Explore all the top events to attend when visiting Atlanta in May! With spring in full swing, the city has countless activities to enjoy while you spend time in ATL during May.
Read on for May 2023 events, festivals, and live shows. Plus, find ideas for Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, the Kentucky Derby, ways to honor Memorial Day, and more. Also learn Atlanta’s weather in May, plus tips and FAQs for visiting Atlanta during this month!
From unique tours to food experiences, to live music and creative festivals – let’s dive into the must-do events of Atlanta during May!
The Best Things to Do When Visiting Atlanta in May
Read on for additional details on these Atlanta spring events, and more fun ideas!
- Enjoy special events like Mother’s Day and Cinco de Mayo
- Take a unique food tour of Atlanta
- Jam out to your favorite artists at some of the South’s biggest music festivals and concerts
- Cheer on the races of the Kentucky Derby
- Explore local art and food amongst spring markets around the city
In this post, you’ll find:
- Events in Atlanta: May 1-31, 2023
- Ideas to enjoy Atlanta during the spring months
- May events and activities for individuals, friends, couples, and families with kids in Atlanta
- Fun things to do during a business trip to Atlanta in May
- Atlanta Mother’s Day ideas 2023
FAQs: Visiting Atlanta in May
Is May a good time of year to visit Atlanta?
May is a popular time to visit Atlanta! In May, our city sees warmer temperatures and plenty of outdoor happenings.
Atlanta is full of life and motion during May! Additionally, May marks the end of the school season, with Atlanta Public Schools last day of class slated for May 26.
Read on to learn why May is a great time of year to visit Atlanta!
What is the Atlanta weather in May?
According to the National Weather Service, the average May temperature in Atlanta ranges from a low of around 57 F to a high around 80 F. Additionally, rainy days can still be expected in Atlanta in May with an average of 8 days of rain.
That said, the weather in Atlanta in May tends to include a fair amount of humidity. With highs ranging into the 80s, May in Atlanta can bring a taste of summer heat. With this in mind, it’s best to pack layers for your daily activities and remember to stay hydrated!
Are Allergens Strong during May in Atlanta?
Seasonal allergies are at their peak in Atlanta from April through May. Keep this in mind as you plan your outdoor Atlanta May activities.
If you’re sensitive to pollen, you can use a weather app to see the day’s pollen forecast. Additionally, pollen counts tend to be lower in the evenings in Georgia. As a result, consider looking for night entertainment options if you struggle with seasonal allergies.
Things to Do in Atlanta During May
Jam Out at Shaky Knees Music Festival
The Shaky Knees Music Festival is an annual spring music festival held in Atlanta! The festival features a diverse lineup with over 60 rock acts. The 2023 lineup includes big names like The Killers, Muse, The Lumineers, Hozier, Greta Van Fleet, and more!
At this rock-lover’s dream event, you can enjoy live music, vendors, food trucks, activities, and more throughout the fest. Located in Central Park in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood, this music festival is sure to deliver good times, incredible music, and unique Atlanta culture. Tickets include access to live performances and events, with VIP options.
For music lovers, and those who enjoy a good time outdoors, check out this fun Atlanta event May 5-7, 2023!
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on a Friday. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at The Battery!
During Fiesta de Mayo, explore Hispanic and Latin owned local business vendors, photo opportunities, and food and beverages. Plus, enjoy a live Mariachi band and live DJ throughout the evening event.
Take a Walking Food Tour
The Grant Park Past & Future Food Walk is a fun walking tour that showcases the best of Atlanta’s food and history. You’ll taste 8 modern and Southern foods from 3 locally owned food stops.
Along the way, hear fascinating stories about Atlanta’s history and explore the unique architecture of the Grant Park neighborhood. The 2.5 hour long guided experience includes a walk through Historic Oakland Cemetery, where many noteworthy Atlantans lay at rest.
Unexpected Atlanta’s walking tours are ranked #1 for “Atlanta Tours & Activities” on TripAdvisor. Join this unique experience you won’t find anywhere else!
Cheer on Your Kentucky Derby Pick at Colony Square
The official Derby track may be 7 hours from Atlanta, but that doesn’t mean you can’t join the fun! Head to Midtown for a live screening of the Kentucky Derby.
