Cool Things To Do in September in Atlanta

Festivals, concerts, sports, and cultural events to keep your calendar full all month long

The kids may be back in school, but Atlanta is just getting started when it comes to fall fun. September is packed with exciting festivals, live music, art, sports, and cultural celebrations that make it the perfect month to explore the city. Whether you’re planning family time, a date night, or a day out with friends, here are the top events you won’t want to miss this September in Atlanta.

Stay Busy This September

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

Description: A food lover’s paradise featuring over 200 chefs, sommeliers, and mixologists. Highlights include the Tasting Tent by Goya Foods (Sept. 11–14) and Whiskey & Fire Atlanta on Sept. 13. Expect everything from global flavors to open-fire competitions.
Dates: September 11–14, 2025
Location: Various venues around Atlanta

Credits to exploregeorgia.org

Shaky Knees Festival

Description: One of Atlanta’s most iconic rock music festivals returns with headliners Deftones (Friday), My Chemical Romance (Saturday), and Blink-182 (Sunday). Also performing are The Black Keys, Vampire Weekend, and more.
Dates: September 19–21, 2025
Location: Piedmont Park

Sweet Auburn Music Fest

Description: A free two-day festival featuring R&B, hip-hop, gospel, food trucks, and an art expo. Perfect for music lovers and families alike.
Dates: September 27–28, 2025
Location: 320 Irwin St., near Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Out On Film Festival

Description: An Oscar-qualifying LGBTQ film festival showcasing around 150 films including documentaries, shorts, and international features. One of only six LGBTQ film festivals in the world with this recognition.
Dates: September 21–October 1, 2025
Location: Landmark Midtown & Out Front Theatre Company

Atlanta Indian Film Festival

Description: The 7th annual event celebrates Indian cinema with screenings and workshops. Don’t miss the Gala at the Twelve Hotel on Sept. 26.
Dates: September 27–28, 2025
Location: Tara Theatre, Twelve Hotel

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival

Description: Watch over 75 teams compete in the 28th annual dragon boat races. Expect thrilling races and a festival-like atmosphere. Last year drew more than 10,000 attendees.
Dates: September 6, 2025
Location: Lake Lanier Olympic Park

Monster Jam

Description: Massive trucks like Grave Digger and El Toro Loco take over Gas South Arena with freestyle stunts, two-wheel skills, and racing competitions. A must-see for adrenaline junkies.
Dates: September 6–7, 2025
Location: Gas South Arena

Panda Fest

Description: Experience Asian food, art, and culture with more than 300 vendors serving unique bites like Mongolian skewers and bao buns.
Dates: September 5–7, 2025
Location: Atlantic Station

AIDS Walk Atlanta Music Festival & 5K Run

Description: Join the 5K walk or run to support HIV/AIDS awareness. The festival features Trombone Shorty and CeeLo Green, with proceeds benefiting local service organizations.
Dates: September 27, 2025
Location: Piedmont Park

Yellow Daisy Festival at Stone Mountain Park

Description: One of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast, featuring more than 400 vendors, live music, and food.
Dates: September 4–7, 2025
Location: Stone Mountain Park

Luna Luna at Pullman Yards

Description: The world’s first art amusement park, featuring works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Salvador Dalí, Keith Haring, and more, comes alive again after 35 years.
Dates: Starts September 24, 2025
Location: Pullman Yards

Rise and Dine with the Animals at Zoo Atlanta

Description: Have breakfast with the gorillas, including Floyd and his father Taz, while learning about animal care. Breakfast includes pastries, fruit, and coffee, with mimosas available for adults.
Date: September 13, 2025
Location: Zoo Atlanta

PUPFEST at The Works

Description: A dog-friendly festival with vendors, patios, and Woofstock-inspired flair. Dress up in tie-dye, flower crowns, and retro outfits. Proceeds benefit the Atlanta Humane Society.
Date: September 6, 2025
Location: The Works

