The vibrant arts scene in Atlanta is set to flourish with a series of exciting events and exhibitions in the coming months. From renowned artists to innovative dance performances and thought-provoking theater, the city is ready to captivate audiences in various disciplines.
One of the standout exhibitions is ‘The Lost World: The Art of Minnie Evans,’ featuring over 100 pieces by the highly regarded folk artist. Engaging with the memory of Evans, who made history as one of the first Black artists to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1975, this showcase will be held at the High Museum of Art from November 14 until April 12, 2026. Following this exhibit, Evans’s work will also be included in a nationally touring exhibit returning to the Whitney in the summer of 2026.
The Atlanta Art Fair is also making a return following its inaugural season last year, scheduled for September 25-28 at Pullman Yards. The fair aims to further establish Atlanta as a significant destination for visual arts, boasting coverage from outlets such as Forbes that commend the city’s evolving arts community. Featuring more than 60 art galleries, this year’s fair promises enriching artist talks, performances, and installations that aim to highlight the diversity within Atlanta’s visual arts scene. Opening day alone last year brought in an impressive 3,500 visitors.
In the realm of digital media, the SCAD AnimationFest 2025 will run from September 25-27 at SCADshow on Spring Street. This popular festival focuses on a myriad of animation content through panels and screenings. The event will showcase works from major networks including CBS, FX, Fox, and Hulu, along with creations by SCAD student animators. This inclusive event highlights the growing importance of animation in contemporary art.
As the Atlanta Ballet launches its season on September 12-14, enthusiasts are in for a treat with ‘Salute to Balanchine.’ Centered on George Balanchine, co-founder of the New York City Ballet and a groundbreaking choreographer, this program will feature two iconic pieces—Emeralds and Prodigal Son—and a third inspired work by Tony Award-winning Justin Peck. These performances reflect Balanchine’s influential modern ballet style.
Moving to the outdoor performance setting, Wabi Sabi Terminus will debut this fall under the leadership of John Welker, celebrating the enchanting essence of outdoor dance experiences. Originally formed in 2011, the troupe brings back its charm with performances scheduled for October 30 and November 1-2 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. The initiative promises a refreshing aesthetic faithful to its original vision of embracing nature in dance.
In a fitting lead-up to Halloween, the Georgia Ballet will present a new version of ‘Dracula’ from October 23-26, at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre in Marietta. Choreographed by Norbe Risco, artistic director of the Kentucky Ballet Theatre, the production pays homage to Bram Stoker’s gothic masterpiece, encapsulating its terror and timeless allure for an adult audience.
Shifting gears to stage productions, the Alliance Theatre will explore the legend of Robert Johnson in the play ‘Covenant,’ running October 8 through November 9. Often lauded as a defining figure in blues and rock ‘n’ roll, Johnson’s mythical narrative of going to the crossroads at night to barter his soul has intrigued many. This Southern gothic tale delves into themes of music, myth, and supernatural elements, making it a noteworthy addition to the fall lineup.
Another notable production is Mel Brooks’ ‘The Producers,’ set to open the City Springs Theatre Company’s 2025–26 season from September 5-21. This dark comedy portrays a down-and-out theater producer and his accountant as they devise a plan to intentionally create a Broadway flop, only for it to become an unexpected success. The production, with roots in Brooks’ comedic genius, has won acclaim on both screen and stage.
The theatrical legacy continues as Theatrical Outfit presents ‘The Glass Menagerie,’ a pivotal work by Tennessee Williams that made waves upon its Broadway debut in 1945. Running from October 29 to November 23, this reimagined production promises a fresh take on Williams’ exploration of memory, longing, and fragility.
In the world of music, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will kick off its 2025–26 season from October 3-5 with an exhilarating lineup. Music director Nathalie Stutzmann will lead the orchestra in an interpretation of Aaron Copland’s poignant ‘Fanfare for the Common Man,’ which was composed as the United States entered World War II. Additionally, acclaimed cellist Alisa Weilerstein will perform Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto, concluding with Richard Strauss’s evocative tone poem ‘Ein Heldenleben.’
Opera lovers can look forward to ‘La traviata,’ performed by the Atlanta Opera from November 8-16. Despite its initially tepid reception following its 1853 premiere, Verdi’s iconic opera has become a cornerstone of the operatic repertoire. Armenian soprano Mané Galoyan will make her Atlanta debut in the lead role of Violetta, ensuring audiences experience the emotional depth and musical beauty of this tragic tale.
Lastly, the Jazz at All Saints series returns this fall, taking place in the sanctuary of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Midtown. Curated by artistic director Virginia Schenck, the second season will commence on September 12 with a celebration of legendary drummer Max Roach’s 100th birthday, featuring a quartet led by Georgia State University professor Robert Boone Jr. Each performance will be accompanied by an artist talk, enhancing the cultural exchange within the jazz community.
With such a rich and varied lineup, this fall promises to be a thrilling time for arts enthusiasts in Atlanta, offering a deeper exploration into the realms of visual arts, dance, theater, and music. The city’s commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices continues to grow, enriching the cultural landscape for both residents and visitors.
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