best things to do this weekend in atlanta

15 Best Things to Do in Atlanta This Weekend (February 27 – March 1, 2026)

From K-pop at State Farm Arena to BBQ at Atlantic Station, here's your guide to the best events, concerts, and things to do in Atlanta this weekend.

Atlanta doesn't do slow weekends. This one's delivering a K-pop arena takeover, a ZZ Top legend at an intimate Little Five Points venue, the Atlanta premiere of a Tony-winning play about wizards, and enough bourbon-soaked BBQ to keep your dry cleaner busy through Tuesday. There's also a marathon if you're feeling ambitious — or a car show if you'd rather spectate from the comfort of a lawn chair.

Whether you're chasing live music, theater, sports, or just the right amount of chaos, the city has something worth leaving the house for. We pulled together the best of what's happening February 27 through March 1 so you can skip the scrolling and get straight to planning. You can also explore more Atlanta events on AllEvents to fill in the gaps.

How this list works: We curate based on timeliness, variety, and what's actually worth your weekend. Festivals, touring acts, one-night-only shows, and local favorites all get priority. Events are loosely ordered by day — Friday first, then Saturday, then Sunday.

1. TWICE [THIS IS FOR] World Tour

TWICE [THIS IS FOR] World Tour Banner

What it is: Global K-pop powerhouses TWICE bring their [THIS IS FOR] World Tour to State Farm Arena for one night only. This is the group's first Atlanta appearance on this tour cycle, and if you know anything about ONCE (their fandom), you know that arena is going to be vibrating.

Why go: TWICE consistently delivers one of the most polished, visually spectacular live shows in pop music — period. The choreography is razor-sharp, the production value is massive, and the energy between the group and their fans is genuinely electric. Whether you've been streaming since "Cheer Up" or you're curious what all the fuss is about, this is a spectacle worth witnessing in person.

Who it's for: K-pop fans, anyone who appreciates top-tier live performance, and people who want to experience an arena crowd at full volume.

When: Friday, February 27 · Doors 6:30 PM, Show 8:00 PM · State Farm Arena

2. Kenny Wayne Shepherd: Ledbetter Heights 30th Anniversary Tour

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Banner

What it is: Blues-rock guitar prodigy Kenny Wayne Shepherd celebrates 30 years of his landmark debut album Ledbetter Heights with a special anniversary tour stop at Atlanta Symphony Hall. The album that made him a household name in blues circles at just 18 years old gets the full live treatment.

Why go: Ledbetter Heights isn't just an album — it's a milestone in modern blues-rock that proved the genre still had teeth. Hearing it performed live, three decades on, in a venue with Symphony Hall's acoustics is the kind of night guitar fans write about in online forums for years. Shepherd's playing has only gotten more ferocious with time, and the intimate setting means you'll feel every note.

Who it's for: Blues and rock fans, guitar enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates an artist honoring their roots while still bringing fire.

When: Friday, February 27 · Doors 6:30 PM, Show 7:30 PM · Atlanta Symphony Hall

3. Robert Glasper

Robert Glasper Banner

What it is: Grammy-winning pianist and producer Robert Glasper brings his genre-defying sound to City Winery Atlanta for an intimate Friday night set. Known for seamlessly blending jazz, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music, Glasper is one of the most influential musicians working today — and City Winery's seated dinner-and-show format puts you practically on stage with him.

Why go: Glasper's live sets are famously unpredictable. He'll pivot from a delicate jazz ballad into a hip-hop groove without blinking, and the smaller venue means you're catching this at a fraction of the scale (and price) of his festival appearances. The City Winery setup — wine, dinner, world-class musicianship — is about as good as a Friday night gets.

Who it's for: Jazz lovers, hip-hop heads who appreciate musicianship, date-night planners, and anyone who thinks live music peaked at festivals (it didn't).

