Fall is officially starting to show up around Atlanta, and there is no shortage of things to do this weekend. From huge music festivals to art shows, cultural celebrations and football, here are a few events worth checking out around the city!
September 18
Shaky Knees Music Festival
Calling all rock fans! Shaky Knees returns to Piedmont Park September 18–20 with more than 60 bands across multiple stages. The lineup includes The Strokes, Twenty One Pilots, Turnstile, Wu-Tang Clan, Pavement and more. The festival is officially sold out, but you can join the waitlist or check verified resale options.
More information: Shaky Knees Music Festival
Atlanta Ballet: Passion & Pride
Atlanta Ballet kicks off its 2026–27 season with Passion & Pride at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The program combines three very different works, including a world premiere inspired by Romeo and Juliet and George Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes.
More information: Atlanta Ballet
Hot Air Balloon Festival
Head to Lanier Islands to watch dozens of colorful hot air balloons fill the sky. The festival runs September 18–19 and also features live entertainment, vendors, a kids zone and a nighttime laser light show.
More information: Lanier Islands Hot Air Balloon Festival
Forward Warrior Mural Festival
Cabbagetown is turning into an outdoor art gallery this weekend! Artists will create new murals throughout the neighborhood while visitors can enjoy food trucks, shopping, music and other activities.
More information: Forward Warrior Mural Festival
September 19
Suwanee Fest
Once upon a time in Suwanee… a pretty fun festival happened! This year’s fairytale-themed Suwanee Fest features more than 100 vendors, live entertainment, food, rides, inflatables and a parade filled with storybook characters.
More information: Suwanee Fest
JapanFest Atlanta
Experience Japanese culture without leaving Georgia! JapanFest returns to the Gas South Convention Center with traditional and contemporary performances, food, workshops, demonstrations and cultural exhibits.
More information: JapanFest Atlanta
Roswell Arts Festival
Art lovers, this one’s for you. The 60th annual Roswell Arts Festival takes over the grounds of Roswell City Hall with artists, food trucks, entertainment and activities for kids.
More information: Roswell Arts Festival
Fall Fest at Atlanta History Center
Get into the fall spirit with a day of harvests, history and hands-on activities. There will be historic demonstrations, seasonal garden activities, fall-themed games and programs from Georgia 4-H.
More information: Atlanta History Center Fall Fest
September 20
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers
Football is back at Mercedes-Benz Stadium! The Falcons take on the Carolina Panthers Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. If you’re ready for another season of Atlanta football, this is a pretty good way to spend your Sunday.
More information: Atlanta Falcons
Peachtree Corners Festival
Spend Sunday browsing arts and crafts, listening to live music and checking out classic cars at the Peachtree Corners Festival. There will also be food and activities for kids, and parking is free.
More information: Peachtree Corners Festival
Korean Festival in Atlanta
Celebrate Korean culture at Gwinnett Place Mall with music, dance, food and traditional performances. The festival runs September 19–20 and is a fun way to experience something new this weekend.
More information: Korean Festival in Atlanta
Hamilton
If you haven’t seen Hamilton yet, this is your last weekend! The Broadway hit is at the Fox Theatre through September 20, combining history with hip-hop, R&B, jazz and musical theater.
More information: Hamilton at the Fox Theatre
Also Happening This Weekend
Buckhead Fine Arts Festival
Spend the weekend checking out paintings, photography, sculpture, jewelry and other artwork from artists at the Buckhead Fine Arts Festival. It’s a good excuse to walk around Buckhead and maybe find something you didn’t know you needed.
More information: Buckhead Fine Arts Festival
Peachtree Corners Festival
The festival continues Sunday with more art, live music, food, classic cars and family-friendly activities.
More information: Peachtree Corners Festival
Atlanta definitely isn’t slowing down for fall. Whether you’re spending the weekend at a music festival, watching the Falcons, checking out local artists or trying something completely new, there’s plenty happening around the city.
