Saturday

08-02-2025 Vol 2040

Exciting Arts and Culture Events in Atlanta This Weekend

Atlanta is set to buzz with a series of captivating arts and culture events this weekend, from thought-provoking literary discussions to vibrant musical performances.

Kicking off on Thursday, Black Writers Weekend 2025 will commence with a welcome mixer at Buckhead Art & Company, running from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. This annual festival celebrates the creativity of Black writers and promises valuable opportunities for networking, pitching work, and participating in workshops throughout the event, occurring on August 1 and August 2 at both the Auburn Avenue Research Library and Loudermilk Conference Center.

Before the formal festivities begin, attendees can enjoy a short film festival at the Auburn Avenue Research Library featuring a dozen films and trailers that highlight the richness of the Black experience. The screenings, which include Q&As with filmmakers and discussions on the intersection of storytelling and culture, will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 31.

Additionally, notable author Martin Padgett will present his latest book, The Many Passions of Michael Hardwick: Sex and the Supreme Court in the Age of AIDS, at the DeKalb History Center on July 31 at 6:30 p.m. The book delves into the dramatic saga of the 1986 Supreme Court case Bowers v. Hardwick and its profound implications on a former Atlantan’s life, examining the struggle against Georgia’s sodomy law.

Theater enthusiasts can look forward to a performance of Ain’t No Mo’ by True Colors Theatre Company, running until August 24 at the Balzer Theatre. The provocative play, written by Jordan E. Cooper, who gained recognition as the youngest Black American playwright nominated for a Tony Award, envisions a fictional scenario in which America offers a one-way ticket back to Africa for every Black person.

On Friday, the highly anticipated return of The Flaming Lips promises an exhilarating experience for fans. After concluding an international tour earlier this year, the band will kick off their new tour at the Coca-Cola Roxy, where they are expected to perform a mix of hits, including selections from both their classic albums Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots and The Soft Bulletin. This concert, featuring Modest Mouse as co-headliner, is a must-see for indie music aficionados.

In conjunction with these exciting performances, there will be an important community summit on the impact of a 1969 raid on a film screening of Andy Warhol’s Lonesome Cowboys, which became a significant moment for queer resistance in Atlanta. On August 1, a screening of the film will be followed by firsthand accounts from local activist Abby Drue, who will share her experiences and insights on the rippling effects of that event in the formation of the Georgia Gay Liberation Front and the groundwork lay for Atlanta’s first Pride Festival.

This pivotal event is hosted by Atlanta Pride and Out on Film, continuing with discussions and breakout sessions focused on the role of various aspects of activism in the LGBTQ+ community, including social media and drag culture, taking place at the Dana Fine Arts Building at Agnes Scott College.

From August 1 to 3, the Atlanta Fine Art Print Fair will be held at the Black Art in America Gallery in East Point. This fair is an ideal setting for emerging art collectors, offering a platform to explore original and limited-edition works, participate in artist discussions, and gain insights into the world of art collecting.

On Saturday night, the country music group The Boykinz will take the stage at Eddie’s Attic at 8:30 p.m. Recently receiving the Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent 2025, the quartet of sisters has captivated audiences with their heartfelt performances and is poised to deliver a memorable evening for fans before they move on to the live shows later this month.

Lastly, on Sunday, Atlanta-based artist Winnie will hold an artist talk for her exhibition Into the Night Land at eyedrum. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can gain insight directly from Winnie as she discusses her imaginative and immersive work, which explores mythic and psychological themes with a distinctive atmospheric presence.

This weekend promises a diverse array of engaging cultural experiences in Atlanta, making it an ideal time for locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the city’s dynamic arts scene.

Whether your interests lie in literature, theater, music, or visual arts, Atlanta’s offerings this weekend are sure to enlighten and entertain.

image source from:artsatl

Abigail Harper