Atlanta, with its vibrant culture and diverse activities, offers a plethora of fun and unique things to do, whether you are a local or a tourist. Here are some exciting events and attractions to consider, especially for the week of October 25-27, 2024, and beyond.
### This Weekend's Highlights
For the weekend of October 25-27, 2024, several events stand out. The **Friday Vibe Fall Fest** at Centennial Yards in Atlanta is a family-friendly event featuring food trucks, pumpkin decorating, a children's costume contest, and more, all free of charge.
The **ONE MusicFest** at Central Park in Atlanta is a major music event with performances by Cardi B, Gunna, Jill Scott, Victoria Monet, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Tickets start at $179.
If you're looking for something more laid-back, the **Fall Flame Festival** at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta offers cocktails, live music, outdoor games, and a chance to see the hotel's new Observation Bee Hive. General admission starts at $75.
### Halloween and Fall Festivals
October in Atlanta is filled with Halloween and fall festivals. The **L5P Halloween Festival and Parade** on October 19-20 is a must-visit, especially for families. It features a 3D haunted house, a monster sticker hunt, and a vibrant parade through Little 5 Points.
The **Atlanta Botanical Garden** transforms into a scarecrow haven from October 6-31, with scarecrows crafted by local businesses, families, and individuals scattered throughout the gardens. The garden also hosts other fall activities like Goblins in the Garden and The Great Pumpkin Carving Contest.
For thrill-seekers, **Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia** runs from September 16 to October 29, offering family-friendly shows during the day and scary haunted houses at night.
### Cultural and Artistic Experiences
Atlanta is rich in cultural and artistic events. The **Atlanta Arab Festival** on October 5-6 celebrates Arabic food and culture at the Alif Institute, featuring traditional dishes, live performances, vendors, and workshops.
The **Festival on Ponce** on October 5-6 is a twice-annual arts festival in Olmsted Linear Park, showcasing over 125 vendors of fine art, folk art, and outsider art, along with food, drink, and children’s activities.
For music lovers, the **Oakhurst Porchfest** on October 12 features over 100 live performances on porches in the Oakhurst neighborhood of Decatur. The **Wire & Wood Alpharetta** festival on October 11-12 brings songwriter performances across downtown Alpharetta.
### Outdoor Adventures
Nature enthusiasts will love **Arabia Mountain**, which explodes with vibrant yellow daisies in the fall. The area offers tours of the AWARE Wildlife Center, homeschool days, and classes on topics like archery and tree-climbing.
The **Atlanta Botanical Garden** is another outdoor gem, with its beautiful gardens and various fall activities. For a more adventurous outing, consider the **Stone Mountain Highland Games and Scottish Festival** from October 18-20, featuring traditional Scottish athletics, music, and food.
### Food and Drink Experiences
Foodies will enjoy the **Taste of Tucker** on October 5, a food festival along Main Street in Tucker, featuring food and drink from local restaurants and breweries, arts and crafts, music, and more.
The **EGGtoberfest** at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville on October 5 is a barbecue festival with a cook-off, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, and more. The **Candler Park Fall Fest** on October 5-6 also offers a variety of food, live music, art, and family-friendly activities.
For a unique dining experience, take a **Grant Park Past & Future Food Walk**, which includes tasting nine dishes at three food stops with an expert guide and a walk through Historic Oakland Cemetery.
### Sports and Music
Sports fans can catch the **Jelly Roll** concert at State Farm Arena on October 26, blending country and rap music. For classical music enthusiasts, the **Roderick Cox Conducts Barber + Rachmaninoff** concert at The Woodruff Arts Center on October 24 and 26 features a performance of Barber's *Adagio* and Rachmaninoff’s *Symphonic Dances*.
### Hidden Gems
One of Atlanta's hidden gems is the **Historic Oakland Cemetery**, which offers **Spirit of Oakland Halloween Tours** from October 19-31. These tours are designed to enlighten rather than frighten and often sell out quickly.
