ATLANTA — Here is a look at some of the upcoming events in the Atlanta area.
RELATED: See things to do, fun events around town
Apr. 24-May 4
The Atlanta Film Festival is an Academy Award-qualifying festival and the area’s preeminent celebration of cinema. As one of the largest and longest-running festivals in the country, ATLFF welcomes an audience of over 28,000 annually to discover hundreds of new independent, international, animated, documentary, and short films, selected from 8000+ submissions from all over the world.
Apr. 24-27
As the sun sets, Oakland Cemetery is transformed. Through innovative lighting and art installations by local artists, interactive experiences, and live music, illumine 2025 will light up the shadows of the night.
Apr. 25-27
Blairsville Music & Seafood Festival
The inaugural three-day celebration features live music from local artists, delicious seafood from Blairsville restaurants, local arts & craft vendors, and plenty of family-friendly activities for all ages.
The show will include family-friendly activities, fishing seminars, lake life vendors, live music, great food, and - of course - the chance to shop the latest boat models at exclusive Boat Show pricing.
Weekends thru June 1
The famous festival returns for its 40th season. Don’t miss your chance to visit the village of Newcastle for a full day of adventure!
Apr. 25
Star Wars Cosplay Party at Battle & Brew
Battle & Brew hosts “May the Cosplay Be with You,” a Star Wars-themed cosplay party where fans embody their favorite characters, compete for stellar prizes and savor themed cocktails and delicious bites in an intergalactic atmosphere.
Apr. 26
Green Eggs & Kegs is the Best Party in the ‘Burbs! The Funwoody Village transforms into the hottest party destination! Your all-inclusive ticket includes the finest beers, spirits, & wine and small bites from some of the Best Chefs in Georgia. Live Music from Funwoody’s favorite bands: Elephant Nellie & Family Truckster! The best party in the ‘burbs will be hosted at Funwoody Village in Dunwoody.
Dive into a mesmerizing evening where the nostalgia of classic arcade games meets the grandeur of a full orchestra and mass choir. “Night at the Arcade” is an electrifying concert experience that reimagines your favorite retro gaming soundtracks with sweeping orchestral arrangements and powerful choral harmonies. Join us for a journey through the pixelated worlds of yesteryear, brought to life with the lush, dynamic soundscapes of live music.
The day honors Earth Day and offers hands-on activities and educational experiences for all ages. Its free to attend.
Apr. 27
Peachtree Street will be closed to cars and open to people biking, walking, skating, and more. Enjoy complimentary bike and skate valet, live music and more from 2-6 pm.
The Taste of Marietta is an annual food festival that showcases Marietta and Cobb County restaurants. There will be more than fifty area restaurants showcasing their best dishes, musical entertainment all day on stages throughout the festival, fun and games in the kids’ zone.
Casa Nuova Community Block Party
Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant host its annual Community Block Party—a celebration of gratitude for 27 years of friendship, loyalty, and support from the Alpharetta community. This festive event is open to all and promises an afternoon full of joy, including a complimentary buffet, live music, family-friendly games, and so much more.
May 2-3
North Georgia Hot Rod Reunion and GM Truck Invasion
This event will showcase an incredible array of classic hot rods and GM trucks, bringing together car enthusiasts and families for a celebration of automotive culture. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply looking for a fun day out, this is the perfect opportunity to experience the thrill of classic cars and the camaraderie of the car community.
May 2-4
American Small Cars: Bantam and Crosley Hoods Up! Weekend
Head to the Savoy Automobile Museum as the museum raises the hoods on select vehicles from the American Small Cars – Crosley & Bantam exhibit, as the exhibit is set to close on May 4.
The 2025 MotoAmerica season roars into round two at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, bringing adrenaline-pumping motorcycle road racing back to the local area. This high-energy event attracts both motorsports enthusiasts and casual fans, offering world-class racing and a weekend packed with unique fan experiences.
May 3
The 2025 Hot Wheels Legends Tour, the world’s largest traveling car show, rolls into the Atlanta area with a free live event on Saturday, May 3 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. local time. This epic global contest offers custom car builders a once in a lifetime opportunity to have their passion projects turned into the next Hot Wheels die-cast toy car.
Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade
The beloved annual tradition will lead giant puppets, marching bands and fellow Atlantans on a one-mile parade along the Beltline’s Southwest Trail.
One of Atlanta’s most anticipated galas returns at the Beastly Feast. Sophisticated elegance, a one-of-a-kind locale, and signature auctions are hallmarks of Zoo Atlanta’s largest annual fundraiser. In celebration of the opening of the Zoo’s newly renovated African lion complex, the 2025 event is themed “The Mane Event.”
These festivals are fun-filled days for all ages featuring corporate and community teams racing in 46-foot-long ornamental dragon boats. Race day combines various cultural activities with food and fun for spectators and participants. People love the thrill, the teamwork, the adrenaline, and the positive interaction in the boat.
Aerial Kitchen & Bar is hosting a “Tres de Mayo” celebration marking the reopening of the popular Latin rooftop restaurant. Atlantans and hotel guests are invited to join the sky-high festivities, including live music by Ethel and specialty “Tres de Mayo” action stations.
BBQ Festival + Cook-Off Return
Head to Ruby Falls for live bluegrass music, food trucks, kid’s activities, and door prizes that will keep everyone smiling. Cheer on fifteen teams of barbecue enthusiasts going snout to snout for best ribs, pork butt, and more!
May 8
Taste of Alpharetta boasts an unforgettable array of culinary magic throughout the area’s charming downtown. This annual event will celebrate the vibrant food community of Alpharetta through dining events, cooking demos, culinary collaborations, and tasting tents galore. Rain or shine, locals and visitors alike will be treated to savory, sweet, spicy, and umami dishes from over 60 of Alpharetta’s best restaurants.
More than just a race, this growing tradition fuels meaningful change, supporting two transformative foundations in The Kyle Pease Foundation and Malcolm Mitchell’s Share the Magic Foundation.
May 10-11
DAA Mother’s Day Weekend Butterfly Bash
Presented by the Dahlonega Arts Alliance and the Dahlonega Butterfly Farm! Celebrate Mom surrounded by beautiful butterflies and local artists while sipping wine in the gardens! Make this Mother’s Day one she’ll remember!
Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival
This Mother’s Day weekend, more than 175 hand-selected painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelry designers, leather and metal artisans, glass blowers, and more will showcase their work at this free, family-friendly festival.
May 16
Every third Friday night during the summer. LaGrange transforms Main Street into a pedestrian-friendly, open-container zone featuring live music, food, drinks and local vendors. Enjoy performances on two stages coordinated by Sweetland Amphitheater and Wild Leap Brew Co., plus shop and dine from local businesses.
May 17
SCOOBY-DOO! Mansion Mayhem” opens
This celebratory experience at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta asks kids and caretakers to combine forces with the members of Mystery Inc. to analyze clues and put their problem-solving skills to the test. Families and young detectives will work through the rooms of the mansion meeting different characters of the iconic TV show that has captivated fans for more than 50 years.
RELATED: SEE MORE THINGS TO DO AROUND ATLANTA
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