Atlanta Summers are lush and free. The south’s largest city takes a slower pace as temperatures rise, and Atlantans and visitors cool off with iced tea in the shade. We Atlantans pride ourselves on our fun outdoor festivals full of live music, cold drinks and a genial atmosphere. Whether you are interested in jazz, food and wine, or an unforgettable day with the kids, Atlanta offers a summer festival for everyone! This blog will feature summer festivals in late May through June; look out for future blogs for more Atlanta summer festivals in July and August.

Atlanta Jazz Festival

May 25-26 11am-11pm
Location: Piedmont Park, Midtown
Cost: Free

The Atlanta Jazz Festival is one of the largest of its kind in the United States, attracting over 150,000 jazz lovers. Featuring jazz artists from around the world, this festival showcases both well-known and up-in-coming musicians. Check out the amazing lineup here.

Atlanta Food and Wine Festival

May 30-June 2 10am-10pm
Location: Loews Atlanta Hotel
Cost: $85 and up

Take in new culinary trends, speak with master sommeliers, and experience celebrity chef classes at Atlanta’s 9^th annual Food and Wine Festival. Foodies and wine lovers will love the tasting tents and emphasis on delicious Southern food.

Candler Park Music and Food Festival

May 31-June 1
Location: Candler Park
Cost: $25 and up

Enjoy a great lineup, delicious food, and a beautiful historic park at the 11^th annual Candler Park festival. The lineup includes incredible artists including Dispatch, Greensky Bluegrass, Trampled by Turtles, Dr. Dog, Stephen Marley, Larkin Poe, Funk You, Aqueous, and Webster. The food village will feature local restaurants and food trucks. Local beer company Terrapin will operate a Terrapin Brew Lounge with rare craft brews. Take the whole (family? crew?)and a blanket to enjoy the music and food on a hillside!

Virginia Highland Summerfest

June 1-2 10am
Location: 869 Virginia Ave
Cost: Free

This kid-friendly festival is fun for the whole family! The 35^th annual Virginia Highland Summerfest begins with a Peachtree road race 5K run. Enjoy live music, a KidsFest, and tons of local food vendors!

Atlanta Moon Ride: Benefits Bert’s Big Adventure

June 7 7pm-1am
Location: 1071 Piedmont Ave in Piedmont Park
Cost: $35

Benefiting Bert’s Big Adventure, a local nonprofit that sends terminally ill children to an all-expense paid trip to Walt Disney World, the Atlanta Moon Ride is a nighttime biking festival that begins at 7pm in Piedmont Park. Participants will bike over 7 miles through some of Atlanta’s coolest neighborhoods! Many bikers dress in fun glowing gear and costumes (for) a  great cause.

Atlanta Summer Beer Festival

June 15 4-8pm
Location: Historic Fourth Ward Park
Cost: $40-55

Enjoy a fun day in the shade of Fourth Ward park with a cold brew in hand at Atlanta’s 10^th annual Summer Beer Festival. With over 150 beers and more than 25 wines and ciders, a DJ tent with AC, and food for purchase, this 21 and over event is a great way to experience Atlanta!