ATLANTA – Looking for things to do in the Atlanta area? This guide offers you an exciting mix of festivals, culinary events, concerts, comedy shows, theater performances and sports. From haunted houses and Halloween parades to foodie celebrations and live music from legends like Stevie Wonder, there’s something for everyone.

FESTIVALS

Atlanta Horror Festival

When: 18th-31st Oct
Where: 2903 RN Martin Street, East Point
What: The Atlanta Horror Festival offers lots of spooky fun including food trucks, vendors, games, live music, haunted houses and a horror-themed parade.
How much: General admission is free; Tickets are required for the haunted house experience.
More information

Not your mother’s art festival

When: Oct 18
Where: Slow Pour Brewing, 407 N. Clayton Street, Lawrenceville
What: This free arts festival challenges expectations by bringing together unusual and unexpected elements in a vibrant, immersive environment.
More information

RELATED: Fall Festivals in Greater Atlanta and North Georgia | 2024

Stone Mountain Scottish Festival and Highland Games

When: 19th-20th Oct
Where: Stone Mountain Park
What: Celebrate Scottish heritage at this annual festival with traditional sporting competitions such as log tossing, Highland dancing, pipes and drums, arts and crafts and authentic Scottish food. Enjoy live entertainment, cultural exhibitions and family-friendly activities all weekend long.
More information

Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade

When: 19th-20th Oct
Where: Moreland Ave
What: This two-day event features local artists, food trucks and live music. The famous Halloween parade, a highlight of the festival, starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
More information

RELATED: Halloween Celebrations and Haunted Houses in Greater Atlanta, North Georgia | 2024

Brookhaven International Festival and 5K

When: 19th-20th Oct
Where: Peachtree Creek Greenway (parking lot at 1801 Corporate Square Boulevard)
What: A celebration of global cultures with live performances, international cuisine, an art walk, interactive art activities and a Kidz Zone. The festival will also feature health screenings, concession stands and a 5K run to kick off the festivities.
More information

Pine Lake Lakefest

When: 19th-20th Oct
Where: Lakeshore Drive, Pine Lake
What: Enjoy two days of activities including live music, an artists’ market, health and wellness vendors, food trucks, chalk art and sand sculptures.
More information

Sugar Rush Arts Festival

When: 18–20 Oct
Where: 5039 W. Broad Street, Sugar Hill
What: The festival begins with the Nightmare on Broad Street Film Festival at the Eagle Theater, followed by a free concert at The Bowl. The event features over 100 vendors selling arts, crafts and local goods, as well as bounce houses, a pumpkin patch and an animal show.
More information

Johns Creek Arts Festival

When: 19th-20th Oct
Where: Atlanta Athletic Club Fields, 1930 Bobby Jones Drive, Johns Creek
What: More than 140 artisans from across the country offer unique handcrafted items.
More information

National Black Arts Festival – Celebration under the stars

When: Oct 19
Where: Wolf Creek Amphitheater, 3025 Merk Road SW, Atlanta
What: This upscale garden party features live performances, an artisan market, art print sales, and food and drinks.
How much: Tickets start at $45
More information

EVENTS

AIDS Walk Atlanta Music Festival and 5K Run

When: Oct 19
Where: Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive NE, Atlanta
What: The 33rd annual AIDS Walk Atlanta features performances by award-winning rapper Lil’ Kim and aims to raise over $1 million for HIV/AIDS education and services.
How much: Donations desired; Registration is required for the walk/run
More information

FuelFest

When: Oct 19
Where: Atlanta Motor Speedway, 1500 Tara Place, Hampton
What: This event combines automotive culture with live music, drift and drag racing, appearances from “Fast & Furious” stars Tyrese Gibson and Cody Walker, a massive car show, drift ride-alongs and interactive activities. Over 700 customized cars and trucks will be on display.
How much: Tickets start at $35 (free for children under 12)
More information

FOODIE EVENTS

Atlanta Municipal Market’s 100th Anniversary Celebration

When: Oct 18
Where: 209 Edgewood Ave. SE, Atlanta
What: Celebrate the market’s centennial with historical tours, tastings, and a special appearance by Mayor Andre Dickens.
More information

Skip’s Chicago Dogs 45th Anniversary Celebration

When: Oct 18
Where: Avondale Town Green Pavilion, Avondale Estates
What: Celebrate 45 years of Skip’s Chicago Dogs with live music, hot dogs, balloons and family fun in the pavilion area.
More information

A touch of Chamblee

When: Oct 19
Where: Chamblee City Hall
What: A local food festival with tastings at various restaurants as well as live music and family-friendly activities.

