Thursday

06-05-2025 Vol 1982

An Exciting Summer Ahead in Atlanta: Sports, Arts, and Events

As summer rolls into Atlanta, a packed schedule of events is set to charm residents and visitors alike.

This June and July, sports enthusiasts can look forward to a series of thrilling competitions, starting with the FIFA Club World Cup.

From June 16 to July 5, the first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup will take over the United States, showcasing 63 matches across 12 venues, including Atlanta’s very own Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Atlanta will host six important matches, including Chelsea FC vs. Los Angeles FC or Club América on June 16, Inter Miami CF vs. FC Porto on June 19, and Manchester City vs. Al Ain FC on June 22.

Following these matches, Round of 16 games will be held on June 29 and July 1, culminating in a quarterfinal match on July 5.

For local runners and spectators, the AJC Peachtree Road Race on July 4 promises to be exhilarating.

This iconic 10K race, the largest of its kind in the world, attracts around 60,000 participants every year, all converging in the heart of Atlanta.

Though registration has already closed, the atmosphere is sure to be electric as supporters gather to cheer on the racers.

Another highly anticipated event is the WWE Weekend Takeover at State Farm Arena, set for July 12-13.

WWE fans will experience three captivating events, starting with “The Great American Bash” on Saturday afternoon, followed by “Saturday Night’s Main Event” that evening, and culminating with an all-women’s “Evolution” on Sunday.

The thrill continues with the MLB All-Star Game, taking place on July 15 at Truist Park, marking the third time Atlanta has hosted this prestigious game.

Starting at 8 p.m., experts predict a spectacular showdown between the best players in the National and American leagues, a must-watch for baseball fans.

In addition to sports, the arts and culture scene in Atlanta is bustling.

From May 28 to June 8, the Atlanta Fringe Festival will bring two weeks of over 60 live performances from various artists across the East Atlanta area.

With an emphasis on live theater, dance, comedy, storytelling, and puppetry, the festival has created an artist-first atmosphere full of collaboration and joy since its inception in 2012.

As summer heats up, locals will enjoy the Virginia-Highland Summerfest on June 7-8, an annual arts festival that spotlights live music, culinary delights, art showcases, and a 5K run.

To celebrate Juneteenth, the 13th Annual Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival on June 14-15 will feature live music, handmade goods, delicious food, and cultural activities in Piedmont Park, one of the largest sustainable Juneteenth celebrations globally.

For those preferring a more traditional Independence Day celebration, Stone Mountain’s Fantastic Fourth Celebration will take place from July 1-7.

This metro-area favorite, recognized as the “Best Place to See Fireworks in Atlanta,” will include the Music Across America Light Show and a spectacular fireworks display every night, drawing crowds eager to partake in this time-honored tradition.

During the same month, the Atlanta Market ANDMORE event will occur from July 15-21 at AmericasMart, catering to professionals in the home furnishings and retail industries with a series of trade showcases.

The summer will also feature major entertainment acts, such as Cirque du Soleil, which will present its vibrant show OVO from August 7-10 at Gas South Arena.

This 125-minute extravaganza, including a 25-minute intermission, tells the whimsical story of a ladybug who captures the heart of a quirky insect in her colorful neighborhood.

Further enriching Atlanta’s cultural fabric is the Piedmont Park Arts Festival on August 16-17, an event recognized as one of the nation’s top 100 arts festivals.

Featuring artist demonstrations, live music, an Emerging Artists Pavilion, and a family-friendly atmosphere, this event boasts the presence of up to 250 working artists and crafters offering exquisite creations.

This August also sees the return of the BronzeLens Film Festival from August 20-24, dedicated to highlighting diverse voices in film production and creating networking opportunities for filmmakers of color.

The festival promises an array of films along with an awards ceremony that will conclude the event.

In the realm of conferences and conventions, Atlanta will also be buzzing with activity.

RenderATL, happening from June 11-13, is expected to gather over 7,000 tech professionals during Atlanta Tech Week, bringing together discussions on AI, machine learning, and design systems.

Fans of pop culture should mark their calendars for the ATL Comic Convention from July 18-20 at the Georgia World Congress Center, featuring celebrities, programming, panels, and plenty of opportunities for cosplay.

The Women Evolve Conference will make its first appearance in Atlanta from July 31 to August 2 at State Farm Arena, providing an empowering experience for attendees, although the standard tickets have sold out.

However, overflow options are still available for those looking to join what promises to be the ultimate girls’ trip.

Tech enthusiasts can look forward to TechCon365 at the Georgia World Congress Center from August 11-15, offering over 130 sessions led by experts in Microsoft technology.

Finally, for those interested in finance and business, the Invest Fest from August 22-24 will cover various essential topics, ranging from real estate to cryptocurrency.

The summer will culminate with Dragon Con, happening from August 28 to September 1 in downtown Atlanta during Labor Day weekend, drawing in around 80,000 attendees with an eclectic mix of science fiction, fantasy, gaming, and pop culture events.

With a diverse lineup of events, Atlanta is ready to celebrate summer 2024 in style, appealing to sports fans, art lovers, and conference attendees alike.

image source from:https://www.ajc.com/business/2025/05/summer-will-bring-major-events-to-atlanta-heres-whats-in-store/

Benjamin Clarke