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 Native American Festival and Pow Wow

The largest Native American gathering in Georgia takes place from October 29 through November 1 in Stone Mountain Park. It was named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society and showcases Native American culture through dance, music, authentic craft demonstrations, cooking traditions, storytelling, wildlife presentations and more.

The Turn of the Screw

Get into the spooky season spirit with Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation of the Henry James classic onstage for one week only at Shakespeare Tavern, October 28 through November 1. 

Friday

Alpharetta Symphony 

On October 30, the orchestra will perform the second symphonies of both Alexander Borodin and Pyotr Tchaikovsky at the Innovation Academy Auditorium. There will be a pre-concert talk one hour before the performance.

Steve Lacy

Singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer returned this year with his first new album since 2022’s Gemini Rights, which included the No. 1 hit “Bad Habits.” The new album, Oh Yeah?, offers more of his adventurously arranged musings on modern malaise. Lacy will play two nights at Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park on October 30 and October 31.

Rakim

Widely regarded as one of the most influential emcees of all time, he changed the art of rap with his groundbreaking style, complex internal rhymes and calm, commanding delivery. Alongside Eric B., Rakim set a new standard with albums such as Paid in Full and Follow the Leader in the late 1980s, which continue to shape hip-hop decades later. He’ll play four shows at City Winery on October 30 and October 31.

Descent

The Supermarket’s Descent offers double the Halloween fun with two nights of art, music, live performance and endless frights in a devilish world where goblins and ghouls come to life. It’s happening on Friday and Saturday, October 30 and October 31.

A Haunting at 100

The High Museum of Art turns 100 this year, and a century leaves a few ghosts in the halls. On Friday, October 30, they’re opening the doors after dark for a Halloween party that takes over the whole museum. Dance in the Taylor Lobby, gather around for ghost stories in the Atrium, slip into the galleries on an after-hours tour and raise a glass to the museum’s first 100 years. Costumes aren’t required, but they are strongly encouraged.

Saturday

Igor Levit 

Pianist Igor Levit eturns to Spivey Hall on October 31 with an all-Beethoven program. The 2019 release of his complete Beethoven Piano Sonatas cemented Levit’s reputation as one of today’s foremost interpreters of Beethoven.

Sunday

Día De Muertos

The traditional Day of the Dead festival, hosted by the Consulate General of Mexico and the Institute of Mexican Culture, will take place at Oakland Cemetery on November 1. Visitors of all ages will learn about and experience the festival through traditional activities such as folkloric dances, crafts, food and altars honoring lost family and friends.