RELATED: Atlanta Bites: Where and what to eat in October | 2024

Atlanta Mimosa Festival

When: Oct 19
Where: Atlantic Station, Pinnacle Lot
What: Try different mimosas, enjoy live music and dance in the silent disco.
How much: $55 in advance, $65 at the door (if available)
More information

Hapeville’s Downtown Live: Chili Cook-Off

When: Oct 19
Where: Jess Lucas Y-Teen Park, 680 S. Central Ave., Hapeville
What: Try different chili recipes, enjoy live music from Tyson Halford and Kate and Corey, and support Family Life Ministries’ efforts to provide essentials to those in need.
How much: Free admission; Food prices vary
More information

Cars & “Q for the Cause”.

When: Oct 19
Where: 5200 Roberts Drive, Atlanta
What: A car show with barbecue, beer and live entertainment to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
How much: Tickets range from $20 to $40
More information

MUSIC

Sheila E. and the E-Train

When: 17th-18th Oct
Where: City Winery Atlanta, 650 North Avenue NE
What: Sheila E., often referred to as the “Queen of Percussion,” brings her energetic performance based on collaborations with music legends such as Prince.
How much: Starts at $60
More information

Josh Ross

When: Oct 18
Where: Eddie’s attic
What: Canadian singer-songwriter Josh Ross performs with special guest Brandon Wisham, bringing Nashville-inspired tunes to the metro area.
How much: Starts at $22.50
More information

Diplo

When: Oct 18
Where: Underground Atlanta
What: DJ Diplo delivers a genre-bending set with his signature energetic performance.
How much: Tickets start at $99
More information

COMEDY

13th Annual Laughing Skull Comedy Festival

When: 17th-20th Oct
Where: Multiple locations in Atlanta
What: A showcase of 50 comedians at various venues including Comedy Clubhouse and KOS Smyrna.
How much: Tickets start at $20
More information

The Mary Mack Comedy Show

When: Oct 18
Where: Strand Theater, Marietta
What: Mary Mack showcases her unique comedy style, inspired by appearances on HBO’s “Just for Laughs” and Andy Kaufman Awards.
How much: Tickets start at $25
More information

THEATER

“Dracula” by Georgia Metro Dance Theater

When: 18–20 Oct
Where: Kennesaw State University, Marietta
What: A haunting ballet adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula performed by Georgia Metro Dance Theater.
How much: Tickets start at $32.50
More information

SPORT

Georgia Tech vs. Notre Dame

When: Oct 19
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
What: Georgia Tech takes on Notre Dame on Family Weekend.
How much: Tickets start at $34
More information

Red Bull Know your role

When: Oct 19
Where: Dome Atlanta
What: Pairs of skaters compete in routines that judge style, technical ability and musicality.
How much: Free entry with RSVP
More information

COMES

Southside Theater Guild Presents “Misery”

When: Oct. 24 – Nov. 2
Where: Fairburn
What: An exciting stage adaptation of Stephen King’s “Misery” that promises the audience excitement and surprises.
How much: Tickets start at $13
More information

Westfest

When: Oct 26
Where: Booth Western Art Museum, Cartersville
What: A celebration of Western culture with music, Native American dances, a birds of prey show and an OK Corral reenactment. Vendors offer handmade goods, jams and more.
How much: General admission is $16
More information

Artist talk with Melvin Toledo

When: Oct 27
Where: Marietta Cobb Art Museum
What: Melvin Toledo discusses his creative process and the inspiration behind The Stars of America exhibition.
More information

If you would like to submit an event for a future list, email [email protected].