When: Friday, February 27 · 9:30 PM · City Winery Atlanta, 650 North Ave NE

4. What So Not

What it is: Australian electronic producer What So Not — the project of Emoh Instead (Chris Emerson) — takes over District Atlanta for a late-night bass-heavy session. Known for pushing the boundaries of electronic music since 2011, this is a proper club show at one of Atlanta's premier nightlife venues.

Why go: What So Not has been spearheading Australia's electronica revival with boundary-pushing bass music that's earned collabs with Skrillex, Flux Pavilion, and RL Grime. District's sound system is built for exactly this kind of low-end intensity, and the 21+ crowd keeps the energy focused. If you want Friday night to hit different, this is your move.

Who it's for: EDM fans, bass music devotees, and anyone whose ideal Friday involves dancing past midnight.

When: Friday, February 27 · 10:00 PM · District Atlanta, 269 Armour Drive NE (21+)

5. Amber Mark: The Pretty Idea Tour

What it is: R&B singer-songwriter Amber Mark brings her Pretty Idea Tour to Center Stage for an all-ages show. Her silky, genre-fluid sound draws from '90s R&B, dance music, bossa nova, and soul — all held together by one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music.

Why go: Amber Mark is one of those artists who's been quietly building a catalog that critics adore and fans obsess over. Tracks like "Mixer" and "What It Is" showcase a vocalist with serious range and a producer's ear for lush, layered arrangements. Center Stage is the perfect mid-size room for her intimate-but-groovy vibe, and catching her before the inevitable arena jump feels like insider knowledge.

Who it's for: R&B enthusiasts, fans of artists like Solange and Sade, and anyone looking for a musically rich Friday night that doesn't involve a mosh pit.

When: Friday, February 27 · Doors 7:00 PM, Show 8:00 PM · Center Stage Atlanta

6. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Atlanta Premiere)

What it is: The Tony Award-winning (six Tonys, including Best Play) theatrical continuation of the Harry Potter saga makes its Atlanta debut at the Fox Theatre. This is opening weekend — the show runs February 28 through March 15, but these are the very first performances in the city.

Why go: Forget everything you think you know about stage adaptations. Cursed Child has been called "one of the most defining pop culture events of the decade" by Forbes, and the theatrical magic — actual on-stage illusions that will genuinely make you say "how did they do that?" — is unlike anything else in live theater. The Fox Theatre's ornate grandeur only amplifies the wizarding-world atmosphere. Getting in on opening weekend means experiencing it with an audience that's been waiting for this.

Who it's for: Harry Potter fans (obviously), theater lovers, families with kids 8+, and anyone who wants to see live-stage magic that makes CGI look lazy.

When: Saturday, February 28 · 7:30 PM // Sunday, March 1 · 1:00 PM & 7:00 PM · Fox Theatre

7. STS9: Human Dream Tour with Lotus (2-Night Run)

STS9: Human Dream Tour Banner

What it is: Atlanta's own Sound Tribe Sector 9 returns to The Eastern for a two-night homecoming run with special guest Lotus. Both nights feature STS9's signature fusion of electronic, rock, and jazz improvisation — the kind of show where no two performances are ever the same.

Why go: STS9 in Atlanta is a hometown ritual. These aren't just concerts — they're communal experiences where the band feeds off the crowd's energy and vice versa, building extended jams that go places you didn't know music could reach. Adding Lotus to the bill doubles the improvisational firepower. Two nights means two completely different setlists, so yes, going both nights is valid and encouraged.

Who it's for: Jam band fans, electronic music lovers, anyone who's ever closed their eyes at a concert and just floated, and Atlanta music lifers who consider The Eastern a second home.

When: Friday, February 27 & Saturday, February 28 · Doors 6:30 PM, Show 7:30 PM · The Eastern

8. Billy F. Gibbons and the BFG Band

Billy F. Gibbons and the BFG Band Banner

What it is: ZZ Top's legendary frontman Billy F. Gibbons brings his solo project — the BFG Band, featuring Chris Layton and Mike Flanigin — to Variety Playhouse in Little Five Points. This is the final date of the 2026 U.S. tour, making it a proper send-off show.

