Top things to do in and around Atlanta this week

Netherworld Haunted House Here are some more photos from the Netherworld. (Nelson Hicks)

ATLANTA — Here is a look at some of the upcoming events in the Atlanta area.

Now

Netherworld opens

The wait is over! Netherworld Haunted House opens its milestone 30th Season of screams with two all-new haunted experiences, CURSE OF THE COLLECTOR and BEYOND OBLIVION: LEGACY OF EVIL.

Now-Sept. 27

Disney on Ice Presents Spotlight Magic!

Disney On Ice Presents Spotlight Magic! will be hosting eight incredible shows, bringing a never-before-seen production to Duluth, featuring more than 30 Disney characters, including various iconic villains, high-flying acrobatics and world-class figure skating that is sure to be fun for all ages.

Now - Oct. 4

North Georgia State Fair

Head to Marietta for days packed with fun, thrills, and excitement for the whole family! From unlimited rides to family-friendly attractions and mouthwatering fair food, there’s something for everyone at North Georgia’s biggest event of the year.

Now. - Nov. 1

Stone Mountain Park’s Pumpkin Festival

Play by Day and Glow by Night as you enjoy one of Atlanta’s best Fall activities. Experience family-friendly park attractions and special fall entertainment featuring favorite classic storybook characters!

Sept. 25

Buford’s Trail of Terror opens

After years in the shadows… the screams return. Trail of Terror is officially BACK for Fall 2026 — bigger, darker, and in an all-new location. Enjoy a full bar, excellent food, live music every night, and VIP booths available for purchase…only at the Buford Trail of Terror!

Sept. 25-26

Blue Stone Arts & Music Festival

Stretching across four city blocks in the heart of City Springs, the festival transforms the space into a vibrant destination featuring live music, local and regional artists, interactive activities, food vendors, and entertainment for the entire family.

Sept. 25-Oct. 11

Ragtime the Musical

Marietta’s Theatre in the Square proudly presents Ragtime, the sweeping Tony Award-winning musical that celebrates the pursuit of the American Dream while exploring the challenges that shaped a nation.

Sept. 26

Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade

The magic is back on! Mark your calendars and grab your lanterns — the Atlanta Beltline Lantern Parade redo will take place at 8:00 p.m.

Folklore Haunted House opens

Head to Acworth to celebrate Halloween.

Azúcar Music Festival

Wolf Creek Amphitheater will come alive with live performances honoring the legacies of Latino music icons Celia Cruz, “The Queen of Salsa,” and Tito Puente, “The Mambo King.” Hispanic-owned businesses and vendors will line the amphitheater with authentic dishes and cultural goods available to purchase. This event is free to attend, so bring the whole family for world-class performances, authentic food and a celebration of culture.

East Atlanta Strut

The Strut includes a parade, live music, wing toss, baby crawl and much more.

Sept. 26-27

Collard Greens Cultural Festival

Enjoy live music, great food, vendors and an array of activities at the festival.

Duluth Fall Festival

The festival includes a parade, live music, entertainment, a petting zoo and more.

Georgia Reptile Expo in Macon

The Georgia Reptile Expo brings together reptile enthusiasts, experienced breeders, specialty vendors and families for an engaging event centered on live animals, education and responsible reptile keeping. Visitors can discover unique species and rare morphs, learn directly from knowledgeable exhibitors and explore products and resources for reptile owners.

Sept. 27

Sunday in the Park

Inspired by the Victorian tradition of spending a leisurely day in the cemetery, Oakland’s iconic Sunday in the Park ft. Tunes from the Tombs festival blends live music, history, and family fun in one unique experience. Whether you’re a history buff, live music lover, or just here for the vibes, you won’t want to miss Oakland’s most special Sunday of the year!

Sept. 29

Senior Day at Zoo Atlanta

On this date, seniors ages 55 and up will enjoy free daytime admission. The day will offer seniors an opportunity to connect with nature, learn something new, catch up with friends, and more throughout a lush botanical oasis home to hundreds of animals from around the world.

