Your Weekend Guide: Atlanta Events, November 21-23, 2025

Get ready, Atlanta! This weekend, November 21-23, 2025, the metro area and North Georgia are buzzing with an incredible array of activities. From dazzling lantern festivals to high-energy concerts and unique cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy before Thanksgiving.

Discover Your Perfect Atlanta Weekend

Whether you’re looking for family fun, a cultural experience, live entertainment, or sporting action, Atlanta and its surrounding areas offer a diverse lineup. Plan your outings and dive into the vibrant local scene.

Festivals & Special Events

Inside Atlanta

• Zoo Atlanta IllumiNights (Nov. 21–22): Experience a dazzling lantern festival transforming the zoo into a glowing wonderland with animal-shaped lanterns and immersive light displays.
• Smorgasburg Atlanta (Nov. 22): A vibrant open-air food market featuring dozens of rotating vendors and unique bites.
• ATL Mushroom Festival (Nov. 22): Wild Heaven Brewery hosts a family-friendly event with mushroom vendors, food, demos, and music.
• Creole Food Festival (Nov. 22-23): Celebrate Creole culture at Knock Music House with authentic food tastings, drinks, and live music.
• Atlanta Halal Fall Fest (Nov. 22–23): Grant Park comes alive with a cultural food festival, vendors, family activities, and live entertainment.
• Light Up the Season at Piedmont Park (Nov. 23): Enjoy a festive evening featuring the annual tree lighting, holiday lights, and live entertainment.

Outside Atlanta

• Georgia Renaissance Festival – Fall Fling (Saturdays through Dec. 26 and Nov. 28, in Fairburn): Step into Nottingham after dark with themed evenings, live entertainment, and artisan shopping.
• Sandy Springs 20th Anniversary Community Picnic (Nov. 22): City Springs celebrates with a festive outdoor picnic and special anniversary activities.
• Atlanta Chili Cookoff (Nov. 22, in Dunwoody): Sample over 50 chili recipes from amateur chefs and restaurants. Tickets start at $15.
• Georgia Festival of Trees (Nov. 22–30, in Gwinnett County): A multi-day holiday festival showcasing decorated Christmas trees, entertainment, and kids’ activities.

Live Music Scene

Inside Atlanta

• Manchester Orchestra: The Stuffing XV (Nov. 21, The Eastern): Manchester Orchestra’s annual concert with Microwave, Honeyknife, and Scattrbrain.
• Frankly Scarlet at Moonshadow Tavern (Nov. 21, Tucker): High-energy night of live music.
• EmoFest Featuring Emo Nation & Blink 281 (Nov. 22, Park Tavern): Emo-themed concert with nostalgic tribute bands.
• The Tony Tatum Experience – Soulful Saturday (Nov. 22, St. James Live): A live R&B tribute concert with soulful covers.
• Jazz Flutist Kim Scott Live (Nov. 22, Perfect Note Atlanta): An intimate jazz performance by the nationally touring flutist.
• Christopher Williams Live at City Winery (Nov. 23): R&B singer performs his signature hits.
• A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage (Nov. 23, Atlanta Symphony Hall): The beloved Peanuts classic comes to life with live performances and festive music.
• Elton John Under the Stars — Constellation Concerts (Nov. 23, Atlanta History Center): Elton John’s greatest hits reimagined beneath a laser-projected starfield.

Outside Atlanta

• Rebecca Frazier at Red Clay Music Foundry (Nov. 21, Duluth): Talented guitarist and songwriter performing the music of the Grateful Dead.
• Jason Bonham – Live at Coca-Cola Roxy (Nov. 22, The Battery Atlanta, Vinings): Enjoy a high-energy night of live rock.
• Live Music Showcase at Horned Owl Brewing (Nov. 22, Kennesaw): Performances from multiple local artists.
• RAIN: A Beatles Christmas Tribute (Nov. 23, Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center): Classic Beatles hits blended with festive holiday favorites.
• The Wildflowers – Acoustic Tom Petty Trio (Nov. 23, Woodstock): An intimate acoustic tribute to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.

