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Atlanta Festival Calendar: 2024

By April 2, 2024No Comments
Atlanta Festival Calendar: 2024

Discover the best festivals to attend throughout Atlanta, Georgia and beyond with this 2024 Atlanta Festival Calendar!

Month by month, browse the best ATL festivals – featuring art, live music, amazing eats, cultural celebrations, family activities, seasonal festivals, and so much more!

Whether you’re a local or visiting Atlanta, this post is your guide to major festivals happening in the city throughout the year. Read on to find the best Atlanta festivals in 2024!


Atlanta 2024 Festival Calendar:

Read on for additional details on these festivals and more!

  • Taste the region’s best food, beer, and wine
  • Attend film festivals featuring creatives throughout the South
  • Honor MLK Day in his hometown of Atlanta
  • Rock out to amazing musical artists at some of the South’s biggest music festivals
  • Check out popular neighborhood festivals in Inman Park, Virginia Highlands, and more

In this post, you’ll find:

  • Atlanta 2024 festival event calendar: January-December
  • Festivals to enjoy Atlanta during every season
  • Festivals for individuals, friends, couples, and coworkers
  • Family friendly Atlanta festivals in 2024

Atlanta 2024 Festival Calendar

Martin Luther King Jr Sculpture

January Atlanta Festivals

HBCU Culture Homecoming Fest & Battle of the Bands – January 14, 2024

Hosted live at State Farm Arena, experience the pinnacle of HBCU pride at the Culture Homecoming Fest & Battle of the Bands. Experience the heartbeat of historically black colleges and universities through electrifying performances, spirited competitions, and an unbridled celebration of heritage.

Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – January 15, 2024

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is honored on the third Monday in January each year. Honor Dr. King’s life and legacy through a host of festivities happening throughout the city, including Unexpected Atlanta’sMartin Luther King, Jr. Atlanta History Tour. This experience was named by Conde Nast as one of the best things to do in Atlanta!


February Festivals in Atlanta

Atlanta Festival Calendar Beer Festival

Atlanta Winter Beer Festival – February 10, 2024

Warm up at the Atlanta Winter Beer Fest, serving plenty of brews and fun at Atlantic Station. Purchase a ticket to sample more than 150 beers – including local brews as well as sips from breweries around the country.

Lunar New Year Festival – the last three weekends of February

Celebrate at “the largest Lunar New Year Spectacular in North America.”  Head to Stone Mountain Park for this event featuring a drone show and light show, cultural craft activities, storytelling, puppetry, dance and drum exhibitions, parades, and other family-friendly activities.

Atlanta Jewish Film Festival – February 13-26, 2024

Each year, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival is a unique and exciting event for cinephiles, members and friends of the Jewish community, and all those who wish to join. Explore the magic of film through the lenses of Jewish directors, writers, producers, actors, and other creatives!

Orchid Daze – February 18 – April 9, 2024

Orchid Daze is a beloved annual orchid exhibition at the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown Atlanta. Here, see thousands of beautiful, fragrant orchids in bloom from the middle of February through early April.

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival – February 24, 2024

At Atlantic Station, join the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival at the end of February. Tickets include beer and bourbon tastings, along with a souvenir pint glass!


March Atlanta Festivals

Atlanta Science Festival

Atlanta Science Festival – March 9-23, 2024

The Atlanta Science Festival, engineered by Science Atlanta, is an annual Atlanta tradition! With over 150 engaging events spanning the course of a week, learn about the natural world, agriculture, robots, STEAM careers, and more!

Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade – March 16, 2024

Join fun St. Patrick’s festivities happening across the city, like the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade! Great for all ages, this parade features floats, drum corps, bagpipes, and more through the streets of Midtown.

Georgia Food + Wine Festival – March 22-24, 2024

Savor bites and sips at the Georgia Food + Wine Festival in Marietta. This annual festival features food and drink from across the state and the South, serving plenty of flavors and pours for every taste bud!


