Summer in Atlanta is filled with warm energy, vibrant festivals, and unique cultural experiences.
Whether you’re here to soak up the city’s outdoor vibes or dive into its rich history, Atlanta offers countless ways to make the most of every summer day!
In this guide, you’ll find Atlanta’s top summer activities in June, July, and August. Pick your favorites to create your ideal summer fun list – filled with must-try experiences, delicious dishes, heartwarming memories, outdoor adventures, and more!
The Best Atlanta Summer Events & Activities
June: Kick off Summer with Outdoor Adventures & Festivals
With June comes the official start of summer! The days are warmer, the nights are longer, and many of us are filled with a nostalgic longing for summer fun. Fortunately, Atlanta has no shortage of things to do this month. Let’s dive in!
Explore Atlanta’s Iconic Street Art & the Beltline
Start your summer with an immersive journey through Atlanta’s street art! On the Cabbagetown & Beltline Street Art Tour, learn how Atlanta’s street art carries the missions and legacies of our city’s changemakers forward. Every mural you see has a rich story behind it. On this tour, your local guide will share an insider’s knowledge of Atlanta and its vibrant street art. Along the way, see iconic murals created for the Forward Warrior Festival, including Civil Rights-themed works that share powerful messages.
This guided tour also shares about Atlanta’s beloved Cabbagetown neighborhood, the popular Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail, and the iconic Krog Street Tunnel (learn more about it in the video above!). Don’t just see the art – engage with it as you ask questions, learn from your tour guide, make new connections, and discover how art can change the world.
At the end of the tour, you’ll get the opportunity to design your very own street art. No experience is required, and beginners are welcome! You’ll leave with exclusive access to a resource page with the scoop on Atlanta artists, plus street art history and culture.
Planning a work conference or family reunion? Unexpected Atlanta offers experiences for groups of all sizes, including corporate team building events! Click below to inquire about details and pricing for your next group event.
Get Outdoors with Atlanta’s Green Spaces
Get outside and enjoy Atlanta’s expansive parks – the ideal backdrop for picnics, nature walks, and scenic city views.
For instance, June is the perfect time to enjoy Piedmont Park before peak summer heat arrives. Nestled in the heart of Midtown Atlanta with sprawling fields and trails, there’s plenty of room for biking, running, or relaxing near Lake Clara Meer. You can also purchase tickets to the Atlanta Botanical Garden nearby to stroll through lush plant exhibits, water features, and colorful summer floral displays.
On the northwest side of the city, head to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area for hiking and paddling. Nature lovers can dip into the Chattahoochee River (known by locals as “The Hooch”) for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Rent on-the-water equipment from a company like Nantahala Outdoor Center to enjoy a refreshing day outdoors. Along the banks of the river, you can also find hiking trails shaded by large trees.
Kick Off Atlanta’s Summer Festival Season
June marks the beginning of Atlanta’s summer festival season, with events that showcase the city’s culture, art, and renowned Southern food. Here are just a few of the can’t-miss June festivals in Atlanta:
- VaHi Summerfest: With local arts, crafts, and music performances, the family-friendly Summerfest in the Virginia-Highland (VaHi) neighborhood is an Atlanta tradition in June. Wander through artist booths, food trucks, and enjoy live music throughout the day.
- Juneteenth Atlanta Parade and Music Festival: Atlanta’s history is deeply intertwined with the history of the Civil Rights movement. This makes Atlanta a prime spot to learn about and honor Juneteenth. At this festival in Piedmont Park, you can browse vendor booths, watch (or participate in!) the Black History Parade, join a 5k run, watch live performances, and so much more.
- Atlanta Summer Beer Festival: Typically held each June, the Atlanta Summer Beer Festival is an extravaganza of craft brews! Be sure to get your ticket ahead of time to secure your spot. Then, head to the Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park to sample over 150 beers! You’ll try libations from Atlanta’s best breweries, as well as top breweries around the country.
Looking for more festival fun? Check out our year-round Atlanta festival calendar.
July: Enjoy Peak Summer in Atlanta!
From educational summer field trips for the kids to 4th of July celebrations, water parks, and day trips – July in Atlanta is packed with action!
Keep the Kids So Entertained, They Won’t Know They’re Learning!
As the birthplace, home, and resting place of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Atlanta is a destination for Civil Rights history. The private MLK Tour for Kids brings classroom concepts to life with immersive experiences and age-appropriate lessons. Geared toward families with children, this program was created by our trained historians who rely on primary sources. Together, our team spends hundreds of hours on in-depth research to create each of our tours.
