9 essential Atlanta arts events this weekend
Each week, ArtsATL curates a selection of the most exciting arts and culture events happening in Atlanta this weekend, highlighting nine must-see experiences.
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Thursday
The Essential Theatre Play Festival
Essential Theatre is the longest-running theater company exclusively dedicated to supporting Georgia playwrights. This year’s main event, the world premiere production of A Very Special Hospital, the 2025 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award winner by Matt Hoffman, continues at 7 Stages through the run of the Festival. Hoffman, who is also a critical care physician, tells the story of estranged siblings brought together during their father’s critical illness. The Festival also includes a wealth of one-night-only performances throughout August, including Kate Crabtree’s Someone Else’s Child, a look at surrogacy and family bonds, on August 14. Check out the full list of this year’s productions, including play readings and a showcase of 10-minute plays, at the Essential Theatre website.
At the Center for Puppetry Arts, Unraveling blends light techniques and shadow puppetry infused with elements of sci-fi, film noir, classic film and surrealism. The dream-like show explores the inexplicable moments in time when we, or the world around us, seem to come apart. It’s presented by innovative Seattle-based performance art duo Shadow Girls Cult, founded in 2018. Unraveling is onstage through Sunday, August 17, at the Center for Puppetry Arts.
Friday
Competition barbecue and music come together at this annual Kennesaw’s fest on Main Street and at the United Bankshares Amphitheater. The event got its start with a blues concert and a handful of amateurs back in 2000, and it’s grown into a Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned event that attracts an estimated 60,000 people annually. Pigs & Peaches happens Friday and Saturday, August 15 and August 16.
High Museum of Art’s Friday Jazz
Enjoy a cultural double feature at the High Museum of Art’s Friday Jazz series, where you’ll experience live music and explore the museum’s galleries. On August 15, Friday Jazz features KIN.TheBand, a recent recipient of a Jazz Roads grant from South Arts.
Saturday
If you’re looking to brave the Georgia heat, two outdoor festivals are happening this weekend. Think of it as a prelude to the fall festival season, which really ramps up in September. The Piedmont Park Arts Festival brings nearly 250 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalworkers, glass blowers, jewelers and crafters to Piedmont Park on August 16 and August 17. You’ll also find artist demonstrations, live acoustic music, a children’s play area and more at this free annual festival.
If you’re looking for laughs, head to Atlanta Symphony Hall on Saturday, August 16, for an appearance by Russell Peters. In 2017, Peters was named as one of Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Comics of All Time. The Canadian’s observational comedy draws on cultural stereotypes, not only from his own Anglo-Indian background but across the spectrum. His performances have set attendance records at venues in London, Sydney and Toronto, while his YouTube channel, where he boasts 1.5 million subscribers, has amassed an impressive number of views.
Just south of Atlanta, the Stockbridge Jazz Festival is happening at the VyStar Amphitheater at the Bridge beginning at 8 p.m. on August 16 and August 17. Comedian Tommy Davidson hosts a lineup that includes David Benoit, Norman Brown, Jennifer Holliday and Chandra Currelley.
On the visual arts front, One By One is a group exhibition at ABV Gallery on Metropolitan Avenue, which opens with a reception from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, August 16. Each artist has created new 1’ x 1’ artwork. From bold abstracts and refined realism to street-inspired design and experimental pieces, this exhibition spans a wide range of styles, mediums and themes.
Sunday
Exploring the Black Roots of Salsa
Dance instructor Marc Antonio will delve into the cultural and historical roots of Afro-Cuban rhythms and movements. This workshop will offer participants an engaging exploration of the vibrant influences that shape this dynamic dance form. The event happens from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on August 17 at the home of Proyecto Barrio Dance Company, (2700 Northeast Expressway, C500, Atlanta).
Additional events from WABE’s The City Lights Collective and more things to do this weekend
On The City Lights Collective on WABE, ArtsAtl’s Shane Harrison offers a list of best bets, airing in the 1 p.m. hour every Wednesday. This week, in addition to some of the events listed above, he discusses the Atlanta stop for Jimmie Vaughan, founder of the Fabulous Thunderbirds and brother of Stevie Ray Vaughan, who has been has been melding blues and rock for almost 60 years. He’s bringing his Tilt-A-Whirl Band to City Winery for an 8 p.m. show on August 14 … Lostintheletters will host Eco-Writing with Janisse Ray (Ecology of a Cracker Childhood), a generative two-hour writing workshop that will explore the intersection of story and trees. The session will use mindful observation, sensory details, memories and prompt-based writing to deepen our connections with trees and treescapes. The craft focus will be on how trees can be used as powerful symbols in writing. It’s happening from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on August 16 at Trees Atlanta’s Kendeda TreeHouse (825 Warner St. SW Suite A) … Atlanta Historic Dance’s Historical Dance Soiree and Tea will feature dances ranging from beginner to advanced levels, encompassing 18th- and 19th-century styles. Historical costumes from any period are preferred, but modern, modest formal attire is acceptable. The event is happening at Hawkins Hall at Decatur Legacy Park (500 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur) from 4 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. on August 17.
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