Atlanta, September 23, 2025
Atlanta is gearing up for a vibrant array of festivals that promise excitement and entertainment year-round. From cultural celebrations like the Atlanta Jewish Life Festival to culinary delights at the Georgia Food + Wine Festival, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy free music at the Atlanta Jazz Festival or immerse yourself in history at the Georgia Renaissance Festival. With tips from locals on parking and family-friendly events, this guide ensures you won’t miss out on the best offerings in the city. Plan your ideal festival experience in Atlanta today.
Atlanta’s 2025 Festival Hotlist: Your Month-by-Month Scoop
If you live in Atlanta or you’re plotting a visit, 2025 is stacked with festivals that will keep your calendar buzzing all year. From craft beer and ice cream to Renaissance knights and huge outdoor jazz stages, the city and nearby suburbs are serving up nonstop fun. Here’s the lowdown from a local who knows the shortcuts, good parking, and which events are perfect for a family day out or a late-night crawl.
January — A Cozy Cultural Kickoff
Atlanta Jewish Life Festival lands on January 20 at the Georgia Aquarium. Expect food, music, and community vibes to warm up a chilly month — great for anyone who wants culture without a long commute downtown.
February — Flappers, Fun, and Fancy Dress
On February 23 the Georgia Aquarium hosts the Atlanta Jewish Life Festival – 1920’s Party Theme and Costume Contest. Think swing tunes, bold outfits, and a costume contest that brings out Atlanta’s playful side.
March — Food, Wine, and Hops
March 15 brings the Suwanee American Craft Beer Fest to Suwanee Town Center Park for a taste tour of local and national breweries. The weekend of March 21–23 is all about Southern flavors at the Georgia Food + Wine Festival at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta.
April — Castles, Costumes, and Jousting
The Georgia Renaissance Festival opens April 12 and runs through June 1 in Fairburn. This one’s a full-day escape with jousters, artisans, and food that’s as theatrical as the costumes.
May — Free Jazz in the Park
Memorial Day Weekend (May 24–26) means the Atlanta Jazz Festival takes over Piedmont Park. It’s a beloved free event that draws big acts and local talent — bring a blanket and settle in for excellent music and people-watching.
June — Juneteenth Celebration
June 14–15, the Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival at Piedmont Park showcases African American history, live music, a parade, and family-friendly programming that’s both celebratory and meaningful.
July — Summer Street Festivals and Sweet Treats
July heats up with Alive in Roswell on July 17 in Historic Roswell, a monthly street party feel with vendors and music. July 19 brings Light Up the Night Festival in Union City for family fun and a laser light show. July 26 is a twofer: Lawrenceville Evening of the Arts and the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival both deliver local talent and treats — the ice cream festival is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth.
August — Arts, Culture, and Community
August 16–17 is the Piedmont Park Arts Festival, featuring hundreds of artists. August 23 brings the Cobb County International Festival to Marietta and the Summer Shade Festival to Grant Park. End the month downtown near Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Taste of Soul Atlanta on August 30–31, where soul food and music take center stage.
September — Art, Music, and Fairground Fun
September is jam-packed: Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain Park runs September 6–8; Shaky Knees Music Festival rocks Piedmont Park on September 19–21; the North Georgia State Fair fills late-September in Marietta (September 20–29); and Atlanta Art Fair lands at Pullman Yards September 25–28.
October — Oktoberfest and Apple Picking
October 4–6 is Oktoberfest Atlanta at Atlantic Station for German food, live music, and beer tents. The Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay runs two weekends (October 12–13 and 19–20) for classic fall vibes, craft booths, and fresh apples.
November — A Full-Month Fair
The Atlanta Fair takes over downtown Atlanta for the entire month of November, offering carnival rides, games, and plenty of fried food to fuel your walk-around energy.
Insider Tips from a Local
- Arrive early for free concerts or limited parking events like Piedmont Park weekends.
- Bring cash for smaller vendors; not every booth has card readers.
- Check weather — Atlanta storms pop up in summer, so pack a poncho for outdoor music fests.
- Use MARTA or rideshare for big downtown events; it can save hours compared to parking.
Event details can shift. Always verify dates and times with the event organizers before heading out.
FAQ
Are these festivals family-friendly?
Many are. Look for family programming at Juneteenth, the Renaissance Festival, and street festivals like Alive in Roswell. Check event pages for kid zones and age-based restrictions.
Do I need tickets for these events?
Some are free, like the Atlanta Jazz Festival, while others require tickets or advance purchase, especially Shaky Knees, Georgia Food + Wine, and the Georgia Renaissance Festival.
What’s the best way to get downtown for big events?
MARTA and rideshare services are often the fastest options for Piedmont Park and Mercedes-Benz Stadium events. If you drive, arrive early and be prepared for paid parking.
How do I know if an event is accessible?
Most large festivals list accessibility info on their official pages. For on-site questions, event staff and info booths can help with mobility and service animal needs.
Where can I get the latest updates?
Event organizers post updates on their official websites and social channels. Weather, lineup changes, and safety notices are common updates to monitor.
Quick Comparison Chart — Key Features at a Glance
| Festival | Month | Location | Vibe | Family-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Jewish Life Festival | Jan / Feb | Georgia Aquarium | Cultural, Food | Yes |
| Suwanee American Craft Beer Fest | March | Suwanee Town Center Park | Beer-focused, Social | No (21+) |
| Georgia Food + Wine Festival | March | Jim R. Miller Park | Culinary, Tasting | Some events |
| Georgia Renaissance Festival | Apr–Jun | Fairburn | Theatrical, Historical | Yes |
| Atlanta Jazz Festival | May | Piedmont Park | Music, Free | Yes |
| Shaky Knees | Sept | Piedmont Park | Rock, Indie | Depends on artist |
| Atlanta Ice Cream Festival | July | Piedmont Park | Sweet, Festive | Yes |
| Atlanta Fair | November | Downtown Atlanta | Carnival, Rides | Yes |
There you have it. Keep this guide handy when planning your 2025 festival runs — and remember to pace yourself. Atlanta’s festival season is a marathon, not a sprint.
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
