Enjoy ribs, fried chicken, grilled shrimp, peach cobbler, soul music, R&B, and a kids’ zone at Taste of Soul next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Music begins at 5 p.m. Free admission but bring a folding chair.
Decatur Book Festival
September 1 - 2, 2018 (Friday sold out)
6 miles east
Decatur Book Festival has a book fair, author readings, signings, panel discussions, children’s parades & activities, live music, cooking demonstrations, poetry slams, and writing workshops in Decatur.
Balloon festival
September 1 - 2, 2018
82 miles SE
The Hot Air Balloon Festival offers live music at 7 p.m., a balloon glow at dusk Fri. & Sun., fireworks Saturday, tethered rides weekend mornings & evenings, and a classic car show Saturday at Callaway Gardens.
DragonCon
September 1 - 3, 2018
Downtown Atlanta
Dragon Con is a giant popular-culture convention for science fiction, fantasy, gaming, art, comics, music, and film, with panels, contests, vendors, and a banquet in five downtown hotels, plus a Dragon Con Parade down Peachtree Street on Saturday at 10 a.m.
Art in the Park
September 1 - 3, 2018
18.6 miles NW
Marietta Art in the Park features fine art, chalk art, jazz, food trucks, and a children’s “interactive art area” in Marietta Square. Free admission.
Fireworks at the mountain
September 1 - 3, 2018
19 miles east
Labor Day Weekend celebrates everyday working heroes with a laser show and fireworks for three nights at 9:30 p.m. at Stone Mountain Park.
Free dance music
September 2, 2018 (noon to 8 p.m.)
2.2 miles SE
Dance to DJ house music at the north end of Grant Park during House in the Park, which includes vendors and a bar. Doors open 10 a.m. No pets. Free.
Caribbean fun
September 2, 2018 (noon to 10 p.m.)
33 miles east
Enjoy exotic flavors and rhythms at the Atlanta Caribbean Jerk Festival [slow website]. Jerkfest has jerk cuisine, a cook off, vendors, games, and dancing to live music at Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers. Children younger than age 12 are free.
Jewish festival
September 2 - 3, 2018 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
19.4 miles north
Enjoy Jewish food, entertainment, kids’ games, and tours at Noshfest at Temple Kol Emeth in East Cobb. Free.
Blues barbecue
September 3, 2018 (1 to 8 p.m.)
2.5 miles NE
A ticket to Labor Day Blues BBQ gets you in the door of Park Tavern to hear five performers and buy food & drink. This events supports WRFG radio.
Labor Day run
September 3, 2018
12 miles NE
Big Peach Sizzler is a “super fast” 10K that starts in Chamblee plus a 5K that starts in Brookhaven, both ending in Buckhead with a party.
Yellow Daisy Festival
September 6 - 9, 2018
19 miles east
The Yellow Daisy Festival has 500 vendors of arts & crafts, food, live music, a children’s corner, and a flower show along the paths at Stone Mountain Park. Free except parking. No pets, glass, or alcohol.
Wine tasting
September 7 - 8, 2018
4.1 miles NW
Taste 100 wines from around the world during Wine Riot at The Fairmont for age 21+.
Barbecue festival
September 7 - 8, 2018 (opens Fri. 4 p.m.)
13.5 miles north
Dunwoody BBQ & Community Festival is a competition and tasting event with live music, a kids’ area, and a wine & beer garden at Perimeter Mall.
Family friendly Flick-Nic begins with “picnic festivities and music” an hour before dusk in Candler Park.
September 8 - Coco
Harley party
September 8, 2018
7.1 miles west
Harley-Davidson of Atlanta promises a free concert, food trucks, a beer garden, vendors, and family fun at the Anniversary Party. Free.
Car show & trunk sale
September 8, 2018 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
19 miles NE
See hundreds of classic British cars and motorcycles, and shop from people selling used goods from their trunks, at Atlanta British Car Fayre in downtown Norcross. Free.
ONE Musicfest offers a full day of music (hip hop, EDM, reggae, funk, trap, house, classics, alternative rock, and soul) from national and local acts on two stages (plus a DJ stage) at Central Park, 467 Central Park Place NE. See what you can bring.
Chocolate in the garden
September 8 - 9, 2018
2.5 miles NE
Chocolate-Covered Weekend offers cooking demonstrations, chocolate samples, family activities, and information about the chocolate-making process at Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Vintage sale
September 9, 2018
1.5 miles NE
Indie Craft Experience: Fall Market features 60 curated vendors selling vintage clothing, jewelry, furniture, decor, and home goods at Yaarab Temple. Repeats in April.
Adult science night
September 11, 2018 (6 to 9 p.m.)
