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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will no longer require passengers to remove their shoes during airport security screening.
That means at the world’s busiest airport — Hartsfield-Jackson International — it will be a little easier and hopefully quicker for passengers to board their flights.
When Will TSA’s No Shoe Removal Process Roll Out Nationwide?
As of July 7, 2025, the TSA has started implementing this policy change nationwide after a brief trial at select major airports, such as Baltimore/Washington International, Fort Lauderdale International, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Portland International, Philadelphia International, and Piedmont Triad International.
“TSA will no longer require travelers to remove their shoes when they go through our security checkpoints,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said at a news conference.
The change applies to passengers in standard screening lines, not just those with TSA PreCheck, though those without a REAL ID or who trigger scanner alarms may still need to remove their shoes for additional screening.
The TSA has not officially announced the change but stated they are exploring ways to enhance the passenger experience while maintaining security, citing advancements in scanning technology and a reassessment of threat risks.
However, since the rollout is phased and not universally applied yet, experiences may vary by airport.
When Did TSA’s Shoe Removal Policy Begin?
The TSA’s shoe removal policy began on August 1, 2002, following the December 2001 incident involving Richard Reid, the “shoe bomber,” who attempted to detonate explosives hidden in his shoes on a flight.
This policy required passengers to remove their shoes during airport security screenings to prevent similar threats.
Final Word
Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interested in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
More Articles Like This:
Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
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Prices continue to rise in Georgia’s largest city, but that doesn’t mean everything is sky-high. You can still find many cool things to do in Atlanta that are relatively affordable. Don’t believe us? Keep reading.
In this guide, we’ll show you the cheap things to do in Atlanta, Georgia.
There are also many monuments, walking tours and bike tours that you can visit that don’t cost a thing.
Cheap Things To Do In Atlanta
Let’s take a walk: Here are the cheap things to do in Atlanta:
Go to the Waffle House Museum
The Waffle House Museum is a must-visit if you love the old fashioned restaurant. It is only open on Wednesdays, so check the schedule before you go. The Waffle House Museum is located in Avondale Estates near Decatur.
What’s interesting is that this is the site of the very first Waffle House restaurant. It opened back in 1955.
Candlelight Concert: A Neo-Soul Evening of Prince and Childish Gambino Tributes
Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience that will please your ears like no other. Get tickets.
Van Gogh
If you’re the artsy type, you’ll love this immersive Van Gogh experience being offered in Atlanta. Get tickets.
Visit Krog Street Market
Photo credit: Youtube.com Conveniently situated just feet from the Beltline in Inman Park, Krog Street Market is the city’s second-most successful project. The market sits on nine acres and feagures 12,000 square feet of anchor restaurants like Superica, a renown beer and wine store and all kinds of cool restaurants and pop-up shops.Cost: Free to enter; restaurant prices varyTry a sweet corn dog at Myungrang Hot Dog-Doraville
Myungrang at Peachtree Pavilion Shopping Center is known for its sweet corn dogs unlike any you’ve ever had. These corn dogs attract people from all over metro Atlanta. The corn dogs come battered and fried on a stick.What makes them so good is that Myungrang’s batter is crunchy and crispier than others.Cost: Around $5Walk through Atlantic Station
Photo credit: youtube.com The most high-profile mixed-use development project in Midtown is Atlantic Station. Comprised of a retail district, office space, condominiums, townhomes and apartment buildings, Atlantic Station is credited with heralding the post-mall era for metro Atlanta as well as helping city leaders envision transit without vehicles. The park-like setting features a movie theater, greenspace, yoga in the park, restaurants and candy shops and a more. Even if you want to just walk around, it’s a cool place to be.Cost: Free to enter; restaurant prices varyWalk the Atlanta Beltline
Running and walking the Beltline has become one of the city’s most fun activities. If you can wake up early, you can come join an REI Outdoor School Instructor and other like-minded adventurers on a morning hike watching the sun rise over the city of Atlanta. You will see Atlanta from a different perspective while learning a few tips to make hiking more comfortable. You’ll have so much fun making new friends and soaking in the views that you won’t even notice you are getting some great exercise too! This is an invigorating way to start your day. Hiking in the morning will boost your energy level and increase your ability to focus throughout the day.
