Soak up the summer fun with the best things to do in Atlanta in August!
There’s still plenty of warm weather and summer memories to be made during this month, even with Atlanta’s public schools starting back in early August! Take advantage of long daylight hours and fewer crowds as you explore the capital city of the South this month.
In this post, you’ll find all the best things to do in Atlanta during August – from delectable foods to heart-pounding live music, innovative art and culture events, family-friendly adventures, fun ways to explore Atlanta’s history and culture, and so much more. Let’s dive in!
The Best Things to Do in Atlanta in August
Read on for additional details on these Atlanta August events, and more fun ideas!
- Experience culture and cuisine at A Taste of Nigeria and Festival of India
- Try Atlanta’s amazing Black-owned restaurants during Black Restaurant Week
- See musical acts like Beyoncé, Post Malone, The National, LL Cool J, and more
- Take a walking food tour of Atlanta
- Check out the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival for family-friendly fun
In this post, you’ll find:
- August festivals and concerts in Atlanta
- Ideas to enjoy Atlanta in August and summer months
- August events in Atlanta for families, individuals, friends, and couples
- Fun things to do during a business trip to Atlanta in August
Festivals & Events in Atlanta: August 2023
Take a Top-Rated Walking Food Tour
Try some of the best eats in Atlanta! The #1-rated Grant Park Past & Future Food Walk is a fun walking tour showcasing the best of Atlanta’s food and history. On this tour, you’ll taste eight modern and Southern foods from three outstanding locally owned food stops.
Along the way, delve into Atlanta’s history with an expert guide who will share fascinating stories of our city and answer questions. You’ll also explore the unique architecture of Atlanta’s historic Grant Park neighborhood. The 2.5 hour guided experience includes a jaunt through Historic Oakland Cemetery, where many noteworthy Atlantans have been laid to rest.
Experience Culture & Cuisine at A Taste of Nigeria
On Saturday, August 5, bring the family to A Taste of Nigeria at the Westside Cultural Arts Center in Downtown Atlanta!
At this immersive Atlanta summer festival, you’ll see a vibrant celebration filled Nigerian art, music, dance, comedy, drama, a fashion show, market, and more! Kids get free festival entry, with plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy.
Support Black Restaurant Week: Atlanta
Celebrating 5 years in Atlanta, Black Restaurant Week invites Atlantans and visitors to experience the best of Atlanta’s Black-owned restaurants, food trucks, sweets, and more.
From burgers and BBQ to cheese boards, coffee roasters, and ice cream, there’s something for everyone to try! Additionally, the event organizers will be offering ways for restaurant-goers to enter to win gift cards and other prizes!
Atlanta Comic Convention
Dubbed the “fan-friendliest show in the South,” the Atlanta Comic Convention is a destination for comic books, toys and collectibles, posters, and more! This event will take place on August 6 at the Marriott Hotel-Century Center.
Along with local artists and creators in Artist’s Alley, Atlanta Comic Con will also feature special guest Stephanie Gladden – artist of the Simpsons, Powerpuff Girls, Peanuts, Ren & Stimpy, Spongebob Squarepants, and 99 other comic projects!
Vibe at the BeREGGAE Music & Arts Festival
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the BeReGGAE Music & Arts Festival, an annual three-day event from Aug. 11-13, 2023. Benefitting the HOF Foundation, the event aims to support programs centered around education and economic empowerment of Black families, while celebrating “One people. One culture. One love.”
Additionally, the festival is a “living exhibition of art, music, food, business and celebration of international Black culture and the threads that unify every human being.” Come out and enjoy a good time, reggae grooves, and more!
Learn and Celebrate at the Festival of India
Presented by the India American Cultural Association, the Festival of India in Duluth offers programs for all interests and ages on August 13, 2023! From art exhibits to youth contests (think: chess, public speaking, and more), a fashion show, seminars, and more – this is a unique festival celebrating “India at its cultural and intellectual best.”
With more than 5,000 attendees and 100+ exhibition booths, this is a popular August event that welcomes all who wish to engage with Indian culture, history, community, and more.
Try the AgLanta Eats Festival at Atlanta Botanical Garden
On August 21, the Atlanta Botanical Garden will host a special evening event: the AgLanta Eats Festival. This “hyper-local food festival” delivers tastes prepared by top local chefs, using fresh ingredients from AgLanta growers and Atlanta-area farms.
Festival entry includes access to the garden, a sampling of tastings and beverages, live music, and more.
