Atlanta's Top 8 Annual Events You Don’t Want To Miss
A City With Great Events Year Round
Atlanta has been called the New York City of the south, but Atlanta residents prefer to think of it as something a little different, a city unique unto itself. Tradition reigns, which means there are dozens of annual events in Atlanta that need to be seen, visited, and explored. Whether you’re a longtime resident ready for a new adventure or someone looking to buy their first home in Atlanta, keep reading for some of the city’s top annual events.
Peach Drop - New Year’s Eve
Billed as the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the southeast, the Peach Drop is one of Atlanta’s favorite ways to spend the last night of the year. People come from all around the city and suburbs, as many as 100,000 in recent years.
The Peach Drop has been around since 1989 and has only increased in popularity and size since. What began as a small event with only a few entertainers has grown to include national acts such as Collective Soul, Sister Hazel, Miranda Lambert, Julianne Hough, and many others.
With the large number of restaurants, bars, and other spaces in Underground Atlanta, the party begins early and lasts until the wee hours of January 1. Contrary to popular belief, however, families are welcome. The day begins at 11:00am with children’s activities and entertainment, including live music, an arcade, and carnival rides. New Year’s Eve is a time to celebrate, and there is no better place to do so than in Underground Atlanta, watching the Peach Drop.
Atlanta Dogwood Festival
For more than 80 years, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival has been the best way to welcome spring in the city. Walter Rich, founder of Rich’s department store, wanted to put Atlanta on the map because of the beautiful dogwood trees that bloom all over the city every spring. As a result, even more dogwood trees were planted, most of which can still be found today. Discontinued during World War II, the festival was reinstated in 1964 under the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and began to grow.
By the early 90s, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival was a two-week long event, with Buckhead, Piedmont, and Midtown each playing host for the event. By the early 2000s, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival was moved to Piedmont Park, its current home, and has been growing in popularity and size each year since.
Visitors to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival can expect a variety of events, including live music, cook offs, a 5k, a family-friendly section with rides, games, and food, exhibitions, and, of course, the large artist market! With the large variety of things to do, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival continues to be one of the most popular Atlanta events.
Peachtree Road Race - 4th Of July
Every July 4th since 1969, it’s been a tradition to wake up early, lace up the running shoes, and jog the 6.2 miles from Lenox Square Mall to Piedmont Park for the Peachtree Road Race. Organized by the Atlanta Track Club, the Peachtree Road Race is the largest 10K in the world and features around 60,000 runners of all levels.
The Peachtree isn’t just a tradition for the runners, however. Families, couples, and individuals line the parade route, cheering and holding signs of encouragement and handing out water; rarely is the city brought together in such a way.
The Peachtree Road Race also features a wheelchair race, a kid’s race, and an opportunity for joggers of all experience levels to join. Each finisher, no matter their time, receives one of the coveted AJC Peachtree Road Race T-shirt, the design of which is an earnestly kept secret up until the day of the race.
The Peachtree Road Race finishes at Piedmont Park, where food, live music, and free samples are provided to the participants and their friends and family. One of Atlanta’s best loved traditions, the Peachtree Road Race is the best way to welcome the Fourth of July in Atlanta. Don’t miss it.
Dragon*Con
Every September, thousands of people descend upon downtown Atlanta for Dragon Con, the annual convention featuring hundreds of characters from books, television shows, movies, comic books, and more.
For four days, hotels and streets spanning an entire city block are filled with more than 50,000 fans dressed up in elaborate costumes. The event offers fans an opportunity to connect with each other and experience everything the science fiction, fantasy and comic book world has to offer.
The annual event boasts thousands of hours of programming including: a parade in the streets of Atlanta, autograph sessions, awards banquets, live performances, reading sessions, workshops, celebrity appearances, art shows, gaming sessions, tons of contests and even live wrestling. There is certainly no shortage of things to do and people to see, so purchase your tickets and reserve your hotel room early. This is an event any true fan of fantasy and gaming will not miss.
Virginia Highland Summerfest
During the first weekend of June, North Highland Avenue and Virginia Avenue close, booths appear, stages are built, and Summerfest welcomes the summer.
For over 30 years, artists from all over the southeast have converged upon the small Midtown neighborhood, and attendees can enjoy a variety of art, homemade crafts, jewelry, garden pieces, and clothing. There is also two live music stages, a children’s area, and plenty of food vendors to complete the weekend.
In recent years, a 5k road race opens the weekend with more than 1500 runners taking to the streets of Virginia-Highland. For the smaller attendees who enjoy running, the Tot Trot takes place after the 5k and is open to children under five years old. Some say summer isn’t complete without the Virginia-Highland Summerfest; it’s definitely an event that shouldn’t be missed.
