Atlanta, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta is buzzing with the Elevate Public Art Festival this weekend, themed ‘Rooted and Rising,’ emphasizing cultural preservation. Other events include the Atlanta Pride Festival, Fall Festival on Ponce, and the Georgia Apple Festival, showcasing art, performances, and community spirit across the city.
Atlanta is set to come alive this weekend with the Elevate Public Art Festival, taking place from October 10-12, 2025. This year’s festival, themed “Rooted and Rising,” will focus on cultural preservation and health equity while paying tribute to the contributions and cultural rise of Black Atlanta from the late 1980s to the early 2000s.
Under the direction of Adriane Jefferson, the new executive director of Atlanta’s Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, the festival aims to engage younger demographics like Gen Z and millennials. The festival activities will span multiple neighborhoods from Downtown to West End Atlanta, emphasizing the city’s rich artistic heritage.
In addition to Elevate, Atlanta will host a variety of other events this weekend, ensuring there is something for everyone. The Atlanta Pride Festival will be celebrated at Piedmont Park on October 11-12, including performances, a parade, and a community marketplace. Meanwhile, the Fall Festival on Ponce will be held in Olmsted Linear Park, featuring over 125 displays of art, food vendors, and family activities.
Equally exciting, Chalktoberfest in Marietta Square promises a weekend filled with chalk art and craft beer, while the Georgia Apple Festival will take place in Ellijay on October 11-12, showcasing local crafts and apple-related products.
For health awareness, the Atlanta Kidney Walk is scheduled for October 11 at Atlantic Green, aiming to raise awareness about kidney disease. Additionally, the Atlanta Air Show, featuring iconic aerial performances including the U.S. Thunderbirds, is set for October 11-12.
The High Museum of Art will host a retrospective exhibit on fashion designers Viktor&Rolf from October 10, 2025, to February 8, 2026. Other attractions include the North Georgia Mountain RV Show from October 10-12, which will showcase the latest RVs along with family-friendly events.
Six Flags Over Georgia is promoting a themed experience called “Fright Fest,” which features haunted mazes and live shows through the Halloween season. The Atlanta Botanical Garden will also unveil an immersive exhibition titled “Enchanted Trees” this weekend, enticing visitors to explore its mesmerizing landscape.
Celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month will continue through October 15, with specific events designed to honor the rich cultural contributions of the Hispanic community. Meanwhile, family-friendly theater productions, such as “Dog Man: The Musical,” are set to run at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center on October 11-12.
Music lovers can look forward to performances from Ludovico Einaudi at the Fox Theatre and Kirk Whalum at City Winery this weekend, while outdoor festivities continue with the annual Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park, featuring a pumpkin parade and various outdoor fairy tale exhibits running through November 2.
Finally, Ghost Tours at the Fox Theatre and an ongoing exhibition on indigenous realities at The Carlos Museum, which will be available through December 7, round out the weekend’s diverse range of activities. This rich tapestry of events showcases the vibrancy and cultural spirit of Atlanta, making it a perfect getaway this weekend.
FAQ
What is the theme of the Elevate Public Art Festival?
The festival theme, “Rooted and Rising,” focuses on cultural preservation and health equity.
When is the Elevate Public Art Festival taking place?
The Elevate Public Art Festival takes place from October 10-12, 2025.
What other events are happening in Atlanta this weekend?
Other events include the Atlanta Pride Festival at Piedmont Park, the Fall Festival on Ponce in Olmsted Linear Park, Chalktoberfest in Marietta Square, and the Georgia Apple Festival in Ellijay, among others.
Event Overview
| Event Name | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevate Public Art Festival | October 10-12, 2025 | Downtown to West End Atlanta | Focuses on cultural preservation and health equity. |
| Atlanta Pride Festival | October 11-12 | Piedmont Park | Celebration featuring performances, a parade, and a community marketplace. |
| Fall Festival on Ponce | October 11-12 | Olmsted Linear Park | Over 125 displays of art, food vendors, and family activities. |
| Chalktoberfest | October 11-12 | Marietta Square | A weekend of chalk art and craft beer. |
| Georgia Apple Festival | October 11-12 | Ellijay | Featuring local crafts and apple-related products. |
| Atlanta Air Show | October 11-12 | Atlanta | Iconic aerial performances including the U.S. Thunderbirds. |
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Additional Resources
- Discover Atlanta: Things to Do This Weekend
- Wikipedia: Atlanta
- AJC: City of Atlanta Reimagines Elevate Art Fest
- Google Search: Elevate Public Art Festival Atlanta
- Rough Draft Atlanta: Insider Tips for Navigating Atlanta Art Fair 2025
- Google Scholar: Atlanta Art Fair
- Observer: The Best Booths at the Atlanta Art Fair 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Things to Do in Metro Atlanta
- Google News: Atlanta This Weekend
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.