Bring the Family to the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival
This family-friendly festival is a beloved late summer tradition in Atlanta! Summer Shade Fest is a vibrant celebration held each year in Atlanta’s Grant Park neighborhood. The festival is on the last weekend of August. For 2023, that’s August 26 and 27.
With live music, food trucks, a bustling artist market with over 150 artists, family-friendly activities, and more – this fun festival is a can’t-miss event for everyone!
Celebrate & Support Hispanic & Latino Culture at Festival Peachtree Latino
On August 27, 2023, join Festival Peachtree Latino for an event that celebrates and supports Atlanta’s Hispanic and Latino communities!
Hosted at Piedmont Park, this is the largest multicultural event in the state of Georgia, offering “hundreds of exhibitors, family activities, arts and crafts, international foods and a high profile outdoor music exposition and concert with both renowned international recording artists and local performers.”
Attend Concerts in Atlanta in August 2023
Atlanta is a destination for music lovers, attracting chart-topping talent from all genres. August 2023 is no exception, as Atlanta welcomes a diverse lineup of exciting acts to the city!
From contemporary acts like Beyoncé to Post Malone, indie artists like The National, throwbacks like The Offspring and Sum 41, the smooth sounds of Lyle Lovett and Earth, Wind, and Fire, and everything in between – this month has you covered!
Atlanta concerts in August 2023 – a few highlights:
- Post Malone: If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying Tour – August 3 at Lakewood Amphitheatre
- Dirty Heads: Island Glow – August 4 at Coca-Cola Roxy
- Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Too $hort & More: H.S. Reunion Tour 2023 – August 9 at Lakewood Amphitheatre
- Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová of The Swell Season – August 9 at Atlanta Symphony Hall
- Beyoncé: Renaissance World Tour – August 11, 12, & 14 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Counting Crows: Banshee Season Tour with Dashboard Confessional – August 11 & 12 at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
- Jason Mraz: The Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride: August 11 at Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
- Lyle Lovett and his Large Band – August 12 at Atlanta Symphony Hall
- The Offspring with Simple Plan and Sum 41 – Let the Bad Times Roll Tour – August 15 at Lakewood Amphitheatre
- The National – August 16 at Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
- LL Cool J: The F.O.R.C.E. Live – August 21 at State Farm Arena
- Lionel Richie And Earth, Wind & Fire: Sing A Song All Night Long – August 22 at State Farm Arena
- Chris Stapleton’s All-American Road Show – August 25 & 26 at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Additional Atlanta Ideas for August
Craving more Atlanta summer activities? Other popular things to do in August include:
- Learn about Dr. King’s life and legacy on our top-rated Martin Luther King, Jr. Atlanta History Tour
- Explore the paved walking and cycling trails of the Atlanta Beltline, or the Silver Comet Trail
- Explore farm-to-table food and drink options at one of Atlanta’s many local farmers markets
- Delve into the botanical world at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Play mini golf and other nostalgic games at Skyline Park, on the roof of Ponce City Market
- See giant pandas at Zoo Atlanta or whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium
- Have a picnic or toss a football around Centennial Olympic Park in Downtown Atlanta
- Learn the history behind the most famous soft drink on the planet at the World of Coca-Cola
- Check out to bustling Atlanta suburbs like Sandy Springs, Marietta, and Chamblee
FAQs: Visiting Atlanta in August
Is August a good time of year to visit Atlanta?
Absolutely! During August, Atlanta is bustling with plenty of events, festivals, concerts, and more. You can expect to see slightly fewer crowds, as Atlanta Public Schools begin in early August. Additionally, temperatures cool slightly from their peak in July – though you can still expect plenty of summer weather!
Pro tip: pack a sweater for indoor activities! Many Atlanta buildings keep their AC settings on blast, so you might end up unexpectedly chilly, even during August!
What should I know about Atlanta August weather?
Expect warm and humid weather during August in Atlanta. To make exploring Atlanta during summer easy, consider packing a portable fan, water bottle, and a rain jacket or umbrella to have on hand.
According to the National Weather Service, Atlanta’s August weather ranges from lows around 71 F to highs of 89 F. Additionally, you might see rain during an August visit to Atlanta, with an average of 4.3 days of rain during the month!
For unforgettable Atlanta fun, check out Unexpected Atlanta’s unique walking tours! With food and history experiences you won’t find anywhere else, see why we have more than 1,500 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor!