Sept. 30

Toy Factory opens

For everyone who has ever loved a toy! Step behind the curtain and into the magical world of The Toy Factory Experience, a brand-new immersive experience making its global premiere at Pullman Yards! Created for the young and young at heart, The Toy Factory Experience transforms Atlanta’s historic industrial landmark into a world filled with playful characters, exciting adventures, interactive games, immersive environments, and plenty of surprises. Explore the secrets of the factory, let your imagination run wild and even build a toy of your own!

Oct. 1-4

Atlanta Art Fair

Atlanta Art Fair returns to Pullman Yards October 1–4, 2026. As a continued catalyst for cultural enrichment and artistic exchange, Atlanta Art Fair’s third edition will feature an inclusive roster of compelling programs and a diverse collection of innovative events, talks, performances, and installations that work to enhance the city’s existing community of artists, galleries, institutions, and collectors. Hosted on Pullman Yard’s historic campus, the 2026 fair will build upon its reputation for strong sales, dynamic programming, and meaningful encounters between exhibitors, collectors, and art enthusiasts.

The Other Art Fair Atlanta

The Fair will bring together more than 100 independent artists and 1000 original works, while giving visitors something different compared to the traditional art fair experience: the opportunity to meet the artists themselves and buy work directly. Georgia artists from across the state have a place in the spotlight and are exhibiting alongside independent talent from throughout the Southeast, across the U.S., and around the world.

Oct. 1- Nov. 1

Scarecrows in the Garden

Atlanta’s favorite fall tradition returns with colorful community creations by local schools, families, artists, businesses and nonprofits. In celebration of the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s 50th Anniversary, they’re going even bigger this year with a new, invitation-only category: Supersized Scarecrows. These larger-than-life scarecrows will take over the new Great Lawn Garden, reaching heights up to 12’ tall.

Oct. 2

Gente de Zona

Known worldwide for chart-topping hits like “Bailando” and “La Gozadera,” the Latin music powerhouse continues their global takeover with music from their upcoming album, Reparto by Gente de Zona, a vibrant celebration of their Cuban roots and the electrifying sound of Reparto that has helped define their distinct style.

Oct. 2-3

Decatur Book Festival

The annual festival features panels with award-winning and best-selling national, regional, and local authors, along with book signings, kids’ activities, great food, and street fair exhibitors from across the country. It’s a celebration of storytelling, inspiration, and community, and we can’t wait to see you there!

Oct. 3

Pinktober Breast Cancer Awareness 5K Color Run

This year’s color run features designated splash zones along the route, with each burst of color representing the strength, resilience and courage of everyone whose life has been impacted by breast cancer. Participants can also look forward to a warm-up, survivor recognition, music, photo opportunities and encouragement from the community along the course and at the finish line.

Smokey Robinson at the Fox Theatre

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Smokey Robinson brings his Legacy of Love Tour to fans, celebrating his greatest hits from across the decades.

atlFREEfair

In the spirit of shared community resources, atlFREEfair includes free food, plant swap, clothes mending station, skill shares (like haircuts and reiki), arts and crafts, live entertainment and so much more.

Fairburn Fall Festival & Parade

Enjoy one of Fairburn’s most anticipated fall events! From electrifying live performances and a vibrant parade celebrating Fairburn and the South Metro Atlanta community, to food trucks galore, exciting rides and games for the kids , and so much more!

Oct. 4

Haunting Halloween Burlesque Cabaret Show

Sin & Tonic Cabaret is back to bring you a Haunting Halloween variety show with a seductive, theatrical twist! Blending the classic cabaret technique with modern performance style, this evening features powerhouse singers, dancers, aerial acts, fire, and extra spooky surprises!

Oct. 8

Jonas Brothers

The tour stops by State Farm Arena.

Oct. 10

Free concert with Brantley Gilbert

Head to Buford for a free concert on the lawn from country superstar Brantley Gilbert! Gates open at 5:30PM and the concert begins at 7PM.

Carbonaro Effect’s Michael Carbonaro Wonderboy

Michael Carbonaro, star of The Carbonaro Effect, blends quick-witted comedy with mind-blowing illusions in a live show filled with audience participation. After two hit national tours, he returns with his newest adventure, Michael Carbonaro: WONDERBOY, where audiences discover him as the Hero of Mischief.
Bringing wonder, laughter, and magic to the stage — reality doesn’t stand a chance.