0.5 miles NW
Hear a talk by a marine biologist based at the Smithsonian Marine Station and enjoy an open bar with beer, wine, and appetizers during Science on Tap at the Georgia Aquarium for age 21+.
African tasting event
September 13, 2018 (6 to 10 p.m.)
1.8 miles NW
Taste African, African-American, and Caribbean cuisine made by “Atlanta’s premiere black chefs, caterers, and bartenders” and then vote for your favorite during Nosh Culinary Showcase at 595 North Event Center.
Fashion show in Alpharetta
September 13, 2018 (6 to 10 p.m.)
26 miles north
A $50 ticket to Noon to Night in Avalon includes cocktails, beer, wine, restaurant tastes, and a fashion show for charity on Avalon Boulevard.
Beer Mansion promises “a beer-fueled bonanza of music, games, oddities, and absurdities” in Mechanicsville for age 21+.
Augusta art festival
September 14 - 16, 2018
149 miles east
Arts in the Heart of Augusta Festival has fine arts and crafts, street entertainers, music and dance on five stages, ethnic food, and a children’s area in Augusta. Children age 10 and younger are free.
Stroll along a one-mile stretch of East Side Beltline Trail and stop for wine and snacks from 20 sponsors at BeltLine Wine Stroll, beginning under the bridge near Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark for age 21+. No pets.
Family bike rally
September 15, 2018
5 miles SE
Brownwood Bike Rally is about cycling, fitness, and health, for kids and adults. It includes street-bike races, a bike safety rodeo for kids, cyclocross races for adults, a health fair, a food court, and family-friendly activities at Brownwood Park. Free except adult races.
Taste of Smyrna
September 15, 2018 (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
15 miles NW
Buy $1 to $4 restaurant samples, hear acoustic music, and visit the kids’ zone at the Taste of Smyrna. Free.
Food festival
September 15, 2018 (12 to 10 p.m.)
15.5 miles south
The Seafood & BBQ Festival features live music (funk, Motown, R & B, hip hop), food, beer, craft vendors, and a carnival at Riverdale Town Center. Children age 10 and younger are free.
Midtown music festival
September 15 - 16, 2018
2 miles NE
Music Midtown attracts big crowds for a great lineup on four stages at Piedmont Park, with food vendors. See the list of prohibited items.
High-tech kitchen for families
September 15 - 16, 2018
6.1 miles NE
A ticket to Sue’s Tech Kitchen lets you play with interactive exhibits, explore edible chemistry, and eat treats at Emory Point.
Marietta street fair
September 15 - 16, 2018
19 miles NW
Shop for arts and crafts, browse antiques, hear grassroots music, see classic cars on Saturday, visit the kids’ area, and shop at the farmer’s market at Marietta Streetfest at Marietta Square. Free.
Japanese festival
September 15 - 16, 2018
27 miles NE
JapanFest features Japanese drumming, dance, martial arts, kimonos, bonsai, kids’ games, vendors, food, beer, and tea at Infinite Energy Center in Duluth.
Suwanee festival
September 15 - 16, 2018
32 miles NE
Watch a small-town parade (Saturday 9 a.m.), hear live music, see performances, and shop from 80 artists and food vendors at Suwanee Fest at Town Center Park in Suwanee. Check out the free shuttle bus on the parking page. Free.
Indian festival
September 15 - 16, 2018
87 miles SE
Ocmulgee Indian Celebration includes music, dancing, singing, storytelling, crafts vendors, educational exhibits, and native foods at Ocmulgee National Monument in Macon.
Enjoy unlimited tastes from 20 Buckhead chefs, sample beverages (wine, beer, and spirits), and visit vendors at Taste of Buckhead at American Spirit Works for age 21+.
Monthly family festival
September 20, 2018 (5 to 9 p.m.)
22 miles north
Alive in Roswell has live bands, food trucks, craft beer, vendors, kids’ games, entertainment, and socializing in three locations connected by a free trolley (on Canton Street, in Roswell Square, and behind city hall). Free.
Wine tasting at the aquarium
September 21, 2018
0.5 miles NW
Sample 200 wines from around the world, taste local restaurant food, hear live music, and shop at a silent auction at Aqua Vino in the ballroom and galleries of the Georgia Aquarium for age 21+.
Summer jazz
September 21, 2018 (8 p.m.)
3.9 miles SW
Hear great jazz once a month from June to September during Jazz Matters at The Wren’s Nest.
Wine walk
September 21, 2018
4.3 miles east
A ticket to Kirkwood Wine Stroll includes wine poured in 43 shops and galleries, or you can buy beer by the glass instead, with live music on three stages and food for sale. No dogs.
Free museum day
September 22, 2018
Statewide
Get a free ticket that allows two people to visit one of the many museums participating in Museum Day Live.
