Top things to do in and around Atlanta this week

ATLANTA — Here is a look at some of the upcoming events in the Atlanta area. With rain expected to fall in the Atlanta area this weekend, it’s advised to double-check the status of an event before heading there.

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

Beat the Bomb

Beat The Bomb, the world’s first immersive social video game company features an all-new edition of Haunted Mission, its limited-time Halloween experience. This year’s Haunted Mission is entirely new, with five original Halloween games created exclusively for the experience and a Red Slime Bomb finale. Teams of two to six players will navigate through dark rooms, past ghosts, and around a graveyard’s worth of obstacles before facing The Bomb.

Oct. 1-4

Atlanta Horror Fest

Celebrating 20 years of independent horror, Atlanta HorrorFest is Georgia’s original horror film festival. Join us for four days of feature films, shorts, horror comedies, filmmaker Q&As, panels, mixers, late-night parties and the Saturday Horror Crawl in Little 5 Points.

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.

Chelsea Handler

The comedian plays the Roxy.

2026 Oktoberfest

Celebrate Oktoberfest in downtown Newnan with more than 30 local businesses serving samples of Georgia craft brews, complimentary refreshments and shopping specials. The event is limited to 500 attendees, with tickets priced at $30.

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. 2-24

Hairspray at the Lawrenceville Arts Center

It’s packed with 1960s costumes, big hair, high-energy dance numbers, and a local Georgia cast.

Oct. 3

Atlanta Airline Collectibles Show

The Atlanta Airline Collectibles Show is coming to the Delta Flight Museum. Bring family and friends to this all-day event, where over 75 vendors will be promoting and selling aviation-related items, from airplane seats to plane models and on-theme playing cards.

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!

Crabapple Fest

Head to Milton, around Crabapple Road, an area that will be transformed into a bustling market showcasing more than 100 local antique, craft, and art vendors featuring countless handmade and must-have items.

Stonecrest Fest

The eighth annual event includes live entertainment, food, vendors and more.

Taste of Tucker

Enjoy tastes from some of Tucker’s best restaurants.

Truck-A-Palooza

Truck-A-Palooza is a family-friendly, hands-on event where kids and adults can explore police cars, SWAT trucks, fire engines, heavy construction vehicles, military vehicles and more. Admission is $5 per person, with proceeds benefiting the Cobb County Safety Village.

Oct. 3-4

Norcross Art Splash Festival

One hundred artists from across the country will show off their talents with folk art, ceramics, paintings, photography, mixed media, fiber art, metalwork, and of course, jewelry...lots of sparkly bling! Bring the kids for an interactive Kidz Zone with face painting, sand art and free playground equipment!

Museums on Us

Bank of America’s Museums on Us program returns to Metro Atlanta, offering free general admission to seven top local cultural institutions for eligible Bank of America, Merrill, and Bank of America Private Bank credit and debit cardholders. 7 Participating Institutions: Atlanta History Center (Sunday only), High Museum of Art, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Tellus Science Museum, Savoy Automobile Museum, Booth Western Art Museum, and Bartow History Museum (Saturday only).

Oct. 4

Y3Stoberfest Games

Grab a teammate and join us for the 3rd Annual Y3Stoberfest Games Tournament at Your 3rd Spot on October 4 from 7-10 p.m. Your RSVP includes free entry for a two-person team to compete in a series of Oktoberfest-inspired challenges in a fun, double-elimination tournament format. Teams will test their skills in the Pretzel Toss, Stein Holding Competition, and Keg Bowling (Nagelspiel) as they battle for the championship title.

Caffeine and octane

Caffeine & Octane is more than a car show—it’s a community built around car culture. From exotics and classics to JDM, muscle, customs, and trucks, C&O brings every corner of car culture together. Don’t miss the free monthly show at Town Center Mall.

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. 9

October Movie Night on the Green

Phipps Plaza’s outdoor movie series continues through October, bringing families, friends and film lovers together on The Green for entertainment under the stars. The movie “GOAT” is planned for the 9th.

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.

Hapeville Fall Gallery Crawl

Downtown businesses are transformed into pop-up gallery spaces showcasing the work of local and regional artists, inviting visitors to explore art in unexpected places!

Oct. 10-11

Chalktoberfest

Chalktoberfest is an annual fall festival hosted by the Marietta-Cobb Museum of Art, bringing professional chalk artists from around the world to Marietta Square to create large-scale works of art on the streets. The free, family-friendly festival also features live music, vendors, food trucks, children’s activities and an amateur chalk competition, with a Craft Beer Festival taking place Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

Fall Festival on Ponce

A free weekend of art, food and family-friendly fun returns to historic Olmsted Linear Park

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!

Halloween Party at Roaring Social Alpharetta

This Halloween, step into a night of mystery, music, and mayhem at Roaring Social Alpharetta. The night kicks off with live music from Band X from 8 PM–11 PM, followed by DJ Blaze from 11 PM- 2 AM, setting the stage for a Halloween celebration filled with dancing, drinks, and plenty of mischief. Sip on seasonal cocktail specials crafted just for the occasion, and come dressed to make an entrance.

Halloween Party at Roaring Social Decatur

This Halloween, step into a night of mystery, music, and mayhem at Roaring Social Decatur. Our underground social club will transform into a hauntingly unforgettable hideaway filled with eerie energy, themed cocktails, and thrilling entertainment.

Lingering Shade’s Halloween

Celebrate Halloween at Lingering Shade with fall cocktails, appetizers + a free doggie biscuit with a cocktail purchase!

Open Now

Now

Netherworld

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.

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!

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!

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.

Folklore Haunted House

Head to Acworth to celebrate Halloween.

Buford’s Trail of Terror

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!

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.

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.

RELATED: See things to do, fun events around town

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