Cost: Free
Climb Stone Mountain
Stone Mountain is the largest landmark in Georgia. Located in DeKalb County, the mountain provides some of the best views in the metro Atlanta area. You can easily climb it in about an hour at an even pace. According to Atlanta Magazine, climbing at sundown is pretty awesome. “The granite is surprisingly bright in the dark, and reasonably fit adults should be able to finish the trek in about half an hour,” the writer says.
Cost: $15 per vehicle per day. Annual parking pass for one vehicle for $40.
Self-Guided Tour Of Oakland Cemetery
The historic cemetery just east of Atlanta’s center has a literal who’s who of Atlanta and Georgia nobility, and it’s all there to see. If you’ve got a pair of walking shoes and want to see the names behind Atlanta history, you don’t need a tour guide (Although their audio tours are great). The cemetery is located at 248 Oakland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week.
Cost: Free
Enjoy the Chattahoochee River
If you love the outdoors, don’t hesitate to visit the Chattahoochee River. There you can fish, kayak and even do some river rafting at various points.
Cost: Free
Visit a Georgia state park
Cost: Various prices
Visit Zoo Atlanta
Photo credit: Caleb U / Zoo Atlanta / Twitter Zoo Atlanta is a really fun outing for families and even date night (see more date night ideas in Atlanta here). The zoo has gorillas, pandas, giraffes and more large mammals to gaze at and post on the ‘Gram. Get tickets.
How much does Zoo Atlanta cost?
Ages Price Of Entry Adults (Ages 12+) $25.95-$31.70 Child (Ages 3-11) $20.70-$25.20 Senior (65+) $24.20-$29.45 College Student (Student ID Required) $24.20-$29.45 Walk Around Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Park located in the center of downtown Atlanta rose at the height of the city’s resurgence on the national scene. Gifted with the 1996 Summer Games, Atlanta build up and build out and never looked back. Today, the most visible vestige of that momentous time is Centennial Olympic Park.
Cost: Free
Here are other cheap or free things to do in Atlanta
Facility / Venue Cost Schedule a walking tour Free Visit the Apex Museum From $7 Tour the Governor’s Mansion Free Visit Fernbank Science Center $20 general admission Visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library $12 for adults, free for 16 and under Visit the Wren’s Nest Museum $10 for adults / $8 for children & seniors Visit the College Football Hall of Fame from $17.99–21.99 Visit the Delta Flight Museum From $10 to $15 Visit the MLK Center Free Explore all the things to do in Atlanta
- First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week. Subscribe to the #ATLHaps newsletter.
- Take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are.
- For a month’s view: The Official Atlanta Events Calendar
- For a more immediate look, check Things to do in Atlanta This Week
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
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When it comes to plant-based eats, you’ll have to search Atlanta really hard to find something you love. Not anymore.
Mission Burger Co. just opened in West Midtown Atlanta — and it’s serving delish plant-based burgers.
Mission Burger Co., was founded by Isaac Mogannam and Michael Limongelli, who both see it as a mission to serve ethical, delicious, and satisfying vegan food that benefits both the palate and the planet.
What’s On The Menu At Mission Burger Co.?
Mission Burger’s fully vegan menu reimagines American classics without compromising on flavor, earning them a strong reputation in their startup city— Austin, Texas — where they’ve won “Best of Austin” accolades.
Now, Mission Burger Co. has expanded to Atlanta’s Upper Westside neighborhood, bringing its innovative vegan concept to a new audience.
The restaurant’s grand opening, attended by notable guests, including Mayor Andre Dickens, marked the start of its journey in Atlanta.
Where Is Mission Burger Co. Located?
Mission Burger Co. is located at 2065 Defoors Ferry Rd, Atlanta, Ga. 30318.
Final Bite
Atlanta is much more than great burger joints. If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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If you’re planning international travel, you’ll need a passport. In Atlanta, you have several convenient options for obtaining one.
