Spring officially begins on March 20, 2023 with the spring equinox. But, our city’s mild weather means there are a lot of spring activities in Atlanta to enjoy even sooner!
Soak up the sunshine and let your spirits bloom with these 20+ spring Atlanta activities.
From festivals and food tours to sporting events and outdoor adventures, there’s something in this guide for everyone!
A few of our favorite Spring Activities in Atlanta 2023:
Read on for more details on these activities, and more ideas!
- Take a food walk through Grant Park
- Attend spring festivals in Atlanta
- Foster a dog for a day
- Head to Georgia’s state parks
- Cheer on an Atlanta sports team
In this post, you’ll find:
- Ideas and activities to make the most of spring in Atlanta
- Atlanta spring date ideas
- Family-friendly Atlanta activities
- Atlanta spring break ideas for kids and families
- Places to go for spring break in Atlanta
1. Take a Food Walk through Grant Park – One of Our Favorite Atlanta Spring Activities
Our 1.2-mile walking food and cocktail tour through Grant Park is the perfect way to enjoy a beautiful spring Atlanta day!
This Unexpected Atlanta experience allows you to explore the charming and historic Grant Park neighborhood, stopping for 8 tastings at 3 restaurants: Six Feet Under, Firepit Pizza Tavern, and The Little Tart Bakeshop.
Along the way, your expert guide will share fascinating stories of Atlanta’s history. Moreover, the tour includes a stroll through Historic Oakland Cemetery, the final resting place of many noteworthy Atlantans.
As a bonus, Oakland’s many daffodils tend to be in peak bloom during the start of spring in March!
2. Stroll Along the Atlanta Beltline
The Atlanta Beltline is a beloved mixed-use paved trail. On any given day, you can find plenty of locals and tourists alike who are walking, running, cycling, roller skating, and even unicycling this path.
Along the Beltline Eastside Trail, explore Atlanta’s Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward neighborhoods. A few of our favorite stops include New Realm Brewing, Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, and Krog Street Market.
The Beltine’s Westside Trail is a bustling destination, with plenty of local breweries and restaurants in the Lee & White development.
For a less crowded experience, hit the trails on a weekday or check out the Northside Trail of the Beltline.
3. Head to the Atlanta Botanical Garden
From daffodils to roses to orchids and more – there’s so much natural beauty to savor at the Atlanta Botanical Garden!
We especially love Orchid Daze, an annual event celebrating thousands of beautiful, fragrant orchids in bloom at the garden’s Fuqua Orchid Center. Orchid Daze will take place from February 18-April 19, 2023.
The Atlanta Botanical Garden boasts 30 acres of outdoor gardens in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. Here, you’ll also find an award-winning Children’s Garden, a scenic Canopy Walk area, and more.
If you’re “OTP” (Outside the 285 highway Perimeter), head to the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Gainesville location, home of the largest conservation nursery in the Southeast!
4. Tour Important Civil Rights Sites in Atlanta – One of Our Favorite Atlanta Spring Activities
On our King Historic District tour, you’ll learn all about Martin Luther King, Jr. and his leadership of the Civil Rights movement in Atlanta.
This walking tour includes a leisurely 1.7-mile stroll – perfect for soaking up Atlanta’s spring weather as well as a history lesson.
Your tour guide will lead you through the story of Dr. King’s incredible life. See Dr. and Mrs. King’s memorials and hear immersive stories of Dr. King and other Civil Rights leaders.
Additionally, we’ll stop by the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church and see Dr. King’s office in the Prince Hall Grand Lodge.
5. Foster a Dog for a Day – One of Our Favorite Atlanta Spring Activities
Don’t you wish you could snuggle up with a dog – without the commitment of adopting one? Thanks to LifeLine Animal Project, you can!
This local no-kill shelter offers a “Dog for the Day” program. Basically, it’s just what it sounds like: you can “rent” a dog for the day! Plan a fun adventure with a four-legged friend. Head to a local state park, visit a pup-friendly brewery, or just relax at home.
Moreover, your dog will be outfitted with an adorable “adopt me!” vest, helping to boost the chances that your new friend will find a forever home.