Theater & Comedy

Inside Atlanta

• Cirque du Soleil: LUZIA at Atlantic Station (Through Jan. 25, 2026): A visually spectacular journey inspired by Mexico, filled with acrobatics and music.
• Hamlet — Atlanta Shakespeare Company (Through Nov. 30, The Shakespeare Tavern): The timeless tragedy of a prince wrestling with life and fate.
• Knock, Knock at Alliance Theatre (Nov. 21–Dec. 23): A heartwarming, interactive family show about neighbors preparing for the winter holidays.
• Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! (Nov. 21, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre): A colorful, interactive musical based on the popular Netflix series, perfect for young children.
• Killers of Kill Tony (Live Comedy Show) (Nov. 22, Fox Theatre): A stage version of the hit stand-up podcast featuring national comedians.
• Druski – Coulda Fest Tour (Nov. 22, State Farm Arena): Comedian Druski brings live comedy sketches, music performances, and surprise celebrity guests.

Outside Atlanta

• The Addams Family Musical (Nov. 21-22, Roswell Cultural Arts Center): A spooky and comedic musical presented by the Roswell Youth Theater MainStage.

Art & Markets

Inside Atlanta

• Gurl to Girl Women’s Makers Market (Nov. 22, The Interlock): A vibrant outdoor market showcasing handmade goods and creations from women-owned businesses.

Outside Atlanta

• Lilburn Farmers Market Holiday Pop-Up Market (Nov. 22, Lilburn): A festive market with local produce, gift vendors, and Santa photos.

Sports Action

Inside Atlanta

• Georgia Tech vs. Pittsburgh – Football (Nov. 22, Bobby Dodd Stadium): An ACC matchup with the Yellow Jackets hosting the Pitt Panthers.
• Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Hornets (Nov. 23, State Farm Arena): The Hawks take on the Charlotte Hornets in a Sunday evening NBA showdown with special themed offers.
• Georgia Tech vs. West Georgia – Men’s Basketball (Nov. 23, McCamish Pavilion): A Sunday afternoon non-conference matchup.

Unique Experiences & Family Fun

Inside Atlanta

• Barbie Sports Club Truck Pop-Up (Nov. 22, Perimeter Mall): Explore exclusive, limited-edition Barbie merchandise, apparel, and collectibles.

Outside Atlanta

• Donut’s BIG TRIP Finale Showdown Live (Nov. 22, Lanier Raceway, Braselton): An explosive autocross showdown with high-speed chaos.
• Story Time with Parker P. Possum & Judy Highum (Nov. 22, Liberty Books, Lawrenceville): Award-winning author Judy Highum reads and interacts with children with a gratefulness theme.
• Cobb County Gem & Mineral Show (Nov. 22–23, Cobb County Civic Center, Marietta): Explore fascinating gems, minerals, and fossils, with exhibits and hands-on activities for kids.
• An Afternoon with Jane Austen (Nov. 22, Lawrenceville Female Seminary): Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with dancing, crafts, and period-style activities for ages 8+.

Looking Ahead: Next Week’s Highlights

The fun doesn’t stop this weekend! Mark your calendars for upcoming events like Black Tiger Sex Machine: The BTSM Manga Experience (Nov. 28), the Piedmont Holiday Market (Nov. 29–30), Tambor Party Presents: Sacred Underground (Nov. 29), and The Magic Gateway: Family Magic Show (Nov. 29).

FAQs About This Weekend in Atlanta

• What family-friendly events are happening in Atlanta this weekend?
  Options include Zoo Atlanta IllumiNights, ATL Mushroom Festival, Atlanta Halal Fall Fest, Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!, A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage, and the Cobb County Gem & Mineral Show.
• Are there any food festivals to check out?
  Yes, don’t miss Smorgasburg Atlanta, the Creole Food Festival, Atlanta Halal Fall Fest, and the Atlanta Chili Cookoff in Dunwoody.
• Where can I find live music performances?
  Live music venues this weekend include The Eastern, Moonshadow Tavern, Park Tavern, St. James Live, Perfect Note Atlanta, City Winery, Red Clay Music Foundry, Coca-Cola Roxy, Horned Owl Brewing, Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center, and MadLife Stage & Studios.
• What unique shopping opportunities are available?
  Explore the Gurl to Girl Women’s Makers Market at The Interlock, the Lilburn Farmers Market Holiday Pop-Up, and the Barbie Sports Club Truck Pop-Up at Perimeter Mall.

This weekend promises an exciting mix of events across metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Plan your itinerary, check specific event times and ticket availability, and get ready to make the most of this vibrant pre-Thanksgiving period!

Atlanta Weekend Events November