Things to do in metro Atlanta, North Georgia | Aug. 7-9, 2026

Looking for something fun to do around metro Atlanta? We've rounded up some of the best events happening over the next few weeks. From festivals and concerts to food, family fun and outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone.

🎸MUSIC & COMEDY

Jazz Legacy Project: A Tribute to Johnny Mercer 
Aug. 5
Red Clay Music Foundry, Duluth
Enjoy an evening of jazz as the Jazz Legacy Project and acclaimed vocalist Sachal Vasandani pay tribute to legendary songwriter and Savannah native Johnny Mercer. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door.

Wynonna Judd & Melissa Etheridge 
Aug. 7
Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park, Atlanta
Country star Wynonna Judd and rock icon Melissa Etheridge bring their Raised on Radio Tour to Atlanta for an evening featuring decades of chart-topping hits. Tickets start at $51.50.

Chamblee Rocks 
Aug. 7
Chamblee City Hall
The Chamblee Rocks concert series wraps up with Boy Band Review, performing hits from *NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, New Kids on the Block and more. Food vendors will be on-site, and admission is free.

Derek Hough — Symphony of Dance: Encore
Aug. 8 
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta
Emmy-winning dancer Derek Hough brings his "Symphony of Dance: Encore" tour to Atlanta, featuring a high-energy performance that blends ballroom, tap, salsa, hip-hop and contemporary dance. Tickets start at $63.50.

📅COMING UP

Summer NewnaNights 
Aug. 13
Downtown Newnan, Newnan
Enjoy the final Summer NewnaNights of the season with live music, late-night shopping, special promotions and family-friendly entertainment from 6-9 p.m.

The Justin Raines Trio: "Show the Bassist Some Love"
Aug. 14
The Velvet Note, Alpharetta
Experience an evening of jazz led by bassist Justin Raines, joined by acclaimed pianist Kenny Banks Jr. and drummer Larry Wilson. The trio will showcase the versatility of the bass through soulful, groove-filled performances. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

Pandora's Box: Aerosmith Tribute 
Aug. 14
Lawrenceville Lawn, Lawrenceville
Rock out to Aerosmith's biggest hits as tribute band Pandora's Box headlines the Live in the DTL concert series. Food vendors will be on-site, making it a fun summer night in downtown Lawrenceville.

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder 
Aug. 15
Etowah River Park, Canton
Bluegrass and country music legend Ricky Skaggs joins Kentucky Thunder for the River Rock Concert & Festival. The event also features food and beverage vendors, family activities and a kids' zone.

Abe Partridge & Jack Barksdale at Eddie's Attic
Aug. 15
Eddie's Attic 
Acclaimed Alabama singer-songwriter Abe Partridge returns to Eddie's Attic for a 9 p.m. performance with rising Americana artist Jack Barksdale. Partridge has mentored Barksdale since he was 11 years old, and the teenage singer-songwriter is quickly making a name for himself on the Americana and folk music scene. The all-ages show promises an evening of storytelling and live music at one of metro Atlanta's premier listening rooms.

AC/DC Pop-Up Experience 
Aug. 26–27
Hard Rock Cafe, Atlanta
Get ready for AC/DC's Atlanta tour stop with a special pop-up featuring iconic tour memorabilia, exclusive merchandise and fan experiences celebrating one of rock's most legendary bands.

Funny Fridays with Joel Byars  
Aug. 28
Studio Theatre, Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, Sandy Springs
Atlanta comedian Joel Byars hosts an evening of stand-up featuring a rotating lineup of comedians and surprise guests beginning at 7 p.m.

DeeAnn Dimeo Sings Classic Duets with William Green
Aug. 29
The Velvet Note, Alpharetta
Enjoy an evening of timeless jazz and blues as vocalist DeeAnn Dimeo and pianist/vocalist William Green perform classic duets made famous by legendary artists, including Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong and Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. in the intimate setting of The Velvet Note.

🎡FESTIVALS & FOOD EVENTS

Atlanta Black Restaurant Week 
Aug. 2–16
ATL Airport District
Explore Black-owned restaurants, food trucks and bakeries across Fairburn, Hapeville, South Fulton and Union City during Atlanta Black Restaurant Week. The two-week celebration highlights everything from barbecue and wings to international cuisine while supporting local businesses throughout the Southside.