Lantern parade
September 22, 2018
1.5 miles east
The Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade is a glowing procession of light, music, and color that goes from 660 Irwin Street to Piedmont Park. Gather at 7 p.m. and walk at 8 p.m. Free.
Fall festival
September 22, 2018 (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.)
2 miles east
Old Fourth Ward Fall Festival features live music, food trucks, and a kids’ zone at Fourth Ward Skatepark. Free admission except the beer festival for adults. Watch the lantern parade at 8 p.m. (which we list separately).
Wine tasting at the zoo
September 22, 2018 (6 p.m., VIP 5 p.m.)
4 miles NW
Enjoy wine sampling, animal viewing, live music, live painting, and appetizers during Sippin’ Safari in the Ford Pavilion at Zoo Atlanta for age 21+.
East Atlanta Strut
September 22, 2018
5 miles SE
East Atlanta Strut includes five stages of live music and comedy, a wacky parade at 2 p.m., an artists’ market, kids’ village, and food vendors at Glenwood Ave. SE & Flat Shoals Ave. SE. Free.
Folklife festival
September 22, 2018
8 miles north
Fall Folklife Festival has local artists demonstrating blacksmithing, beekeeping, woodworking, and cooking; local musicians playing folk and bluegrass music; and food with a cash bar at Atlanta History Center.
Hapeville festival
September 22, 2018
9 miles south
Bring chairs to Happy Days Festival on Friday for live music and food vendors 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday features a 10:30 a.m. pet parade, an artists’ market, a kids’ zone, food trucks, craft beer, and live music in Hapeville. Free.
The Car & Truck Show promises “cool cars, hot bikes, live music, and great food” with kids’ activities at GM Georgia IT Innovation Center in Roswell. Free.
BBQ festival
September 22, 2018 (12 to 8 p.m.)
30.7 miles NE
Rock’n Ribville promises “some of the best BBQ in the South” with live music and a kids’ area in Lawrenceville. Parking map.
Anime convention
September 22 - 23, 2018
11 miles north
Anime Weekend Atlanta has panels and workshops, games and videos, costume play, a dealer’s room, an art show, and a formal dinner & ball (Friday) at Cobb Galleria Centre.
Belly dance festival
September 22 - 23, 2018
14.8 miles NW
Essence of Belly Dance includes workshops, vendors, and shows at Smyrna Community Center.
Sandy Springs Festival
September 22 - 23, 2018
15 miles north
Sandy Springs Festival offers arts & crafts, food, entertainment, a children’s park, and a petting zoo. Saturday adds a car show, a pet parade (10 a.m.), and a 5K/10K race in downtown Sandy Springs.
Music festival
September 22 - 23, 2018
28.6 miles south
Imagine Music Festival features multiple stages of dance music at Atlanta Motor Speedway, with camping available nearby.
Douglasville festival
September 22 & 29, 2018
24 miles west
September Saturdays Festival has a carnival, vendors, choirs, and a food court at Douglas County Courthouse. The Sept. 22 events include Family Day & School Expo. The Sept. 29 events include Heroes Day & Touch-a-Truck. Free.
State fair in Marietta
September 22 - 30, 2018
22 miles NW
North Georgia State Fair has rides, fair food, animals, and country/Christian concerts in Marietta. Expect lines. Children age 10 and younger are free.
Tragicomedy outdoors
September 22 - 30, 2018
34 miles SW
Performed in a meadow near Serenbe Playhouse, The Seagull by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov focuses on four characters at a country estate. It “reaches into each character’s heart to show you the dark, raw, secret desires within.” Rated PG-13.
The Pumpkin Festival includes family shows, games, storytelling, kids’ activities, and a pie-eating contest at Stone Mountain Park. Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Six Flags Halloween
September 22 - Oct. 31, 2018
13 miles west
Enjoy pumpkin painting & trick-or-treating in daylight, but beware of scary ghosts, ghouls, and zombies at night during Fright Fest at Six Flags over Georgia [website has sound] in Austell. See schedule.
Carrollton haunted camp
September 22 - Oct. 31, 2018
56 miles SW
Camp Blood has a trail plus Nightmare Inn on the same ticket. The Nightmare Hayride requires a separate ticket. See schedule.
Newnan haunted house
September 22 - Nov. 11, 2018
41 miles SW
13 Stories Haunted House [sound] has six terrifying attractions and “detail that Hollywood would be proud of” viewed in groups of 6 to 8 people. See schedule.
Wear the white shirt provided, and then get bombarded by handfuls of colored cornstarch as you run the 5K Color Run at Six Flags Over Georgia.
Inman Park Restaurant Week
September 24 - 30, 2018
2 miles east
Get a special deal on a fixed-price meal at a dozen restaurants during Inman Park Restaurant Week in Inman Park. Repeats in March.
