50 Marvelous Things To Do In Atlanta This May
From sensational exhibitions to the Atlanta Jazz Festival, check out these unmissable things to do this May in and around Atlanta
You can definitely taste summer in the ATL, but there’s still plenty of time to celebrate spring throughout this jam-packed month of May!
Have a look below at an incredible selection of top activities to do this may May, to fully embrace everything on offer in Atlanta this month and beyond. May means its the return of the Atlanta Jazz Festival, and the BeltLine Lantern Parade, so Atlanta’s shining bright. Also, spring is in full bloom, meaning there’s a whole lot to celebrate!
1. Atlanta Jazz Festival
The Atlanta Jazz Festival is returning to its usual timeslot in May, following two years of cancellations and rescheduling. So this year’s promises to be bigger and better than ever, and we don’t disagree. As well as the free three day festival in Piedmont Park, there are so many extra events taking over Atlantan venues all month long, to celebrate the festival’s anticipated return.
One of these unmissable events is the Candlelight Concert series. The wildly popular (and ever so enchanting) Fever Original concerts have teamed up with the Atlanta Jazz Festival for a very special evening. Known for taking on classic hits, completely engulfed in the soothing flicker of candlelight, their Jazz and the Black Experience concert will be donating a portion of the proceeds back to the annual festival that takes over Atlanta all month long. Click here to get your tickets for this exclusive collaboration.
2. Imagine Picasso: The Immersive Experience
Due to popular demand, the spectacular Imagine Picasso exhibition at Pullman Yards is extending its stay at the historic ATL landmark. Walk directly into the cubist master’s most famous pieces and paintings, experiencing his artwork like never before. Using the latest Image Totale© technology, it brings together more than 200 of Picasso’s works, offering a unique look into the evolution of the prolific artist—from the Bleu and Rose periods to his most familiar works. Click the link below for more information and tickets.
Get your tickets for Imagine Picasso: The Immersive Experience, here!
3. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
From the best spots for margaritas to our favorite Mexican restaurants, there’s so much to do in Atlanta for Cinco de Mayo. We suggest checking out our recent round-up of margarita safe-havens, with most of the bars and eateries providing specials for the occasion!
4. Visit Atlanta’s first-ever digital art gallery
Delve into the Metaverse at this unmissable exhibit that’s taken over Underground Atlanta. Art and technology collide at this groundbreaking and ever-changing space. Within the 30,000-square-foot gallery, there will be innovative virtual reality experiences, interactive installations, large-scale projection mapping, and more! Click the link below for more information.
Explore the Metaverse at this mind-blowing exhibition at Underground Atlanta
5-8. Experience these enchanting Candlelight concerts
As well as their inclusion in the Atlanta Jazz Festival, there’s more Candlelight magic happening throughout the city throughout the entirety of the month. Check out this month’s line-up below and don’t miss out on these magical evenings.
- Candlelight: Jazz and the Black Experience in partnership with Atlanta Jazz Festival
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen & More
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Ed Sheeran
- Candlelight Jazz: Celebrating Amy Winehouse and Billie Holiday
9. The Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade
The Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade is a beloved part of the Art on the Beltline program. This year’s parade will be taking place on May 21, with the line-up starting at 8pm in Adair Park I at Catherine St. and will follow the Westside Trail to Lee + White. The parade step-off is at 8:45pm sharp. Click here for more information.
10-15. Atlanta’s unique eats and bar experiences
We always include our top picks for unique dining in Atlanta on these monthly round-ups. Because who doesn’t love a special culinary experience that takes dining out to the next level? From robot waiters to a gripping murder mystery, check out our recommendations below or click here to see the full round-up.
- The Dinner Detective
- A Taste of Asia: Sichuan Noodles & Dumplings
- Big Bang Pizza
- Mystery Picnic Date: Self Guided Foodie Adventure
- Lips
- Find The Dinner: Surprise Restaurant in an ATL restaurant
16. Check out Origami In The Garden!
The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s epic legacy of unmissable art exhibitions continues. This time, giant origami structures are set to take over the gardens for the entire summer. With 18 installations scattered around the enchanting grounds, this exciting exhibition begins on May 7. Click the link below for more information.
This incredible exhibition to boast giant origami structures at the Atlanta Botanical Garden
18. Roam the savannah at Illuminarium
If you haven’t visited the BeltLine’s newest immersive attraction, then this is your sign to do so. Roam with lions, elephants, and more at this incredible safari experience. Transport yourselves directly to the heart of Africa, without even leaving the ATL. Click here for more information and tickets.