In this article we’re going to go over how you can renew your passport in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as how long wait times are.
Where To Renew Your Passport In Atlanta
If you’re not eligible to renew your passport, please go to the U.S. State Department’s Apply in Person page to learn the steps for how to apply.
To apply in person, you must use Form DS-11. Via mail, you must use Form DS-82.
Some facilities that issue passports may require that you set up an appointment. The only way to know for sure is to contact them before you head out.
Now let’s look at places in Atlanta that renew passports:
Location Name Address Appointment Required Services Offered Notes Fulton County Clerk of Superior and Magistrate Courts – Downtown 136 Pryor Street SW, Suite J2-103, Atlanta, GA 30303 Recommended (Walk-ins accepted until 3:45 PM) Passport application processing, passport photos ($15, Downtown only) Routine (4-6 weeks) and expedited (2-3 weeks) services. Photos only at Downtown location. Fulton County Clerk – North Service Center 7741 Roswell Road Ste 253, Atlanta, GA 30350 Recommended (Walk-ins accepted until 3:45 PM) Passport application processing Routine (4-6 weeks) and expedited (2-3 weeks) services. No on-site photos. Fulton County Clerk – South Service Center Details not specified in sources Recommended (Walk-ins accepted until 3:45 PM) Passport application processing Routine (4-6 weeks) and expedited (2-3 weeks) services. Contact for details. Atlanta Passport Agency 230 Peachtree St NW, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30303 Yes (No walk-ins without appointment) Same-day passport for urgent travel (within 14 days or 28 days with visa needs) Requires proof of urgent travel. Open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-3:30 PM. Call 1-877-487-2778 to schedule. Georgia State University Passport Services – Atlanta Campus 25 Park Place, Old SunTrust Building, Floor SB, Mailroom, Atlanta, GA 30303 Yes (Appointments preferred) Passport applications, passport photos for renewals (DS-82), no DS-82 processing Does not process DS-82 renewals (must be mailed). Photos available for a fee. USPS Locations (Various) Multiple locations in Atlanta (e.g., check USPS website for specific addresses) Yes (Online scheduler or kiosk) First-time passport applications, passport photos Routine (8-11 weeks) and expedited (3-5 weeks) services. Check specific locations for hours. The Passport Office (Private Expediter) Downtown Decatur (near Dekalb Superior Court), Atlanta, GA Appointments or walk-ins (same-day with proof of travel) Same-day or 48-hour passport services, new passports, renewals, replacements Requires proof of travel for same-day service. Contact for appointment or virtual options. Passport Express (Private Expediter) Roswell, GA (specific address not listed, contact for details) Appointments preferred (24/7 answering service) Expedited passports (3-5 weeks or faster), new passports, renewals, replacements Can process in 24-48 hours for urgent needs. Call (770) 594-2256 for details. Ambassador Passport and Visa Services (Private Expediter) Atlanta, GA (contact for specific address) Appointments recommended Expedited passports (as fast as 24 hours), visa services Over 20 years of experience. Contact 800-826-4558 for urgent services. Notes:
- Fulton County Locations: Ideal for routine or expedited processing. Appointments are prioritized, but walk-ins are accepted until 3:45 PM. Passport photos are only available at the Downtown location for $15. Payment for application fees must be by check or money order to the U.S. Department of State; processing fees ($35) can be paid by debit/credit.
- Atlanta Passport Agency: Best for urgent travel needs (within 14 days or 28 days if a visa is required). Appointments are mandatory, and proof of travel (e.g., flight itinerary) is required. Same-day service is available for eligible cases.
- Georgia State University: Suitable for first-time applicants or those needing photos for renewals, but DS-82 renewals must be mailed. Check their website for appointment availability.
- USPS Locations: Many post offices in Atlanta offer passport services, but processing times are longer (8-11 weeks for routine, 3-5 weeks for expedited). Use the USPS online scheduler to find locations and book appointments.
- Private Expediters (e.g., The Passport Office, Passport Express, Ambassador Passport and Visa Services): These are ideal for urgent needs, offering faster processing (24-48 hours or same-day with proof of travel). Fees are higher, and services include new passports, renewals, and replacements. Contact directly for pricing and appointments.