6. Try New Brews at the Suwanee American Craft Beer Fest, March 18
Head to Town Center Park on Saturday, March 18, 2023 for the Suwanee American Craft Beer Fest!
This St. Patty’s Day tradition allows you to sample more than 350 beers from some of the best craft breweries in America. In fact, this was voted the top beer festival in the country by USA Today in 2022!
Purchase a day pass, or upgrade your ticket with a VIP experience. The event will also include live music and a home brew contest.
7. Cheer on the World Champion Atlanta Braves & Explore The Battery
Spring is the perfect time to catch a baseball game, before the summer heat sinks in. And, baseball in Atlanta is more exciting than ever, since the Braves won the World Series in 2021. Watch the home team play at Truist Park in northwest Atlanta.
You can find the Braves’ game calendar and buy tickets here. Home games start in April.
While you’re in the area, be sure to explore The Battery. This complex features shops, restaurants, a concert venue, hotel, escape room, and more.
A few of our favorite food and drink spots include Punch Bowl Social, Terrapin Tap Room, El Super Pan, and Jeni’s Ice Creams.
8. Attend the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, April 14-16
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is back from April 14-16, 2023!
Held each year in Piedmont Park, this is one of Atlanta’s most well-known festivals. In fact, it’s been an Atlanta tradition for more than 80 years!
At the Dogwood Festival, you’ll find an artist market with “virtually every kind of art imaginable.” This festival also includes live entertainment, delicious festival food, a 5k, kids’ activities, and more.
The festival is free to attend. Additionally, you can purchase VIP experiences to access exclusive food tastings, private restrooms, and more.
9. Head to Georgia’s State Parks – One of Our Favorite Atlanta Spring Activities
Spring is a gorgeous time to visit Georgia’s state parks. The wildflowers and sunny skies make for beautiful hiking memories and photos. Additionally, you’re likely to see wildlife as animals awaken from their winter slumber!
To start your adventure, choose from dozens of state parks throughout Georgia. In most parks, the entry and parking fee is $5. For the sake of convenience and savings, as well as supporting our natural places, you can also purchase an annual ParkPass for $50.
Georgia state parks near Atlanta include:
- Sweetwater Creek State Park
- Red Top Mountain State Park
- Fort Yargo State Park
- Panola Mountain State Park
10. Try Delicious Foods at Taste of Marietta, April 30
Head to the Historic Marietta Square on Sunday, April 30, 2023 for Taste of Marietta!
This annual food festival showcases the best of Cobb County’s restaurants and caterers. As one of the largest and longest-running food festivals in the Atlanta area, this spring event is beloved by many foodies and families alike. In fact, more than 70 restaurants and food vendors participate each year.
Festival admission is free, with “tastes” ranging from $1-5 each. You’ll also find musical entertainment, a Kids Alley area, chef spotlight stages, and more.
11. Rock Out at the Shaky Knees Music Festival, May 5-7
From May 5-7, 2023, jam out with the sounds of The Killers, The Lumineers, Muse, Hozier, and more at the Shaky Knees Festival.
This festival takes place in Central Park, near the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood of Atlanta. Other acts include Greta Van Fleet, The Flaming Lips, Father John Misty, and many others.
With past headliners like Green Day and Nine Inch Nails, this music festival draws nearly 40,000 attendees each year.
12. Hone Your Crafts at the Georgia Craft Brewers Festival, April 29
Calling all beer lovers! Don’t miss the intown craft beer event of the Spring at Atlanta shopping district, Atlantic Station.
The Georgia Craft Brewers Festival features exclusive pours from over 60 breweries of the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild.
Dive into over 250 total beers featuring light flavors to dark, savory notes. Plus, let your taste buds explore over 30 special collaboration beers specifically brewed for this festival! Furthermore, enjoy great food and live music throughout the event.
Ticket pricing starts at $45. Or, opt for a VIP ticket that gets festival-goers a souvenir pint glass, event t-shirt, and VIP only beer selections.
13. Seek Thrills at the Atlanta Fair
Explore the magic of the Atlanta Fair with classic carnival games, tasty fair food, exhilarating rides, and attractions for all ages!
This year, the Atlanta Fair will take place all month long starting on March 3, 2023 across from Atlanta’s old Turner Field at Central Avenue and Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard.