Yellow Daisy Festival
A tradition for many families for more than 40 years, the Yellow Daisy Festival brings more than 400 artists to the walking trails of Stone Mountain Park.
Originally a small weekend event to celebrate the blooming of the Confederate Yellow Daisy, the festival has grown into a four day event with live music, dozens of food vendors, a children’s corner, and artists and crafters from over 38 states. Voted one of the top three arts & crafts shows in the nation, the Yellow Daisy Festival is a long tradition that continues to thrive.
Music Midtown
From 1994 until 2005, Music Midtown was the talk of the town. In 2011, when the music festival continued, the hype grew even bigger, and Music Midtown has grown into an event that, for music lovers, cannot be missed.
Since its return, Music Midtown has featured national acts such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Drivin N Cryin, Jack White, Eminem, and the Zac Brown Band, among many others. Originally taking place in the early summer months of May and June, Music Midtown has landed on a mid-September time frame, to prevent both the rainy summer weather and competing concerts. Music Midtown is a part of Atlanta history, and a great way to spend a September weekend. Don’t miss it.
Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade
To some, Halloween is a big deal. They spend all year planning their costume, making sure every detail is just right. These folks (and their costumes) can usually be found at the Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade. Voted one of the top 10 Halloween events in the country, the festival and parade are planned for and anticipated all year long.
Over 35,000 people crowd the streets, either as onlookers or participants, and anything goes – from Colonel Sanders to the Ghostbusters, Power Rangers to princesses, the array and originality of the costumes is half the fun.
Along with the parade, there is an artist market, food vendors, and live music, not to mention the numerous stores and restaurants that open their doors and welcome both the holiday and the visitors. If you’re looking for an interesting way to spend an October weekend, look no further than the Little 5 Points Halloween Festival and Parade. You won’t regret it.
17 best things to do in Atlanta this winter
Atlanta can be deceiving in the wintertime with seemingly fewer things to do.
This couldn't be farther from the truth. With a little creativity and curiosity, you will find that many adventures are waiting to be discovered.
After you read this list, you will go exploring Atlanta's winter wonderland.
Here are the top 17 things to do in Atlanta this winter:
Volunteer on MLK weekend. Serving your neighbors is one of the best ways you can give back on this holiday.
Does a chilly run tickle your fancy? Hit up these cold-weather Atlanta 5ks to get your fix.
Treat yourself to a piping hot bowl of Atlanta’s best chili. It’s really not winter until you enjoy a bowl of chili. These Atlanta restaurants do it best.
Try out the restaurants and attractions voted the best in Atlanta in 2016. Speaking of the best, AJC’s readers have voted which restaurants and attractions were their go-tos last year.
Take your honey on a date that will be frozen in time. Make cuffing season count with these creative dates that are sure to impress your significant other.
Get your wing fix. While most restaurants offer wings on their menu, this guide will help you find the very best in Atlanta.
Broaden your buddy network by joining these Atlanta sports leagues and outdoor clubs. Birds of a feather stick together.
Try a new cocktail slated to be one of the trendiest of 2017. There are few things better than a strong cocktail after a long cold week. The AJC’s dining staff names these cocktails as the bee’s knees this year.
January might impress you with all of the fun it has in store. Can you handle it?
Get out of the cold and into a warm movie theater. Oscar season brings some of the best flicks of the year to a theater near you.
Go on a staycation right here in Atlanta. Some of the most luxurious vacation rentals in the ATL can make you feel like you’re a world away.
Take on the night at one of the late-night hot spots in Atlanta. No, bowling is not the only late-night activity Atlanta has to offer after midnight.
Ponce City Market’s Skyline Park is just one of the Atlanta bucket list attractions to cross off your winter to-do list. Winter is the perfect time to explore this rapidly growing epicenter for fun. There’s a number of ITP and OTP attractions to explore.
Lace up and hit the ice, because the rinks are calling your name. The holidays might be over, but good cheer is still to be found as you glide through the air at some of the remaining opened ice rinks.
Some big music acts are heading our way this winter. Which shows are you going to?
Atlanta will begin a number of exciting productions, art exhibitions in the 2017-18 season. If you love theater, dance and art, then your year has been made.
2017 brings new restaurant openings. Bon Ton and the Anh’s Kitchen are just a few new restaurants that’ll be worth bracing the cold.
Trust Bocco Limousine Services of Atlanta for hassle free and luxury ride to your destinations in Atlanta. We provide best car and taxi service in Atlanta so that you can fully enjoy every season and take part in different activities accross Atlanta and around without worry.
