Hey Atlanta, it’s gonna be MAY! With festival season well underway, the city is absolutely teeming with fun things to do! And in a city as amazing as Atlanta, there really is something for everyone to enjoy! So no matter what you’re looking for this month, Atlanta has something for everyone to enjoy!
1. Have a blast at The Atlanta Jazz Festival
For all the jazz lovers in the city, May is the month for you! Atlanta’s truly iconic Jazz Festival is hosting ’31 Days of Jazz’ this year, with 31 days of free jazz events around town. From rooftop concerts and galleries to museums and restaurants, this amazing jazz series will have something for everyone!
Of course the main event is the Atlanta Jazz Festival, a three day party full of the best jazz musicians in the world. And the best news? It’s FREE! Check out the incredible lineup and get all the other details here!
2. Head to the High Museum of Art to see the stunning new exhibit: ‘Kim Chong Hak, Painter of Seoraksan’, on display in the U.S. for the first time ever
If you love art, especially art that evokes a deep emotion and connection to nature, you’ve gotta check out the High’s newest exhibit. This gorgeous and moving exhibition is a can’t-miss experience… and it’s in the U.S. for the first time ever, right here in Atlanta!
Get all the details for the exhibition here!
3. See How the Magic Happens: Inside the World of Film & TV at SCADshow
From Severance to Sinners, the Savannah College of Art and Design’s SCADshow in Midtown is where the magic of film, TV, and digital media comes alive. On Thursday, May 8, SCAD hosts In Focus: Artisans – three inspiring programming sessions that offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse with the incredible artists working on your favorite films and shows. The day features curated panels, screenings, and conversations with award-winning film pros, including Made in ATL, a look at the artists shaping Atlanta’s growing film scene, fall into the gothic world of Ryan Coogler’s Sinners with special effects makeup designer Michael Fontaine, and an exclusive session with Severance set decorator David Schlesinger, breaking down the eerie world of Lumon Industries, after a screening of the season two episode “Chikhai Bardo.”
SCADFILM’s In Focus: Artisans celebrates the award-winning creatives who bring thought-provoking stories to the screen through scriptwriting, cinematography, production design, costume design, and more.
Tickets are free for SCAD students and alumni and just $10 per session for the general public.
🎬 Don’t miss out! Learn more and grab tickets here!
4. Check out one of Atlanta’s dazzling Candlelight Concerts
Perfect for a night out with your friends or a charming date night, you’ll love listening to a live orchestra play all your favorite tunes, while soaking in the candlelight!
This May, you can expect stunning concerts like:
- Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
- Candlelight: Hip Hop on Strings
- Candlelight x Immersive Van Gogh: A Tribute to Queen
5. Head to Atlanta’s iconic R&B Seafood Festival
When: Sunday, May 25th from 12pm – 4pm
Where: Underground Atlanta | 50 Upper Alabama St.
What: Calling all seafood and R&B lovers! This May, get ready for a festival full of the most succulent seafood, great music, and impeccable vibes! You can eat seafood from tons of local vendors to your heart’s content, and enjoy amazing R&B music while you do! You don’t want to miss out on this amazing festival! This event is 21+ only.
6. Get tickets early for one of the biggest movies of the year, From the World of John Wick: Ballerina
From the World of John Wick: Ballerina sets the Keanu Reeves-helmed franchise into a lethal new direction. It stars Ana de Armas as Rooney, a trained assassin raised in the ballet-drenched Ruska Roma underworld. The film opens June 6 and tickets are on sale now—click here for more info.
🍿 Release date: Jun. 6, 2025
7. Celebrate your mom with one of these fun Mother’s Day happenings
From the best brunch spots to beautiful bouquets to festive events and beyond, there are so many fun ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in the ATL! No matter what your mom’s vibe is, we’ve got you covered! See the full list of activities your mom will adore here!
8. March at 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 11th. March in the parade or watch as the incredible lanterns go by! Don’t miss out on this beautiful nighttime experience! And it’s fun for the whole family!
Get all the details here!9. Check out one (or all) of the best rooftop bars in the city!
Whether you need a happy hour with the girls or you’re just looking to get some great views of the city while you sit and sip, Atlanta’s rooftop bar scene is for you! You can grab some delicious craft cocktails while you gaze at our beautiful city!
See the full roundup of delicious rooftop bars here!10. Set sail on an emotional voyage with Titanic: an Immersive Voyage
Is the Titanic your Roman Empire? Well we’ve got just the experience for you to check out. Walk through an immersive experience that teaches you all about the Titanic’s voyage, history and devastating final moments. With artifacts, recreations and props form the iconic film, you’ll leave knowing more about the world’s most devastating shipwreck. Bring tissues, since this is definitely an emotional experience.
