Atlanta Things To Do category interest

Looking for things to do in metro Atlanta? This guide has you covered with an exciting mix of festivals, food events, concerts, comedy shows, theater performances, and sports. From haunted houses and Halloween parades to foodie celebrations and live music from legends like Stevie Wonder, there's something for everyone.

FESTIVALS

Atlanta Horror Festival

When: Oct. 18-31

Where: 2903 RN Martin Street, East Point

What: The Atlanta Horror Festival offers a variety of spooky fun, including food trucks, vendors, games, live music, haunted houses, and a horror-themed parade.

How Much: General admission is free; tickets required for the haunted house experience.

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Not Your Mother's Art Festival

When: Oct. 18

Where: Slow Pour Brewing, 407 N. Clayton Street, Lawrenceville

What: This free art festival challenges expectations by blending unusual and unexpected elements in a vibrant, immersive environment.

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RELATED: Fall festivals in metro Atlanta and North Georgia | 2024

Stone Mountain Scottish Festival and Highland Games

When: Oct. 19-20

Where: Stone Mountain Park

What: Celebrate Scottish heritage at this annual festival featuring traditional athletic competitions like caber tossing, Highland dancing, piping and drumming, arts and crafts, and authentic Scottish foods. Enjoy live entertainment, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.

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Little 5 Points Halloween Festival andamp; Parade

When: Oct. 19-20

Where: Moreland Avenue

What: This two-day event features local artists, food trucks, and live music. The renowned Halloween parade, a highlight of the festival, will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

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RELATED: Halloween festivities andamp; haunted houses in metro Atlanta, North Georgia | 2024

Brookhaven International Festival and 5K

When: Oct. 19-20

Where: Peachtree Creek Greenway (Parking at 1801 Corporate Square Boulevard)

What: A celebration of global cultures with live performances, international cuisine, an art walk, interactive art activities, and a Kidz Zone. The festival also features health screenings, vendors, and a 5K race to kick off the festivities.

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Pine Lake Lakefest

When: Oct. 19-20

Where: Lakeshore Drive, Pine Lake

What: Enjoy two days of activities including live music, an artists' market, health and wellness vendors, food trucks, chalk art, and sand sculptures.

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Sugar Rush Arts Festival

When: Oct. 18-20

Where: 5039 W. Broad Street, Sugar Hill

What: The festival opens with the Nightmare on Broad Street Film Festival at Eagle Theatre, followed by a free concert at The Bowl. The event includes over 100 vendors selling arts, crafts, and local goods, plus inflatables, a pumpkin patch, and an animal show.

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Johns Creek Arts Festival

When: Oct. 19-20

Where: Atlanta Athletic Club Fields, 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, Johns Creek

What: Featuring more than 140 artisans from across the nation, offering unique handcrafted items.

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National Black Arts Festival - Celebration Under the Stars

When: Oct. 19

Where: Wolf Creek Amphitheater, 3025 Merk Road SW, Atlanta

What: This upscale garden party features live performances, an artisan vendor market, fine art print sales, food, and drinks.

How Much: Tickets start at $45

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EVENTS

ALDI Homecoming Kickback

When: Oct. 18

Where: Clark Atlanta University, 799 Fair Street NW

What: There will be tasty bites, DJ music, outdoor games, trivia with Anisa Brenee, a photo booth and more.

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AIDS Walk Atlanta Music Festival andamp; 5K Run

When: Oct. 19

Where: Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive NE, Atlanta

What: The 33rd annual AIDS Walk Atlanta features performances by award-winning rapper Lil' Kim and aims to raise over $1 million for HIV/AIDS awareness and services.

How Much: Donations encouraged; registration required for the walk/run

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FuelFest

When: Oct. 19

Where: Atlanta Motor Speedway, 1500 Tara Place, Hampton

What: This event combines automotive culture with live music, drifting and drag racing, appearances by "Fast andamp; Furious" stars Tyrese Gibson and Cody Walker, a massive car show, drift ride-alongs, and interactive activities. Over 700 custom cars and trucks will be on display.

How Much: Tickets start at $35 (free for kids 12 and under)

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Atlanta Streets Alive

When: Oct. 20

Where: West End to Grant Park

What: A monthly open street. Bring your bike, lace up your rollerskates, or wear your comfiest shoes and get ready to enjoy your community streets.