World Energy Engineering Congress (WEEC) Conference & Expo 2017 / Atlanta
September 28, 2017, 8:00 pm - 1:00 am at Georgia World Congress Center, 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, United States
Price: AEE Members: USD 895, Non AEE Members: USD 995
WEEC brings together the top experts in all areas of the field to help you set a clear, optimum path to energy efficiency, facility optimization and sustainability. Attendees gather and network from all 50 states and more than 60 countries around the world. WEEC is the one truly comprehensive event where you can fully assess the "big picture" and see exactly how the economic and market forces, new technologies, regulatory developments and energy industry trends all merge to shape your critical decisions, as well as define what specific steps are needed to achieve optimum energy efficiency and performance within your organization.
Expand your knowledge of fast-moving developments in the energy field
Explore promising new technologies
Compare energy supply options
Learn about innovative and cost-conscious project implementation strategies
Sponsored by: Trane, Southern Company, Yamaha Motor Manufacturing, US DOE Better Plants, WSP, US EPA ENERGY STAR and many other prominent industry leaders. Complete list: www.energycongress.com/about
On Wednesday September 27, 2017 at 8:00 am (ends Friday September 29, 2017 at 1:00 pm)
Speakers: Featured Guest President George W. Bush, Astronaut Scott Parazynski
September 29, 2017, 8:00 pm
2018 KIDFITSTRONG Fitness Challenge - Atlanta
The KIDFITSTRONG Fitness Challenge is the nations largest mobile fitness event traveling from coast-to-coast dedicated to keeping kids active and healthy. At the KIDFITSTRONG Fitness Challenge, kids of all ages get the opportunity to flex their physical fitness by participating in a completion-based obstacle course designed to challenge speed, strength, agility and overall physical fitness. The event is FREE to the public and features a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy including active gaming fun for all ages and on-site programming designed to inspire kids and families to live a more active and healthy lifestyle!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=nnBucGXEpfM
FAQ's
What is the KIDFITSTRONG Fitness Challenge?
The KIDFITSTRONG Fitness Challenge is the nations largest mobile fitness event traveling from coast-to-coast dedicated to keeping kids active and healthy.
How do kids participate?
Kids of all ages get the opportunity to demonstrate their physical fitness by participating in a completion-based obstacle course designed to test speed, strength, agility, and overall physical fitness.
How is the course laid out?
The KIDFITSTRONG Fitness Challenge is a 10 station completion-based obstacle course that includes sprinting, push ups, wall crawls, hurdles, jumping jacks, sit ups, tunnel crawls and to finish off the course - a grueling 20 foot confidence climb and 60 meter dash to the finish!
What is the minimum age requirement to compete?
The minimum age requirement for our toddler course is 3 years of age. The course difficulty is adjusted to compliment each age group to include the adults.
Is the KIDFITSTRONG Fitness Challenge a kids event only?
Not at all, adults can participate on all activities at the event to test their physical fitness.
How long will I have to run?
Each course no matter if adult or toddler takes approximately 5 - 10 minutes to complete depending on your physical fitness.
What if I can't make it that far?
No worries. You can terminate your race at anytime but we encourage all participants to attempt to finish. We have lots of great volunteers to help you on the way!
Is there a cost to run the course?
The KIDFITSTRONG Fitness Challenge course is free of charge for all ages. Runners are handled on a first come first serve basis.
Is there a charge to participate on the Xtreme rides at the event?
Yes, there is a charge associated with participating on the BumperBalls and BodyZorbs at the event. The KIDFITSTRONG Fitness Challenge Obstacle Course and Awareness areas are FREE of charge for unlimited participation all day.
What other activities are there to do at the event?
The event features lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy to include Xtreme gaming for all ages, rides, food and on-site programming designed to inspire kids and families to live an active and healthy lifestyle.
What is the weather policy for the event?
The KIDFITSTRONG Fitness Challenge is a LOW WIND SHINE ONLY event due to extremely high inflatables. Please make sure to check the website on event day for weather updates and event status.
Do I have to register to participate?
Yes, ALL participants both children and adults must register for FREE at Eventbrite to accept the medical waiver in order to participate at the event.
Do participants have to arrive at 10am and stay all day?
No, participants can arrive anytime during our 10am - 6pm event hours. New races are run continually throughout the day with new runners being handled on a first come first served basis.
How can I become a Volunteer at the event?
We can always use your help volunteering at our KIDFITSTRONG Fitness Challenge event. Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. where one of our team members can get you all setup.
