clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
A photo of grass with people sitting on it at a summer festival.
Grant Park’s perennial late-summer fling.
Caren West PR

10 best bets for August events, festivals in Atlanta, mapped

With friends, the kids, or even the pets, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month

View as Map
Grant Park’s perennial late-summer fling.
| Caren West PR

With school back in session, city dwellers are naturally eager to take advantage of the remaining long days (and cooler nights) of summer before they give way to autumn.

Thankfully, Atlanta’s up to the task, hosting a number of eclectic local happenings that make the most of all the city has to offer.

Whether it’s an outing with the kids, or a fun day with friends, these events are sure bets for entertainment. So check the calendar and make plans to attend one (or more) before summertime runs out.

Read More

Tequila Fest Atlanta

Copy Link

Held rain or shine from 4 to 10 p.m. on August 17 at Murphy Park, this 21-and-older-only event brings together tequila fans from around the city. Sample tequila beverages, enjoy complimentary tacos, barbecue chicken, and jerk chicken. In between sips and bites, dance to DJ-spun tunes, and compete with friends at a variety of carnival games.

Individual tickets start at $40 and includes entry, open bar tequila, and the aforementioned free bites. Tickets must be purchased online in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door.

Doggy Con

Copy Link

Inspired by Dragon Con, Doggy Con invites area pets to don their favorite pop culture costumes and head to “WoodRUFF Bark” on August 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Join in the pet parade, enter the costume contest, and visit with doggy-centric vendors. Funds raised from the event support Woodruff Park. 

People walking the dogs in the park Courtesy of Woodruff Park

Piedmont Park Arts Festival 

Copy Link

Taking place August 17 and 18 in Atlanta’s marquee green space, this annual two-day event showcases the works of more than 200 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalwork artisans, glass blowers, jewelers, and crafters. In addition to shopping for new collection pieces, attendees can see artist demonstrations, enjoy live acoustic music, and indulge in their favorite festival foods and beverages. 

16th annual German Bierfest 

Copy Link

On August 24, experience all things German at this wunderbar annual event, including more than 40 authentic German Biers, food, music, and dancing. Benefitting the nonprofit German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S. Inc., the event also will have a kids zone, sports games, and other fun activities for the enjoyment of all attendees. 

Posted by German Bierfest Atlanta on Sunday, August 27, 2017

Peach Bowl Football Fest

Copy Link

On Saturday, August 24, celebrate all you love about college football at the third annual Peach Bowl Football Fest at the College Football Hall of Fame. This free event kicks off at 10 a.m. and includes games, inflatables, competitions in the SkillZone challenge, face painting, DJs, cheerleaders, mascots, and more. (And by the way, admission to the facility is free all month.)

ATL Wine + Spirits Fest

Copy Link

Be one of the first to attend the inaugural ATL Wine + Spirits Fest on August 24, at The Promenade at Piedmont Park. From 6 to 10 p.m., sample varieties of wine, beer and spirits from around the world; pair with the tasty bites available for purchase from some of the city’s favorite restaurants.

Advanced tickets are available online starting at $49 per person, and include a souvenir wine glass and all wine samples. All ticketholders must be 21 and older with valid ID. “Designated” Driver tickets are available for $20.

Grant Park Summer Shade Festival 2019

Copy Link

The heat may not be relenting just yet, but that won’t stop festival-goers from wrapping up summer at this beloved, annual intown event taking place August 24 and 25.

Compete for the best time in the 5K Run for the Park, shop the artist market, or kick back and relax with live music, bites from area food trucks, and some of the city’s best craft beers. Bring the family, and take advantage of the Kids Zone. 

Festival Peachtree Latino

Copy Link

On August 25, celebrate the cultures and traditions of Atlanta’s Latino community at this family-friendly and multicultural event. Sample food and beverages, enjoy live music and dancing, and shop for some amazing art. A kids zone will include games, arts and crafts, and other fun activities.

Southern Wing Showdown

Copy Link

On Sunday, August 25, from 2 to 5 p.m., put your tastebuds to the test at the Southern Wing Showdown, held at events space The Fairmont. Sample culinary nirvana from 30 chefs from Atlanta and the Southeast, along with craft beer and Southern spirits.

