Atlanta, October 16, 2025
News Summary
This weekend, Atlanta will host numerous festivals and events including the Little 5 Points Halloween Festival, Boo at the Zoo, and Jazz on the Lawn Finale. Attendees can enjoy live music, parades, food, and family-friendly activities. With events ranging from the World Party Festival to homecoming celebrations at local colleges, there’s something for everyone. The various activities will foster community engagement and celebrate the fall season, making it an exciting time for both residents and visitors.
Atlanta is set to come alive with a multitude of exciting events this weekend, ranging from festivals to parades. Residents and visitors will have an array of activities to choose from from October 17 to October 19, 2023.
Key Events This Weekend
The Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade will occur on October 18-19 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., featuring over 100 vendors, live music, wrestling, skate ramps, and its annual parade at noon on Sunday.
Boo at the Zoo is scheduled for October 18-19 and 25-26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Zoo Atlanta, offering family-friendly activities such as trick-or-treating and themed entertainment, with costumes encouraged.
The Jazz on the Lawn Finale will take place on October 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. This final concert will showcase a performance by Joe Gransden and vocalist Karla Harris.
The World Party Festival is another highlight, occurring on October 17-19 from noon to 10 p.m. at Historic Fourth Ward Park. The festival will feature electronic dance music (EDM) along with food, fashion, and interactive activities on two stages.
In addition, the Spelman and Morehouse Homecoming will span from October 17-19, culminating in alumni events, tailgates, and a football game where the Morehouse Maroon Tigers will face the Lane Dragons on Saturday at 1 p.m.
Additional Festivities
The Brookhaven International Festival will occur on October 18-19 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1801 Corporate Boulevard NE. The festival will include live performances by Proyecto Uno and Third World, cultural performances, international cuisine, an art walk, and health screenings.
Emory University will host the Ideas Festival on October 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at its Oxford College campus, featuring over 30 speakers, including keynote speaker Rosanne Cash.
The Taste of Chamblee festival is scheduled for October 18 from 3 to 8 p.m. This event will showcase over 50 local restaurants and bars, live music, a kid’s zone, a beer garden, and a Wine Down Tent for cocktails and wine.
The Decatur BBQ Fest also returns on October 18 from noon to 6 p.m. at Harmony Park in Oakhurst, featuring barbecue offerings from Ford’s BBQ, live music, arts & crafts, and Deep South Wrestling.
Another notable event, OktoberFEAST, is set for October 18-19 from 3 to 7 p.m. at City Green in Sandy Springs. Visitors can enjoy live music by the Swinging Bavarians, German beers, authentic Bavarian cuisine, and polka lessons.
Lastly, the Capturing the Spirit of Oakland event runs from October 16-19 and October 23-26 at Oakland Cemetery, showcasing costumed storytellers sharing tales of its notable residents during nighttime tours.
Community Engagement
These events not only provide entertainment but also foster community engagement in Atlanta. From food tastings to cultural celebrations, each event offers a unique experience aimed at bringing together residents and visitors in a vibrant atmosphere.
Background Context
Fall in Atlanta has always been a time for celebration, and this weekend is no different. Various organizations and local groups work tirelessly to create memorable experiences that cater to all ages and interests. As such, there is something for everyone to enjoy, from music lovers to families seeking festive Halloween activities. With numerous events scheduled across the city, attendees are encouraged to check each event’s specific activities and set their weekend plans accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade?
The Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade will take place on October 18-19 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., featuring over 100 vendors, live music, wrestling, skate ramps, and an annual parade at noon on Sunday.
When is Boo at the Zoo?
Boo at the Zoo is scheduled for October 18-19 and 25-26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Zoo Atlanta, offering family activities such as trick-or-treating and themed entertainment, with costumes encouraged.
Where will the Jazz on the Lawn Finale be held?
The Jazz on the Lawn Finale will be held on October 17 at 7:30 p.m. at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, featuring a performance by Joe Gransden and vocalist Karla Harris.
Event Overview Table
| Event Name | Date | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade | October 18-19 | Little 5 Points | Over 100 vendors, live music, wrestling |
| Boo at the Zoo | October 18-19 and 25-26 | Zoo Atlanta | Trick-or-treating, themed entertainment |
| Jazz on the Lawn Finale | October 17 | Callanwolde Fine Arts Center | Performance by Joe Gransden and Karla Harris |
| World Party Festival | October 17-19 | Historic Fourth Ward Park | EDM, food, fashion |
| Spelman and Morehouse Homecoming | October 17-19 | Spelman and Morehouse Colleges | Tailgates, football game |
| Brookhaven International Festival | October 18-19 | 1801 Corporate Boulevard NE | Live performances, art walk |
| Ideas Festival | October 18 | Emory University | Over 30 speakers |
| Taste of Chamblee | October 18 | Chamblee | Local restaurants, live music |
| Decatur BBQ Fest | October 18 | Harmony Park, Oakhurst | BBQ, arts & crafts |
| OktoberFEAST | October 18-19 | City Green, Sandy Springs | German beers, authentic cuisine |
| Capturing the Spirit of Oakland | October 16-19, 23-26 | Oakland Cemetery | Nighttime tours, costumed storytellers |
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Additional Resources
- Rough Draft Atlanta
- Axios Atlanta
- The Atlanta 100
- AJC
- Creative Loafing
- Wikipedia: Atlanta
- Google Search: Atlanta events
- Google Scholar: Atlanta festivals
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta
- Google News: Atlanta events
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.