Thrills include returning favorites like the Alien Abduction, Expo Wheel, Drop Tower, and Nemesis 360! Plus, enjoy the debut of the fair’s newest ride, The Expedition, that’s sure to get your head spinning!
Foodies can expect food truck classics like funnel cake, cotton candy, candy apples, popcorn, chicken on a stick, and more! With mouth-watering options at every turn, you’ll be fueled for a night of unforgettable fun!
14. Attend the Atlanta Science Festival – One of Our Favorite Atlanta Spring Activities
The Atlanta Science Festival, engineered by Science Atlanta, is an annual Atlanta tradition! Take part in all the fun from March 10-25, 2023.
Explore 150 engaging events all over Atlanta covering a range of science topics. Learn about Atlanta’s natural world, including trees and animals in the city’s local parks, advancements in agriculture, geocaching, robots, STEAM careers, coffee, and more!
Partnering with over 80 community organizations, the festival is committed to expanding access to science learning in the Atlanta area. Get curious and explore the wonderful worlds of science with events geared towards all ages.
Check out the festival’s online schedule and pick your must-see events! Or, stay up to date on all things #ATLSciFest by following @ATLSciFest.
15. Get Crafty at the Chastain Spring Arts and Craft Festival, May 13-14
Head to the Chastain Park Amphitheater this May for the sensational Chastain Spring Arts and Craft Festival!
As one of the largest and most enthusiastic arts and crafts festivals in the country, this festival is rich with Atlanta culture and showcases art in countless forms.
As you stroll through the Chastain Park Amphitheater, explore more than 500 exhibitors featuring fine painters, photographers, glass blowers, sculptors, jewelers, leather and metal craft persons, and more!
In addition, enjoy live artist demonstrations to learn new techniques and participate in hands-on activities for all ages. And then, savor the festival’s live entertainment, foods, and drinks to keep your spirits high.
16. Go Green at the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade, March 11
Looking for an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day celebration this Spring? Look no further than the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade!
Kick off your green and gold celebrations with the city’s longest running event on Saturday, March 11th. Spanning over ten blocks through the streets of Midtown, you’ll enjoy floats, drum corps, bagpipes, dancers, drill teams, and more!
People from all of Atlanta’s diverse backgrounds are encouraged to connect, foster relationships, and contribute to the Irish community through the day’s celebrations. A main theme of the event is to spread awareness of Irish history, the Irish community in Atlanta, and highlighting Irish establishments throughout the city.
In addition to the parade, enjoy a host of participating restaurants, bars, and Midtown Atlanta establishments to celebrate all day!
17. Cheer on Atlanta United FC
Join the movement of diehard Atlanta United FC fans across the city for a match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium!
With a capacity of 93,000 fans, feel the roar of hometown pride and support for one of the city’s biggest sports teams.
The Atlanta United FC 2023 schedule starts in February, with games lasting all Spring long. Purchase season tickets or one game at a time to get in on Atlanta’s hottest sports action in the city’s biggest stadium.
In addition, opt to join tailgating events during home games hosted on The Home Depot Backyard and surrounding parking lots around the stadium for the full experience!
18. Catch a Film at the Atlanta Film Festival – One of Our Favorite Atlanta Spring Activities
Spring in Atlanta is also home to one of the region’s largest and longest-running celebrations of cinema.
The Atlanta Film Festival features a plethora of film genres from independent, documentary, animated, short films, and more. As a result, this event draws an audience of more than 25,000 film enthusiasts each year!
Welcoming fans to filmmakers, attendees have the opportunity to view more than 150 films during the week-long festival. In addition to screenings, enjoy the festival’s other events like workshops, networking opportunities, and award ceremonies.
With something for every film lover’s interests, be sure to get your tickets to the Atlanta Film Festival from April 20-30, 2023!
19. Go Wild at the Georgia Renaissance Festival
Join the hundreds of festival-goers each year traveling back to medieval Europe at the Georgia Renaissance Festival from April 15 – June 4, 2023!
Be immersed amongst costumes and characters galore. Plus, enjoy live music and comedy, acrobats, jugglers, dancers, magicians, minstrels, jousting performances, animals, games, and more!