For $55, general admission tickets include a 2 p.m. entry plus all wing and drink tastes. Those with VIP First Taster tickets ($65) receive entry at 1 p.m.

AJC Decatur Book Festival 

Copy Link

The largest independent book festival in the country, this annual event taking place August 30 to September 1 will host book signings, author readings, panel discussions, an interactive children’s area, live music, parades, cooking demonstrations, poetry slams, writing workshops, and more. Before going, check out the full schedule on the website to plan your personal itinerary.

Tequila Fest Atlanta

Held rain or shine from 4 to 10 p.m. on August 17 at Murphy Park, this 21-and-older-only event brings together tequila fans from around the city. Sample tequila beverages, enjoy complimentary tacos, barbecue chicken, and jerk chicken. In between sips and bites, dance to DJ-spun tunes, and compete with friends at a variety of carnival games.

Individual tickets start at $40 and includes entry, open bar tequila, and the aforementioned free bites. Tickets must be purchased online in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door.

Doggy Con

Inspired by Dragon Con, Doggy Con invites area pets to don their favorite pop culture costumes and head to “WoodRUFF Bark” on August 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Join in the pet parade, enter the costume contest, and visit with doggy-centric vendors. Funds raised from the event support Woodruff Park. 

People walking the dogs in the park Courtesy of Woodruff Park

Piedmont Park Arts Festival 

Taking place August 17 and 18 in Atlanta’s marquee green space, this annual two-day event showcases the works of more than 200 painters, photographers, sculptors, leather and metalwork artisans, glass blowers, jewelers, and crafters. In addition to shopping for new collection pieces, attendees can see artist demonstrations, enjoy live acoustic music, and indulge in their favorite festival foods and beverages. 

16th annual German Bierfest 

On August 24, experience all things German at this wunderbar annual event, including more than 40 authentic German Biers, food, music, and dancing. Benefitting the nonprofit German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S. Inc., the event also will have a kids zone, sports games, and other fun activities for the enjoyment of all attendees. 

Posted by German Bierfest Atlanta on Sunday, August 27, 2017

Peach Bowl Football Fest

On Saturday, August 24, celebrate all you love about college football at the third annual Peach Bowl Football Fest at the College Football Hall of Fame. This free event kicks off at 10 a.m. and includes games, inflatables, competitions in the SkillZone challenge, face painting, DJs, cheerleaders, mascots, and more. (And by the way, admission to the facility is free all month.)

ATL Wine + Spirits Fest

Be one of the first to attend the inaugural ATL Wine + Spirits Fest on August 24, at The Promenade at Piedmont Park. From 6 to 10 p.m., sample varieties of wine, beer and spirits from around the world; pair with the tasty bites available for purchase from some of the city’s favorite restaurants.

Advanced tickets are available online starting at $49 per person, and include a souvenir wine glass and all wine samples. All ticketholders must be 21 and older with valid ID. “Designated” Driver tickets are available for $20.

Grant Park Summer Shade Festival 2019

The heat may not be relenting just yet, but that won’t stop festival-goers from wrapping up summer at this beloved, annual intown event taking place August 24 and 25.

Compete for the best time in the 5K Run for the Park, shop the artist market, or kick back and relax with live music, bites from area food trucks, and some of the city’s best craft beers. Bring the family, and take advantage of the Kids Zone. 

Festival Peachtree Latino

On August 25, celebrate the cultures and traditions of Atlanta’s Latino community at this family-friendly and multicultural event. Sample food and beverages, enjoy live music and dancing, and shop for some amazing art. A kids zone will include games, arts and crafts, and other fun activities.

Southern Wing Showdown

On Sunday, August 25, from 2 to 5 p.m., put your tastebuds to the test at the Southern Wing Showdown, held at events space The Fairmont. Sample culinary nirvana from 30 chefs from Atlanta and the Southeast, along with craft beer and Southern spirits.

For $55, general admission tickets include a 2 p.m. entry plus all wing and drink tastes. Those with VIP First Taster tickets ($65) receive entry at 1 p.m.

AJC Decatur Book Festival 

The largest independent book festival in the country, this annual event taking place August 30 to September 1 will host book signings, author readings, panel discussions, an interactive children’s area, live music, parades, cooking demonstrations, poetry slams, writing workshops, and more. Before going, check out the full schedule on the website to plan your personal itinerary.