In Atlanta, April and May bring perfect spring weather, blooming landscapes, and a calendar packed with can’t-miss events. Whether you’re a local looking for weekend plans or hosting out-of-town guests, here’s your comprehensive guide to making the most of the city this season.
Major Festivals and Cultural Events
Spring festival season hits full swing, offering countless ways to enjoy Atlanta’s ideal weather.
Atlanta Film Festival (April 23 – May 3)
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Atlanta Film Festival returns to the Plaza Theatre and Tara Theater. This renowned celebration of independent cinema showcases emerging filmmakers, unique voices, and boundary-pushing storytelling. Catch documentaries, narrative features, short films, and special screenings throughout the two-week event.
Inman Park Festival & Tour of Homes (April 24-26)
One of Atlanta’s most popular neighborhood festivals transforms charming Inman Park with arts and crafts vendors, street markets, a colorful parade, dance performances, and tours of private historic homes. This three-day celebration showcases one of Atlanta’s oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods.
Georgia Renaissance Festival (April 11 – May 31)
Journey back to 16th-century England at the Georgia Renaissance Festival in Fairburn. Running Saturdays and Sundays through the end of May, experience jousting tournaments, acrobatics, comedy shows, medieval music, birds of prey demonstrations, storytelling, an artisan market, tests of strength, and even camel rides. Don’t miss the mac and cheese on a stick.
Atlanta Dogwood Festival (April 10-12)
Piedmont Park hosts this beloved fine arts festival featuring an artist market, art exhibitions, live music, a 5K race, children’s activities, and more. The festival celebrates Atlanta’s blooming dogwood trees with visual arts from over 250 artists.
Note: For the first time in the festival’s 90-year history, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival will charge a small admission fee in 2026. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the gate.
Virginia-Highland Porchfest (May 16)
Wander through Virginia-Highland as local musicians transform front porches and outdoor spaces into intimate stages. With 100+ performances happening simultaneously throughout the neighborhood, plus food trucks and art vendors, this free event offers a uniquely Atlanta afternoon.
Atlanta Jazz Festival (May 23-25)
Memorial Day weekend brings one of the country’s largest free jazz festivals to Piedmont Park. World-class jazz performers take multiple stages against the backdrop of the Atlanta skyline. Bring blankets, pack a picnic, and settle in for three days of extraordinary music.
Atlanta Cycling Festival (May 9-16)
A week-long celebration of cycling culture includes organized rides across the city, family-friendly events, competitive races, bike-themed parties, and community gatherings. Whether you’re a serious cyclist or casual rider, this festival has something for everyone.
Food and Culinary Festivals
Taste of Marietta (April 26)
Downtown Marietta Square comes alive with this annual food festival featuring dishes from local restaurants, chef demonstrations, Georgia-based vendors, and live entertainment. Festival admission is free, with food prices ranging from $2-10.
Taste of Alpharetta (May 14)
Similar to its Marietta counterpart, downtown Alpharetta hosts local restaurants showcasing their specialties alongside cooking demonstrations, special dining events, and community celebration.
Marietta Greek Festival (May 15-17)
Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Marietta hosts this beloved festival of Greek food and culture. Enjoy traditional Greek foods, pastries, church tours, and traditional dance performances throughout the weekend.
Suds on the Parkway (May 15-16)
The Town at Trilith in Fayetteville hosts this beer, wine, and music festival featuring 200+ craft beers and wines from Georgia and across the country, live music from local artists, and food vendors.
Live Music and Concerts
May brings exceptional musical talent to Atlanta across genres and venues.
Headlining Acts
- Bruno Mars – The Romantic Tour with Leon Thomas & DJ Pee.Wee (April 25-26, Bobby Dodd Stadium)
- Jon Batiste (April 25, Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park)
- Peso Pluma – Dinastia Tour with Tito Double P (April 24, Lakewood Amphitheatre)
- RAYE – This Tour May Contain New Music (Coca-Cola Roxy)
- Romeo Santos & Prince Royce – Mejor Tarde Que Nunca Tour (April 30, State Farm Arena)
- PinkPantheress (April 30-May 1, Coca-Cola Roxy)
- Florence + The Machine (May 1, State Farm Arena)
- Ari Lennox – The Vacancy Tour (May 3, Fox Theatre)
- Kid Cudi – The Rebel Ragers Tour (May 6, Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood)
- Don Toliver – OCTANE Tour (May 19, State Farm Arena)
- mgk (May 29, venue TBA)
Sports
Atlanta’s home teams keep the action going throughout late April and May.
Atlanta Braves at Truist Park
Catch America’s pastime with these home series:
- vs. Cleveland Guardians (April 10-12)
- vs. Miami Marlins (April 13-15)
- vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (late April)
- vs. New York Mets (early May)
- Multiple additional home games throughout May
Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta’s passionate soccer culture continues with home matches against Nashville, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, and Orlando throughout the period.
Atlanta Hawks
Depending on playoff positioning, catch potential playoff basketball at State Farm Arena in late April.
