Throw on your shorts and slide into your flip-flips for a season full of quintessential summer Atlanta festivals you won't want to miss.
As the unofficial start of summer - Memorial Day - hits, families, music lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will be looking for the summer outing that fits their tastes.
We've compiled a collection of the metro Atlanta area's best festivals that span various interests.
Set aside some time on your Google calendar for some of these exciting summer festivals that will surely entice you to brave the heat this summer.
Here’s the lineup for 8 of the can’t-miss summer festivals in Atlanta:
Courtesy of Atlanta Jazz Festival
Courtesy of Atlanta Jazz Festival
Atlanta Jazz Festival. 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, May 26 through 28. Free. Piedmont Park. 400 Park Drive NE, Atlanta. 404-546-7246. www.atlantafestivals.com.
In its 40th year, the Atlanta Jazz Festival schedule boasts a lineup of celebrated and up-and-coming jazz musicians this season. Noted as one of the largest jazz festivals in the country, this free festival in Piedmont Park attracts more than 150,000 attendees annually and features jazz artists from around the world.
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Atlanta Jazz Festival schedule, including Robert Glasper, Macy Gray, Freddie Cole
Courtesy of Atlanta Food and Wine Festival
Courtesy of Atlanta Food and Wine Festival
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. Noon to 10 p.m. Thursday, noon to 10:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 1 through 4. $85 per person. Loews Atlanta Hotel. 1065 Peachtree St., Atlanta.404-474-7330. www.atlfoodandwinefestival.com.
Enjoy an unbeatable feast from over 180 national chefs, sommeliers, pitmasters and mixologists at the 2017 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. It all takes place June 1 through 4 at the Loews Atlanta Hotel. The event feature an array of tasting tents, and guests will get a chance to explore in-depth and interactive demonstrations and culinary seminars.
Candler Park Music and Food Festival. 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 2 and 3. Candler Park. 1500 McLendon Ave., Atlanta. www.candlerparkmusicfestival.com.
Don't miss the fantastic music lineup this year at the Candler Park Music and Food Festival. While you sample bites and goods at 20 food trucks and vendors, you'll enjoy listening to top musical talents, including Matisyahu, Railroad Earth, the Moteland, Lake Street Dive and more.
Courtesy of Steve Eberhardt
Courtesy of Steve Eberhardt
Atlanta Streets Alive. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 11. Free. Marietta St. and Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. events@atlantabike.org. www.atlantastreetsalive.com.
The streets of Atlanta become car-free for an afternoon when Atlanta Streets Alive take over Marietta Street and Howell Mill Road June 11. It all starts off with a bicycle parade, followed by fun activities like hula hooping, , yoga, dancing, biking, skating and strolling at this community-centered event.
Courtesy o Atlanta Film Festival
Courtesy o Atlanta Film Festival
Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival. Kicks off July 16 and ends Sept. 3. Dates and times vary. Ticket prices range from $8 (for early bird)-$12 (for day of tickets). Fox Theatre. 660 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-881-2100.www.foxtheatre.org.
Nothing beats taking in a movie under the starlit blue sky at the Fox Theatre. All summer long, the Coca-Cola Summer Film Festival will feature classic, vintage and new movies, including pre-show cartoons and sing-alongs with Mighty Mo, all projected on to the big screen at the Fox.
Courtesy of Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
Courtesy of Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
Atlanta Ice Cream Festival. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 22. Piedmont Park. 400 Park Drive NE, Atlanta. www.atlantaicecreamfestival.com.
Start saving up those calories, because the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival takes over Piedmont Park on July 22. This exciting (and tasty) event not only features delicious frozen treats, but also a 5K Fight Cancer Walk, live music, vendors and health and wellness education.
Courtesy of Summer Shade Festival
Courtesy of Summer Shade Festival
Grant Park Summer Shade Festival. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 and 27. Free. Grant Park. 700 Boulevard Ave. SE, Atlanta. 404-521-0938. www.summershadefestival.org.
If you're looking for a great summer festival that the whole family will enjoy, make sure to mark your calendar for the Summer Shade Festival this August. Along with an artist market and live entertainment, families will also enjoy a Kids Zone, 5K run, food vendors and more.
Music Midtown. Sept. 16 and 17. Piedmont Park. 400 Park Drive NE, Atlanta. feedback@musicmidtown.com. www.musicmidtown.com.
Get ready to rock your socks off, because Music Midtown will hit Atlanta again this September with a lineup of music like no other. From rock and roll to hip hop, the party won't stop this summer with over 30 artists performing on 4 stages. As you listen, enjoy tasting a variety of local fare and riding the Ferris wheel overlooking the event.
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