19-23. Eat at one of Atlanta’s most beautiful restaurants
There are so many gorgeous restaurants in and around the ATL. From stunning interiors to sensational views, check out a few of our recommendations for May below or click here for the full round-up.
- The Garden Room
- Atrium
- The Select
- Lucian Books & Wine
- The Consulate
24. Artists & Fleas at Ponce City Market
This month, Ponce City Market will be debuting ‘Artists & Fleas’, a brand new weekly marketplace that’ll continue throughout the rest of spring. It will feature local and regional vendors from new emerging talent to established small businesses of designers, makers, creatives and vintage collectors, with around 40 independent creators at each market. Click the link below for more information.
‘Artists & Fleas’ to take over Ponce City Market every Saturday starting this May
25-28. Unmissable art exhibitions in Atlanta this May
If you’re looking for some top-notch art this May, then Atlanta’s the perfect place to be. From the best exhibits at the High Museum of Art to the best free museums and installations, and beyond! Check out our recommendations for the month of May below.
- What Is Left Unspoken, Love at the High Museum of Art
- A/V Radio Live on the Atlanta BeltLine
- Veiled at the Atlanta Contemporary
- Oliver Jeffers: 15 Years of Picturing Books at the High Museum of Art
29. Visit the Trap Music Museum
Atlanta’s beloved Trap Music Museum is the ultimate experience for lovers of trap music. It provides unbeatable insight into the rich history and culture of one of the most popular genres of music today. Click the link below to find out about their Sip n’ Trap experience that takes place every Thursday.
Explore the first ever hip-hop museum at this weekly ‘Sip & Trap’ Experience
BONUS: Get ready for the return of Pullman Pops
Last year, the Pratt Pullman District completely transformed Pullman Yards into an unmissable epicenter for entertainment. With exhibitions, concerts, and beyond! Their beloved orchestral concert Pullman Pops returns with a killer 2022 schedule. Click here for more information, and to reserve your spot for Pullman Pops, returning this summer!
30-33. The best gardens in and around Atlanta
Spring is in full bloom and the best way to celebrate the season is by heading to one of these fantastic gardens located in and around Atlanta. Check out our recommendations below or click here for the full round-up.
- Atlanta Botanical Garden
- Smith-Gilbert Gardens
- Oakland Cemetery
- Callaway Gardens
34. See all the awesome animals at Zoo Atlanta
Zoo Atlanta offers hands-on, minds-on learning experiences for all ages. A wild adventure with an extensive mix of wildlife and activities that explore the animal world, don’t miss out. Click the link below to get your tickets, and visit Zoo Atlanta this April!
Delve into the animal kingdom and get absolutely wild at Zoo Atlanta
35-38. Go strawberry picking!
Spring means its the return of strawberry picking season in Georgia, and there’s so many incredible places to do so in and around the ATL. From enchanting farms with lots of family fun, to the best u-pick experiences in the state. Check out a few recommendations below or click here for the full round-up.
- Southern Belle Farm
- Mitcham Farm
- Narrow Way Farm
- Adam’s Farm
39-41. Explore Atlanta’s thriving coffee scene
From unique coffee shops that are changing the game here in the ATL, to cozy spots that are perfect for getting lost in a good book. Atlanta’s coffee scene is thriving and there doesn’t seem to be any sign of it stopping. Click here for our full round-up of incredible coffeehouses in Atlanta. Or check out some of our recommendations for May below (we’ve even included a tearoom for y’all who aren’t fans of coffee).
BONUS: It’s almost time to Spray Paint and Sip at this street art workshop
Looking for a fun and unique way to tap into your creativity? Grab some spray paint and unleash your inner street artist on your own canvas, at this unique workshop on its way to Atlanta. For more information and to reserve your spot, click here.
42-46. These unbeatable outdoor brunch spots!
With so many incredible places to brunch in Atlanta, you’re spoilt for choice! However, there are only a handful of brunch spots with stunning outdoor dining available. Check out our recommendations below or click here to view our ultimate guide to outdoor brunches in the ATL.
- Mojave Restaurant
- Whiskey Bird
- Canoe
- Anis Cafe & Bistro
- Milk & Honey
47-50. Visit Atlanta’s favorite beer gardens
There’s nothing better than a crisp refreshing beer when that springtime sunshine is out in the ATL. Check out some of our favorite beer gardens below or click here for the full round-up.
- Bold Monk Brewing
- Tucker Brewing Company
- Orpheus Brewing
- Red’s Beer Garden
Featured Image: Unsplash