As the weekend approaches, residents and visitors in metro Atlanta and North Georgia can look forward to a vibrant array of events including festivals, fairs, live music, and family-friendly activities. The region is buzzing with excitement as various gatherings celebrate the rich arts and culture, local heritage, and community spirit.
**Festivals and Fairs**
Inside Atlanta, the popular Shaky Knees Music Festival is set to take place from September 19 to 21 at Piedmont Park. This annual rock and alternative festival promises to feature over 60 bands alongside an assortment of food and vendor stalls.
Additionally, the Buckhead Arts Festival will be held on September 20 and 21 at 2025 Peachtree Road. This outdoor festival showcases approximately 100 artists across various mediums, providing a fantastic opportunity for art lovers to explore and enjoy.
On September 20, the Fall Festival at the Atlanta History Center invites families to experience a day filled with historic demonstrations, garden activities, games, and delicious food from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In neighboring areas, the North Georgia State Fair runs from September 18 to 28 at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta, offering carnival rides, food, shows, and family entertainment.
Meanwhile, the Kiwanis Coweta County Fair is also running from September 18 to 28 at the Coweta County Fairgrounds in Newnan, featuring carnival rides, shows, exhibits, and live entertainment for all ages.
The Arts Fest in Dalton, taking place from September 19 to 21 at the Creative Arts Guild, will showcase fine arts and crafts, markets, exhibitions, and a preview party, drawing in both locals and visitors alike.
Another small-town celebration, the Clermont Days Festival and Parade, takes place on September 19 and 20 in Downtown Clermont, featuring arts, food, and live music capped off by a Saturday parade.
On September 20, the Big Red Apple Festival in Downtown Cornelia promises an apple-themed extravaganza, featuring local vendors and live entertainment.
Wine lovers will want to visit the Harvest Festival at Cartecay Vineyards in Ellijay, occurring on September 20-21 and 27-28. This vineyard celebration will highlight wine tastings, live music, local vendors, and breathtaking views.
Music enthusiasts can head to Mineral Bluff for the Blues & BBQ at Old Toccoa Farm on September 19, where they can enjoy barbecue food and local vendors in conjunction with live blues music.
The Inman Farm Heritage Days will be celebrated from September 19 to 21 at Minter’s Farm in South Metro, featuring antique tractors, engines, and hands-on farm activities, promising fun for the entire family.
Suwanee Fest, scheduled for September 20-21 at Town Center Park, will include vendors, kids’ activities, and a lively parade, creating a wonderful atmosphere for families.
Finster Fest will also take place on September 20-21 at Paradise Garden in Summerville, featuring over 70 folk, craft, and fine artists, live performances on three stages, delicious food, and plenty of fun.
The Azucar Music Festival on September 20 at Wolf Creek Amphitheater in South Fulton will present world-class performances that highlight food and vibrant vibes.
JapanFest Atlanta will take place on September 20-21 at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth, celebrating Japanese culture with food, anime, martial arts, and numerous vendors.
The Blue Ridge Blues & BBQ Festival, running from September 18 to 20 in Downtown Blue Ridge, will present blues performances, BBQ vendors, and a touch of Appalachian flair.
Throughout the season, the Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park continues until November 2, featuring glowing pumpkins, fairy tale exhibits, parades, shows, and fireworks to celebrate the autumn spirit.
On September 20-21, the Peachtree Corners Festival takes over the Town Green in Peachtree Corners with arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly music.
A revival of Finster Fest occurs on September 20-21 in Summerville, showcasing artists with diverse creations, live music, food, and community engagement.
**Special Events**
Inside Atlanta, the NETHERWORLD haunted house opens on September 19, bringing thrills with two new attractions, escape rooms, and midway games.
Also on September 20, Sippin’ Safari at Zoo Atlanta from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. offers wine tastings, live music, exploration of animal habitats, and carousel rides, with all proceeds supporting conservation efforts.
For adults looking to unwind, the Sunday Funday at Westside Motor Lounge on September 21 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. will feature free mimosas, DJs, games, food, and hookah in a vibrant setting.
Outside Atlanta, the Vintage & Craft Market at St. Matthew’s will be held on September 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Snellville, showcasing 37 booths full of vintage treasures, crafts, and scrumptious food trucks.
In Woodstock, don’t miss the Reformation Brewery Fall Festival on September 20 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring Oktoberfest beers, cocktails, apple cider slushies, and lively music.
The End of Summer Bash at Drowned Valley Brewing Co. in Cartersville on September 21 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. promises food, beer, raffles, and live music, with proceeds benefitting Bogey’s Buddies featuring adoptable pets.
Creative spirits can enjoy Chamblee’s 4th Annual Chalk Walk and Artist Market on September 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where artists will transform the streets into colorful murals alongside handmade goods.
Lastly, the Fall Junk Market at Ringgold Feed & Seed on September 19-20 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. presents a treasure hunt for antiques, farmhouse finds, and collectibles.
