What to Do in Atlanta This Weekend: Your Complete Guide

Looking for the best things to do in Atlanta this weekend? Whether you’re a local seeking new adventures or a visitor exploring the city, Atlanta offers an incredible mix of activities every weekend—from outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to dining, nightlife, and family-friendly fun.

This comprehensive guide covers the best weekend activities in Atlanta, organized by category and interest. While specific events change weekly, this guide highlights recurring weekend activities, seasonal favorites, and the best places to explore when you’re asking “what should I do in Atlanta this weekend?”

Weekend Outdoor Activities

Atlanta BeltLine Weekend Exploration

The Atlanta BeltLine comes alive on weekends with joggers, cyclists, families, and dogs exploring the 22-mile trail system. Weekends offer the best people-watching, food truck gatherings, and street performer entertainment.

Best Weekend BeltLine Activities:

Saturday Morning: Start at Ponce City Market (grab coffee), walk the Eastside Trail south through Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park, stop at Krog Street Market for lunch.

Sunday Afternoon: Explore the Westside Trail, checking out emerging neighborhoods and new murals.

Weekend Food Trucks: Food trucks cluster near Ponce City Market and popular BeltLine access points on weekends.

Best For: Exercise, neighborhood exploration, street art photography, and soaking up Atlanta’s outdoor culture.

Piedmont Park Weekend Scene

Atlanta’s premier urban park transforms into a weekend hub with runners, picnickers, dog walkers, and festival-goers filling the 200+ acres.

Weekend Activities: Jogging the loop trail (2.5 miles), dog park socializing, pickup sports games, picnicking with skyline views, and attending festivals (check calendar).

Saturday Farmers Market: Green Market at Piedmont Park operates Saturday mornings (April-December) with local produce, prepared foods, and artisan goods.

Best For: Active weekends, dog socializing, picnics, and free outdoor entertainment.

Stone Mountain Weekend Hiking

Hiking Stone Mountain’s summit trail is a classic Atlanta weekend activity, offering a moderately challenging 1-mile hike with panoramic views from the top.

Weekend Tips: Arrive early (before 10am) to avoid crowds and heat. Bring water, wear proper shoes, and allow 1.5-2 hours round trip.

Weekend Parking: Parking fees apply on weekends ($20 per vehicle), but the hike itself is free.

Best For: Outdoor exercise, family hiking, and earning those weekend brunch calories.

Chattahoochee River Weekend Adventures

The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area offers weekend hiking, fishing, and river activities just minutes from the city.

Popular Weekend Spots:

Cochran Shoals: Easy, flat trails perfect for jogging and dog walking (3-mile loop).

Vickery Creek: Waterfall hikes and historic mill ruins (moderate difficulty).

Island Ford: River access for fishing and wading.

Weekend Tubing: Shoot the Hooch offers tubing trips on the Chattahoochee (seasonal, May-September).

Best For: Nature escapes, trail running, fishing, and cooling off in the river (summer weekends).

Weekend Cultural Activities

Museum Weekends

Atlanta’s museums offer excellent weekend activities, with some offering free admission days.

High Museum of Art: Free admission second Sunday of each month. Regular admission other weekends. World-class American, European, African, and contemporary art collections.

Center for Civil and Human Rights: Powerful civil rights exhibits and interactive experiences. Free first Monday (if it falls on a weekend or holiday).

Atlanta History Center: Civil War exhibits, historic homes, and gardens. Free for Fulton County residents year-round.

Fernbank Museum of Natural History: Dinosaur exhibits, IMAX theater, and nature trails. Great for families on rainy weekends.

Best For: Rainy weekends, educational activities, and cultural enrichment.

Historic Site Exploration

Atlanta’s historic sites offer free or low-cost weekend activities with educational value.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park: Free tours of Dr. King’s birth home (reserve online in advance), Ebenezer Baptist Church, and the King Center. Open weekends.

Oakland Cemetery: Self-guided tours of Atlanta’s oldest cemetery with Victorian architecture and notable graves (Margaret Mitchell, Bobby Jones). Free admission, open weekends.

Swan House and Atlanta History Center: Historic 1928 mansion and gardens (admission charged, free for Fulton County residents).

Best For: History enthusiasts, photography, and educational weekend outings.

