Atlanta is making the most of the last few weeks of summer, and there is plenty happening around the city this weekend. From free festivals and outdoor concerts to live theater, art, and some pretty big concerts, here are a few events worth adding to your calendar.
August 20
Alive in Roswell (FREE)
Downtown Roswell comes alive Thursday night with live music, food vendors, local businesses, and plenty of people wandering along Canton Street. The monthly festival is free and runs from 5–9 p.m., making it an easy way to start your weekend a little early.
More information:
Alive in Roswell
Buddy Guy 90
Legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy is celebrating his 90th birthday with a special show at Atlanta Symphony Hall. If you love live music, this is a pretty special opportunity to see a true music legend on stage.
More information:
Atlanta Symphony Hall
August 21
Quilters, A Musical
Quilters continues its run at the Roswell Cultural Arts Center this weekend. The musical tells the stories of pioneer women through music, storytelling, and the art of quilting, making it a unique choice if you’re looking for something a little different from a concert or festival.
More information:
Roswell Cultural Arts
Patrick Droney at City Green Live (FREE)
Head to Sandy Springs for a free outdoor concert featuring singer and guitarist Patrick Droney. Bring a blanket, find a spot on the lawn, and enjoy some live music without having to buy a ticket. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m.
More information:
City Springs
Mending to Preserve Opening Reception
The African Diaspora Art Museum of Atlanta is opening Mending to Preserve, a multimedia exhibition exploring the history and culture of Ghana’s hip-hop scene through photography, archival materials, recordings, and more. The opening reception is Friday evening.
More information:
ADAMA
August 22
Summer Shade Festival (FREE)
Grant Park is getting its annual summer festival back this weekend with live music, an artist market, food trucks, and plenty of local vendors. The festival runs Saturday and Sunday, so you have two chances to check it out. And yes, admission is completely free.
More information:
Summer Shade Festival
Olivia Dean – The Art of Loving Live
Olivia Dean is bringing her pop and soul sound to State Farm Arena on Saturday night with special guest Baby Rose. If you’re looking for a bigger concert experience, this is definitely one to have on your radar.
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State Farm Arena
Calle 24 – Eterno Tour
Calle 24 is bringing its regional Mexican sound to The Tabernacle Saturday night. If you want something energetic and a little different from the usual Atlanta concert lineup, this could be a fun one.
More information:
The Tabernacle
Peachtree Corners International Festival (FREE)
Take a trip outside the city for a festival celebrating cultures from around the world. Expect international food, music, dancing, vendors, and plenty to explore at the Town Green. Admission is free.
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Peachtree Corners International Festival
August 23
Summer Shade Festival (FREE)
If Saturday gets away from you, Summer Shade continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Spend the afternoon checking out local artists, listening to live music, and enjoying Grant Park before the weekend comes to an end.
More information:
Summer Shade Festival
Fox Theatre Archives Day
Ever wondered what is hiding behind the scenes at one of Atlanta’s most iconic theaters? Fox Theatre Archives Day gives visitors a chance to explore historic artifacts, archival materials, and exhibits celebrating the theater’s long history.
More information:
Fox Theatre Archives Day
Jon Batiste with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra
Wrap up the weekend with Grammy-winning musician Jon Batiste performing with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra at Chastain Park. It’s a great Sunday night option if you’re not quite ready for the weekend to be over.
More information:
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
If you’re looking for something free, Alive in Roswell, Patrick Droney at City Green, and Summer Shade Festival are all great options. For live music, Buddy Guy, Olivia Dean, and Jon Batiste give you three very different ways to spend the weekend. And if you’re looking for something a little more unique, Fox Theatre Archives Day is definitely worth checking out.