During this experience, you and your kids will discover the places that shaped Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life. From the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church to Dr. King’s childhood home, this tour delves deep into Dr. King’s role – as well as Atlanta’s role – in the Civil Rights Movement.
Hear stories you won’t read about in textbooks, and learn about important history together as a family. Your knowledgeable tour guide will be there to guide your private experience and answer questions along the way. Named by Conde Nast as one of the 17 best things to do in Atlanta, this 1.5-hour tour will leave a lasting impression.
Your kids will leave the tour with a strong understanding of Dr. King’s life and legacy, fun “field trip” memories, and inspiration to create positive change in the world. As one of our tour participants said: “If we missed this tour, we would’ve missed Atlanta!”
Let Freedom Ring! Celebrate the 4th of July in Atlanta
Celebrate Independence Day with Atlanta’s exciting lineup of fireworks, parades, and family-friendly events.
First up: start the day with the world’s largest 10K! The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race has been an Atlanta tradition for 50+ years. Each year, this morning event draws thousands of runners and spectators alike. Whether you’re racing or cheering from the sidelines, this event is how our city kicks off the 4th!
After a day of barbecuing, head to the largest fireworks display in the Southeast! Look Up Atlanta is slated to return in 2025 after a brief hiatus. This ticketed event takes place downtown in Centennial Olympic Park, hosted by the Georgia World Congress Center. With live performances, family activities, and an unforgettable fireworks display, this is the quintessential Atlanta 4th of July event.
Another option: during the week of the 4th of July, be a part of the Fantastic Fourth Celebration at Stone Mountain Park. This event was voted the “Best Place to see Fireworks in Atlanta” by readers of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It was also named a “Must-See Fireworks Show” by USA Today. For those new to Stone Mountain, we encourage you to read about the site’s contentious history and Confederate monument carved on its side.
With Stone Mountain being a popular destination for tourists and locals in our city, we believe it’s important to know about and share its history. Worth noting: during the latter years of the construction of the Stone Mountain carving (1915-1972), Martin Luther King, Jr. was fighting for equality just miles away in Atlanta. Join our top-rated Martin Luther King, Jr. tour to learn more about this changemaker’s life and legacy.
Cool Off with Water Adventures
July’s heat calls for some fun splashing around to cool off! Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of aquatic fun in Atlanta.
Looking for a pool to swim in? You have a few options! First, Atlanta’s public pools include indoor and outdoor options throughout the city. Additionally, explore this list of the best hotel pools in Atlanta for an upscale experience, including rooftop pools with amazing views. Looking for a more private experience? Browse listings on Swimply, a site that allows you to book private pools by the hour. You can even filter options to find pools with a hot tub, grill, or other amenities!
Another option: less than an hour’s drive from Atlanta, Lanier Islands resort is ideal for a day or weekend getaway. With over 1,200 acres, this spot offers boat rentals and docks, a Land Shark Beach area (open year-round with beachside food and drinks!), water sports, fire pits, and more.
For more water adventures, make your way northwest of the city to Six Flags WhiteWater! Located in the Atlanta suburb of Marietta, WhiteWater offers a thrilling variety of water slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. It’s a popular spot for families and groups to cool off. Pro tip: buy tickets online and arrive early for your best chance at avoiding lines!
For more summer fun, browse our guide to romantic Atlanta summer date ideas. Plus, check out the best things to do in Atlanta in July for even more ideas.
August: Savor the End of Summer with Food, Arts, & Back-to-School Vibes
Soak up the last of summer fun before the season ends! Here are our favorite Atlanta ideas for August.
Taste the Best of Atlanta: 3 Unforgettable Experiences!
Atlanta is a city that’s known for its food. On Unexpected Atlanta’s food-based tours, you’ll try the best spots during a curated, guided experience! Choose from 3 food-based offerings:
- Grant Park Food & Cemetery Tour: Explore Atlanta’s historic Grant Park neighborhood on this outdoor walking tour. You’ll try 8 classic and modern southern food tastings from 3 local restaurants, and take a guided stroll through nearby Historic Oakland Cemetery. Along the way, learn all about the movers and shakers who shaped our city into an international foodie destination!
- Historic Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class: Eat your way through Atlanta’s oldest market! Try 9 tastings from 5 vendors, including becoming a Southern cook with a hands-on biscuit-making class. This indoor, family-friendly experience is perfect for a hot or rainy day!