- Recommendations: For non-urgent applications, use Fulton County or USPS locations and apply early (several months in advance). For urgent needs, contact the Atlanta Passport Agency or a private expediter like Passport Express. Always verify requirements and book appointments in advance to avoid delays.
What Do You Need To Apply For A Passport?
Here’s what you need:
- Evidence of U.S. citizenship
- Photo ID
- Application
How Long Does It Take To Get A Passport?
The time it takes to get a passport really just depends. Typically it will take six to eight weeks. But the State Department lists the following processing timeframes:
- Routine: 4-6 weeks (or 8-11 weeks at USPS)
- Expedited: 2-3 weeks (or 3-5 weeks at USPS)
- Expedited at Agency: As little as 3 days, but there are very limited appointments you can get.
Same-day service is available only at the Atlanta Passport Agency or through private expediters for urgent cases.
If you choose to expedite it, you can expect your passport in two to three weeks, but they will charge you a fee.
Where Can You Take Passport Photos In Atlanta?
- CVS Passport Photos: Pictures are available in select CVS Pharmacy locations in metro Atlanta for $14.99.
- Walgreens Passport Photos: Walgreens offers passport photos cost $14.99 at select locations. Please contact your local Walgreens for details.
- Costco Passport Photos: Costco offers passport photos for around $5, which makes it one of the cheapest options.
- Rite-Aid Passport Photos: You can get passports for $8.99 at Rite-Aid. Contact your local Rite-Aid for details.
Once you get your passport, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale.
Final Word
Is your passport up for renewal? It may be getting close to expiring and that means that you have some decisions to make. The U.S. State Department says that there are major delays in getting passports and renewals.
If you’re in Atlanta, you may be wondering where you can go and what you can do.
Getting your passport may seem like a lot of red tape, but it’s one of the most necessary tasks you can do if you enjoy traveling outside the United States.
If you want to save time, call one of the businesses that sell passports to see if there’s a line or not before you go there.
Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the world’s busiest, is so accessible.
Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interesting in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
More Articles Like This:
Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
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Up Next: Atlanta Travel Guide
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Atlanta’s inaugural halal food festival is set to ignite the city’s summer vibe on Saturday, July 19 at Atlantic Station.
Hosted by the Atlanta Muslim Festival Collective (AMFC), the Atlanta Summer Halal Food Festival will be a vibrant celebration of halal cuisine, culture, and community, welcoming everyone to join in.
What Is Halal Cuisine?
Halal cuisine refers to food and drinks prepared and consumed in accordance with Islamic dietary laws, as outlined in the Quran and Sunnah. The term “halal” means “permissible” in Arabic, and these guidelines ensure food Gomukeshwar Templefood is ethically sourced, properly slaughtered, and free from forbidden ingredients like pork or alcohol.
Key aspects of halal cuisine include:
- Meat: Must come from animals like cattle, sheep, or poultry slaughtered by a Muslim with a specific ritual cut to the throat, ensuring quick and humane death, and the meat must be drained of blood.
- Prohibited items: Pork, blood, alcohol, and intoxicants are not allowed.
- Cross-contamination: Halal food must not come into contact with non-halal substances or utensils used for non-halal foods.
- Preparation: Food must be handled with care to maintain purity and integrity, similar to kosher or vegan standards.
Expect over 50 Southeast vendors dishing out diverse, halal-compliant flavors—from sizzling kabobs and gourmet burgers to decadent desserts and refreshing drinks. Halal cuisine, crafted with care and respect for dietary values, is approachable for all, much like kosher or plant-based dishes. Educational signage and videos will highlight what halal means, ensuring everyone feels included while exploring bold, global flavors.
“We’re thrilled to bring Atlanta its first halal food festival,” said Hasnain Lakhani, Festival Co-Founder and local restaurateur. “As a metro Atlanta native, I’ve always been passionate about this community. This festival unites Muslims and non-Muslims to celebrate our city’s diversity through incredible food, small business vendors, and unique experiences.”
