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

Milestones

Robert Kramer’s and John Douglas’ sprawling and ambitious 1975 film is an epic of everyday life. It follows dozens of characters and blends fiction, documentary and re-enactment in telling the story of ’60s radicals grown up, mourning the sense of hope that defined their youth and trying in their own ways to move forward in the post-Vietnam War era. Film Love will present the film at the Plaza Theatre on August 27.

(MC)2

This multicultural dance festival, curated by George Staib and staibdance, is taking place August 24 through August 29, presented by Roswell Cultural Arts Center in partnership with Tolbert Yilmaz School of Dance/Roswell Dance Theatre. The festival unites Atlanta-based culturally rooted dance organizations under one roof for six days of classes, performances and community conversations. Performers include Flamenco Underground, Alma Mexicana Danza Folklórica, Giwayen Mata and the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company, whose Co-Artistic Director Kerry Lee was among ArtsATL’s Ones to Watch for 2026.

Friday

Purpose

In Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Purpose, which opens at the Alliance Theatre on August 28, the Jasper family is gathering for a long-overdue reunion. For decades, they’ve been the embodiment of Black political power and public virtue — a dynasty of ministers, activists and change makers whose legacy has shaped generations. But when a young outsider arrives with questions no one is prepared to answer, carefully guarded secrets begin to surface. The play won the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for best play in a production that originated at Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago, directed by Phylicia Rashad. The Alliance production will run through September 20.

I SPY! Walter Wick’s Hidden Wonders

Renowned worldwide for his iconic I SPY! and Can You See What I See? children’s book series, Walter Wick is one of the nation’s most famous photographic illustrators. Throughout his decades-long career, his award-winning books have captivated readers across cultures and generations, combining art, craft and technology to inspire discovery and wonder. This fall, the High will present the largest survey of Wick’s work to date, from August 28 through January 3, 2027.

You Are Not Alone: Bugs!
Charlotte Woolf’s second curatorial project with the Department of Fine Arts at Georgia State University’s Perimeter College celebrates the remarkable world of insects and will feature 18 artists from across Georgia working in photography, painting, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media and installation. The exhibition highlights the essential role insects play in our ecosystems while exploring themes of pollination, labor, decomposition and interdependence through a wide range of artistic perspectives. There’s an opening reception from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. august 28, and the show will be on view through October 7.

Saturday

Yacht Rock Revue

Primetime is Yacht Rock Revue’s most ambitious live production to date, inspired by the golden age of television and the band’s own roots as a DIY club act. The tour, which has taken them all over the country throughout the summer, reflects the band’s evolution from Atlanta club favorite to one of the most in-demand touring acts in the country. Catch them at Synovus Bank Amphitheatre on August 29.

The Two Marys: Devotion in 17th Century Sacred Music

This program brings to life the passion, beauty and emotion of Baroque music inspired by Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene. The program features vocal and instrumental music performed by members of Ars Sonora Atlanta, exploring themes of love, longing, sorrow, faith and hope. Hear it at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church at 7:30 p.m. on August 29.

Between Memory and Becoming

Arnika Dawkins Gallery presents an exhibition by Oyè Diran, bringing together works from several interconnected photographic series. ⁠Across the exhibition, Diran considers memory, cultural inheritance, kinship and transformation — from the rich symbolism of 𝘙ê𝘷𝘦 𝘉𝘭𝘦𝘶 and the artist’s reflections on vintage Yoruba fashion in 𝘈 𝘛𝘪 𝘋𝘦 to meditations on individuality and community in 𝘐𝘯 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘉𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘴 and the intergenerational relationship at the heart of his newest body of work, 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 & 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘞𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴. ⁠It opens with a reception from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on August 29, with a conversation with the artist beginning at 11:30 a.m. The show is on view through October 3.

Levi Lowrey and Jennifer Knapp

Beloved local singer-songwriter and producer Levi Lowrey has teamed up with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jennifer Knapp for a new five-song EP called Supplicant. The duo will perform at Eddie Owen Presents at the Red Clay Theater in Duluth at 8 p.m. on August 29.

More things to do this weekend and beyond

John Heffron’s comedy journey began in college, and, since then, he has made a name for himself with his appearances on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, where he emerged as a fan favorite and winner. Heffron’s comedy specials on Netflix and Comedy Central have further solidified his reputation as one of the top comedians in the country. He’ll be at The Punchline at 8 p.m. August 27; 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. August 28; and 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. August 29 … Grammy-winning guitarist, singer and songwriter Gary Clark Jr. will perform at The Eastern at 8 p.m. on September 1 … Chamber Cartel presents the world premieres of three newly commissioned works at eyedrum at 8 p.m. on August 31. Listen by Nick Demos is a multi-movement quasi-jazz quartet (saxophone, upright bass, marimba and percussion) that serves as a bit of a warning. Larvae by Jordan Benator is an open instrumentation, variable-length work that explores the gestation of an idea over the course of the piece. Machine City Z by Christopher Adler is scored for alto flute, viola, prepared piano and percussion.