Your Atlanta Weekend Guide: November 21-23, 2025

Metro Atlanta is set for a vibrant weekend, November 21-23, 2025, packed with a diverse array of events catering to every interest. From festive gatherings and culinary delights to captivating live performances and thrilling sports matchups, there’s a wealth of activities happening both within the city and across North Georgia.

Discover What’s Happening in Atlanta and Beyond

This weekend promises something for everyone, as highlighted by Joyce Lupiani's comprehensive guide from FOX 5 Atlanta. Whether you’re looking for family fun, a foodie adventure, or an evening of entertainment, the region is buzzing with events to explore.

Festivals & Special Events

The Atlanta area transforms with a variety of festivals this weekend. Inside the city, don’t miss the dazzling Zoo Atlanta IllumiNights lantern festival or the vibrant Smorgasburg Atlanta food market on Saturday. For a taste of global culture, both the Creole Food Festival and the Atlanta Halal Fall Fest run from Friday to Saturday. Cap off your weekend with the annual tree lighting and festivities at Light Up the Season at Piedmont Park on Sunday.

Outside Atlanta, Fairburn hosts the themed evenings of the Georgia Renaissance Festival – Fall Fling, and Sandy Springs celebrates its 20th Anniversary Community Picnic on Saturday. For chili enthusiasts, the Atlanta Chili Cookoff in Dunwoody is a must-attend on Saturday, while the multi-day Georgia Festival of Trees kicks off in Gwinnett County.

Weekend Food & Culture Highlights

Live Music Performances

Music lovers have a full schedule. On Friday, catch Manchester Orchestra: The Stuffing XV at The Eastern or Frankly Scarlet at Moonshadow Tavern in Tucker. Saturday brings EmoFest to Park Tavern and soulful R&B from The Tony Tatum Experience at St. James Live. Jazz Flutist Kim Scott also performs an intimate set at Perfect Note Atlanta. Sunday features R&B singer Christopher Williams at City Winery and an immersive Elton John Under the Stars concert at the Atlanta History Center.

Outside Atlanta, Rebecca Frazier performs the music of the Grateful Dead in Duluth on Friday, while Jason Bonham – Live at Coca-Cola Roxy takes the stage in Vinings on Saturday. Sunday offers RAIN: A Beatles Christmas Tribute in Sandy Springs and an acoustic Tom Petty tribute by The Wildflowers in Woodstock.

Theater & Comedy

For stage and laughs, Cirque du Soleil: LUZIA continues its run at Atlantic Station through January 2026. The Atlanta Shakespeare Company presents Hamlet at The Shakespeare Tavern, and the Alliance Theatre debuts the heartwarming family show Knock, Knock. Young audiences will love Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on Friday, while comedy fans can enjoy Killers of Kill Tony at the Fox Theatre or Druski’s Coulda Fest Tour at State Farm Arena on Saturday. On Sunday, experience A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage at Atlanta Symphony Hall.

In Fulton County, the Roswell Youth Theater MainStage presents The Addams Family Musical on Friday and Saturday.

Art & Markets

Support local women entrepreneurs at the Gurl to Girl Women’s Makers Market at The Interlock on Saturday. Outside Atlanta, the Lilburn Farmers Market Holiday Pop-Up Market on Saturday offers gifts and Santa photos, while the Cobb County Gem & Mineral Show runs Saturday and Sunday with fascinating exhibits.

Sports Action

Catch college football as Georgia Tech faces Pittsburgh at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturday. On Sunday, the Atlanta Hawks take on the Charlotte Hornets at State Farm Arena, and Georgia Tech men’s basketball plays West Georgia at McCamish Pavilion.

Other Engaging Events

The Barbie Sports Club Truck Pop-Up rolls into Perimeter Mall on Saturday with exclusive merchandise. Gearheads can witness the Donut’s BIG TRIP Finale Showdown Live at Lanier Raceway on Saturday. For families, Story Time with Parker P. Possum & Judy Highum is in Lawrenceville on Saturday, and an Afternoon with Jane Austen provides period fun for ages 8+.

Coming Up Soon

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for Black Tiger Sex Machine: The BTSM Manga Experience on November 28 at The Tabernacle, the Piedmont Holiday Market on November 29-30, and Tambor Party Presents: Sacred Underground for an immersive dance experience. Families can also enjoy The Magic Gateway: Family Magic Show on November 29.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are there many family-friendly events this weekend?
  Yes, plenty! Consider Zoo Atlanta IllumiNights, Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!, A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage, the ATL Mushroom Festival, and the Cobb County Gem & Mineral Show, among others.
• Where can I find live music in Atlanta?
  Major venues like The Eastern, Park Tavern, City Winery Atlanta, and St. James Live are hosting various artists. You can also find performances at Moonshadow Tavern and Perfect Note Atlanta.
• Are there events happening outside of central Atlanta?
  Absolutely. Check out the Georgia Renaissance Festival in Fairburn, the Sandy Springs 20th Anniversary Community Picnic, the Atlanta Chili Cookoff in Dunwoody, and live music in Duluth, Vinings, and Woodstock.
• What kind of shopping opportunities are available?
  The Gurl to Girl Women’s Makers Market at The Interlock and the Lilburn Farmers Market Holiday Pop-Up Market are great for unique finds and supporting local businesses.
• Is there anything special for sports fans this weekend?
  Definitely! Catch Georgia Tech football and men’s basketball, or see the Atlanta Hawks play the Charlotte Hornets at State Farm Arena.

With such a rich selection of activities across metro Atlanta and North Georgia, this weekend is the perfect opportunity to make lasting memories, support local events, and dive into the vibrant culture of the region.

Atlanta Weekend Guide Diverse Fun And Events