April Festivals: Atlanta in Bloom!

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Spend the day in Piedmont Park in Midtown at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival. Beloved for over 80 years, this immersive festival is host to a nationally-renowned artist market showcasing sculptures, paintings, pottery, jewelry, photography, and more!

Georgia Renaissance Festival – April 13 – Jun 2, 2024

Join the hundreds of festival-goers each year traveling back to medieval Europe at the Georgia Renaissance Festival! Here, be immersed amongst costumes and characters galore!

Sweetwater 420 Fest is an annual spring music festival held in Atlanta, hosted by Sweetwater Brewing Company. The festival features a diverse lineup with acts from rock and blues to funk, reggae, and EDM.

Atlanta Film Festival – April 25 – May 5, 2024

Atlanta is also home to one of the region’s largest and longest-running celebrations of cinema. The Atlanta Film Festival features a plethora of film genres from independent, documentary, animated, short films, and more!


Atlanta Festivals to Attend in May

Atlanta Festival Calendar Music Festivals

Shaky Knees Music Festival – May 3-5, 2024

The Shaky Knees Music Festival is an annual spring music festival featuring a diverse lineup with over 60 indie and rock acts. Located in Central Park in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, enjoy live music, vendors, and food trucks! Headliners in 2024 include Noah Kahan, Weezer, Queens of the Stone Age, and Foo Fighters.

Decatur Arts Festival – May 4-5, 2024

The Decatur Arts Festival is a dynamic cultural event that showcases a wide range of artistic expressions, including visual arts, live performances, and interactive activities. Here, foster a sense of creativity and community in the heart of Decatur.

Sweet Auburn Springfest – May 11-12, 2024

Explore a historic Atlanta neighborhood at the annual Sweet Auburn Springfest! Going on more than 25 years, this celebration hosts live entertainment, activities for every age, and sweet fun together in the sun!

Chastain Park Arts Festival – May 11-12, 2024

The Chastain Park Arts Festival is an annual celebration that brings together local and regional artists, offering a diverse array of fine arts and crafts. Located in Chastain Park, enjoy live music and delicious food, as you peruse this vibrant arts festival.

Atlanta Caribbean Carnival – May 25, 2024

Enjoy the lively and colorful annual celebration that brings the rich and diverse Caribbean culture to Atlanta. The Atlanta Caribbean Carnival features vibrant costumes, music, dance, and a festive parade.

Atlanta Jazz Festival – May 25-27, 2024

Held in Piedmont Park, the Atlanta Jazz Festival is an annual celebration of music, culture, and the art of Jazz. Free to all who join, this Memorial Day Weekend event draws fans, professional musicians, and everyone in between, for a 3-day-long festival showcasing 15+ artists.


June Atlanta Festivals & Activities

Flying Colors Butterfly Festival

Flying Colors Butterfly Festival – June 1-2, 2024

Hosted by Chattahoochee Nature Center, the Flying Colors Butterfly Festival allows visitors to experience the wonder of nature as they interact with and learn about various butterfly species. Great for all ages, this festival fosters an appreciation for these delicate creatures and their role in ecosystems.

Head to the Virginia Highland neighborhood for the annual Summerfest! This eclectic, family fun festival includes food vendors, art, and live music from local and national talent.

Honor Juneteenth – June 14-16, 2024

With many deep ties to the Civil Rights movement, our city is a prime spot to learn about and celebrate Juneteenth on June 19 each year. The main event: the Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival!

Atlanta Summer Beer Fest – June 17, 2024

Hosted in the Historic Fourth Ward neighborhood, enjoy tastes of more than 150 beers and wines, including those from local breweries and throughout the Southeast. Plus, enjoy live music, activities, food vendors, and more!


