Atlanta’s event calendar is heating up with everything from culture-rich festivals and quirky family experiences to music, sports, and immersive art. Whether you’re a local looking for weekend inspiration or a visitor planning your ATL itinerary, this guide highlights the standout happenings across the city.
Featured Highlights: What’s Happening Now & Soon
Hot Chocolate Run Atlanta — February 1
Wake up your weekend with one of Atlanta’s sweetest fitness traditions. The Hot Chocolate Run combines scenic city routes with post-race treats and community vibes — perfect for runners of all levels.
WildWoods: AGLOW at Fernbank — Ongoing
Through February 28, step into a magical illuminated forest walk at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. AGLOW blends art, nature, and light into an unforgettable sensory experience.
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival — Feb 19–Mar 6
Film lovers rejoice — one of the region’s most respected film festivals returns with compelling stories, community showcases, and cinematic conversations spanning culture and identity.
Lunar New Year Festival — Through Mar 1
Stone Mountain Park celebrates Lunar New Year with vibrant performances, food, and cultural traditions. A perfect family-friendly event to kick off the Year of the Horse.
Valentines in the Garden — Feb 14
Love is in full bloom at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. This special Valentine’s celebration blends stunning horticulture with romantic evening programming.
40th Annual Sweet Auburn Springfest — May 9–10
Mark your calendar for one of Atlanta’s longest-running street festivals — food, music, creativity, and community energy flow through the historic Sweet Auburn district.
Music, Theatre, and Nightlife Picks
Atlanta’s live entertainment lineup is eclectic and constant:
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Candlelight: Tribute to Adele (Jan 29) — A glowing musical soirée at Magnolia Hall that turns beloved songs into unforgettable live experiences.
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Modern Calligraphy Workshop (Jan 29) — Creative workshop sessions for beginners at the Mimms Museum.
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Live Concerts & Gigs Through the City — From guitar virtuosos to indie bands, Atlanta’s venues (The Masquerade, Variety Playhouse, Aisle 5) are buzzing with shows this month and into spring.
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Little Shop of Horrors (Jan–Feb) — Catch this musical favorite at the Marietta Theatre Company.
Sports & Active Experiences
There’s no shortage of ways to stay active or catch competitive action in ATL:
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Pro Volleyball at Gas South Arena (Jan 26–31) — High-energy games with a pro lineup this week.
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Tennis & Basketball at Georgia Tech — From women’s tennis matches to men’s basketball showdowns, collegiate sports offer engaging weekend options.
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Atlanta World Cup 2026 Prep Events — With FIFA heading to ATL later in the year, keep an eye out for build-up celebrations and viewing parties.
Family & Community Activities
Atlanta’s community calendar includes thoughtful, fun events for all ages:
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Docent Training with Trees Atlanta (Jan 26–28) — Learn about local ecology and volunteer opportunities.
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Flourish Family Homeschool Conference (Multiple Dates) — A resource-rich event for parents and educators.
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Black History Month Events (February) — Explore the city’s cultural legacy via storytelling, neighborhood events, and museum features.
Plan Ahead: Major 2026 Experiences
These are standout events worth blocking on your calendar now:
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SCAD TVfest in Midtown (Feb 4–6) — Panels and premieres featuring stars from Bridgerton, SNL, and Abbott Elementary bring TV culture right into Atlanta’s creative core.
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Spring & Summer Festivals — From cherry blossoms to major street fairs, Atlanta’s outdoor festival season returns in March and beyond.
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Live Music & World Cup-Related Gatherings — As concert tours hit the city and global soccer arrives for 2026, ATL becomes one of the hottest destinations for world-class events.
Tips for Exploring Atlanta’s Event Scene
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Use the full Atlanta calendar: From community gatherings to professional sports and large festivals, the city’s event portals let you filter by date, neighborhood, and interest.
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Explore by category: Atlanta’s lineup covers everything — comedy, fitness & health, visual arts, culinary pop-ups, neighborhood festivals, and more.
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Check venue schedules: Many local staples like The Tabernacle and Coca-Cola Roxy offer rotating shows that extend beyond the headline calendar.
Final Word
Atlanta’s event landscape in early 2026 is rich with community flavor, cultural diversity, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re into film festivals, running events, music gigs, family activities, or big-ticket celebrations, ATL delivers year-round excitement. Keep an eye on the evolving calendar — there’s always something new happening in the heart of the South.