Gwinnett Stripers
The Braves’ Triple-A affiliate plays regularly at Coolray Field in Lawrenceville, offering affordable family-friendly baseball.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
High Museum of Art
Atlanta’s premier art destination features compelling spring exhibitions:
- Isamu Noguchi: “I am not a designer” (April 10 – August 2) – Major retrospective exploring the visionary artist’s furniture, sculpture, stage sets, and landscape designs
- The Family Album of Ralph Eugene Meatyard (Through May 10) – Experimental photography featuring the artist’s staged scenes and masked portraits from 1960s Kentucky
- Blazing Light: Photographs by Mimi Plumb (Through May 10) – First solo museum exhibition of Plumb’s work capturing 50 years of change across the American West
- The Lost World: The Art of Minnie Evans (Through April 19) – Over 100 fantastical drawings by the celebrated self-taught artist
- Amy Sherald: American Sublime (Opening May 15) – Major retrospective of paintings by the Georgia-born artist who painted Michelle Obama’s official portrait
- UPS Second Sunday (April 12) – Free admission for all visitors, 12-5 PM
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Explore natural history exhibits and 75 acres of outdoor nature experiences:
- Fernbank After Dark (May 9) – Second Friday after-hours experience with exhibits, live music, bars, and science demonstrations
- Evening Hikes (May 22, 7-9 PM) – Guided tours of Fernbank Forest after dark
- Morning Hikes (May 17, 7-9 AM) – Early morning forest exploration
Atlanta Botanical Garden
Spring blooms peak in late April and early May. The gardens showcase seasonal displays, outdoor sculptures, and special exhibitions throughout the spring season.
Outdoor Activities and Recreation
BeltLine Activities
With weather perfect for outdoor exploration, the Atlanta BeltLine offers:
- Eastside Trail – Popular walking and biking route connecting neighborhoods
- Ponce City Market – Shopping and dining destination
- Krog Street Market – Food hall and market
- Various art installations and murals along the trail
Piedmont Park
Beyond hosting major festivals, Piedmont Park offers:
- Dog parks for four-legged friends
- Walking and running trails
- Playgrounds for families
- Lake Clara Meer for peaceful reflection
- Active Oval for sports activities
Stone Mountain Park
The massive granite outcropping east of Atlanta offers hiking, scenic railroad rides, skyride to the summit, laser shows (starting late May), and family-friendly attractions.
Family-Friendly Events
Run Like Wild 5K (April 25)
Zoo Atlanta hosts its sixth annual 5K where participants run, walk, or trot through the zoo among the animals. Family-friendly event supporting animal conservation.
Big Shanty Festival (April 18-19)
Downtown Kennesaw comes alive with over 150 arts and crafts vendors, food, live entertainment, children’s activities, and a beer garden.
Community Music Performances at The Battery (April 16, 23)
Free outdoor concerts at The Battery Atlanta featuring middle school and high school jazz ensembles. Family-friendly evenings celebrating young musical talent from 6-8:30 PM.
Georgia State Fair (April 24 – May 3)
Echo Park Speedway in Hampton hosts carnival rides, fair food, games, livestock exhibitions, and family entertainment.
Neighborhood Art Festivals
Festival on Ponce (April 11-12)
Olmsted Linear Park hosts this spring arts and crafts festival with 125+ vendors of fine arts, folk art, outsider art, food and drinks, and children’s activities.
Chastain Park Spring Arts Festival (May 10-11)
Browse works from over 150 artists while enjoying live acoustic music and local food vendors at this beloved North Buckhead event.
ARTucker (April 25)
Free art and performance festival at Tucker Town Green featuring Georgia artists and artisans, live music and dance performances, food trucks, and children’s activities.
Unique Atlanta Experiences
WussyFest (April 10-12)
Annual festival celebrating drag arts with performances, brunches, and events throughout Atlanta.
Atlanta Murder Mystery Events
Interactive outdoor murder mystery experiences where participants become detectives solving crimes throughout the city. Multiple dates available.
Ghost Tours
- The Burning & the Bound: Grievous Ghost Tour of Atlanta – Historical ghost tour exploring Atlanta’s haunted history
- Shadows of the South: Apparitions of Augusta Ghost Tour – For those willing to drive to Augusta
Planning Your Visit
Weather
Late April and May offer ideal Atlanta weather with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, low humidity, and blooming landscapes. Bring layers for evening events as temperatures can drop.
Getting Around
- MARTA serves major venues including Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, and connecting to the BeltLine
- Rideshares and taxis are readily available
- Many neighborhoods are walkable
- Scooter and bike shares operate throughout the city
Where to Stay
Consider neighborhoods like:
- Midtown – Close to Piedmont Park, cultural attractions, and MARTA
- Virginia-Highland/Inman Park – Walkable neighborhoods with restaurants and shops
- Buckhead – Upscale dining and shopping
- Downtown – Convenient to major venues and attractions
Making the Most of Spring in Atlanta
Late April and May represent peak season for outdoor activities in Atlanta. The combination of perfect weather, blooming landscapes, and packed event calendars creates an ideal time to experience everything the city offers.
For visitors, this period showcases Atlanta’s diversity—from world-class cultural institutions to neighborhood festivals, from major sporting events to intimate music venues. For locals, it’s the season to rediscover your city and try something new.
Whether you’re interested in arts, sports, music, food, or outdoor recreation, Atlanta delivers in late April and May. Start planning your calendar now because with this many options, the hardest part is choosing what to do first.
At Lucie Content, we’re always exploring the best our city has to offer. Want to see more Atlanta guides or have suggestions for future local content? Connect with us on social media @luciecontent on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, and X.