Atlanta Ballet – Balanchine & Peck

Description: The season opens with three iconic works—Emeralds, In Creases, and Prodigal Son. A celebration of timeless choreography.
Dates: September 12–14, 2025
Location: Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

East Atlanta Strut

Description: A quirky neighborhood festival with live music, a parade, food, and fun competitions like Leaf Blower Madness and Llama Poop Bingo.
Date: September 20, 2025
Location: East Atlanta Village

Summer Sounds at Centennial Olympic Park

Description: Enjoy an evening of free music and food in the heart of the city.
Date: September 18, 2025
Location: Centennial Olympic Park

Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park

Description: Glow-in-the-dark pumpkin parades, drone shows, walk-through adventures, and fireworks make this one of the season’s most magical family events.
Dates: September 13–November 2, 2025
Location: Stone Mountain Park

The Art of Belief Exhibit

Description: Works by Howard Finster and Harry Underwood explore faith and imagination in Southern outsider art.
Dates: September 6–November 15, 2025
Location: The Sun ATL Gallery

Virginia Highland Farmers Market

Description: Fresh produce, local vendors, contests, kids’ activities, and live music every Sunday morning.
Dates: September 7–November 9, 2025
Location: Virginia Highland

Atlanta Streets Alive

Description: Stroll or bike down Peachtree Street while it’s closed to cars. Vendors and entertainment line the route.
Date: September 14, 2025
Location: Peachtree Street

Forkside Seats

Description: A charity dinner supporting food service workers with curated tastings from top Atlanta restaurants, hosted at State Farm Arena.
Date: September 28, 2025
Location: State Farm Arena

Epicurean Atlanta Events

• Jean Luc Colombo Wine Dinner – Sept. 12 at The Garden Room

• Chef Freddy Money & Chef Thomas Straker Collab – Sept. 13 at The Garden Room

• Wine & Charcuterie Workshop – Sept. 12 at Epicurean Hotel

• Shuck & Shot – Sept. 20 at Epicurean Hotel

• Mezcal Tasting – Sept. 20 at Epicurean Hotel

• Chocolate 101 – Sept. 20 at Epicurean Hotel

Double Play Exhibit at College Football Hall of Fame

Description: Explore the achievements of athletes who excelled in both football and baseball, like Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders.
Dates: Through mid-October, 2025
Location: College Football Hall of Fame

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

• Estamos Aquí Festival – Sept. 13, Old Fourth Ward Park

• Placita Latina Exhibit – Sept. 12–Oct. 17, Decatur Arts Alliance Gallery

• Latinx Art Exhibition – Sept. 15–Oct. 8, Decatur Visitors Center

• Estamos Aquí Fiesta – Sept. 13, Old Fourth Ward Park

• Make a Miracle Dinner – Sept. 24, Tio Lucho’s

Football is Back

• Atlanta Falcons – Sept. 7 (Buccaneers), Sept. 28 (Commanders)

• Georgia Tech – Sept. 6, Sept. 13, Sept. 20

• Georgia State University – Sept. 6, Sept. 13

• Clark Atlanta University – Sept. 6, Sept. 11, Sept. 27

• Morehouse College – Sept. 20

September in Atlanta has something for everyone—from food and film festivals to live music, sports, and cultural celebrations. Which event will you add to your calendar first? Share your plans with us or reach out if you’re looking for tips on where to stay, eat, or explore nearby neighborhoods.

Q&A

Q: What’s the biggest festival happening in Atlanta this September?
A: The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival and Shaky Knees Festival are two of the city’s biggest draws, bringing in visitors from all over the Southeast.

Q: Are there family-friendly events in September?
A: Absolutely! Events like the Pumpkin Festival at Stone Mountain Park, Rise and Dine at Zoo Atlanta, and Virginia Highland Farmers Market are perfect for kids.

Q: How can I avoid traffic during big events like Sweet Auburn Music Fest or Atlanta Streets Alive?
A: Public transit like MARTA and the Atlanta Streetcar are highly recommended, especially for events near downtown and Midtown.

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