The 10 Best Summer Festivals Everyone Should Attend Around The Atlanta Metro

Summer doesn’t actually start until Sunday, June 21, when the summer solstice occurs.

But Memorial Day Weekend, unofficially the start of summer, pulls people out of their daily routines, and for the next few months, it’s game on for shared art, food, music and heritage.

Here's a look at our top 10 favorites in the Atlanta metro area, in no particular order:

1. Atlanta Ice Cream Festival

One of the biggest summer crowds in the city every year. Huge turnout at Piedmont Park with live music, fitness events, food trucks and nonstop summer energy.

2. Virginia-Highland Summerfest

Arguably Atlanta’s best neighborhood festival — combines live music, artist markets, local restaurants and one of the city’s strongest walkable atmospheres.

3. Sweet Auburn Music Fest

Massive music and cultural festival celebrating Atlanta’s historic Sweet Auburn district with hip-hop, R&B, gospel and local food vendors.

4. Peachtree Road Race

Technically a race, but it functions like Atlanta’s signature summer civic festival. Huge crowds, patriotic atmosphere and citywide celebrations every Fourth of July.

5. Grant Park Summer Shade Festival

One of the best laid-back local festivals in Atlanta with artist booths, craft beer, family activities and strong neighborhood vibes.

6. Atlanta Caribbean Carnival

Colorful parade, Caribbean food, dancing and incredible costumes make this one of the city’s most visually exciting events of the summer.

7. Marietta Square Art Walk

Excellent suburban option with local art, restaurants and one of metro Atlanta’s best historic downtown areas.

8. Taste of Smyrna

One of the better food-focused suburban festivals in metro Atlanta with live entertainment and strong local restaurant participation.

9. Alive in Roswell

Monthly street festival with live music, open-container district crowds, patio dining and one of the best nightlife scenes in Atlanta’s northern suburbs.

10. Decatur BBQ Blues & Bluegrass Festival

Fantastic mix of barbecue, local breweries and live music with a more relaxed, local-focused atmosphere than some of Atlanta’s bigger festivals.