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

The fest’s main event, the world premiere production of A Very Special Hospital, the 2025 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award winner by Matt Hoffman, continues through August 31 at 7 Stages in Little Five Points, but there are also many one-night-only performances throughout August, including King of Caribou Lake by Larry and Carol Larson. The play focuses on a Minnesota family facing the challenges and turmoil brought about by the decline of a strong-willed Army Veteran facing the nightmare of late-onset PTSD. It takes the stage on Thursday, August 21, at 7:30 p.m. 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.

Continuum

Artists Johnnie Diacon (Muscogee Creek Nation) and Hotvlkuce Harjo (Muscogee Creek Nation) will be on hand for the opening of the special exhibition Continuum, in conversation with Curator of Indigenous Arts of the Americas Miranda Kyle at 7 p.m. on August 21. Both artists delve into the intersection of tradition, present and future, creating a vibrant narrative that challenges static perceptions of indigenous cultures. Continuum is on view in the John Howett Works on Paper Gallery from August 21 through December 7. Continuum will be open for viewing before the program from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

John Heffron 

Heffron made a name for himself with his appearances on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, where he emerged as a fan favorite and winner. His comedy specials on Netflix and Comedy Central have further solidified his reputation as one of the top comedians in the country, with his takes on family life, the challenges of middle age and the absurdities of modern technology. He’ll be at the Punchline for six shows from August 21 through August 23.

Zarna Garg

Garg is a comedy trailblazing Indian immigrant mom from New York City. She infuses humor, wit and social commentary into her comedy special for Amazon Prime, One in a Billion and her insightful podcast, The Zarna Garg Family Show, dissecting modern family dynamics. She’ll be at Helium Comedy Club in Alpharetta for five shows August 21 through August 23.

Friday

David Ryan Harris

Harris first rose to prominence as frontman for Atlanta rock band Follow For Now in the late 1980s and early 1990s. They seemed poised to break through in a big way after signing with Chrysalis Records, but they never seemed to capture their live magic in the studio, and the band broke up in 1994. Since then, Harris has maintained a solo career (and a stint in Brand New Immortals) and worked with numerous artists as a writer, producer and guitarist. One of his biggest successes came with the 2012 track “Battle Scars,” a massive No. 1 hit in Australia for Guy Sebastian and Lupe Fiasco. Harris co-wrote the song with Sebastian. The longtime Atlanta resident returns to his former hometown for a show at Red Clay Music Foundry at 8 p.m. on Friday, August 22.

Tilt Your Face to the Kissing Sun

At South River Art Studios near East Atlanta, the group exhibition Tilt Your Face to the Kissing Sun will spotlight work from regional artists that exalts the final days of summer, focusing on transitional periods and the lessons learned in these longer days. The show includes painting, photography, sculpture and performance and opens with a reception from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, August 22.

Saturday

Summer Shade Festival

In these days before the Labor Day holiday, it might feel like everyone is saving their energy for the long weekend to come. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do this weekend. Mark the unofficial last weekend of summer with The Grant Park Conservancy’s Summer Shade Festival, a free outdoor festival that celebrates Atlanta’s oldest public park. The event brings together a variety of regional and local artists, food vendors and musical entertainment on August 23 and August 24.

The Atlanta Printmakers Studio anniversary

The Atlanta Printmakers Studio in Hapeville is celebrating its 20^th anniversary this weekend. They’ll mark the occasion with food, art and community as they commemorate two decades of fine art printmaking. The event is free and open to the public. They’re asking for a $5 donation to further their mission — providing opportunities for learning and a well-equipped studio for artists to work. The event takes place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on August 23.

Sunday

The Ridibund Chamber Music Society

The classical/contemporary fusion group led by acclaimed composer and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra bassist Michael Kurth will play a Sunday afternoon concert at Eddie Owen Presents at the Red Clay Music Foundry on August 24.

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 two shows at the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville that blend the silver screen with the museum’s mission. Selling the Western: Movie Posters Old & New gathers promotional posters from the Booth’s permanent collection, spotlighting the long history of Hollywood marketing. Western Costumes from the Silver Screen: The Davey Collection focuses on the Western portion of John Davey’s collection, which helped shape Hollywood’s history. This exciting exhibition will feature a curated selection of 24 iconic pieces of clothing and accessories worn by famous actors and actresses in Western films. These rare costumes will be paired with Western movie posters, lobby cards and historical photographs, offering a fascinating glimpse into the golden era of Western cinema. The impressive range of Western costumes worn by film icons includes the striped coat worn by John Wayne in Dakota, the green dress worn by Elizabeth Taylor in Giant and the leather jacket with a fur collar worn by Jake Gyllenhaal in Brokeback Mountain … The Weeknd brings his After Hours Til Dawn Tour, with openers Playboi Carti and Mike Dean, to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This marathon tour has been traveling the world for more than three years, a period that’s also included the release of three albums, most recently the January 2025 album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. That album was a companion piece to the film of the same name, starring The Weeknd and Jenna Ortega. Catch The Weeknd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 21 … Comedian, actor and rapper Karlous Miller began his comedy career in Atlanta and is widely known for his successful podcast and comedy tour The 85 South Show. He’ll host the Invest Fest Comedy Show at Center Stage at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, August 21, with Navv Greene, Clayton English and Moneybag Mafia … The Home Depot Backyard’s Summer Movie Experience with CreATL Arts Fest happens from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. Saturday, August 23. CreATL Arts Fest is a community celebration that will showcase Atlanta’s vibrant art scene. Among the highlighted activations for CreATL will be an immersive community painting experience with Sway Art, fan making with Oriental Trading, dance performances by Manga African Dance and Moving in the Spirit, storytelling featuring The Wren’s Nest, sustainable arts and crafts station courtesy of Scraplanta, arts education with Children’s Museum of Atlanta, wood crafts workshop with Teenz on Point, and on-site programming courtesy of the Fulton County Art Van. CreATL will also celebrate the five-year anniversary of Monuments: Atlanta’s Immigrants, one of two murals located at The Home Depot Backyard, with an artist talk by the mural’s creator Yehimi Cambron. The night concludes with a center lawn screening of Ratatouille.