Why go: Billy Gibbons is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer whose guitar tone is so iconic it practically has its own Wikipedia page. Seeing him at Variety Playhouse — a 1,000-capacity room in the heart of L5P — is obscenely intimate for an artist of this stature. Final tour dates tend to bring extra energy and a few surprises. If you've ever air-guitared to "La Grange," this is your moment of truth.

Who it's for: Classic rock fans, blues enthusiasts, guitar nerds, and anyone who appreciates a living legend in a small room.

When: Saturday, February 28 · Doors 7:00 PM, Show 8:00 PM · Variety Playhouse, 1099 Euclid Ave NE

9. Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival Banner

What it is: The traveling Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival rolls into Atlantic Station for an afternoon of smoky meats, craft beers, bourbon tastings, and live rock music. Multiple BBQ vendors set up alongside bourbon bars, and the whole thing unfolds in the open-air setting of Atlantic Station's event space.

Why go: This is peak Saturday afternoon energy — the kind of event where you wander from BBQ pit to bourbon bar with a cold beer in hand while live music plays in the background. It's unapologetically indulgent and perfectly timed for late February when Atlanta's weather is starting to remember it lives in the South. VIP gets you early entry and access to premium pours, but general admission is more than enough to eat and drink extremely well.

Who it's for: Foodies, bourbon enthusiasts, BBQ loyalists, and anyone who considers "eating smoked meat while listening to live music" a personality trait.

When: Saturday, February 28 · 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (VIP from 12 PM, GA from 2 PM) · Atlantic Station

10. ThriftCon Atlanta '26

ThriftCon Atlanta 2026

What it is: The nation's premier vintage clothing and collectible convention lands at the Georgia International Convention Center with 100+ curated vendors. Think rare sneakers, vintage band tees, retro streetwear, throwback collectibles, and enough '90s nostalgia to make your inner teenager weep with joy.

Why go: ThriftCon isn't a flea market — it's a curated experience where every vendor has been hand-selected for quality and authenticity. Whether you're hunting for a specific deadstock item or just want to browse racks of vintage finds, this is the biggest one-day vintage shopping event in the South. Past editions have drawn thousands, and the vendors bring serious heat. Come early for the best picks.

Who it's for: Vintage fashion lovers, sneakerheads, collectors, resellers, and anyone who believes the best clothes already exist — they just need to be found.

When: Saturday, February 28 · 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Georgia International Convention Center

11. Kathleen Madigan: The Day Drinking Tour

Kathleen Madigan: The Day Drinking Tour

What it is: Veteran comedian Kathleen Madigan brings her Day Drinking Tour to Cobb Energy Centre. With over 30 years in stand-up and appearances on every late-night show that matters, Madigan is one of the most consistently funny touring comics in the country — the comedian other comedians call their favorite.

Why go: Madigan's material is sharp, observational, and delivered with the effortless timing of someone who's been doing this longer than most of her audience has been alive. She doesn't rely on shock value or hot takes — just genuinely funny stories told by someone who's mastered the craft. The Cobb Energy Centre is a proper theater setting, which means great sightlines and acoustics for a comedy show.

Who it's for: Comedy fans, anyone who appreciates clean-but-clever humor, and people looking for a Saturday night out that guarantees laughs.

When: Saturday, February 28 · 7:00 PM · Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

12. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra: Sibelius Symphony No. 5

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Banner

What it is: The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs Jean Sibelius's transcendent Symphony No. 5, paired with Finnish composer Outi Tarkiainen's The Ring of Fire and Love and Lutosławski's virtuosic Cello Concerto featuring cellist Kian Soltani. A pre-concert "Strings of Persia" performance begins at 6:00 PM.

Why go: Sibelius's Fifth is one of those pieces that makes you understand why people cry at classical music — the final movement's "hammer blows" are among the most thrilling moments in the entire symphonic repertoire. Paired with a rising Finnish composer and a world-class cellist, this is a program that rewards both seasoned symphony-goers and curious newcomers. The pre-concert Persian music showcase adds an unexpected cultural layer.

