19 Things to Do in Atlanta This Week · August 20–23, 2026

Music & Nightlife

Buddy Guy 90

Blues legend Buddy Guy celebrates his 90th birthday with a live concert at Atlanta Symphony Hall, a critic's pick and once-in-a-lifetime performance.

Thursday, August 20, 2026 7:30 PM · Atlanta Symphony Hall

Thee Sinseers at The Loft

West Coast soul and R&B group Thee Sinseers perform at The Loft in Atlanta, bringing smooth grooves and tight harmonies.

Friday, August 21, 2026 · The Loft, Atlanta

Preacher Lawson at Helium Comedy Club

Stand-up comedian Preacher Lawson takes the Helium Comedy Club stage for multiple shows across the weekend.

Friday, August 21, 2026 7:00 PM · Helium Comedy Club, Alpharetta

Olivia Dean Live in Atlanta: 'The Art of Loving Live'

British soul singer Olivia Dean brings her intimate 'Art of Loving Live' tour to State Farm Arena for a special Atlanta performance.

Saturday, August 22, 2026 8:00 PM · State Farm Arena

Festivals & Special Events

BronzeLens Film Festival

Atlanta's celebrated film festival dedicated to films by and about people of the African diaspora, described as 'impossible to miss' by ArtsATL.

Friday, August 21, 2026 · Atlanta

ASIFAC Animation Festival and Conference 2026

An animation festival and conference hosted at Georgia State University Law Center, bringing together animators and fans for screenings and talks.

Friday, August 21, 2026 9:30 AM · Georgia State University Law Center

Summer Shade Festival

Atlanta's beloved end-of-summer festival returns to Grant Park with kids' activities, music, art, food trucks, and a 5K.

Saturday, August 22, 2026 · Grant Park

Cobb County International Festival

Explore cuisine, culture and traditions from around the world at Jim R. Miller Park in this multicultural community celebration.

Saturday, August 22, 2026 · Jim R. Miller Park

Family-Friendly

Football Fest and Free Day at College Football Hall of Fame

Kick off football season with inflatables, games, prizes, mascots, DJs, and FREE admission to the College Football Hall of Fame museum.

Saturday, August 22, 2026 · College Football Hall of Fame

Wowie Zowie at Dad's Garage

An interactive improv comedy show that involves kids for a wild and fun time at Dad's Garage Theatre.

Saturday, August 22, 2026 · Dad's Garage Theatre

Mornings at the Zoo

Before Zoo Atlanta officially opens, enjoy exclusive early access to viewing areas to see how the elephants start their day.

Sunday, August 23, 2026 8:30 AM · Zoo Atlanta

Date Night

Jazz Night at Hartley featuring the Brian Hudson Trio

Live jazz from the Brian Hudson Trio at the Kimpton Shane Hotel's Hartley bar — an intimate evening of great music and cocktails in Midtown.

Thursday, August 20, 2026 5:00 PM · Kimpton Shane Hotel, Midtown

Food & Drink

Business X Design: Aaron Fender of Portrait Coffee

Hear from Aaron Fender of Portrait Coffee in an intimate talk at the Museum of Design Atlanta exploring the intersection of business and design in Atlanta's coffee scene.

Thursday, August 20, 2026 5:30 PM · Museum of Design Atlanta

Arts & Culture

Helen of the West – Essential Theatre Festival

World premiere of the 2026 Essential Theatre Playwriting Award-winning play, a rich reimagining of Helen of Troy as a mail-order bride in the American West.

Thursday, August 20, 2026 7:30 PM · Essential Theatre

The Jury Experience – Angel of Death: Mercy or Murder?

An immersive interactive theater experience at Theatrical Outfit where you play juror in a gripping murder case — debate, deliberate, and deliver a verdict.

Saturday, August 22, 2026 · Theatrical Outfit

Outdoors & Active

Saturday Morning Run/Walk

Join the Atlanta Running Meetup for a community run or walk with an 8am departure — a great way to explore the city on foot.

Saturday, August 22, 2026 8:00 AM · Atlanta

Yoga in the Park with Dancing Dogs Yoga | powered by lululemon

Free outdoor yoga class at The Promenade, powered by lululemon and Dancing Dogs Yoga — a feel-good way to spend a Tuesday evening.

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 6:00 PM · The Promenade, Atlanta

Free Events

Midtown Run

Free biweekly Sunday morning run through Midtown Atlanta with the Atlanta Running Meetup, departing at 8am.

Sunday, August 23, 2026 8:00 AM · Midtown Atlanta

Sports

Brookhaven Police Hot Pursuit 5K

Free community 5K race hosted by the Brookhaven Police Department at Ashford Dunwoody Road — a fun run for all paces.

Saturday, August 22, 2026 8:00 AM · 3501 Ashford Dunwoody Rd NE