In addition, check out the 32-acre artisans market showcasing arts and crafts and live demonstrations like weaving, spinning, and more.
Finally, feast through the festival’s pubs and shops to keep you going! Chomp into turkey legs, fair food, and other delicious goodies and drinks for all ages.
Rated as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeastern United States by The Southeast Tourism Society, this festival is a must-see this spring!
20. Catch an Atlanta Dream Game
Atlanta is home to a professional women’s basketball team, the Atlanta Dream. Catch a game of Atlanta’s dream team playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Founded during the 2008 WNBA season, the Atlanta Dream has grown to have a large following in Atlanta. Check out the 2023 season schedule to cheer on the Dream at one of 20 home games this season starting this May.
Plus, be sure to stop by the Atlanta Dream Team Store online or at the stadium to buy your team swag. Shop jerseys, t-shirts, hats, and more to wear court side and rep throughout the rest of the year!
21. Try the State’s Best Flavors at the Georgia Food + Wine Festival
Savor bites and sips at the Georgia Food + Wine Festival in Marietta from March 23-26, 2023!
This annual festival features food and drink from across the state and the South. Enjoy the best of local food growers and beverage experts.
For those 21 years of age and older, enjoy the festival on Friday and Saturday for an adult only crowd. Tickets for this regional hit include unlimited access to beer, wine, and spirit tastings from across the South.
For families, enjoy the festival on Thursday and Sunday for family-friendly days. You’ll also enjoy live music, arts and crafts, dancing, BBQ vendors, a shopping area, a kid zone and more.
21. Explore the Animal World at Zoo Atlanta
Enjoy Atlanta’s nice Spring weather before the heat sets in on the city by visiting one of the city’s biggest attractions, Zoo Atlanta.
Home to over 1,000 animals from all over the world, the zoo has fun for every visitor! Visit the African Savanna section of the park to see African elephants, giraffes, rhinos, lions, zebras, warthogs, and more!
Or, visit the attractions’ gorillas, orangutans, and plethora of monkey exhibits to experience some of our closest animal relatives.
Furthermore, the Atlanta Zoo features pandas, tigers, amphibians, birds, and more across the park’s 40 acres located in Grant Park.
Purchase tickets ahead of your visit online, with add on options like live animal encounters to enjoy during your visit!
22. Marvel at beauty of the Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival, March 25-26
The Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual Atlanta favorite for the whole family. Attend this annual event at Blackburn Park on Saturday and Sunday, March 25-26, to explore the city’s cherry blossom trees in full bloom!
The festival is also host to the Cherry Blossom 5k, which is a 2023 Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Plus, enjoy an artist market showcasing over 100 local and regional artists, a classic car show, and more!
With amenities including a kid zone, live music, local eats and drinks, families and pets are encouraged to join for a weekend full of fun at this free event!
Frequently Asked Questions to Enjoy Spring in Atlanta
What is the average spring temperature in Atlanta?
Atlanta’s average spring temperatures range from a low of 42 F to a high of 66 F in March, to a low of 65 F and a high of 87 F in June.
Generally, spring temperatures in Atlanta are mild, comfortable, and pleasant. If you’re traveling from out of town, be prepared for the possibility of rain and pollen.
When is Atlanta Public Schools’ spring break?
In 2023, Atlanta Public Schools will be on spring break from April 3-7.
In fact, many of the ideas on this list are fantastic spring break adventures to do with your kids and family!
When is spring pollen season in Atlanta?
According to the Allergy & Asthma Center, Atlanta’s pollen count tends to follow strong seasonal patterns.
For example, tree pollen tends to peak around late March through mid-April. Then, grass pollen can begin in late May through summer. Finally, ragweed and other weed pollen can occur in late August through winter.
The amount of pollen can vary each year as well as by location. To get the latest information, check out the daily pollen count on the Atlanta Allergy & Asthma website.
What are some things to do on a rainy day in Atlanta?
As with many places, Atlanta’s spring season can bring some rainy days. Fortunately, we created a video with ideas for fun Atlanta things to do when it rains!
Head on over to our YouTube channel for a short video packed with rainy day Atlanta ideas!
Wishing you a happy, healthy, and adventure-filled spring in Atlanta!