On May 6, join the thrilling celebration at Colony Square. Guests can enjoy a jumbo viewing screen of the race, live music, drinks, photo booths, and more during the event. Plus, guests are encouraged to come in their best Derby get-up, including fun hats and bowties!
The Colony Square Plaza is the Atlanta place to be to celebrate the 2023 Kentucky Derby!
Attend Concerts in Atlanta: May 2023
Atlanta is home to many amazing live concert venues featuring music shows year-round. In May 2023, Atlanta will feature many incredible names, welcoming artists for every music taste. Check out shows spanning genres from rock, hip hop, indie, pop, country, and more.
Atlanta concerts in May 2023:
- Valley: May 5 at the Buckhead Theatre
- Quinn XCII: May 14 at the Coca-Cola Roxy
- Sabrina Carpenter: May 15 at The Eastern
- Hunter Hayes: May 15 at the Buckhead Theatre
- Stevie Nicks: May 22 at State Farm Arena
- Paramore: May 25 at State Farm Arena
- Bryson Tiller: May 26 at the Coca-Cola Roxy
- Ed Sheeran: May 27 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Charlie Puth: May 28 at Chastain Park
- Pierce The Veil: May 30 at the Coca-Cola Roxy
Enjoy a Day of Fun at the Kirkwood Spring Fling
This May, experience the charm of one of Atlanta’s Eastside neighborhoods at the Kirkwood Spring Fling on May 13th!
Taking place in Bessie Branham Park, join thousands of event-goers for the 20th annual event. The Spring Fling is host to a 5k neighborhood road race and artist market showcasing over 150 local artists!
Furthermore, enjoy food and drink trucks and a wing contest! For those interested in the historic homes of the neighborhood, jump into a guided tour of Kirkwood’s historic homes!
Great for all ages, explore this historic Atlanta neighborhood all while having a day of fun in the sun!
Take Mom to Mother’s Day Brunch at Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta is a well-known destination for animal lovers of all ages! Here, you can explore the worlds of giant pandas, gorillas, elephants, and more!
On May 14th, treat Mom to a delicious brunch buffet at Zoo Atlanta! Enjoy a curated feast of food, and share a toast to the women who raised you.
During the event, Bloody Mary and Mimosa cash bars will be available. In addition, plan to see the many animal moms of the zoo before or after brunch, with free zoo entrance included in your event ticket.
Together, take home a photo keepsake from this Mother’s Day event she won’t forget!
Light Up the Night at the Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade
Don’t miss the after-dark event of the season on the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
The Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade features hundreds of lanterns from the Atlanta creative community!
Enjoy an evening outdoors alongside thousands of others to see lantern puppets, homemade lanterns, and more showcasing Atlanta’s bustling art scene. Guests can sit and watch or jump in and be part of the parade itself!
Complete with live music, community, and the magic of lights, this is a parade you won’t want to miss!
Get Jazzed at the Atlanta Jazz Festival
Spring in Atlanta is home to many of the region’s largest festivals. One of the most noteworthy is the Atlanta Jazz Festival!
The Atlanta Jazz Festival is an annual celebration of music, culture, and the art of Jazz. Hosted in Piedmont Park, the festival is free to all who join. As a result, this Memorial Day Weekend event draws an audience from across the country each year.
Welcoming fans, professional musicians, and everyone in between, this 3-day-long festival showcases 15 artists. In addition to live performances, enjoy the festival’s other events like an artist market, food and beverage market, and more.
Plan your weekend for the 2023 Atlanta Jazz Festival from May 27-29!
Additional Atlanta Ideas for May
Craving more Atlanta ideas? Other popular activities include:
- Attend a Memorial Day tribute with The City of Alpharetta and the Rotary Club of Alpharetta
- Head to the Georgia Renaissance Festival on weekends from April 15 – June 4, 2023
- View the world of nature at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Shark spotting at the Georgia Aquarium
- See the legendary works of Jim Henson at the Center for Puppetry Arts
- Play mini golf at Skyline Park at Ponce City Market
- View art at the High Museum of Art
- Explore the World of Coca-Cola
Additionally, head to downtown Atlanta and take Unexpected Atlanta’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Atlanta History Tour to learn about Dr. King’s life and legacy!
For more Atlanta fun, check out our unique walking tours – including food and history experiences you won’t find anywhere else – and see why we have nearly 1,500 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor!
