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

All Shook Up

Marietta Theatre Company will present this tuneful show that melds the music of Elvis Presley to a book inspired by Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. It runs from August 13 through August 22 at the New Theatre in the Square in Marietta.

Friday

Mr. Cool 

Inspired by the life and legacy of Arthur Ashe, this play takes place inside the recording studio of Ray Masinloc, a former UFC champion turned podcast host, where Ashe is his guest. It stars Stephen Ruffin and Matt Mercurio, with remaining performances on August 14, August 15 and August 16 at Theatrical Outfit’s Balzer Theater.

Skyler Saufley

This self-taught guitarist, singer, multi-instrumentalist and bandleader is dedicated to preserving the excitement and authenticity of classic American rhythm and blues. The Alabama Blues Hall of Fame inductee will perform at Blind Willie’s on August 14.

Pee-wee’s Big Adventure 

There’s plenty to keep film fans happy, too. Off the Wall @ 725 Ponce, in conjunction with the Plaza Theatre, will project Pee-wee’s Big Adventure onto five stories on the face of the Eastside Trail’s 725 Ponce building on the Beltline on August 14 and August 15.

Jenny Tian

A regular on the Sydney, Australia, comedy circuit, Jenny Tian’s debut solo show, Picture This, played to sold-out venues up and down the East Coast of Australia and was released as a YouTube special, where it has nearly a million views. Taskmaster fans might recall her from the second season of Taskmaster Australia. She’ll perform at Helium Comedy Club on August 14, August 15 and August 16.

Saturday

Piedmont Park Arts Festival

As a harbinger of all the fall festivals to come, this annual event takes over the heart of Midtown with up to 250 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalworkers, glass blowers, jewelers and crafters. The Festival will also offer artist demonstrations, live acoustic music, a children’s play area and more on August 15 and August 16.

Criminal Records’ 35th anniversary block party

On August 15, Criminal Records will host a free and all-ages block party in historic Little Five Points. The beloved record shop had its beginnings in Florida before moving to the end of Euclid Avenue, later relocating to Moreland and then back home to Euclid. It’s been 35 years since Criminal Records opened its doors, so they’re celebrating with a full day of music. They’ll feature 25 bands across three stages in L5P: the Criminal Records Stage, outside in Findley Plaza and at L5P Pub. The event even has its own special brew from Creature Comforts called Long Player, featuring artwork by R. Land.

Tinsley Ellis

Out in Duluth, this Atlanta legend whose latest album, Labor Of Love, was released earlier this year, will perform at Eddie Owen Presents at the Red Clay Music Foundry on August 15. Michelle Malone opens the show.

Riverbend

Steve James (I’m Gonna Git You Sucka) stars as one of three Black Vietnam soldiers who join forces with a determined local woman, played by Oscar-nominated actress Margaret Avery (The Color Purple), to organize a small Southern town against a violent, racist sheriff. After a brief theatrical run and VHS release in 1990, Riverbend disappeared for decades. The recovery of its original 35mm elements made a painstaking, director-approved restoration possible. Now, more than 35 years later, this Georgia-set film will make its Atlanta debut at the Plaza on August 15.

More things to do this weekend and beyond

The Atlanta Blues Society’s Atlanta Blues Challenge will take place at MadLife Stage & Studios in Woodstock on August 16, beginning at 1 p.m. The winners will represent Atlanta in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2027 … The Plaza is also showing Wet Hot American Summer, which turns 25 this year, and they’ll mark the occasion with screenings on August 15, August 18 and August 20.