July: Atlanta Summer Festivals

Ice Cream Festival Atlanta Things to Do in July

Atlanta Ice Cream Festival – July 27, 2024

Beat the summer heat by attending the ever-loved Atlanta Ice Cream Festival! Hosted in Piedmont Park, this festival offers a full day of tasting more than 85 ice cream options and other fun activities.

Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival – Dates to be Announced

Join the 13th annual Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival to commemorate Georgia’s collaboration with organic farmers and culinary talents. Indulge in tastings and beverages showcasing locally grown tomatoes in diverse dishes across Atlanta and the region.


August Atlanta Festival Calendar Ideas

Atlanta Film Festival

Atlanta Underground Film Festival – August 16-18, 2024

With its diverse selection of films spanning various genres, the Atlanta Underground Film Festival promises an enriching cinematic experience. Across four days, connect, network, and immerse yourself in a creative atmosphere that celebrates independent cinema.

The Piedmont Park Arts Festival is a vibrant celebration of creativity, bringing together a diverse range of artists and artisans. While attending, explore visual arts, crafts, live performances, and interactive exhibits that showcase immense talent and cultural diversity.

The Summer Shade Festival is a must-attend event that captures the essence of summer and community spirit. Here, immerse yourself in a weekend filled with live music, local art, delicious food, and engaging entertainment, set against the backdrop of beautiful Grant Park.

Dragon Con – August 29 – September 2, 2024

Dragon Con is an epic gathering that attracts fans of science fiction, fantasy, gaming, and pop culture from all over the world. At this multi-genre celebration, encounter a variety of panels, workshops, costume contests, celebrity appearances, and social events.

From thought-provoking dramas to hilarious comedies, the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival offers a wide range of theatrical experiences that are both entertaining and enlightening. This festival promises a powerful and memorable experience that showcases Black storytelling.


September Atlanta Festivals

The Yellow Daisy Festival is a premier event that celebrates art, crafts, and the beauty of nature. At this four-day-long event, you’ll find handmade crafts, jewelry, and artwork, surrounded by the vibrant hues of yellow daisies that fill the festival grounds.

September Music Festivals

September is a music festival-lover’s dream in Atlanta! Enjoy a range of genres and artists across these must-see outdoor music festivals:

Immerse yourself in a culinary journey like no other at the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. Here, the vibrant flavors of the South come to life through expertly crafted dishes, wines, and the soul of Atlanta’s rich food culture.

Enjoy JapanFest in Atlanta, where the spirit of Japan unfolds through captivating performances. Find traditional arts, cuisine, and a lively celebration that bridges the East and West in a fusion of tradition and modernity.


October Atlanta Festival Calendar

Pride Month

Atlanta Pride Festival and Parade – October 12-13, 2024

The Atlanta Pride Festival and Parade is a vibrant event that celebrates and supports the LGBTQ+ community. By attending, be a part of a joyful and inclusive atmosphere where diversity, equality, and love are celebrated.

Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade – October 19-20, 2024

Whether you’re seeking a thrilling night out or a family-friendly event, the Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade is the perfect destination for Halloween enthusiasts of all ages. Enjoy live music, street performers, food vendors, and an energetic parade!


November & December Festivals: ATL

Bowl of Chili Atlanta Cook Off

Cabbagetown Chomp and Stomp – Date to be announced

Calling all chili aficionados and lovers of live music! The Cabbagetown Chomp and Stomp is a must-attend event with its chili cook-off, cornbread competition, kids’ activities, a festive parade, and more!

 Atlanta Christkindlmarkt – Opens late November, open through December

The Atlanta Christkindlmarkt is a magical and festive event that brings the enchantment of a traditional German Christmas market to Atlanta. Here, be immersed in holiday spirit, surrounded by the sights, sounds, and flavors of a European-style Christmas market!


For more unforgettable Atlanta fun, check out year-round Atlanta activities from Unexpected Atlanta Tours! As the #1-rated activity in Atlanta, our walking food and history tours offer an insider’s look at what makes our city so special!