Weekend Food and Dining Experiences

Brunch Culture

Atlanta takes weekend brunch seriously. Expect lines at popular spots, but the food and atmosphere are worth the wait.

Top Brunch Destinations:

Murphy’s (Virginia Highland): Atlanta’s most iconic brunch spot. Arrive before 10am on weekends or expect 45+ minute waits. French toast and eggs Benedict are legendary.

South City Kitchen (Midtown): Upscale Southern brunch with shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and bottomless mimosas. Reservations recommended.

West Egg Cafe (Multiple Locations): Creative Southern breakfast and brunch with reasonable prices and shorter waits than Murphy’s.

The Flying Biscuit Cafe (Multiple Locations): Famous for cranberry-apple butter and creative Southern breakfast dishes. Expect weekend waits but faster turnover.

Leon’s Full Service (Decatur): Elevated comfort food brunch with craft cocktails in a neighborhood setting.

Brunch Tips: Make reservations when possible, arrive before 10am to avoid peak crowds, or go after 1pm when waits decrease.

Food Hall Weekend Exploration

Atlanta’s food halls offer diverse dining options perfect for groups with different tastes.

Ponce City Market: Historic building with 30+ vendors, rooftop attractions, shopping, and BeltLine access. Weekends are crowded but lively. Best vendors: Bellina Alimentari (Italian), W.H. Stiles Fish Camp (seafood), Honeysuckle Gelato.

Krog Street Market: Smaller, more intimate food hall in Inman Park. Weekend highlights: Superica (Tex-Mex), Fred’s Meat & Bread (sandwiches), Hop’s Chicken (Nashville hot chicken), Gu’s Dumplings.

Weekend Strategy: Arrive before noon or after 2pm to avoid peak lunch crowds. Combine with BeltLine walks for a full afternoon.

Farmers Markets

Weekend farmers markets offer fresh produce, prepared foods, and community atmosphere.

Piedmont Park Green Market: Saturday mornings (April-December), 9am-1pm. Local produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and artisan products.

Peachtree Road Farmers Market: Saturday mornings year-round at Cathedral of St. Philip parking lot. Smaller but consistent selection.

Best For: Fresh produce, breakfast pastries, people-watching, and supporting local farmers.

Weekend Nightlife and Entertainment

Live Music Venues

Atlanta’s live music scene heats up on weekends with shows across all genres.

The Tabernacle: Historic church-turned-venue hosting national touring acts. Check weekend schedules for concerts.

Terminal West: Mid-size venue in Westside featuring indie, rock, and alternative acts.

Eddie’s Attic (Decatur): Intimate listening room showcasing singer-songwriters and acoustic acts. Weekend shows often sell out.

The Earl (East Atlanta Village): Dive bar and music venue with eclectic weekend lineups and affordable cover charges.

Variety Playhouse (Little Five Points): Historic theater hosting diverse musical acts from rock to hip-hop to electronic.

Best For: Music lovers, date nights, and discovering new artists.

Neighborhood Bar Scenes

Different neighborhoods offer distinct weekend nightlife vibes.

Virginia Highland: Upscale neighborhood bars with patios, craft cocktails, and 30-something crowds. Try Atkins Park Tavern (historic), Hand in Hand, or Dark Horse Tavern.

Little Five Points: Alternative/punk vibe with dive bars, The Vortex (21+ burger joint), and eclectic crowds.

East Atlanta Village: Hipster haven with craft beer bars, The Earl (music venue), and late-night food options.

Decatur Square: Walkable bar scene with craft beer (Brick Store Pub), cocktails (Kimball House), and wine bars.

Buckhead: Upscale clubs, hotel bars, and see-and-be-seen nightlife for dressed-up crowds.

Best For: Bar hopping, meeting locals, and experiencing different Atlanta neighborhood vibes.

Brewery and Distillery Tours

Atlanta’s craft beverage scene offers weekend tours and tastings.

SweetWater Brewing Company: Free brewery tours Wednesday-Sunday with tastings. Arrive early—tours fill up quickly on weekends.

Monday Night Brewing (West Midtown): Taproom open weekends with rotating food trucks and outdoor seating.

Orpheus Brewing: Piedmont Park-area brewery with excellent sours and IPAs. Weekend taproom hours.

New Realm Brewing: Large West Midtown brewery with restaurant, rooftop bar, and weekend events.