**Live Music and Performances**
Inside Atlanta, pianist Lang Lang will perform Beethoven’s ‘Emperor’ Concerto on September 19 at the Atlanta Symphony Hall, a treat for classical music enthusiasts.
On September 20, the State Farm Arena will host The Queens: 4 Legends, 1 Stage, featuring performances by music icons Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills.
For fans of the R&B genre, B5 will be presenting their Up Close & Personal Tour at City Winery on September 20, offering an intimate concert experience.
Pop artist Lily Rose will take the stage on September 19 at Buckhead Theatre as part of her national tour, while rising indie-pop artist Debbii Dawson performs on September 19 at Aisle 5.
In Decatur, details of the live performance by Marshall Crenshaw with James Mastro unfold at Eddie’s Attic on September 19, combining singer-songwriter talents for an intimate show.
Outside the city, the Atlanta Guitar Trio will bring their unique blend of guitars with mandolin, ukulele, and theorbo to Roswell River Landing on September 21 for an exceptional performance.
**Comedy Nights**
Atlanta’s Laughing Skull Lounge will showcase the Best of Atlanta Comedy from September 19 to 21, featuring about 10 comics performing short sets to entertain audience members.
Comedian Moe Mitch will perform on September 19 at City Winery for a night of laughs, while the Uptown Comedy Corner Road Show brings a traveling comedy showcase featuring multiple comedians on September 19-20 in Forest Park.
Those seeking a more localized experience can attend E.K. Events: Live Comedy Show featuring Vseant at Café Efendi in Alpharetta on September 19, offering casual laughs during dinner.
**Theatrical Productions**
For theater lovers, “For A Dream” will be presented at 7 Stages from September 19 to 21, depicting the intricacies of friendship and life’s challenges.
Meanwhile, the classic musical “Fiddler on the Roof” is being staged at the Alliance Theatre from now until October 12.
Audiences can catch “Sister Act,” running from September 19 to October 4 in Marietta, which tells the story of a lounge singer in hiding after witnessing a crime.
A comedic twist awaits theatergoers with “Something Rotten” in Cumming, from September 19 to October 12, showcasing two brothers attempting to create history’s first hit play.
Agatha Christie’s classic murder mystery “The Mousetrap” runs from September 18 to 21 and again from 25–28 in Conyers, while “Real Women Have Curves” offers insights into the lives of young women navigating their identities in East Los Angeles from September 19 to 28 and again on October 3-4 in Decatur.
**Art and Film Exhibitions**
Inside Atlanta, the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art will present the exhibition “Nancy Elizabeth Prophet: I Will Not Bend an Inch” from September 5 to December 6, focusing on themes of identity and resilience.
The “Nuestra Creación: Latin Heritage Month Exhibition” can be viewed at Echo Contemporary in Atlanta from September 5 to 28, celebrating BIPOC artists while emphasizing Latino and Hispanic voices.
Film fans will also enjoy the Out on Film: LGBTQ Film Festival taking place at Midtown Art Cinema from September 21 to October 1, showcasing a rich selection of 150 films including features, documentaries, and shorts.
Outside Atlanta, locals and visitors can explore the Hamilton Alpharetta Art Walk on September 19, where local artists display their works throughout The Hamilton hotel in gallery style.
**Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month**
The festivities continue inside Atlanta with Atlanta United’s Latin Heritage Night on September 20 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, offering Latin Heritage ticket packages and a towel giveaway.
Baseball fans will find joy in the Los Bravos Night at Truist Park on September 23 featuring music, cultural presentations, and special Braves merchandise celebrating the community.
The ongoing “Nuestra Creación: Latin Heritage Month Exhibition” is available through September 28 at Echo Contemporary, highlighting the creativity and expressions of Latin voices.
Additionally, on September 24 at Tio Lucho’s, a unique dinner called Make a Miracle will provide culinary delights while supporting a nonprofit that provides education and housing in Peru and Colombia.
Tequila and mezcal enthusiasts will appreciate the experience at Arte Agave at Kimpton Sylvan Hotel in Buckhead on September 26 featuring tastings, food, art, and live entertainment.
Lastly, visit Oakland Cemetery for Colors of Culture on September 30, an event with storytelling, traditional Día de Muertos activities, and art (registration required).
**Upcoming Events**
Anticipate more exciting performances and gatherings with Jack Schneider at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur on September 28, promoting his new album.
In Newnan, the Broadway-style comedy Farndale Avenue Murder Mystery will unfold from September 29 to October 2 and again from October 6 to 9, showcasing the humorous travails of amateur actors.
And for fans of the hit series, Welcome to Hawkins: Stranger Things Weekend will transform Downtown Jackson on October 4-5 with themed storefronts, tours, escape games, and roller skating opportunities.
This weekend, the Metro Atlanta and North Georgia region offers a plethora of events and activities, ensuring that there is something enjoyable for everyone to participate in. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore, celebrate, and create lasting memories!
image source from:fox5atlanta