Your Atlanta Weekend Guide: Nov. 21-23, 2025

As Thanksgiving approaches, metro Atlanta is brimming with diverse activities. From dazzling lantern festivals and culinary markets to live music and thrilling sports, discover the best events happening this weekend, November 21-23, 2025, across the city and surrounding areas.

Weekend Highlights: Festivals & Special Events

Festivals Inside Atlanta

• Zoo Atlanta IllumiNights (Nov. 21-22): A dazzling lantern festival transforming Zoo Atlanta into a glowing wonderland.
• Smorgasburg Atlanta (Nov. 22, 140 Forsyth Street SW): A vibrant open-air food market featuring dozens of rotating vendors and unique bites.
• ATL Mushroom Festival (Nov. 22, Wild Heaven Brewery): A family-friendly event with mushroom vendors, food, demos, and music.
• Creole Food Festival (Nov. 22-23, Knock Music House): Celebrate Creole culture with authentic food tastings, drinks, and live music.
• Atlanta Halal Fall Fest (Nov. 22-23, Grant Park): A cultural food festival with vendors, family activities, and live entertainment.
• Light Up the Season at Piedmont Park (Nov. 23, Piedmont Park): A festive evening featuring the annual tree lighting, holiday lights, and live entertainment.

Events Beyond Atlanta

• Georgia Renaissance Festival – Fall Fling (Saturdays through Dec. 26 & Nov. 28, Fairburn): Step into Nottingham after dark with themed evenings, entertainment, and artisan shopping.
• Sandy Springs 20th Anniversary Community Picnic (Nov. 22, City Springs, Sandy Springs): Celebrate community pride with a festive outdoor picnic.
• Atlanta Chili Cookoff (Nov. 22, Brook Run Park, Dunwoody): Sample over 50 chili recipes from amateur and professional chefs; tickets start at $15.
• Georgia Festival of Trees (Nov. 22-30, Gas South Convention Center, Gwinnett County): A multi-day holiday festival with decorated trees, entertainment, and charity auctions.

Live Music & Concerts

On Stage in Atlanta

• Manchester Orchestra: The Stuffing XV (Nov. 21, The Eastern): Annual concert featuring Microwave, Honeyknife, and Scattrbrain.
• EmoFest Featuring Emo Nation & Blink 281 (Nov. 22, Park Tavern): A night of nostalgic emo anthems with tribute bands.
• The Tony Tatum Experience – Soulful Saturday (Nov. 22, St. James Live): A live R&B tribute concert with soulful covers.
• Christopher Williams Live at City Winery (Nov. 23, City Winery Atlanta): R&B singer performs signature hits in an intimate setting.
• A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage (Nov. 23, Atlanta Symphony Hall): The beloved Peanuts holiday classic comes to life with live performances and Vince Guaraldi’s soundtrack.
• Elton John Under the Stars — Constellation Concerts (Nov. 23, Atlanta History Center): Elton John’s greatest hits reimagined with a full orchestra and cinematic visuals.

Live Music Around Metro Atlanta

• Frankly Scarlet at Moonshadow Tavern (Nov. 21, Tucker): High-energy live music at a local favorite spot.
• Rebecca Frazier at Red Clay Music Foundry (Nov. 21, Duluth, Gwinnett County): Talented guitarist and songwriter performs the music of the Grateful Dead.
• Jason Bonham – Live at Coca-Cola Roxy (Nov. 22, The Battery Atlanta, Vinings): A high-energy night of live rock.
• Live Music Showcase at Horned Owl Brewing (Nov. 22, Kennesaw): Enjoy 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.

Theater & Comedy

• 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 ghosts, revenge, and fate.
• Knock, Knock at Alliance Theatre (Nov. 21–Dec. 23): A heartwarming, interactive family show perfect for children and grownups.
• Gabby’s Dollhouse Live! (Nov. 21, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre): A colorful, interactive musical based on the popular Netflix series.
• 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.
• The Addams Family Musical (Nov. 21-22, Roswell Cultural Arts Center, Fulton County): A spooky and comedic musical presented by the Roswell Youth Theater.

Art, Markets & Unique Experiences

• Gurl to Girl Women’s Makers Market (Nov. 22, The Highline at The Interlock): An outdoor market showcasing handmade goods from women-owned businesses.
• Lilburn Farmers Market Holiday Pop-Up Market (Nov. 22, Lilburn, Gwinnett County): Find local produce, gift vendors, and Santa photos.
• Barbie Sports Club Truck Pop-Up (Nov. 22, Perimeter Mall): Discover exclusive, limited-edition Barbie merchandise, apparel, and collectibles.
• 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.
• An Afternoon with Jane Austen (Nov. 22, Lawrenceville Female Seminary, Gwinnett County): Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with dancing, crafts, and period-style activities for ages 8+.

Atlanta Sports Action

• Georgia Tech vs. Pittsburgh – Football (Nov. 22, Bobby Dodd Stadium): The Yellow Jackets host the Pitt Panthers in an ACC matchup.
• Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Hornets (Nov. 23, State Farm Arena): Catch the Hawks in a Sunday evening showdown with special themed offers.
• Georgia Tech vs. West Georgia – Men’s Basketball (Nov. 23, McCamish Pavilion): Georgia Tech men’s basketball faces the West Georgia Wolves.

Event Diversity: Atlanta vs. Beyond

Here’s a quick look at the types of events you can find both within the city and in the broader metro area:

Looking Ahead: Early Holiday Cheer

Mark your calendars for these exciting events coming up shortly after the weekend:

• Black Tiger Sex Machine: The BTSM Manga Experience (Nov. 28, The Tabernacle): An immersive electronic music concert.
• Piedmont Holiday Market (Nov. 29–30, Piedmont Park): An outdoor market featuring artisan vendors, seasonal gifts, and live music.
• Tambor Party Presents: Sacred Underground (Nov. 29, Wish Lounge at Believe Music Hall): An immersive dance-music experience (21+).
• The Magic Gateway: Family Magic Show (Nov. 29, 7 Stages Theatre): An interactive magic show ideal for kids and parents.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are there family-friendly events this weekend?
  Yes, options include Zoo Atlanta IllumiNights, ATL Mushroom Festival, Light Up the Season at Piedmont Park, “A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage,” Gabby’s Dollhouse Live!, and the Cobb County Gem & Mineral Show.
• Where can I find live music?
  Many venues across the metro area are hosting shows, from Manchester Orchestra at The Eastern to tribute bands at Park Tavern and classical performances at Atlanta Symphony Hall. Check out venues in Tucker, Duluth, Vinings, Kennesaw, Sandy Springs, and Woodstock as well.
• What are the key food festivals happening?
  Don’t miss Smorgasburg Atlanta, ATL Mushroom Festival, Creole Food Festival, Atlanta Halal Fall Fest, and the Atlanta Chili Cookoff in Dunwoody.
• What sports events are on?
  Catch Georgia Tech football and men’s basketball, plus the Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Hornets, all happening in Atlanta.
• How can I submit my event for a future list?
  You can send a press release to joyce.lupiani@fox.com.

No matter your interest, Atlanta and its surrounding communities offer an exciting and diverse range of events this weekend, making it easy to find something fun for everyone to enjoy as the holiday season begins.

Your Atlanta Weekend Guide