If you’re looking for fun events around metro Atlanta or up in North Georgia this weekend, here’s a curated list—from festivals and performances to Halloween celebrations and outdoor adventures.
Festivals & Noteworthy Events
In the city:
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Off The Wall @ 725 Ponce (Oct. 17–18): Watch Atlanta artist William Downs create giant digital murals live, accompanied by ambient soundscapes along the BeltLine.
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“Berry Gordy’s The Last Dragon” 40th Anniversary Screenings (Oct. 19–21): Select theaters will re‑release this cult classic with a special introduction by actor Taimak.
Outside the city:
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Night Mode at Mimms Museum (Oct. 17, Roswell): The museum stays open late; visitors can experience exhibits after hours with drinks available at a cash bar.
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Wings Over North Georgia Air Show (Oct. 17–19, Rome): Expect twilight and night flights, fireworks, drone shows, and a concert on Friday evening.
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Georgia Apple Festival (Oct. 18–19, Ellijay): A classic autumn event with arts & crafts, live music, food, and plenty of apple-themed fun.
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Scottish Festival & Highland Games (Oct. 18–19, Stone Mountain): Join in for Highland sports, dance, music, and cultural exhibits.
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Denim Fest at The Mill on Etowah (Oct. 18, Canton): Think carnival rides, food and drink popups, flower vendors, and live football viewing.
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HarvestFest (Oct. 19, Marietta Square): Free family fun with crafts, games, scarecrows, and a kids’ festival vibe.
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Loganville Autumn Fest (Oct. 19): Downtown Loganville hosts music, vendors, food trucks, and activities for all ages.
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Stories in the Garden (Oct. 19, LaGrange): Join in for storytelling beneath pecan trees at Hills & Dales Estate.
Halloween & Spooky Happenings
In and around Atlanta:
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Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade (Oct. 18–19): Expect vendors, live music, wrestling, a parade, ghost tours, and costume mayhem.
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Goblins in the Garden (Oct. 18, Atlanta Botanical Garden): Costume contests, pony rides, pumpkin decorating, and performances for families.
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Boo at the Zoo (Weekends in October, Zoo Atlanta): A trick‑or‑treat experience with crafts and characters (included with regular admission).
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Haunted Seas (through Nov. 2, Georgia Aquarium): Spooky underwater fun with decor, characters, and aquatic twists.
Outside Atlanta:
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Oak Hill Cemetery Tours (Oct. 17 & 25, Newnan): Dusk guided walks with storytellers, music, vendors, and a BBQ buffet.
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Halloween Craft Market (Oct. 18, Acworth): Browse handmade décor, gifts, art, and seasonal treats.
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Smyrna’s Spooky Festival (Oct. 19, Smyrna): Costume contests, live performances, and trick‑or‑treat paths downtown.
Live Music
In Atlanta:
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Jazz on the Lawn (Oct. 18, Callanwolde): Joe Gransden’s Big Band and vocalist Karla Harris under the stars. Bring your own blanket or chair.
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The Cult / Death Cult (Oct. 18, Cobb Energy Centre): The rock legends perform hits from both eras with guest acts.
Beyond Atlanta:
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Gavin Adcock: Need To Tour (Oct. 17, Athens): Country headliner with opening acts in a hometown setting.
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Bon Jovi Tribute — Slippery When Wet (Oct. 18, Woodstock): A tribute band performs classic Bon Jovi songs.
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All‑Nashville Roadshow at Trilith (Oct. 18, Fayetteville): Country acts, local food, Americana vibes.
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“O Brother, Where Art Thou?” Concert (Oct. 19, Marietta’s Strand Theatre): A rootsy music tribute tied to the film soundtrack.
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Atlanta Blues Society Gathering & Jam (Oct. 19, Decatur): Bring your instrument and join a community jam benefiting a local fund.
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Historic Athens Porchfest (Oct. 19): Over 250 porches host musical performances across Athens neighborhoods.
Theater, Film & Art
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Atlanta Horror Film Festival (Oct. 17–19, Limelight Theater): More than 170 horror shorts and features, plus mixers and panels.
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R. Land & Tony Price Exhibition (Oct. 17–18, East Atlanta): A two-night exhibit showcasing street art and bold local visuals.
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GRIT Exhibition (Ongoing, Alday Hunken Gallery): Multi-artist installations and performance art exploring resilience.
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“The Rocket Men” (through Nov. 2, Synchronicity Theatre): A play about women scientists and America’s space race.
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“Kimberly Akimbo” (through Oct. 19, Fox Theatre): A Tony-winning musical exploring family, identity, and adversity.
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Spookhouse Annie & The Ghastly Dreadfuls (through early November, Center for Puppetry Arts): A whimsical, spooky puppet show with music and dance.
Food & Drink & Market Events
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Roswell Town Square Dinner (Oct. 19): A chef-curated, multi-course dinner with optional wine pairings.
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Decatur BBQ Fest (Oct. 19): Pitmasters, live music, and a wing-eating contest in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
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Alpharetta Restaurant Week (Through Oct. 19): Over 45 restaurants offer multi-course specials ($20–$60 price range).
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Hapeville Downtown Live & Chili Cook‑Off (Oct. 18): Wrap up the local concert series with chili, music, and community vibes.
Sports & Outdoor Activities
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LT Open Pickleball Tournament + Andre Agassi Autograph (Oct. 17–19, Peachtree Corners): A pro singles-only paddle event with autograph session on Sunday.
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Sunset on the Bald (Oct. 18 & 25): Visit Brasstown Bald for extended summit access and sunset viewing.
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Mableton Pumpkin Chase 5K (Oct. 19): Dress in costume and run or walk for a local cause ($35 entry).
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Paint Gwinnett Pink 5K Walk/Run (Oct. 19, Duluth): Support breast cancer survivors with this community run/walk event.
Coming Up Soon
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Atlanta Hawks vs. Toronto Raptors (Oct. 22, State Farm Arena): Season opener with halftime performance by Quavo.
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A CHaRM’ing Evening with Yacht Rock Revue (Oct. 23): A smooth‑music fundraiser for recycling efforts.
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Riley Green + Dasha Concert (Oct. 23, The Eastern): Country music evening in Atlanta.
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Sumo + Sushi Weekend (Oct. 24–26, Shadowbox Studios): Sumo match viewing, sushi, and learning opportunities.
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Boo‑Nanza (Pet Halloween Party) (Oct. 26, Skiptown): Costume contests and games for pups and their owners.
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Halloween at Hogwarts with ASO (Oct. 26, Atlanta Symphony Hall): Magical music from Harry Potter films.
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Jeff Kinney PartyPooper Tour (Oct. 24, Decatur): Celebrate Diary of a Wimpy Kid #20 with a fun live show.
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DEVO + The B‑52’s Cosmic De‑Evolution Tour (Oct. 25, Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, Alpharetta): New Wave icons join for a joint show.
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Wild Rumpus Halloween in Athens (Oct. 25): Drumming, costumes, parades, food, and music downtown.
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Spirits & Spice Festival (Oct. 25, Newnan): Cocktails, chili cook-off, artists, and vendors.
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Crafts & Drafts Festival (Oct. 25–26, Smyrna): Arts booths, food, entertainment, and family fun.
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5th Annual Día de los Muertos Intercultural Fest (Oct. 26, Cartersville): A day of Latin music, food, culture, and community.
(Photo by Alex Slitz – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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