Get all the details and snag your tickets here!11. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Tequila Fest
Need a reason to grab a FREE tequila drink with your pals? Check out Tequila Fest this Cinco de Mayo, right here in Atlanta! The biggest tequila festival in the entire U.S. is making its way to ATL and you don’t wanna miss it!
Get all the details for this super fun event here!12. Have a day of fun in the sun by going strawberry picking
The perfect way to transition from spring to summer? Biting into some juicy, delicious red strawberries! And they’re even better when they’re sun-warmed and hand-picked! Take your friends, S.O., or family on a day they’ll always remember by strawberry picking right here in Atlanta!
There are tons of strawberry picking farms too ~pick~ from, so we’ve rounded up our favorites here!13. Check out this super fun 1920’s jazz event
May is definitely the month to celebrate all-things jazz in the ATL! After you check out the Atlanta Jazz Festival, you’ll definitely wanna keep the fun and good vibes going at We call it Jazz: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans! You’ll be transported back to 1920’s New Orleans for one night only, without ever leaving the ATL!
Get your tickets here!14. Step into a painting at Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience
If you’ve ever wanted to step right into a painting, now’s your chance! Experience the truly iconic works of Vincent Van Gogh like never before, as his painting dance around you on the walls, floor, and ceiling. With state-of-the-art projection, you’ll feel like you’re living in the smooth strokes of Van Gogh’s brush.
You really don’t want to miss out on your chance to experience art like this. Grab your tickets here!
15. Unlock your inner artist at Spray Paint and Sip by Studio W.I.P.
Try your hand at graffiti at this amazing workshop right here in the ATL! You can learn all about street art and spray paint from an experienced pro, and even take your work home with you afterwards! You’ll have so much fun spraying your very own canvas at this one-of-a-kind workshop! Oh, and did we mention it’s BYOB? That’s right, you can sip while you spray to make a great time even more fun!
Get all the info and grab your tickets here!16. Shop local at a fun farmer’s market
Looking for local produce at a great price? We’ve got you covered! Whether you want a weekday trip to the farmers market for groceries and necessities, or a weekend wander through local art and yummy food trucks, Atlanta has tons of farmers markets to offer! Check out our full roundup of the coolest and best farmers markets around, right here!
17. Try out one of Atlanta’s best breweries with your pals
Nothin’ quite like grabbing a cold one when the weather gets warm! Head to one of Atlanta’s best breweries to experience the hops, flavors and bubbles of a delicious beer!
See the full list here!18. Head to the incredible Georgia Renaissance Festival
All ye who wish to experience the olden days of yore, you’re in luck! The iconic GA Renaissance Festival is back in town for the spring and summer, and you don’t want to miss out! Grab your very best costume, your pals, and head to the Ren Faire for a great time!
The festival runs from April 13 thru June 2, 2024, in Fairburn, GA! Guests can expect yummy food, tons of artsy vendors and so many fun Renaissance activities (did someone say a grand joust??)!
For all the details, check it out here!19. Take a hike through the gorgeous natural beauty of Georgia
Take a hike, Atlanta! No, literally! We’re not known as the city in the forest for nothing… Atlanta is lucky to be surrounded by tons of greenery, beautiful waterfalls, and iconic hikes. You can grab your pack and your pals and check out these iconic trails for yourself, especially now that the weather is warm! Georgia hikes range in levels of difficulty, so there’s definitely something for everyone on our list of hikes!
20. Plan a day trip away to this adorable Alpine Village
If you’re looking for a great day trip, this adorable little German town is just an hour and a half from Atlanta! Check out all the fun shops, cute European restaurants, amazing nature/hikes, and so much more! Oh, and did we mention they’ve got a chocolate factory? Helen is a great town to visit during the spring, especially!
Don’t miss out on Helen, GA this May! See all the details here!
21. Grab a bottomless brunch in the ATL
Looking for boozy bottomless brunches in the ATL? We’ve got you covered! From the most delicious shrimp and grits to biscuits that’ll make your mouth water–Atlanta definitely knows how to do brunch right!
Check out some of our favorite spots to grab bottomless mimosas and a fire brunch here!22. Have an ice cream social day
It’s almost summer! Treat yourself, your friends or your family to a day out to ice cream! If you’re looking for some stellar ice cream spots, we’ve got ya covered!
Check out our delicious ice cream roundup here!