Summer Events in Atlanta
Whether you’re looking to return to your favorite city for a vacation or enjoy a staycation in your own city, Atlanta has a jam-packed event schedule for summer 2021. There’s a wide variety of activities for every age and something for every interest. And don’t sweat it if you’re on a tighter budget, there are many entertaining free events taking place in the capital of the Peach State.
Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
This much-loved family extravaganza is so much more than just ice cream. Yes, the country’s favorite dessert is the focal point of the festival, with opportunities to sample homemade ice cream from small producers and more extravagant ice cream-related products such as Hungarian chimney cakes, macaron ice cream sandwiches, rainbow-colored soft serves, ice cream cake, and more. However, there are plenty of other activities to keep you all entertained. The festival is also an event that aims to raise awareness for health and wellness, so expect fitness routines and wellness activities to balance out your luxurious treats. There are plenty of vendors both food and non-food themed as well as live music to get everyone up and dancing. A great day out for the family.
4th of July Celebrations
The Fourth is a big day in Atlanta and the city knows how to celebrate. Unfortunately, the annual free fireworks in Centennial Olympic Park have been canceled for 2021 due to the pandemic, but Stone Mountain National Park has its laser show and fireworks display running every night between July 1st and July 5th. The 30-minute journey from Downtown Atlanta is made easier by hiring one of the Roundabout Atlanta vehicles to shuttle you back and forth.
The iconic Peachtree Road Race will still go ahead this year, and it’s set to be a great event after the 2020 race was canceled. It’s the biggest 10k race in the world and finishes up in Piedmont Park. So, if you feel your legs aren’t up to participating in the race, head along to cheer on the runners and soak up the joyous atmosphere.
SUPERnatural: Aerial Art in Motion
Head down to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens between May 15 and October 31 to catch the duo of art exhibitions “Aerial Art in Motion” by Poetic Kinetics and “Glass Art in Bloom” by Jason Gamrath. Feast your eyes on the “Skynet”, an arrangement of multi-colored tassels as they come alive with the movement of the wind. The installation has been likened to a flock of birds and the creators, Los Angeles-based Poetic Kinetics, are renowned for their large-scale works of public art. “Glass Art in Bloom” is based on the ground and appears in the form of glass floral sculptures peppered throughout the flower beds of the more formal gardens. Choose a day visit to get the kids outdoors or, for a more sophisticated experience, go in the evening to coincide with Cocktails in the Garden – that’s date night sorted!
Screen on the Green
If you’re looking for free ways to enjoy the city in summer, then look no further than Screen on the Green. Throughout summer, wander down to Atlantic Green to catch family favorites such as ‘Parent Trap’, ‘Grease’, and ‘Cool Runnings’. Don’t forget blankets, cushions, chairs, and snacks to ensure an evening of comfort. The movies start at 7 PM but head down a little earlier if you want to partake in the movie trivia that kicks off at 6:30 PM.
Atlanta in summer is a magical place. Yes, it’s hot but if you head out to the parks or one of the popular swimming holes like the one in Stone Mountain, you can find plenty of ways to cool down. The city comes alive with events throughout the summer months and even into early fall and there are plenty more festivals and concerts than the ones mentioned here. While you’re visiting, check out our tours to learn more about the city, from Black History & Civil Rights to City Lights, Shopping, and more. Don’t hesitate, this Southern metropolis awaits!