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FOODIE EVENTS

Municipal Market of Atlanta 100-Year Anniversary Celebration

When: Oct. 18

Where: 209 Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta

What: Celebrate the market’s centennial with guided historical tours, food tastings, and a special appearance by Mayor Andre Dickens.

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Skip's Chicago Dogs 45th Anniversary Celebration

When: Oct. 18

Where: Avondale Town Green Pavilion, Avondale Estates

What: Mark 45 years of Skip’s Chicago Dogs with live music, hot dogs, balloons, and family fun in the pavilion area.

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A Taste of Chamblee

When: Oct. 19

Where: Chamblee City Hall

What: A local food festival offering tastings from various restaurants, along with live music and family-friendly activities.

RELATED: Atlanta Bites: Where and what to eat during the month of October | 2024

Atlanta Mimosa Festival

When: Oct. 19

Where: Atlantic Station, Pinnacle Lot

What: Sample a variety of mimosas, enjoy live music, and dance in the silent disco.

How Much: $55 in advance, $65 at the door (if available)

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Hapeville's Downtown Live: Chili Cook-Off

When: Oct. 19

Where: Jess Lucas Y-Teen Park, 680 S. Central Ave., Hapeville

What: Sample various chili recipes, enjoy live music by Tyson Halford and Kate and Corey, and support Family Life Ministries' efforts to provide necessities to those in need.

How Much: Free admission; food prices vary

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Cars andamp; 'Q for the Cause

When: Oct. 19

Where: 5200 Roberts Drive, Atlanta

What: A car show with barbecue, beer, and live entertainment, raising funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

How Much: Tickets range from $20 to $40

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MUSIC

Sheila E. andamp; The E-Train

When: Oct. 17-18

Where: City Winery Atlanta, 650 North Avenue NE

What: Sheila E., often called the "Queen of Percussion," brings her energetic performance, drawing on collaborations with music legends like Prince.

How Much: Starts at $60

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Josh Ross

When: Oct. 18

Where: Eddie's Attic

What: Canadian singer-songwriter Josh Ross performs with special guest Brandon Wisham, bringing Nashville-inspired tunes to the metro area.

How Much: Starts at $22.50

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Diplo

When: Oct. 18

Where: Underground Atlanta

What: DJ Diplo delivers a genre-blending set with his signature high-energy performance.

How Much: Tickets start at $99

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COMEDY

13th Annual Laughing Skull Comedy Festival

When: Oct. 17-20

Where: Multiple locations in Atlanta

What: A showcase of 50 comedians across venues, including Comedy Clubhouse and KOS Smyrna.

How Much: Tickets start at $20

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The Mary Mack Comedy Show

When: Oct. 18

Where: Strand Theatre, Marietta

What: Mary Mack performs her unique comedy style, drawing from appearances at Just for Laughs and HBO’s Andy Kaufman Awards.

How Much: Tickets start at $25

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THEATER

Georgia Metro Dance Theatre's "Dracula"

When: Oct. 18-20

Where: Kennesaw State University, Marietta

What: A haunting ballet adaptation of Bram Stoker’s "Dracula," performed by the Georgia Metro Dance Theatre.

How Much: Tickets start at $32.50

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SPORTS

Georgia Tech vs. Notre Dame

When: Oct. 19

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

What: Georgia Tech takes on Notre Dame during Family Weekend.

How Much: Tickets start at $34

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Atlanta Gladiators

When: Oct 19

Where: Gas South Arena, Duluth

What: The Atlanta Gladiators hockey team will take on the Indy Fuel. It's opening weekend.

How Much: Start at $21

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Red Bull Know Your Roll

When: Oct. 19

Where: Dome Atlanta

What: Pairs of skaters compete with routines judged on style, technical skills, and musicality.

How Much: Free admission with RSVP

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COMING UP

Southside Theatre Guild presents "Misery"

When: Oct. 24-Nov. 2

Where: Fairburn

What: A thrilling stage adaptation of Stephen King's "Misery," promising chills and surprises for the audience.

How Much: Tickets start at $13

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West Fest

When: Oct. 26

Where: Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville

What: A celebration of Western culture with music, Native American dances, a birds of prey show, and an O.K. Corral reenactment. Vendors will offer handcrafted goods, jams, and more.

How Much: General admission is $16

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Artist Talk with Melvin Toledo

When: Oct. 27

Where: Marietta Cobb Museum of Art

What: Melvin Toledo discusses his creative process and inspiration behind "The Stars of America" exhibit.

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