Atlanta, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Atlanta is gearing up for a lively weekend full of events, highlighting the 2025 Atlanta Pride Festival at Piedmont Park, featuring performances and parades. The festivities include the Atlanta Pride Kickoff at the Georgia Aquarium, the Fall Festival on Ponce, and various cultural and art exhibitions. With hands-on science activities and family-friendly events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as the city embraces the spirit of inclusivity and creativity.
Atlanta is set to host a vibrant weekend filled with engaging activities and events from October 10 to 12, 2025. The highlight of the weekend is the 2025 Atlanta Pride Festival, which will take place on October 11 and 12 at Piedmont Park. This festival will feature an array of local, regional, and national performers, as well as the largest outdoor drag show in the country known as the Starlight Cabaret. Additionally, attendees can look forward to the city’s largest parade and three marches celebrating diversity: the Dyke, Bi+ Pan, and Trans marches.
On October 10, the festivities start with the official Atlanta Pride Kickoff at the Georgia Aquarium, running from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Meanwhile, the Fall Festival on Ponce happens at Olmsted Linear Park on October 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and October 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This festival will showcase 125 displays of local art, food trucks, and a special children’s area.
Atlanta’s public art scene will also come alive with the ELEVATE festival, taking place from October 10 to 12, under the theme “Rooted and Rising.” For those interested in hands-on science, the Wicked Science event at Fernbank After Dark will be hosted on the evening of October 10, featuring a variety of adult-oriented activities and exhibits.
The High Museum of Art will debut the first major retrospective of acclaimed fashion designers Viktor&Rolf, displaying over 100 iconic works from October 10 to February 8, 2026. Additionally, audiences can enjoy “The Ghastly Dreadfuls”, a puppet show designed for adults at the Center for Puppetry Arts, which runs from October 10 to November 1.
Throughout the weekend, the Atlanta Botanical Garden will host the “Scarecrows in the Garden” exhibit, featuring unique scarecrows created by local artists and groups until November 2. The Haunted Seas at Georgia Aquarium will also continue its Halloween-themed presentations through November 2, complemented by Ghost Tours and Haunted History Tours at the Fox Theatre during October.
For art enthusiasts, past and present, the “Black Zeitgeist” exhibit at the Hammonds House Museum will be available until December 14. Meanwhile, the memento mori art exhibit at Chastain Arts Center & Gallery will be open until October 17.
Families looking for fun activities can visit the annual Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park, running through November 2, featuring a pumpkin parade and Cinderella’s Tree Lighting Show. Additionally, the Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia will be operational during select nights through November 2, while the annual Atlanta Fair continues with rides and attractions through November 2.
The esteemed Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets will host a football game against Virginia Tech on October 11 at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Various live music events featuring multiple artists are also scheduled throughout the weekend across different venues.
As Atlanta embraces cooler temperatures and the spooky season, numerous Halloween-themed activities and festivals are emerging in the area, culminating with the Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade occurring on October 18 and 19.
FAQ
What are the dates of the 2025 Atlanta Pride Festival?
The 2025 Atlanta Pride Festival takes place on October 11 and 12 at Piedmont Park.
Where is the Atlanta Pride Kickoff event being held?
The Atlanta Pride Kickoff event is at Georgia Aquarium on October 10 from 7-11 p.m.
What exhibits are featured at the High Museum of Art?
The High Museum of Art is presenting the first major retrospective of fashion designers Viktor&Rolf, featuring over 100 works, running from October 10 to February 8, 2026.
What outdoor activities are available during this weekend?
The annual Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park runs through November 2 with a pumpkin parade and Cinderella’s Tree Lighting Show. The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s “Scarecrows in the Garden” exhibit also features custom scarecrows through November 2.
Key Features of Weekend Events
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Pride Festival | October 11-12 | Piedmont Park | Featuring performances, parade, and drag show. |
| Atlanta Pride Kickoff | October 10 | Georgia Aquarium | Official kickoff event for Atlanta Pride. |
| Fall Festival on Ponce | October 10-11 | Olmsted Linear Park | Art displays, food trucks, and activities for kids. |
| ELEVATE Festival | October 10-12 | Various locations | Public art festival with the theme “Rooted and Rising.” |
| Wicked Science | October 10 | Fernbank | Hands-on science activities for adults. |
| High Museum of Art (Viktor&Rolf) | October 10-February 8, 2026 | High Museum of Art | Retrospective of Viktor&Rolf’s designs. |
| Atlanta Botanical Garden “Scarecrows” | Through November 2 | Atlanta Botanical Garden | Scarecrow exhibit created by local artists. |
| Pumpkin Festival | Through November 2 | Stone Mountain Park | Pumpkin parade and festival activities. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Atlanta Vibrates with Art and Culture This Weekend
Atlanta United Joins Atlanta Pride Festival Celebrations
Cold Front Brings Unusual Weather Changes to Atlanta
Atlanta Pride Weekend Celebrates 55th Anniversary
Atlanta Prepares for 55th Annual Pride Celebration
Fall Festivals and Events in Atlanta and North Georgia
Atlanta Pride Festival to Celebrate LGBTQ+ Community
Atlanta Pride Announces Grand Marshals and Events
Atlanta Pride Celebration to Promote LGBTQ+ Rights
Additional Resources
- Axios: Weekend Events in Atlanta
- Wikipedia: Atlanta
- Discover Atlanta: Things to Do This Weekend
- Google Search: Atlanta events October 2025
- Discover Atlanta: Cool Things to Do in October
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta festivals
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.