Cobb International Film Festival 
Aug. 6–9
The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, Marietta
Celebrate independent filmmaking with screenings, filmmaker discussions and panels showcasing diverse voices and stories from around the world.

Manuel's Tavern 70th Anniversary Celebration 
Aug. 6–9
Manuel's Tavern, Atlanta
Celebrate 70 years of one of Atlanta's most iconic gathering spots with discounted food specials, live performances, entertainment and limited-edition anniversary T-shirts. The four-day celebration honors Manuel's Tavern's legacy as a longtime neighborhood favorite and community landmark.

Monsterama Con 
Aug. 7–9
Atlanta Marriott Northeast/Emory Area
Celebrate classic horror and science fiction during this annual convention featuring celebrity guests, film screenings, artists, vendors, comics and collectibles. Single-day admission starts at $30.

Artlanta Festival of Culture 
Aug. 7–9
Piedmont Park
Experience a free, three-day celebration bridging visual art, music, dance, creative entrepreneurship, public murals, and artisan markets.

Lilburn Farmers Market 
Aug. 7
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, Lilburn
Shop for locally grown produce, fresh-baked bread, cookies, meats, canned goods and other homemade products while supporting area vendors. Visitors can also connect with local nonprofits sharing information about programs and community services.

South Block Gainesville Grand Opening 
Aug. 8
South Block, Gainesville
Celebrate the opening of South Block's newest location with free Mini Warrior Acai Bowls for the first 100 guests, exclusive tote bags for the first 50 visitors, a live DJ and giveaways throughout the day. The new café serves fresh acai bowls, smoothies, cold-pressed juices and toasts made with high-quality ingredients.

Brookhaven Farmers Market 
Saturdays through Oct. 31
University Baptist Church, Brookhaven
Browse fresh seasonal produce, locally made foods, baked goods, handmade crafts and artisan products at the Brookhaven Farmers Market. The weekly market is free to attend and showcases farmers and small businesses from across the region.

📅COMING UP

The Woodall Wine & Cocktail Pairing Dinner 
Aug. 11
The Woodall, Atlanta
Enjoy an exclusive four-course dining experience featuring chef-crafted dishes paired with fine wines and handcrafted cocktails. Seating is limited to just 20 guests for this intimate evening showcasing the restaurant's culinary and bar teams. Reservations are required, and tickets are $125 per person.

Fairburn Flava: Food Truck Friday 
Aug. 14 & 28
Frankie Arnold Stage & Courtyard, Fairburn
Enjoy an evening of local food trucks, sweet treats and live music during Fairburn's new Food Truck Friday series. The free community event features a rotating lineup of vendors and a live DJ, making it a fun way to spend a summer evening with family and friends.

Senoia Alive After Five 
Aug. 21
Downtown Senoia, Senoia
Shop, dine and enjoy live entertainment, arts and crafts, children's activities and special merchant promotions during Senoia's monthly evening celebration.

Athens Beer Fest 
Aug. 22
Akins Ford Arena, Athens
Sample craft beers from regional breweries while enjoying live music, cornhole and food during the fourth annual Athens Beer Fest beginning at 1 p.m.

Atlanta Beltline Indie Market Experience 
Aug. 22
Atlanta Beltline Marketplace at Allene, Atlanta
Celebrate Black Business Month with local vendors, live music, food, art and family-friendly activities from noon-2 p.m.

Grand Tasting Alpharetta 
Aug. 27
The Hotel at Avalon, Alpharetta
Enjoy unlimited chef-prepared dishes, desserts, wine, beer and cocktails from nearly 30 Alpharetta-area restaurants during this all-inclusive culinary celebration. The evening also features live music and interactive experiences from local partners.

Athens Film Festival
Aug. 27-30
Various locations, Athens
Watch more than 110 independent films from around the world while enjoying filmmaker panels, workshops and networking events across six venues.

Atlanta RV Mega Show 
Aug. 28-30
Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta
Browse the latest RVs, camping gear and travel accessories while planning your next road trip at the inaugural Atlanta RV Mega Show.

Discover Spain: Regional Fare & Wine to Pair 
Aug. 28
Epicurean Atlanta, Midtown
Enjoy a five-course dinner inspired by Spain's diverse culinary regions, with each course paired with a featured wine. Wine expert Kelly Cornett will guide guests through the pairings while sharing insights into Spanish wine and regional flavors. Tickets are $85 and include dinner, wine pairings and the guided tasting experience.

