Atlanta’s Oldest Public Park Is Hosting Their Iconic Annual End-Of-Summer Festival This Weekend — Here’s Everything You Need To Know

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It’s almost the end of summer 2025, and that means we’ve gotta make every second count! The best way to enjoy the final days of summer is by checking out the 23rd annual Summer Shade Festival, which is not just a super fun event. It also supports the conservation of Atlanta’s oldest public park. And, of course, it’s free for everyone to enjoy!

What can attendees of the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival expect?

Other than a great time, festival-goers can expect some truly delicious food and drinks, local artisan goods and art, and live music! Bring your lawn chairs, picnic blankets and an appetite for a truly wonderful day in the shade!

Here’s the amazing musical lineup for the whole weekend:

Saturday:

• Main Stage
  • 11:00 a.m. – Yoga Poses Daily/Tend Yoga
  • 12:00 p.m. – Yes Ma’am
  • 12:55 p.m. – Velvet Edge
  • 1:55 p.m. – The Constellations
  • 2:50 p.m. – Rare Birds
  • 3:30 p.m. – Tree of Life Dojo
  • 4:00 p.m. – KJ & The FunkMaysons
  • 5:00 p.m. – Migrant Worker
  • 6:00 p.m. – Das Kaiser
  • 7:00 p.m. – The Higher Choir
  • 8:40 p.m. – Dropsonic
• Gazebo
  • 12:00 p.m. – Add On Sonia
  • 1:00 p.m. – Deep South Wrestling
  • 1:45 p.m. – Front Porch Session Players
  • 3:00 p.m. – Deep South Wrestling
  • 3:30 p.m. – False Hearted Lovers
  • 5:00 p.m. – PeetMidnight and the Back Taxes
  • 6:15 p.m. – Bonemeal Baker

Sunday:

• Main Stage:
  • 9:30 a.m. – Move and Groove
  • 12:00 p.m. – Lee Harvey Wallbanger
  • 1:00 p.m. – Slow Parade
  • 2:05 p.m. – Predawn Pours
  • 3:10 p.m. – Nero Simon and the Sunsetters
  • 4:35 p.m. – Jackson County Line
  • 5:45 p.m. – Just Roxie
• Gazebo:
  • 12:00 p.m. – Crooked Roots
  • 1:00 p.m. – Deep South Wrestling
  • 1:30 p.m. – Bradley Cole Smith and Nelson Nolen
  • 2:30 p.m. – Deep South Wrestling
  • 3:00 p.m. – Del Roscoe
  • 4:15 p.m. – Flat Tired

Run at the Festival for a good cause

To kick off the festival, join the rest of the runners at the Summer Shade Festival for a 5K, Stroller Stroll and a free kid’s Tot Trot (ages 5 and under) hosted by Adams Realtors! The run begins just before the festival, at 8am on Saturday, August 23rd.

The race begins at the main entrance to Zoo Atlanta (800 Cherokee Ave), and winds through historic Grant Park on a scenic route! Right after the race finishes, all participants 21+ will be treated to a free draft beer, courtesy of Dakota Blue (you must show ID)

All proceeds go to supporting the Grant Park Conservancy, which has a mission to restore, maintain, and enhance the historic park for future generations.

They say,

The Grant Park Conservancy is committed to the restoration, beautification and maintenance of historic Grant Park… The Grant Park Conservancy is funded entirely by donations. As such, we cannot make an impact in the park without your help.

Festival Details

Where: Grant Park, Atlanta, Georgia (South)

When:
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 from 10am – 10pm (race begins at 8am)
Sunday, August 24th, 2025 from 10am – 6pm

This event is rain or shine, and is great fun for the whole family! Get all the details on their website here.