Best For: Craft beer enthusiasts, casual weekend afternoons, and supporting local breweries.

Weekend Family Activities

Georgia Aquarium

The world’s largest aquarium (when it opened) offers weekend family entertainment with whale sharks, beluga whales, dolphins, and interactive exhibits.

Weekend Tips: Book tickets online in advance for discounts. Arrive at opening (9am weekends) to avoid peak crowds. Allow 2-3 hours minimum.

Best For: Families with kids, rainy weekend backup plans, and marine life enthusiasts.

Zoo Atlanta

Home to giant pandas, gorillas, and diverse animal exhibits in Grant Park.

Weekend Tips: Arrive early for active animals (mornings are best). Bring sunscreen and water (summer). Allow 3-4 hours for full visit.

Best For: Families, animal lovers, and outdoor weekend activities with kids.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Interactive exhibits for young children (ages 0-8) in downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park.

Weekend Tips: Weekends get crowded—arrive at opening or go late afternoon. Allow 2-3 hours.

Best For: Toddlers and young children, rainy weekends, and educational play.

Splash Pads and Playgrounds

Free weekend activities for families with young kids.

Centennial Olympic Park: Fountain of Rings splash pad (summer) with Olympic history displays.

Piedmont Park Playgrounds: Multiple playgrounds throughout the park with nearby picnic areas.

Chastain Park: Large playground, pool (summer), and amphitheater for concerts.

Best For: Free family fun, cooling off (summer weekends), and letting kids burn energy.

Weekend Shopping and Markets

Ponce City Market Shopping

Beyond the food hall, Ponce City Market offers boutique shopping, vintage finds, and local artisans.

Weekend Shopping: Browse local boutiques, vintage shops, and the Central Food Hall. Rooftop attractions (mini golf, games) add entertainment.

Krog Street Market and Inman Park

Combine Krog Street Market with Inman Park neighborhood boutique shopping for a full afternoon.

Weekend Strategy: Lunch at Krog Street Market, then explore Inman Park’s vintage shops and boutiques along North Highland Avenue.

Little Five Points Shopping

Atlanta’s alternative shopping district offers vintage clothing, record stores, quirky gifts, and counterculture finds.

Must-Visit Shops: Criminal Records (vinyl), Junkman’s Daughter (eclectic everything), Stefan’s Vintage Clothing, and various vintage/thrift shops.

Best For: Vintage hunters, record collectors, and unique gift shopping.

Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza (Buckhead)

Upscale mall shopping with luxury brands, department stores, and dining options.

Weekend Shopping: Traditional mall experience with high-end retailers. Good rainy weekend backup plan.

Seasonal Weekend Activities

Spring Weekends (March-May)

Cherry Blossoms: Late March/early April brings cherry blossoms to Piedmont Park and around the city.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival: Major spring festival in Piedmont Park (April) with artists, music, and activities.

Inman Park Festival: Neighborhood festival with parade, artists, and Tour of Homes (April).

Outdoor Dining: Patio season begins—explore Virginia Highland, Decatur, and Midtown sidewalk cafes.

Summer Weekends (June-August)

Splash Pads: Free cooling off at Centennial Olympic Park and Piedmont Park fountains.

Outdoor Concerts: Screen on the Green (Piedmont Park movies), Wednesday WindDown (Centennial Olympic Park concerts).

River Tubing: Chattahoochee River tubing with Shoot the Hooch.

Rooftop Bars: Nine Mile Station, Skyline Park (Ponce City Market), and hotel rooftops for sunset drinks.

Atlanta Jazz Festival: Memorial Day weekend free jazz concerts in Piedmont Park.

Fall Weekends (September-November)

Atlanta Pride: Major Pride festival in Piedmont Park (October) with parade and celebrations.

Little Five Points Halloween Festival: Massive costume street party (late October).

Fall Foliage: Stone Mountain and Chattahoochee River trails show beautiful fall colors (late October/early November).

Football Weekends: Georgia Tech home games (Bobby Dodd Stadium) and Falcons games (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) create game-day energy.

Winter Weekends (December-February)

Holiday Markets: Various holiday markets and craft fairs throughout December.

Ice Skating: Occasional outdoor ice rinks pop up downtown (check current offerings).

Indoor Activities: Museums, breweries, food halls, and indoor entertainment become popular winter weekend destinations.