- Prohibition Progressive Dinner: Put on your finest pearls and flapper attire! This 3-hour-long, 1920s-themed bash gets you exclusive access to the best joints in Downtown Atlanta. Don’t miss the chance to peek at the real Coca-Cola vault, see the city’s skyline from a rotating rooftop, and try sumptuous cuisine and drinks from acclaimed Atlanta chefs! It’s an exceptional evening with special touches you’ll remember for years to come.
Join us to see why Unexpected Atlanta’s experiences are the #1-rated Atlanta Tour & Activity on Tripadvisor, with nearly a decade in business!
Attend August Festivals – Including the World-Famous Dragon Con!
August is packed with events celebrating Atlanta’s creative community. Here are a few of our favorites!
The Piedmont Park Arts Festival is a two-day haven for art lovers, featuring artists from all over the Southeast displaying their work. Enjoy crafts, paintings, and photography, along with live performances and food vendors. It’s one of Atlanta’s top summer events, drawing locals and visitors alike to scenic Piedmont Park.
Also in August, Dragon Con is the “largest multi-media, popular culture convention focusing on science fiction & fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music, and film in the universe!” At this multi-genre celebration, you can take part in panels, workshops, and costume contests, see celebrities make appearances, and let loose at a variety of social events.
Additionally, the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival showcases a wide range of live performances, with works that are both entertaining and enlightening. This festival is an unforgettable experience that showcases Black storytelling at its finest. Don’t miss out!
Spark “Back-to-School” Inspiration with Fun Team Experiences
August means the start of back-to-school seasons for metro Atlanta schools. Channel the spirit of learning with unique and fun team building experiences at work. From culinary tours and art-based experiences to hands-on workshops and more, these are sessions that will “wow” your team and leave them asking when the next session is!
Explore conference add-on programs, memorable client dinner options, morale-boosting team events, fun corporate field trips, and more. With satisfied hometown clients like The Coca-Cola Company, UPS, The Home Depot, IHG, and more, you can rest assured knowing your team’s experience is in capable hands. Let us handle the planning so you can relax and enjoy!
Other fun ideas for August: attend an Atlanta Braves game at Truist Park, beat the heat at Atlanta’s museums and libraries, and support Black Restaurant Week.
Summer in Atlanta: FAQs
How is Atlanta’s summer weather?
Peak summer in Atlanta tends to be hot and humid, with early morning and evening activities as your best bet for cooler temperatures. Consider packing an umbrella or raincoat and dressing in layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Browse our month-by-month guide to Atlanta weather to see average temperatures and rainfall during the month you’re visiting. You can also sign up for Atlanta weather advisory alerts through The Weather Channel or other weather apps.
What should I pack for a summer trip to Atlanta?
We recommend you pack light, breathable clothing for warm weather, and bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle. As mentioned above, an umbrella or raincoat can come in handy during summer showers. Many of Atlanta’s buildings are air conditioned, so pack a sweater to stay comfortable in the crisp AC!
How can I avoid summer crowds in Atlanta?
Plan your visits to popular spots on weekday mornings or later in the day. Additionally, Unexpected Atlanta’s tours offer small-group and private experiences, making it easy to navigate the city with a guided, pre-planned itinerary and fewer crowds to navigate.
Is it easy to get around Atlanta?
When it comes to getting around the city, you have a few options! Atlanta’s public transportation system, MARTA, (Metro Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) operates year-round. Additionally, Atlanta is home to a number of walkable neighborhoods – including Downtown, Midtown, Inman Park, Decatur, and others.
Additionally, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are typically in ample supply. Bear in mind, you may encounter longer waits and/or surge pricing on holidays and during other major events. Finally, you can rent a car from the airport’s Rental Car Center, or at car rental locations throughout the city.
What should I know about navigating the Atlanta airport?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is a bustling spot that’s filled with activity. In fact, it’s the busiest airport in the world!
Plan ahead for your visit with our Atlanta airport ultimate guide for travelers. Here, you’ll find information on getting around the airport, ground transportation options, local hotels, information on accessibility and nursing pods, food and drink options, shopping, and more.
Unexpected Atlanta wishes you a fun, safe summer exploring all that our city has to offer! We look forward to welcoming you soon for one of our top-rated walking tours of Atlanta. Join us to see why we’re the #1-rated Atlanta Tour & Activity on Tripadvisor!
From rich historical tours with Unexpected Atlanta to scenic parks and thrilling summer festivals, Atlanta’s summer activities make the city an exciting destination. Dive into these unique experiences and explore Atlanta to the fullest this summer!
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