Things To Do in Atlanta This Weekend (2024)

By Discover Atlanta Editorial Team

Published September 23, 2024
Last Updated September 24, 2024

Here’s what’s going on in Atlanta this weekend, Sept. 27, 28 and 29.

Around Town

ELEVATE Continues

The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs’ fall arts event ELEVATE continues each weekend through Oct. 13. Week two begins with the Take It to the Bridge Receptionon Friday at 5 p.m. Discover 35 stunning fine art reproductions from Atlanta’s permanent collection, while enjoying the sounds of DJ Selorm Attikpo and networking with local artists.

On Saturday, head to Underground Atlanta at noon for the Sister City Mural Unveiling. Witness the debut of “Old Tunes Awaken the Young Spirit,” a new mural by artist Chinemerem Omeh from Lagos, Nigeria, presented in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of International & Immigrant Affairs.

Wrapping up the weekend, explore Art in Freedom Park, featuring sculptural works by artists Jamaal Barber and Alex Brewer. This year’s sculptures are part of the city’s Temporary Sculpture Program, which brings new public art to Atlanta’s Freedom Park, between Highland Avenue and the Beltline intersection.

It’s Time for Sunday in the Park at Oakland Cemetery

Oakland Cemetery’s popular Sunday in the Park event is on tap for this weekend. Enjoy live music, a market, food from various vendors, an arts and crafts area for kids, and, of course, history all around at this historic cemetery. Sunday in the Park runs from noon until 7:30 p.m. You must buy a ticket for admittance.

‘Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys’ Open at High Museum of Art

The exhibit, “Giants from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys” is open at the High Museum of Art through Jan. 19, 2025. Musicians, songwriters and producers Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean) and Alicia Keys have lived their ethos of “artists supporting artists,” acquiring a world-class collection of paintings, photographs and sculptures by diverse, multigenerational artists. The exhibition illuminates the renown and impact of legendary and canon-expanding artists.

The High exhibit, “Tyler Mitchell: Idyllic Space” features the photographer and filmmaker’s works that center on Black self-determination and empowerment through scenes of love, leisure and camaraderie. Mitchell rose to global prominence in 2018 when he photographed Beyoncé for the September issue ofVogueas the first Black artist to shoot the cover in the magazine’s then 126-year history. See the exhibit through Dec. 1.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic Heritage Month continues through Oct. 15, and there are several ways to continue the celebration. The Oye! Fest is coming up along with the Georgia Latino International Film Festival. And that’s not all. Read all about ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month around Atlanta.

Museum of Design Atlanta Explores Typography

The exhibit, “Characters: Type in Action,” is open at MODA (the Museum of Design Atlanta). The exhibit delves into the impact of typography on social justice, examining its history and its role in today’s movements. This exhibition showcases typefaces created by Tré Seals, a Black designer from Washington, D.C., and founder of Vocal Type, whose work captures the spirit of social justice movements. Typefaces remind us that a just and equitable world embraces diverse voices in our daily lives. Through the stories of historical figures, the exhibit reveals how typography can be wielded as a tool for both oppression and liberation.

Visit Snack Bar Social

Stop at the Snack Bar Social at the King of Pops headquarters on Decatur Street Saturday. In addition to snacking and dancing, shop handmade goods, arts, crafts, candles, soaps, vintage finds. The event occurs from 6 until 10 p.m.

Enjoy a Photo Walk and Art Show in Little 5 Points

The Little 5 Points Business Association plans a Photo Walk and Art Show on Friday. The self-guided Photo Walk begins at 6 p.m. It highlights the winners of the recent L5P Halloween Photo Contest. A panel of local judges selected the winning photos, which have been enlarged, turned into window clings and placed on storefront windows throughout L5P. As participants explore the neighborhood at their own pace, they’ll be able to vote on their favorite photo by scanning a QR code displayed on each window. The top three winners will receive prize money. At 7 p.m.,Sean Sweeney, a local artist who grew up in Little 5 Points, will unveil a new “Little 5 Points” logo that he designed, capturing the heart and character of the neighborhood. In addition to the logo reveal, Sweeney will display his artwork, reflecting his deep connection to the community. Admission is free.

Atlanta Comic Convention Brings Book, Toys and More

That Atlanta Comic Convention occurs Sunday from 1 until 5 pm. at the Marriott Hotel-Century Center. Shop from more than one million comic books, toys, posters, anime andmore. Meet and greet local artists and creators. Enter a raffle. Wear a costume is you like.