How can I become a Sponsor or a Vendor at one of your upcoming events?
Please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. where one of our friendly specialists will be glad to answer any of your questions and forward you sponsor information.
How can I bring the KIDFITSTRONG Fitness Challenge special event to my school?
We offer a limited number of special events per school year. To request a special event at your school, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. where one of our friendly specialists will be glad to forward you special event information.
What if I have any further questions?
Feel free to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. where one of our friendly specialists will be glad to answer your questions.
Let Bocco Limousine Services take you to the Event without any hassle and problems, Bocco Limousine Services is leading Atlanta taxi and car service which provide reliable and affordable car service in and around Atlanta, GA.
The Most Beautiful Places in Georgia You Need to See
1 Tallulah Falls
A 1,000-feet-deep gorge that’s nearly 2 miles long, TG is the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi, and is more aptly called Tallulah Gorgeous, eespecially when you consider the nearly 2,700-acre Georgia state park adjacent to it. With six waterfalls, which cause the river to drop 500 feet over 1 mile, an 80-foot-high suspension bridge, and ample hiking and biking space, it’s literally breathtaking. Pro tip: If you want to hike the gorge floor, get there early for a permit -- and keep in mind they’re not available during water releases.
2 Savannah
This 822-acre historic site near Savannah boasts the ruins of a fortified home constructed by one of Georgia's colonial founders, Noble Jones; a museum; an interpretive center focusing on daily life in the 1700s; and, most importantly, a picturesque oak-lined 1.5-mile avenue that’s as romantic... um, that’s as romantic as any place where slavery was once practiced, anyway.
3 Lithonia
Arabia Mountain is one of only 49 National Heritage Areas in the country, i.e., places recognized by Congress for their peerless contribution to the nation’s history. What you’ll appreciate most, though, is its starkly beautiful granite landscapes, incredible, awe-inducing views, and dozens of brilliantly colored rare plant species. If a more serene place exists, we haven’t found it yet.
4 Atlanta
Despite being smack dab in the middle of the city, Lullwater Park is a total retreat. You can't hear the cars zipping by over the quiet sounds of leaves rustling in the trees, but you can zone out and enjoy exploring the old water mills. When it comes to parks, Lullwater really has it all: shade and sun, hills and open fields, multiple trails, peaceful running water and fishing ponds, and beautiful serenity. It’s basically nature’s answer to a stiff after-work drink.
5 Pine Mountain
A public garden and resort on 14,000 acres of beautiful Appalachian foothills near Pine Mountain, Callaway Gardens is teeming with gorgeous views of multiple multi-acre kaleidoscopic flowers gardens, and much more, including some legit golf course action, too.
6 Clarkesville
Despite being landlocked, Atlanta has some really gorgeous bodies of water nearby, including the stunning Panther Creek Falls, a cluster of multi-tiered waterfalls that drop into a pool of clear, beautiful water below. Oh, and if you want to do more than simply bask in the falls’ cool serenity, you can enjoy the nearly 6-mile Panther Creek Trail that runs alongside.
7 Morningside
A true hidden gem tucked away by the CDC, Morningside Nature Preserve is a secret even to many who live in the neighborhood. It’s a great place for hiking, trail running, walking, letting dogs frolic, or simply forgetting that a huge metropolis is hidden behind the lovely trees, trails, brush, creeks, suspension bridge, and sandy beaches. Seriously, you’ll feel like you actually got away without ever really leaving the city.
8 Cartersville
This 54-acre site is the most intact Mississippian culture (a mound-building Native American civilization) site in the Southeast, and it features six earthen mounds, a plaza, village site, borrow pits, and a defensive ditch. Artifacts at this archaeological site include huge, hand-carved stone effigies that still have some original pigments. No doubt: this is one of the coolest history lessons you’ve ever had.
9 Dahlonega
Nestled away in Dahlonega is a Montaluce, a stunning winery (and upscale restaurant!) that offers not only fresh, artisanal wines, but also breathtaking views of both the North Georgia Mountains and the sprawling vineyards responsible for all that sweet vino. It also offers events such as deluxe wine tastings, nature hikes, tours, holiday festivities, and more. Pro tip: Splurge on a meal and at least a case of wine. You won’t regret it.
10 Florida-Georgia border
The largest intact freshwater and black water wilderness swamp in North America, Okefenokee Swamp has to be seen to be believed. It’s full of vegetation and animals you’ve probably never seen before, like alligators and cranes. Check it out via paddleboat/motorboat water trails that are the sweetest way to explore the indigenous creeks called “The Land of Trembling Earth.”