Taste of Mableton 
Aug. 29
Mable House Complex, Mableton
Enjoy food, live entertainment, family activities and local vendors during one of Mableton's largest annual community festivals, which attracts more than 10,000 attendees.

🎭THEATER AND ARTS

Lavender Fest 
Aug. 5–9
Out Front Theatre, Atlanta
Celebrate LGBTQ+ artists during the third annual Lavender Fest, themed "Unerasable." The five-day festival features original performances by queer artists from across the U.S. and abroad, showcasing theater, storytelling, and live entertainment. Tickets start at $35 per show, with a $49 two-show pass available.

Essential Theatre Play Festival 
Aug. 7–23
7 Stages Theatre, Atlanta
Celebrate new works by Georgia playwrights during the annual Essential Theatre Play Festival. The event opens with "Helen of the West," winner of the 2026 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award, and also features staged readings, showcases and performances highlighting local playwrights and artists. Tickets range from free to $23.

Atlanta Flamenco Festival 
Aug. 8–9
Emory Performing Arts Studio, Atlanta
Experience the passion of authentic flamenco as artists from Spain bring music, dance and storytelling to the stage. Performances feature dancer Rafael Campallo, vocalist Diego Amador Jr. and guitarist Juani de la Isla, with a free pre-show lecture before each performance. Tickets are $50 for one person or $90 for two.

Chuck Stewart: "Framing the Sound" 
Aug. 8–Sept. 26
The Sun ATL, Atlanta
Explore the work of legendary photographer Chuck Stewart, whose images of iconic musicians appeared on more than 2,000 album covers over a seven-decade career. The exhibition celebrates one of the most influential music photographers of the 20th century.

Staged Reading: "Alice Goes to Wonderland" 
Aug. 9
Merely Players Presents, Doraville
Enjoy a staged reading of "Alice Goes to Wonderland" by metro Atlanta playwright Hank Kimmel, the first in a three-part series showcasing local playwrights. A minimum $10 donation is requested, and RSVP is required.

📅COMING UP

Coming Attractions: The Stage is Set 
Aug. 13
Byers Theatre, Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, Sandy Springs
Get a preview of the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center's upcoming season with entertainment previews, ticket opportunities and special giveaways beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Piedmont Park Arts Festival 
Aug. 15–16
Piedmont Park, Atlanta
Browse artwork from more than 250 painters, sculptors, jewelers, glass artists and other makers during one of Atlanta's signature outdoor arts festivals. The event also includes a children's play area, food vendors and live entertainment.

🏠COMMUNITY AND FAMILY FRIENDLY

The Works August Events
Aug. 5–31
The Works, Atlanta Upper Westside
The Works is wrapping up summer with a packed calendar of events, including Screen on the Green: Jurassic Park on Aug. 8, Retro Recess and the Luau Party on Aug. 15, and Tequila Fest 2026 on Aug. 22. Visitors can also enjoy weekly happy hours on Tuesdays, Indie Market on Wednesdays, live music, DJs, wine tastings and jazz throughout the week, plus Saturday taco tastings and Sunday farmers markets all month long.

Grayson Party in the Park 
Aug. 7
Grayson City Park, Grayson
Celebrate the end of the first week of school with an evening of family-friendly fun featuring obstacle courses, inflatables, music from a live DJ and free hot dogs and bottled water while supplies last.

Finally, Friday 
Aug. 7
Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta
Kick off the school year with an evening of field day games, family-friendly activities, food and drinks at Historic Oakland Cemetery. Adults can also enjoy the signature "Adult Capri Sun" cocktail. Admission is free.

Pics in the Park: "Zootopia 2" 
Aug. 7
Pernoshal Park, Dunwoody
Bring blankets and lawn chairs for a free outdoor screening of "Zootopia 2." Families can also enjoy complimentary popcorn, candy and giveaways while supplies last.

Glow Nights After Hours 
Aug. 7
Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta
Experience the aquarium after dark during this adults-only (18+) event featuring themed cocktails, live entertainment from Las Vegas acrobats, a DJ and access to immersive exhibits. Food is available for purchase. Tickets are $49.99 ($29.99 for members).