Fernbank Exhibit Focuses on ‘Golden Opportunities’

The exhibit, “Golden Opportunity: Botanical Illustration,” is open at Fernbank Museum of Natural History through Jan. 1, 2025. The exhibit showcases the art and science found in yellow plants. Seepieces of art created by members of Denver Botanic Gardens’ School of Botanical Art & Illustration, as well as display cases highlighting dried plant materials used in creating yellow dye, from plants to pigment to colored textiles. Also at Fernbank, the exhibit “Forest Forms” is open through Sept. 29. The exhibit brings 18 larger-than-life metal sculptures of flowers and animals to the nature trails in WildWoods. It features sculptures inspired by nature and created by Huelani Mei. The sculptures include a fox family, flowers, rabbits, a snake archway, a peacock and more.

CDC Museum Exhibit Showcases the ‘Art of COVID’

Say what? The CDC Museum is exhibiting a multimedia exhibit showcasing works that were borne of the pandemic. Soon after people started isolating in March 2020, artists took to their studios, desks and Zoom to bear witness to and process the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, they continued to serve on the front lines of COVID-19 interpretation. Their works – visual, written and recorded – are the subject of a new exhibition at the David J. Sencer CDC Museum in Atlanta. See “Stand & Witness: Art in the Time of COVID 19” through Oct. 24.

Shopping

Shop the French Market at Buckhead Village

Saturday from noon until 7 p.m. the French Market returns to Buckhead Village. It is a French-inspired open air market, welcoming Atlanta’s top French, Francophone and French-inspired vendors. Guests can expect a day of food, crafters and music.

Small Business Market Sets Up on Saturday

Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., a Small Business Market featuring women-owned businesses will be open in Old Fourth Ward Park. The free to attend market will offer clothing, vintage finds, home goods and jewelry.

Stop at Atlantic Station for Creator’s Market

Atlantic Station hosts Creator’s Market from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon until 7 p.m. Sundays, every weekend through December. The market offers a shopping experience featuring more than a dozen vendors of hand-crafted products ranging from jewelry and home décor to soaps and candles. There also are tasty treats, artists and fun.

Festivals

Film Festival Celebrates Jimmy Carter’s 100th Birthday

President Jimmy Carter turns 100 soon. To celebrate, there will be an all-day film festival at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum on Saturday. Sponsored by the Plaza Theater and Atlanta Film Society, the festival will screen some of President Carter’s favorite films from the list of 400 films that he watched in the White House. There will be indoor screenings and a movie under the stars — titles to be announced. The JC100 Film Festival celebrates Jimmy Carter’s role in the creation of the Georgia Film, Music and Digital Entertainment Office as governor of Georgia. Admission to the festival is free.

Don’t Miss Sweet Auburn Music Festival

The Sweet Auburn Music Festival brings music and food to Irwin Street Saturday and Sunday. Here are tips from festival organizers on the best ways to get there. Take the MARTA North line to the Peachtree Center Station. Hop on the Atlanta Streetcar at the Peachtree Center stop and exit at the Auburn Avenue stop under the bridge. Walk to either corner (Fort Street or Bell Street) and go north. Or take the North line to the Peachtree Center Station, walk south to John Wesley Dobbs Avenue NE and walk three blocks directly to the festival.

Atlanta Tattoo Festival Convenes this Weekend

The Atlanta Tattoo Festival convenes this weekend at the Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart. More than 200 artists from all over the world will gather for three days of tattooing, art making, merch selling and much more.

Saturday Brings Aids Walk Atlanta to Piedmont Park

The Aids Festival Atlanta Music Festival and 5K Run is set for 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Piedmont Park. Funds raised help local HIV & AIDS service organizations in Atlanta,

Celebrate the Season during Annual Pumpkin Festival

Stone Mountain Park’s annual Pumpkin Festival: Play by Day, Glow by Night is open. New this year is Cinderella’s Tree Lighting Show. Cinderella glides through the air in a shimmering gown and, with a wave of her hand, lights up the giant Pumpkin Tree. Theglowing nighttime paradefeatures new glow-in-the-dark floats and storybook characters creating a dance party throughout the festival. ThePumpkin Drone & Light Show celebrates Halloween with 250 color-changing drones, themed songs, video displays, a canopy of lights, special effects and a fireworks finale. Throughout the festival, guests can explore thousands of glowing pumpkins, play glow-in-the-dark mini-golf and enjoy not-so-spooky glow-in-the-dark adventures after sunset.

Family

Free Fun for Families

Atlanta’s must-see attractions are stretching your summer fun – and dollars – with a September-only promotion for families. Kids Free Admission This September is available at most attractions and all offer exciting experiences.Plan your September Atlanta discovery outing today.Among the participating attractions are: Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, David J. Senser CDC Museum, Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Georgia Aquarium, High Museum of Art, Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, The Breman and World of Coca-Cola.