Beyond food, enjoy free water, live Atlanta performances, cultural acts, family-friendly games, a petting zoo, a kids’ area, and an artisan market with local handmade goods. Capture memories at a scenic photo booth, with part of the proceeds supporting local charities.
Final Word
We love the kids! That’s why we’re showing you all the good things happening in the city this weekend. But there’s more: Check out what’s going on in downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown often has something cool going on! While it’s warm, take advantage of the outdoors. Don’t miss these awesome festivals.
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Yet another retailer is closing stores in Atlanta, Georgia. Popular grocery store Kroger is set to close several locations in Georgia’s largest city.
The closures, scheduled between July and October 2025, reflect Kroger’s strategic consolidation amid economic uncertainty and a focus on more profitable stores. Affected employees will be offered transfers to nearby Kroger locations, the company has said.
List of Kroger Locations Closing in Atlanta
Location Address Closing Date Atlanta 2452 Morosgo Way July 19, 2025 Alpharetta 11877 Douglas Road August 16, 2025 Brookhaven 3855 Buford Highway October 18, 2025 Decatur 3479 Memorial Drive September 13, 2025 Why Are Atlanta Kroger Locations Closing?
Several Atlanta Kroger locations are closing as part of the company’s plan to shutter 60 underperforming stores nationwide over the next 18 months. The specific reasons for these closures include:
Declining Sales and Profitability
Kroger cited declining sales and negative profit over extended periods as key factors. First-quarter 2025 sales dropped slightly to $45.1 billion from $45.3 billion the previous year, reflecting broader challenges like changing consumer habits, inflation, and competition from discount chains and online retailers.
Underperforming Locations
The four metro Atlanta stores—in Alpharetta (11877 Douglas Road), Atlanta (2452 Morosgo Way), Brookhaven (3855 Buford Highway), and Decatur (3479 Memorial Drive)—were identified as underperforming. For instance, the Brookhaven store is small by modern standards, limiting its ability to offer high-margin items, while the Decatur store, despite offering fuel, is outdated.
Operational Efficiency
Kroger aims to streamline operations and ensure long-term business health by closing unprofitable stores. The company expects a “modest financial benefit” from these closures, with savings reinvested into customer experience initiatives at remaining locations.
Market Competition
In Atlanta, Kroger faces stiff competition, particularly from Publix, which has a growing presence. Data from 2024 shows Kroger’s market share in Atlanta dropped to 21.3% compared to Publix’s 20.5%, with Publix operating more stores (159 vs. Kroger’s 124). New Publix locations in areas like Buckhead and Brookhaven may have impacted Kroger’s performance.
Final Word
Kroger has faced some local challenges around Atlanta for sure. Some have mentioned issues like theft and undesirable customer experiences at specific locations, such as the Morosgo Way store, which may have driven away business. However, these are anecdotal and not officially confirmed by Kroger as primary reasons.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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As of Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Uber and Alphabet’s Waymo have launched public robotaxi services in Atlanta, expanding their partnership.
Waymo’s driverless Jaguar I-PACE SUVs, equipped with the Waymo Driver, cover 65 square miles in Atlanta but avoid highways and the airport.
Waymo, Uber Start Robotaxi Service in Atlanta
Perhaps you’ve seen the driverless cars whizzing by on Peachtree Street or somewhere downtown or in Midtown, where there is pedestrian traffic looking for rides.
The companies announced plans in September to bring Waymo One to Atlanta and Austin, with Austin services starting in March, ahead of Tesla’s robotaxi pilot.
Tesla’s invite-only service in Austin, using Model Y SUVs with a human valet, operates daytime-only in a limited area. Unlike Tesla, Waymo’s robotaxis run without human supervisors and use advanced lidar and radar sensors.
Final Word
Don’t be surprised when you see a driverless vehicle next to you in traffic. They are here, courtesy of Waymo. You can expect more companies to join the market.
