10 Can't-Miss Atlanta Music Festivals
Music festivals are back! Catch your favorite bands at these big events in Atlanta.
Each year, the Atlanta area offers up world-class talent at music festivals that show off the city’s historic neighborhoods, iconic venues and not-very-far-away fields. From perennial favorites to newly launched events, these Atlanta music festivals are hot tickets this year. Find more information about these and many more music festivals on ExploreGeorgia.org/music.
Atlanta Jazz , Sept. 5-6, 2021
If you think getting into a music festival is out of your budget this year, check out the cost of the Atlanta Jazz Festival: $0. While the main part of the festival is Labor Day weekend, events will take place throughout the summer from rooftop concerts and galleries to museums and restaurants as part of the “Summer of Jazz” series. The Labor Day weekend events all happen at Piedmont Park.
Candler Park Music Festival, Sept. 10-11, 2021
Southern sounds reign supreme at the Candler Park Music Festival in the large park near Atlanta's Little Five Points. Held in the fall, proceeds from the festival benefit Atlanta parks, neighborhood organizations, and Atlanta Contact Point, an organization that hosts free play days in Atlanta parks each year.
Imagine Music Festival, Sept. 17-19, 2021
Electronic musicians, DJs and bands perform alongside cirque-style acts during the Imagine Music Festival in September, featuring dance music at the Bouckaert Farm in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia.
UPDATE: On Sept. 15, 2021, this event was cancelled due to severe weather. Read the announcement at the link below.
Music Midtown, Sept. 18-19, 2021
As one of the state's largest music fests, Music Midtown draws fans to Atlanta every September. The long list of acts in the weekend lineup covers many musical genres and features some of the industry’s biggest names. The fest, held outdoors in Piedmont Park in September, will feature Maroon 5, Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers, 21 Savage, Dababy, Megan Thee Stallion, Machine Gun Kelly and many more.
Tunes from the Tombs, Sept. 26, 2021
This year, Tunes from the Tombs will coincide with Sunday in the Park in September. It is one of the most unique music festivals in Atlanta. Featuring local musicians, this event hosts numerous stages of entertainment in addition to food trucks and tours, all on the grounds of Historic Oakland Cemetery.
Wire and Wood Songwriters Festival, Oct. 8-9, 2021
Nationally recognized singer-songwriters gather in October for Alpharetta's Wire and Wood Songwriters Festival. Fans get a behind-the-scenes look at the stories that inspired country, rock, blues, Americana and bluegrass songs. Featuring veteran songsmiths and local up-and-coming talent, the festival converts the streets of downtown Alpharetta into concert stages.
ONE Musicfest, Oct. 9-10, 2021
ONE Musicfest attracts more than 50,000 music fans to Centennial Olympic Park to hear hip hop, EDM, reggae, funk, trap, house, alternative rock and soul music. The eclectic mashup of urban artists have included Gucci Mane, Wu-Tang Clan, Three 6 Mafia, Outkast, Kendrick Lamar, Lauryn Hill, T.I, Jill Scott, Janelle Monae and many more.
A3C Festival & Conference, Oct. 22-24, 2021
Hip-hop takes the stage in October during the annual A3C Festival & Conference. The festival is predated by a three-day conference that brings together artists, creatives and entrepreneurs in the music industry to empower and educate those that shape hip-hop music, technology and culture. The festival at the Georgia Freight Depot features some of the most renowned artists in hip-hop.
Photo by Charles Reagan Hackleman
Shaky Knees Music Festival, Oct. 22-24, 2021
The Shaky Knees Music Festival in October in Atlanta's Central Park features musicians like Stevie Nicks, Run the Jewels, The Strokes, Alice Cooper, Modest Mouse and many more.
SweetWater 420 Fest, April 29-May 2, 2022
SweetWater 420 Fest in April 2022 will feature big-name bands taking the stage as part of this annual festival from Atlanta-owned SweetWater Brewing Company. In addition to enjoying music and art, festivalgoers can taste SweetWater beers and attend presentations from brewing experts. The festival also has a comedy stage featuring local talent and an eco-village with hands-on workshops.
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