‘Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote’ Open at Center for Puppetry Arts

The Center for Puppetry Arts presents “Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote” through Oct. 20. A drought forces Papa Rabbit to go North to find farm work so he can provide for his family. Years elapse before little Pancho sets out on a journey to find his Papa. On his way, he encounters a Coyote who offers to help. Pancho should be cautious. ‘

Children’s Museum of Atlanta Welcomes Families to ‘Wallace & Gromit: Get Cracking’

Children’s Museum of Atlanta’sfall featured exhibit, “Wallace & Gromit: Get Cracking,” is open.Inspired by the film and television characters, this interactive exhibit invites visitors to engage in creative, hands-on activities that promote problem-solving and resilience. Created in collaboration with Aardman and the Minnesota Children’s Museum, the exhibit will educate and entertain kids through Jan. 12, 2025. Designed for children ages 3 through 9, the exhibit invites little inventors into Wallace’s world, where inventions and contraptions often go terribly — but hilariously –wrong.

The Children’s Museum of Atlantainvites children and caregivers to explore activities inspired by Latin American trailblazers. September’s activities highlight Mexican-American astronaut Ellen Ochoa; Mexican Olympic rowing athlete Kenia Vanessa Lechuga Alanís; Puerto Rican healthcare pioneer Dr. José Celso Barbosa; and Latina dentist Dr. Martha J. Mutis.

Theater

The Atlanta Opera Presents ‘La Boheme’ and ‘Rent’ at Pullman Yards

The Atlanta Opera Discoveries series continues the “Bohème Project” with two immersive productions at Pullman Yards. The project comprises repertory performances of a modern-day“La bohème” (through Oct. 5) with the COVID-19 pandemic in place of tuberculosis — with the Broadway show it inspired,Jonathan Larson’s“Rent” (through Oct. 6), which updated Puccini’s story of friendship, passion and art by setting it in the midst of the 1990’s HIV/AIDS crisis. Both are performed on the same set with the action taking place in and around the seated audience. The productions will feature different casts and musical forces and will alternate nights for most of the run.

Theatrical Outfit Brings ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ to the Stage

A revival of “A Raisin in the Sun” at Theatrical Outfit runs through Sunday. Lena Younger decides to use her late husband’s life insurance to move her family out of their cramped apartment on Chicago’s South Side. Her son, Walter Lee, has other ideas. This new production interrogates the American dream in the face of racial and economic strife.

Shakespeare Tavern Presents Geoffrey Chaucer’s ‘The Canterbury Tales’

Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse presents Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales” through Sunday. The tales presented will be: Miller’s Tale, Wife of Bath’s Tale, Pardoner’s Tale, Nun’s Priest’s Tale, Merchant’s Tale and Reeve’s Tale. The show is a medieval romp through boisterous and bawdy olde England. Drawing on the Celtic British influences of Geoffrey Chaucer’s writing, this adaptation reintroduces the tales in sketch comedy form with themes ranging from classical to spaghetti Western and a whole lot of modern surprises thrown in. This show is not appropriate for families, kids younger than 16 or school groups.

Stop at Dad’s Garage for ‘Improvised Dungeons & Dragons’

See “” Friday at Dad’s Garage Theatre. It is an improv comedy tribute to the classic pen-and-paper role-playing game. Every night brings a new surprise as players rise to the challenges presented by their quest, or given by surprise guests.

Sports

Atlanta Falcons Meet New Orleans Saints on Sunday

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the venue on Sunday for a face-off between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints. Game Time: 1 p.m. The Falcons are ranked fourth in the NFC South, and the Saints are ranked first.

Atlanta Braves Host Kansas City Royals

The Atlanta Braves wrap up the season with a three-game series with the Kansas City Royals at Truist Park this weekend. First pitch Friday occurs at 7:20 p.m. Fans should stick around after the game for Friday Night Fireworks. Saturday’s game begins at 7:20 p.m. following pre-game music by Party Nation on the Georgia Power Pavilion. On Sunday, Kids Run the Bases Day, game time is 3:20 p.m. The Braves finish the season ranked third in the NL East; the Royals finish at third in the AL Central.

College Football

The Georgia State Panthers host the Georgia Southern Eagles at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Center Parc Stadium. The Morehouse College Maroon Tigers welcome the Benedict College Tigers Saturday at 1 p.m. at B.T. Harvey Stadium.

Atlanta History Center Features Hank Aaron Exhibit

This article updates weekly with brand new things to do in Atlanta for the weekend. Feel free to bookmark it for next weekend. For more weekend events, check our calendar.

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