Who it's for: Classical music fans, culturally curious folks, date-night planners who want something elevated, and anyone who's never heard a full symphony orchestra let loose.

When: Saturday, February 28 · Pre-concert 6:00 PM, Concert 8:00 PM · Atlanta Symphony Hall

13. Duel Reality by The 7 Fingers (Final Weekend)

Duel Reality Banner

What it is: Montreal's internationally acclaimed circus troupe The 7 Fingers presents Duel Reality, an epic cirque-infused performance inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. This is the final weekend of the Alliance Theatre run, featuring breathtaking acrobatics, live music, and storytelling that reimagines the classic rivalry through aerial stunts and physical theater.

Why go: The 7 Fingers are to traditional circus what a Michelin-starred restaurant is to a food court — same ingredients, completely different experience. Duel Reality combines Shakespeare's timeless story with gravity-defying acrobatics, and the Alliance Theatre's intimate Coca-Cola Stage means you're close enough to hear the performers breathe between flips. This is the final weekend, so if you've been putting it off, the universe is giving you one last chance.

Who it's for: Theater lovers, circus and acrobatics fans, families, and anyone who wants to see human bodies do things that seem physically impossible.

When: Saturday, February 28 · 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM // Sunday, March 1 · 2:00 PM · Alliance Theatre (Coca-Cola Stage)

14. 2026 Publix Atlanta Marathon & Half Marathon

2026 Publix Atlanta Marathon & Half Marathon

What it is: The 20th running of the Publix Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon takes over the city streets on Sunday morning, with the marathon, half marathon, and 5K all starting and finishing at The Home Depot Backyard near Centennial Olympic Park. The Marathon Weekend Expo runs Friday and Saturday at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Why go: Whether you're running or spectating, the Atlanta Marathon is a citywide event that transforms the streets into a massive celebration of endurance and community. The course winds through iconic Atlanta neighborhoods, and the spectator energy along the route is infectious. Even if you didn't register, the expo (free entry) is worth a visit for the running gear, nutrition samples, and general pre-race buzz. The 20th anniversary makes this one a little extra special.

Who it's for: Runners of all levels, fitness enthusiasts, and spectators who enjoy cheering on strangers while holding a coffee.

When: Race Day: Sunday, March 1 · 7:30 AM start · The Home Depot Backyard // Expo: Friday, February 27 & Saturday, February 28 · 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Georgia World Congress Center Hall C4

15. Atlanta Hawks vs Portland Trail Blazers

Atlanta Hawks vs Portland Trail Blazers Banner

What it is: The Atlanta Hawks host the Portland Trail Blazers at State Farm Arena for a Sunday evening NBA matchup. It's a solid opportunity to catch the Hawks at home in a regular-season game with a relaxed Sunday vibe.

Why go: State Farm Arena is one of the best fan experiences in the NBA — the upgraded concessions, the 360-degree halo video board, and the general energy of a Hawks home game make it worth the trip even on a random Sunday. Plus, Sunday evening games have a laid-back atmosphere that's perfect for families or casual fans who don't want the intensity of a Friday night rivalry game. Check AllEvents for more Atlanta sports events happening this season.

Who it's for: Basketball fans, families looking for a Sunday activity, and anyone who wants to see NBA-level athleticism up close without breaking the bank.

When: Sunday, March 1 · 6:00 PM · State Farm Arena


Bonus: More Things to Do in Atlanta This Weekend

Del Water Gap with Hannah Jadagu — Indie-pop singer-songwriter Del Water Gap brings his catchy, emotionally transparent sound to Buckhead Theatre, with rising talent Hannah Jadagu opening. Saturday, February 28 · 8:00 PM · Buckhead Theatre.