McDonough BBQ & Bluegrass Festival

The festival will feature Sweet Auburn Barbecue, Terminus City Barbecue, Dhaba BBQ and NO Sauce Smokehouse, each bringing their own style and menu to the table. Guests will get to try them all before voting for a People’s Choice favorite, with live bluegrass from Dusty Roads, local vendors and family-friendly activities throughout the afternoon.

Oct. 15

Grand Tasting Midtown

One Night Only, explore 25+ of Midtown’s most talked-about restaurants – under one roof at the Epicurean Atlanta Hotel. Discover your next favorite cocktail, find a new destination date-night spot, and meet the chefs while supporting Atlanta’s thriving restaurant scene.

Oct. 16

Smyrna’s Spooky Festival

Dress up in costumes and bring the whole family for an evening of chills and thrills at this free-to-attend festival. Enjoy a DJ, Trick-or-Treating through Market Village, Spooky Scenes, and decorations throughout the downtown area.

Oct. 17

Sheila Fest

A beloved North Georgia tradition for the last 10 autumns, Sheila Fest family music festival returns to the event lawn at Traditions of Braselton. In addition to a day filled with music, craft and food vendors, and an ultimate Kids Zone, this annual event raises thousands of dollars to benefit local charities.

HarvestFest and Scarecrows in The Square

The festival includes the HarvestFest Arts & Crafts Show, Touch-A-Truck, Scarecrows In The Square, Costume Contest, Pie Eating Contest presented by Pie Bar, and Halloween Happenings kids’ festival. The festival is sure to please the whole family!

Oct. 17-18

OktoberFEAST

OktoberFEAST blends authentic Bavarian traditions with Southern hospitality. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, including performances by fan-favorite The Swinging Bavarians, a variety of family-friendly activities, and an expanded selection of German-inspired food and beverages.

Oct. 23

Haunted Spirits

The Southern Museum invites guests 21 and older to enjoy soft drinks, beer and a signature cocktail while experiencing ghost stories on a tour of the museum, a spooky movie in the theater and a costume contest. 1885 Grill in Kennesaw will provide food, while Reformation Brewery will provide beer and spirits.

Oct. 24

Halloween Jamboree

Come out to Logan Farm Park for a spooky good time! This year’s Halloween fun will take place on the large field in front of the playground. There will be games, food, music, and lots of fun! Get the whole family dressed up, as there will also be a costume contest for the kids!

Oct. 30

Midtown Halloween

Dress up for a night of fantasy and mischief for Midtown Halloween Block Party.

Oct. 31

Live! From The Dead

Step into a haunted world filled with eerie decor, live DJs, roaming performers and stilt walkers, mysterious fortune tellers, haunting photo moments, spooky surprises, wicked themed cocktails, and costume contests with killer prizes. This is a Halloween party you don’t want to miss!

Halloween in the Highlands

Enjoy free admission to 10+ Virginia Highland establishments (no cover charges), complimentary shots, exclusive food & drink specials, food trucks, DJ’s & live music. $500 Costume Contest!

Buckhead Creepy Crawl

Join 2000+ on a wild & crazy Halloween themed bar crawl on Saturday, October 31st!

Open Now

Fright Fest at Six Flags

With pulse-pounding scares, innovative thrills, and scintillating shows, Six Flags Over Georgia leaves no tomb unearthed, no crypt unrattled, and no fear untouched.

AU Room

For thousands of years, gold has inspired empires, toppled kings, fueled obsession, and shaped the course of civilizations. AU Room transforms that timeless fascination into an unforgettable live theatrical experience. Aerial artists soar overhead while contemporary dancers bring ancient myths and forgotten civilizations to life. Powerful music, breathtaking choreography, and cinematic LED visuals surround every scene, revealing gold as a symbol of beauty, power, temptation, and transcendence.

Month of September

Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau’s Kids Play Free September

This September, Atlanta is giving families even more reasons to explore.Kids get in FREE at participating must-see attractions all month long, from inspiring museums and immersive experiences to gardens, historic sites and plenty of places to play.

RELATED: See things to do, fun events around town

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