Fest
June 15
This is a festival for the beer connoisseurs. Grab a group of friends and attend this regularly sold-out beer festival this summer. Enjoy a live band, while sampling from over 200 beers at the festival’s new location, Historic 4th Ward Park. Tickets are $40 now.
Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
July 27
Keep calm and cool at the annual Atlanta Ice Cream Festival. I’m getting hungry just thinking about the variety of flavors. Yum. The event also hosts local food & non-food vendors, and live music, and health and wellness activities, such as Zumba, Yoga, Dancing and a 5k Fight Cancer Walk.
Decatur BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass Festival
Aug. 10
Hours of live blues/bluegrass music and the aroma of southern BBQ marks the end of a great summer. Get ready for ribs, chicken, pulled pork and children running around the festival’s new location at Legacy Park on S. Columbia Drive.
Atlanta Underground Film Festival (AUFF)
Aug. 15-18
Atlanta is a premier location for creative and film lovers. The 16th Annual Atlanta Underground Film Festival highlights independent filmmakers, wanting to share their voices and opinions through various films and videos. Independent creatives and filmmakers won’t pass up an opportunity to attend or be featured in AUFF, using their platform to promote their short or feature film video. VIP passes are $40. The event will be held at the at the Synchronicity Theatre on Peachtree St.
Piedmont Park Arts Fest
Aug. 17-18
Looking for a family-friendly, free event this summer? The Piedmont Park Summer Arts & Crafts Festival is a 2-day outdoor event intended to give back to its community through visual art, live performances, and demonstrations by local artists, sculptors, photographers, and other creatives. This fest is presented by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, for people of all ages, races, customs, and interests.
Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival
TBA
Each year, residents await the Coco-Cola Summer festival lineup packed with your favorite old and new movies, such as Night of the Living Dead or Grease. There’s something for everyone at this family-friendly event held at Fox Theatre. The lineup has not been released just yet, but its sure to be a crowd pleaser. Be sure to check the website for future updates.
Grant Park Summer Shade Festival
Aug. 24-25
Grab your blanket and folding chairs for an outdoor festival at Grant Park, complete with food trucks, beer, a Kids Zone, and live music . In support of the park’s restoration, there will also be a 5K run for the park.