Book sale
September 24 - 30, 2018
14 miles north
Atlanta AAUW Bookfair is a used-book sale at Perimeter Mall. Free admission, except the first evening costs $10.
Interior design event
September 25 - 27, 2018
6 miles north
Register to hear free talks by “interior designers, cultural icons, artists, visionaries, architects, and more” and attend book signings, product launches, cocktail sip and strolls, and pop-up shops during Discover ADAC at Atlanta Decorative Arts Center.
Interactive Sleepy Hollow
September 26 - Nov. 4, 2018
34 miles SW
Beware of the headless horseman on a new version of The Sleepy Hollow Experience, as roving minstrel storytellers lead you through the haunted grounds of the meadow at Serenbe in Chattahoochee Hills.
Cocktails in the Garden invites you to explore a different corner of the garden each week as you stroll with a cocktail, hear live music, and play games at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Admission fee, cash bar.
Film festival
September 27 - Oct. 7, 2018
multiple locations
Out On Film [website has sound] shows 130 gay films and videos at three different theaters.
Atlanta Cheese Festival
September 28, 2018
1.8 miles NE
Taste samples from cheese and artisan food producers, taste grilled cheese entries, visit the cash bar, and hear live music at The Cheese Fest Atlanta at Historic Fourth Ward Park. Kids 12 and younger free.
Stockbridge arts festival
September 28 - 29, 2018
23.1 miles SE
Bridgefest begins Friday with a block party & vendors (5 to 11 p.m.) plus the free movie Coco (7 p.m.). Saturday has live music, Latin dancing, food vendors, arts & crafts, a children’s area, and a car show (1 to 6 p.m.) near city hall. Free.
Greek festival
September 28 - 30, 2018
9 miles NE
Enjoy the music, dance, foods, and traditions of Greece at the Atlanta Greek Festival at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The drive-through window is also open on Thursday.
Romantic musical
September 28 - 30, 2018
26.8 miles SW
Based on a classic novel, Daddy Long Legs is a musical about a girl’s correspondence with an anonymous benefactor as she matures into an intelligent and witty woman, at The Legacy Theatre in Tyrone.
Saturday highlights of the SCAD Animation Fest include cartoons at 10 a.m. for $10 and short films at 5:30 p.m. for $15 located at SCADshow.
Mimosa party
September 29, 2018 (1 p.m., VIP noon)
2.7 miles north
Atlanta Mimosa Festival promises mimosas in many flavors, wine, beer, cider, live music, college football, and a DJ at Atlantic Station for age 21+. Only the VIP ticket includes drinks and food.
Bring a lawn chair or blanket to Gospel on the Green to hear performances from national and local gospel artists in the Amphitheater at Riverdale Town Center. Free, with food for sale. Free.
KamerFest Music Festival promises “a live concert featuring some of the hottest African acts... an Afrocentric fashion display... unique vendors... and some special celebrity guests” in Norcross.
Alpharetta Brew Moon Fall Fest features beer, wine, local restaurant food, and music after dark in the historic downtown.
Candler Park festival
September 29 - 30, 2018
3 miles east
Fall Fest has live bands, 150 art booths, gourmet food trucks, a kids’ area, Saturday races (5K and one mile), and Sunday home tours.
Pets in the park
September 29 - 30, 2018
15 miles NW
Woofstock features dogs that dive and perform tricks, pet adoptions, food trucks, kids’ inflatables, and arts & crafts at Smyrna Market Village. Held in May and September. Free.
Duluth Fall Festival
September 29 - 30, 2018
25 miles NE
Duluth Fall Festival features 250 booths of art, crafts and food, plus entertainment, a carnival, a parade 10 a.m. Sat., and a 5K race Sun. at Duluth Town Green.
Goldfish & koi sale
September 29 - 30, 2018
32 miles NE
See a variety of fish, and shop from vendors at the Koi and Goldfish Show at Gwinnett County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville. Free.
Elegant car show
September 29 - 30, 2018
45 miles NE
The Atlanta Concours d’Elegance promises a “rare multi-million dollar collection of classic automobiles and vintage motorcycles displayed amidst the charm of the 3500-acre estate” at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton. Drink estate wine, visit nine food trucks, shop from vendors, and meet the car owners.
Car-free downtown
September 30, 2018
Downtown Atlanta
Walk, run, or bike downtown during Atlanta Streets Alive, with entertainment and activities for all ages on a 3.1-mile stretch of Peachtree Street from downtown to Midtown. Free.
Victorian festival
September 30, 2018 (noon to 6 p.m.)
2 miles SE
Sunday in the Park is a Victorian street festival that offers food trucks, live music, a Victorian costume contest, artists’ market, history demonstrations, and tours at the historic Oakland Cemetery.