Tesla, once a driverless leader, now trails Waymo and Chinese competitors like Baidu’s Apollo Go and WeRide, which also partners with Uber. Waymo rides in Atlanta and Austin are booked via Uber’s app, while San Francisco and Los Angeles use the Waymo One app. The Uber-Waymo partnership excludes Uber Eats deliveries.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
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The Atlanta BeltLine’s opened its Westside Trail on Monday, June 23, 2025, marking the expansion with a ribbon-cutting by city officials.
The gathering heralded the unveiling of the longest continuous trail segment to date.
Atlanta Beltine’s Westside Trail Opens
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, BeltLine Inc. President and CEO Clyde Higgs, city officials, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the launch. Read: Where to eat on the Beltline.
Westside Trail – Segment 4, a 1.3-mile addition, completes the 6.8-mile pathway along historic Washington Park, a century-old Black suburb and cultural hub.
How Far Does the Beltline’s Westside Trail Go?
The Westside Trail stretches 6.7 miles from Pittsburgh Yards in southwest Atlanta to Huff Road in Blandtown, now the longest uninterrupted segment of the BeltLine. Additionally, users can travel 7.2 miles from the Westside BeltLine Connector’s end to Pittsburgh Yards.
“This milestone goes beyond infrastructure—it’s about uniting communities and preserving Atlanta’s rich history,” said Higgs. “The 6.7-mile trail winds through neighborhoods shaped by resilience, built by Black architects and builders, and enriched by generations of pride. This extension honors that legacy as we work toward a complete 22-mile loop by 2030.”
The trail runs from Lena Street North to Law Street, passing streets named for civil rights icons like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Joseph E. Boone, and Joseph Lowery.
Christi Jackson, Board President of Washington Park Conservancy, noted, “The Westside Trail reflects the community’s past and its commitment to growth. Segment 4 celebrates the city’s inclusive vision and the BeltLine’s dedication to engagement, linking diverse areas for outdoor activities, arts, and discovery.”
At the ribbon-cutting, Mayor Dickens said, “In 2014, when I joined the board, west and southside residents, including myself, doubted this would reach us. Now, it’s a reality, mirroring the eastside’s transformation.”
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Along with the best Atlanta weekend events, one thing — or should we say several things — you do not want to miss are Atlanta’s summer festivals.
This summer, there are going to be some awesome events that you don’t want to miss, especially outdoors.
We’re going to show you some of the best summer festivals the city has to offer. You don’t want to miss any of these!
Here Are The Best Atlanta Summer Festivals To Attend
From Comic Con to Music Midtown and more, some great summer festivals in Atlanta that are coming up.
In this article, we’ll go over some of the best summer festivals in Atlanta for you to attend in 2025. Some of these events may stretch into the fall, but you’ll enjoy them all the same!
R&B Seafood Festival
The R&B Seafood Festival celebrates the very best of America’s coastal cuisine. The date is Sunday, May 25 · 12 – 4pm EDT. It’s happening at Underground Atlanta 50 Upper Alabama St, Atlanta, GA.
Atlanta Jazz Festival
Photo credit: Atlanta Jazz Festival The Atlanta Jazz Festival is Memorial Day weekend in Midtown’s Piedmont Park. The Memorial Day weekend event, slated for May 24-26, once again looks to bring the city together to enjoy the sweet sounds of music.
Atlanta R&B Wine, Food and Music Festival
Who doesn’t like to enjoy a good meal while they listen to live music outdoors? The Atlanta R&B Wine Food & Music Festival is happening on Saturday, April 12th, 2025, at Atlantic Station.
Atlanta Caribbean Carnival
Atlanta’s largest carnival celebration kicks off May 23, 2 PM – Monday, May 27, in downtown Atlanta and various locations. Learn more.
Virginia-Highland Summerfest
The Virginia-Highland Summerfest is happening on the following days in Atlanta:
- June 6, Friday Night Kick-off: 6pm – 9 pm
- June 7: Saturday Festival: 10am – 10pm
- June 8: Sunday Festival: 11am-5pm
The festival and feature fine artists, live music, a KidsFest, and more.