New Year’s Weekend: Peach Drop celebration downtown (New Year’s Eve) and various neighborhood parties.

Weekend Day Trip Ideas from Atlanta

North Georgia Mountains (1.5-2 Hours)

Helen, GA: Bavarian-themed mountain town with tubing, hiking, and German restaurants.

Amicalola Falls: Georgia’s tallest waterfall with hiking trails and state park.

Dahlonega: Historic gold rush town with wineries, downtown square, and mountain scenery.

Best For: Mountain escapes, hiking, fall foliage, and getting out of the city.

Callaway Gardens (1.5 Hours South)

Resort and gardens with butterfly conservatory, hiking trails, and seasonal displays.

Best For: Nature lovers, garden enthusiasts, and peaceful weekend getaways.

Savannah (4 Hours)

Historic coastal city perfect for weekend trips with architecture, riverfront, and Southern charm.

Best For: Long weekend getaways, history enthusiasts, and coastal escapes.

Planning Your Atlanta Weekend

Friday Evening Options

Kick Off the Weekend: Happy hour in Virginia Highland or Decatur, catch a show at The Tabernacle, or explore BeltLine food trucks and street performers.

Saturday Activities

Morning: Farmers market (Piedmont Park), brunch at Murphy’s or South City Kitchen, or hike Stone Mountain.

Afternoon: BeltLine exploration, museum visits, or neighborhood shopping (Little Five Points, Ponce City Market).

Evening: Dinner in Buckhead or Midtown, live music, or neighborhood bar hopping.

Sunday Activities

Relaxed Pace: Late brunch, Piedmont Park picnic, Oakland Cemetery walk, or brewery hopping.

Cultural Options: High Museum (second Sunday free), historic site tours, or neighborhood exploration.

Weekend Budget Planning

Free Weekend Activities

BeltLine walks, Piedmont Park, Oakland Cemetery, MLK National Historical Park, Krog Street Tunnel art, neighborhood exploration, and free museum days.

Budget-Friendly Weekend ($50-100 per person)

Brunch ($20-30), BeltLine food trucks ($10-15), brewery visits ($15-25), and free outdoor activities.

Mid-Range Weekend ($100-200 per person)

Museum admission ($25), nice dinner ($40-60), live music show ($20-40), and brewery/bar hopping ($30-50).

Splurge Weekend ($200+ per person)

Buckhead fine dining ($80-150), Georgia Aquarium ($45), rooftop bar cocktails ($40-60), and upscale entertainment.

Weekend Transportation Tips

Driving and Parking

Weekend parking is easier than weekdays in most neighborhoods. Arrive early at popular destinations (Ponce City Market, Piedmont Park) for best parking. Valet available at upscale restaurants ($10-15).

MARTA (Public Transit)

MARTA trains run on reduced weekend schedules. Useful for accessing Buckhead, Midtown, downtown, and Decatur. $2.50 per ride or $9 weekend pass.

Ride-Sharing

Uber and Lyft are convenient for bar hopping and avoiding parking hassles. Surge pricing applies during peak weekend evenings.

Biking

Relay Bike Share offers rentals for BeltLine exploration. Many neighborhoods are bike-friendly on weekends with lighter traffic.

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Atlanta Weekends

Atlanta offers endless weekend possibilities, from outdoor adventures and cultural experiences to dining, nightlife, and family activities. The key to great Atlanta weekends is mixing planned activities with spontaneous exploration—check event calendars for festivals and concerts, but also leave time to wander neighborhoods, discover new restaurants, and soak up the city’s diverse energy.

Whether you prefer active outdoor weekends on the BeltLine and hiking trails, cultural weekends exploring museums and historic sites, foodie weekends brunching and bar hopping, or family weekends at the aquarium and parks, Atlanta delivers. The city’s mild climate means outdoor activities are possible year-round, while its growing cultural scene ensures there’s always something new to discover.

So this weekend, skip the couch and explore Atlanta. Try that brunch spot with the long line, walk a new BeltLine section, catch live music in a neighborhood you’ve never visited, or simply people-watch in Piedmont Park. Atlanta’s weekends are what you make them—and with this guide, you’re ready to make them unforgettable.

For neighborhood-specific weekend recommendations and local insights, explore our complete neighborhood guides to Virginia Highland, Midtown, Inman Park, Buckhead, Little Five Points, and West End.