Sonic Expo Atlanta 
Aug. 7–9
Cobb Galleria Centre, Atlanta
Fans of Sonic the Hedgehog can enjoy guest panels, exhibitors, gaming and family-friendly activities celebrating Sega's iconic blue hero.

Children's Museum of Atlanta August Activities 
Aug. 7 through the end of August
Children's Museum of Atlanta
Children's Museum of Atlanta is celebrating August with hands-on science, art and interactive performances for young visitors. Families can create blood slime, design Atlanta-inspired printmaking projects, enjoy live performances of Lily-Pad Leap! based on I Don't Want to Be a Frog!, and explore the Wild Kratts®: Ocean Adventure! exhibit. The museum is also offering special workshops and activities throughout the month, with tickets already on sale for the annual TinyCON event over Labor Day weekend.

for KING + COUNTRY 
Aug. 8
Wild Adventures Theme Park, Valdosta
Four-time GRAMMY-winning Christian duo for for KING + COUNTRY closes out the Wild Adventures LIVE! Concert Series with an evening of chart-topping hits. The concert is included with park admission, which also provides access to more than 35 rides and Splash Island Waterpark. Reserved concert seating is available for an additional fee.

Woofs & Whiskers: The Ultimate Pet Fashion Show 
Aug. 8
Mable House Arts Center, Mableton
Watch fashionable pets hit the runway, meet adoptable animals from Cobb County Animal Services and browse pet-themed vendors during this free, family-friendly event.

Modern Calligraphy for Beginners 
Aug. 8
Mimms Museum of Technology and Art
Learn the art of modern calligraphy during a beginner-friendly workshop from 3 to 4:30 p.m. led by Sip & Script instructors. Participants will receive practice materials, a take-home calligraphy kit and museum admission after class. Drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets are $75.

Vinings Downhill 5K Run for the Kids 
Aug. 8
Overlook I, Vinings
Run, walk or cheer during the 30th annual Vinings Downhill 5K, a Peachtree Road Race qualifier benefiting children's charities. The event also features a Fun Run, Doggie Dash, awards celebration and sponsor expo. Advance 5K registration is $50.

Suwanee August Concert 
Aug. 8
Town Center Park, Suwanee
Enjoy a free evening of live music with opening act Cody Matlock and headliner The Calling. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from local vendors and nearby restaurants.

F1 Arcade Family Racing Experience 
Now available
F1 Arcade Atlanta, Atlanta
Beat the heat with F1 Arcade Atlanta's new Family Racing Experience, where everyone ages 7 and older gets behind the wheel in their own full-motion Formula 1 simulator. Starting at $39 for a family of three, the 30-minute experience features head-to-head racing, live leaderboards and family-friendly dining, making it a fun indoor outing for rainy days or summer adventures.

📅COMING UP

Meet Jekyll Island's Park Rangers
Aug. 14-16
Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta
Meet Jekyll Island park rangers and learn about Georgia's coastal wildlife, bird migration and ecosystems through interactive exhibits and educational displays.

Northwest Beltline Bike Tour 
Aug. 15
905 Bedford St. NW, Atlanta
Explore the Atlanta Beltline's Northwest Trail during a guided 12-mile group bike ride featuring neighborhood stops and scenic views from 9 a.m. to noon.

Tree Tour: Atlanta Beltline Arboretum 
Aug. 22
Rose Circle Park, Atlanta
Take a guided walk through the Atlanta Beltline Arboretum to learn about unique trees, neighborhood history and the evolution of the Beltline from 9-11:30 a.m.

Summer Shade Festival 
Aug. 22–23
Grant Park, Atlanta
Celebrate one of Atlanta's favorite neighborhood festivals with local artists, live music, food vendors and family-friendly activities. The annual event benefits the Grant Park Conservancy and showcases the community's historic charm.

Dog Day of Summerhill 
Aug. 23
Summerhill, Atlanta
Celebrate National Dog Day a little early with a pet-friendly event featuring giveaways while supplies last, special offers from local businesses and activities designed for dogs and their humans.

⚾SPORTS

United Sprint Car Series Race 
Aug. 8
Senoia Raceway, Senoia
Watch Sprint Cars, Modifieds, Bombers and other classes battle under the lights during an evening of high-speed dirt track racing from 5-10 p.m.

If you would like to submit information for a future list, send an email to joyce.lupiani@fox.com. 

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