Virtual Riot at Believe Music Hall — German dubstep/bass producer Virtual Riot takes over Believe Music Hall for a late-night EDM session with support from MES, Tech Chase, and Ottomatic. Saturday, February 28 · Doors 10:00 PM · Believe Music Hall (18+).

Visual Riot at Believe Music Hall

Florida State vs Georgia Tech (Men's Basketball) — ACC conference action as the Seminoles visit McCamish Pavilion for a Saturday afternoon tip-off. Saturday, February 28 · 12:00 PM · McCamish Pavilion.

Florida State vs Georgia Tech Banner

Decatur Lunar New Year: Year of the Fire Horse — The 5th annual Pan-Asian Lunar New Year festival celebrates the rare Year of the Fire Horse with food, performances, kids' activities, and cultural programming at Ebster Recreation Center. Sunday, March 1 · 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM · Ebster Gym Courtyard, Decatur ($10).

Decatur Lunar New Year Banner

Caffeine and Octane — America's largest monthly car show rolls into Town Center at Cobb for the March edition. Thousands of cars, free admission, and early-morning energy that only gearheads truly understand. Sunday, March 1 · 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM · Town Center at Cobb, Kennesaw (free).

Caffeine and Octane Banner

WildWoods: AGLOW (Final Nights) — Fernbank Museum's immersive outdoor light installation transforms the forest into a glowing wonderland. This is the final weekend before it closes, so catch it Friday or Saturday evening. Friday, February 27 & Saturday, February 28 · 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Druid Hills.

WildWoods: AGLOW

Georgia Swarm Lacrosse: Native Heritage Night — The NLL's Georgia Swarm host a game at Gas South Arena in Duluth, celebrating the Indigenous origins of lacrosse with special pre-game festivities and cultural recognition. Saturday, February 28 · 7:30 PM · Gas South Arena, Duluth.

Georgia Swarm Lacrosse: Native Heritage Night

Battle of the Drumlines — The 2nd Annual Stonecrest Drumline Battle brings high school drumlines together for a free afternoon of percussive intensity. Saturday, February 28 · 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM · Miller Grove High School, Stonecrest, Lithonia (free).

Battle of the Drumlines Banner

FAQ

What are the best things to do in Atlanta this weekend?
The biggest events this weekend include TWICE's world tour at State Farm Arena on Friday, the Atlanta premiere of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Fox Theatre on Saturday, the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival at Atlantic Station, STS9's two-night homecoming at The Eastern, and the Publix Atlanta Marathon on Sunday. You can find the full weekend lineup on AllEvents.

What concerts are happening in Atlanta this weekend?
Friday night features TWICE at State Farm Arena, Kenny Wayne Shepherd at Atlanta Symphony Hall, Robert Glasper at City Winery, Amber Mark at Center Stage, What So Not at District, and STS9 with Lotus at The Eastern. Saturday brings Billy F. Gibbons at Variety Playhouse, Virtual Riot at Believe Music Hall, and Del Water Gap at Buckhead Theatre.

Are there any free events in Atlanta this weekend?
Yes! Caffeine and Octane (Sunday morning car show at Town Center at Cobb), the Publix Atlanta Marathon Weekend Expo at the Georgia World Congress Center (Friday & Saturday), the Battle of the Drumlines in Stonecrest (Saturday afternoon), and spectating the marathon route on Sunday are all free.

What family-friendly events are happening in Atlanta this weekend?
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (ages 8+) at the Fox Theatre, Duel Reality by The 7 Fingers at the Alliance Theatre, the Publix Atlanta Kidz Marathon (Saturday), the Decatur Lunar New Year Festival (Sunday), and Caffeine and Octane car show (Sunday) are all great family options.

Where can I find last-minute things to do in Atlanta?
For real-time event listings including pop-up events, club nights, and same-day happenings, check AllEvents Atlanta for a comprehensive and regularly updated calendar.


Atlanta doesn't wait for you to make plans — it makes them for you. See you out there.🍑

Loved It! Here's What Attendees Say

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