The 2025 ELEVATE Atlanta Festival is set to embrace the city’s rich cultural heritage through a vibrant mix of public art, music, dance, and community gatherings.
Taking place over three days, the festival kicks off tonight with the theme “Rooted & Rising,” reflecting Atlanta’s cultural evolution from the late 1980s to the early 2000s.
This period marked significant growth that established Atlanta as a global cultural hub.
Organizers aim to unite cultural preservation with community wellness, highlighting the importance of Black Atlanta’s traditions and narratives in fostering collective healing and well-being.
Curators for the festival include Courtney Brooks, Melissa Alexander, and SLW & Steady Productions, who will showcase how the city can advance while staying connected to its roots.
The festival’s lineup starts on Friday, where events will take place at the Steele Bridge.
“Steele Fresh,” curated by Courtney Brooks, features an eclectic range of activities.
The Soul Fresh Sound Bowl Experience led by Ebony Black will commence from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by DJ Rasyrious spinning tunes from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Visitors can explore the Creative and Cultivated Live Art & Vendors Market, featuring local artists and vendors such as ComfiArt and Nourish Botanica, from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m.
A fashion runway show showcasing local talent including Wild Seed Butik and Selara Regalia is scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
From 8:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., there will be a spoken word performance by Theresa Tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. and Adán Bean.
The night will culminate in a live music performance by Tiffany Goode and the Goode Stuff Experience from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., followed by the Funky Fresh After Party at Smokey Stallion Bistro from 10 p.m. to midnight.
In Castleberry Hill, the ZuCot Gallery will participate in the Castleberry Hill Art Stroll, welcoming visitors from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
On Saturday, Woodruff Park will host “The Space Within,” featuring new art installations designed to enhance wellness in collaboration with Atlanta Downtown and Dashboard.
This event will include works by artists Lisa Li, Dana Haugaard, and Ellex Swavoni, complemented by a wind phone installation by The Grief House.
A free HIIT fitness class organized by Community RGB Experience will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by yoga and a sound bath session from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The day continues with live harp music by Sonia and food by Smooth N Groove from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Later that day at Atlanta Underground, “The Culture Comb-Out” curated by Melissa Alexander will take place.
From noon to 5 p.m., The Corner Store Marketplace will feature DJ Rock Most, accompanied by local vendors including City in the Woods and Chilly-O Co.
A ’90s-inspired hair competition, the Crown Classic Hair Showdown, will run from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Visitors can also explore open artist studios inside Underground beginning at 5 p.m.
The festival wraps up on Sunday on the West Side, with “Welcome to the Westside” curated by SLW & Steady Productions.
The Future Is Ours — Westview Artist + Makers Market will take place at Westview Corner Grocery from noon to 5 p.m., featuring vintage clothing and collectibles inspired by Atlanta’s culture from the ’80s to the 2000s.
Additionally, the Westview Makers Space will host exploratory sessions, including classes in cobbling, pottery, and capoeira from noon to 5 p.m.
A pop-up exhibition titled Under Influenced at Pop-Up Gallery, curated by Eugene Byrd, will feature an artist Q&A throughout the day.
Join the celebration for a weekend filled with richness and authenticity, honoring Atlanta’s past while looking to its future.
image source from：artsatl
