Arts Agenda: summer festivals

Each week, ArtsATL delivers a critic’s short list of the shows, exhibitions, concerts and events we recommend for the coming weeks within one discipline or venue type in the kaleidoscope of Atlanta arts and culture.

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Through July 19

FIFA Fan Festival In Atlanta transforms the heart of downtown into a global gathering place where fans from around the world can unite to experience live match broadcasts, concerts, food and beverage offerings, interactive sponsor activations and cultural programming — all set against the iconic backdrop of Centennial Olympic Park. Performers include Killer Mike, Ludacris, Davido and CeeLo Green.

July 18

The Midsummer Kids Festival is a summertime celebration designed especially for kids and the grown-ups who love them. It includes the Children’s Entrepreneur Market with 40+ kid-run businesses, where young creators showcase their talents through handmade crafts, art, games and sweet treats. Join the fun from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on July 18.

July 25

Experience sweet treats, family fun, live music and the Wellness Zone at the 16th Atlanta Ice Cream & Wellness Festival in Piedmont Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 25. 

August 15-16

The annual Piedmont Park Arts Festival will feature 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 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 15 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 16.

August 22-23

The Grant Park Conservancy Summer Shade Festival is a free outdoor festival that celebrates Atlanta’s oldest public park. It’s presented by and benefits the Grant Park Conservancy, the nonprofit organization committed to the restoration, maintenance and beautification of historic Grant Park.

September 2-7

The annual Atlanta Black Pride Weekend takes place over Labor Day Weekend, with its signature Pride events scheduled for September 2 through September 7 — though you’ll find related events happening starting on August 27. The event is marking its 20th anniversary in 2026.

September 3-5

The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival brings together talented playwrights, actors, directors, visual artists and audiences to showcase original works that reflect the breadth and depth of history, life and experiences across the diaspora from September 3 through September 5 at Spelman College.

September 3-7

Dragon Con is Atlanta’s massive multimedia pop culture convention focusing on science fiction and fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music and film. This year, it’s happening September 3 through September 7.

September 5-7

Marietta’s Art in the Park is an Atlanta Labor Day weekend tradition that will celebrate its 40th anniversary this year. The three-day juried fine art festival takes place on the historic Marietta Square in Glover Park and attracts more than 55,000 guests. It happens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. September 5 through September 7.

September 10-13

The award-winning Yellow Daisy Festival returns to Stone Mountain Park beginning at 9 a.m. September 10 through September 13. The 56th annual event will bring in more than 400 artists and crafters, along with the Yellow Daisy Vintage Village, a fresh flower and plant garden, the Children’s Entrepreneur Market, live music and more.