Atlanta Summer Wine Fest
The Atlanta Summer Wine Fest is set for August 11, 2025 from 12 noon to 10 p.m. The event is taking place at City Winery in Midtown Atlanta.
BronzeLens Film Festival
The BronzeLens Festival will take place in Atlanta, Georgia from Aug 20-24. Here are some of the top events you can expect to experience:
- Film Selections
- Movie Screenings
- Workshops
- Networking Opportunities
Piedmont Park Summer Arts Festival
Photo credit: Youtube The Piedmont Park Summer Arts Festival will be held on August 16-17, 2025, is a two-day outdoor family-oriented event that will have something for all ages.
A boon for the city’s thriving arts community, the event is one of the Sou
Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
Photo by KAL VISUALS on Unsplash The Atlanta Ice Cream Festival returns to the city on Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 11 AM – 6 PM. This year’s Atlanta Ice Cream Festival is once again slated to take place at Piedmont Park in Midtown. We’ll update you with the latest details as they come in. See more details.
Final Word
If you want to really have a good time outside in Atlanta, Georgia, going to a festival is a must.
Atlanta in the summertime is one of the most fun places you could ever be: hot weather, live music and cold beer can be had in abundance. All you have to do is attend one of the many summer festivals. But which ones are the best?
NO matter what you plan to get into, have fun and stay safe in Atlanta! See our Atlanta Festival Guide for more fun!Whether you prefer neighborhood events or huge festivals, all ages will be accommodated when it comes to food, live entertainment and more. The best part? Many of Atlanta festivals are FREE.As the weather warms, you can expect Atlanta festivals, many who probably have never heard of, to hit every weekend.Don’t worry, AtlantaFi.com has got you covered.Whether you enjoy food-focused festivals, or some downhome blues under the sunset. We’re going to cover them all.
Georgia’s largest city has so much to do that you need a curated guide to help you sort through it all. Make sure you subscribe to our #ATLHaps newsletter that gives you a weekly tab of Atlanta events you don’t want to miss.
This event is just one among many Atlanta happenings going on weekly in the city. -
Atlanta is scorching right now, which why public pools are a necessity for kids and adults alike. The city has four of them located in convenient areas.
The city’s Department of Parks & Recreation has opened the pools for the summer season across Atlanta.
What Are Atlanta’s Free Pools?
Here are Atlanta free pools and their locations.
Grant Park Pool
625 Park Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30308 | (404) 622-3041- Cost: Free
- Hours: 12:30 to 8 p.m., Daily
Adams Park Swimming Pool
Logan Ln SW, Atlanta, GA 30311 | (404) 753-6091- Cost: Free
- Hours: 12:30 to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday
John A. White Outdoor Pool
1101 Cascade Cir SW, Atlanta, GA 3031 | (404) 755-5546- Cost: Free
- Hours: 12:30 to 8 p.m. daily
Anderson Park Pool
100 Anderson Ave NW, Atlanta, GA 30314 | (404) 799-0317- Cost: Free
- Hours: 12:30 to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday
Burney Park477 Windsor St., Atlanta, Ga. 30303- Cost: Free
- Hours: 12:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday
Pittman Park Pool
950 Garibaldi St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 | 404) 522-0021- Cost: Free
- Hours: 12:30 to 7 p.m., Daily
Candler Park Pool
1500 McLendon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 373-4349- Cost: free
- Hours: 12:30 to 7 p.m., Daily
James Orange Swimming Pool
1305 Oakland Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 | (404) 755-5546- Cost: free
- Hours: 12:30 to 8 p.m., Daily
Maddox Pool
1115 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 892-0119- Cost: free
- Hours: 12:30 to 8 p.m., Daily
Mozley Park Swimming Pool
1690 Martin Luther King Jr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314 | (404) 753-7156- Cost: Free
- Hours: 12:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday
Southbend Pool2000 Lakewood Ave., Atlanta, Ga. 30315- Cost: Free
- Hours: 12:30 to 7 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday
Thomasville Pool
1750 Thomasville Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 | (404) 622-3045- Cost: Free
- Hours: 12:30 to 7 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday
Final Word
Are you trying to beat the heat this summer? There are few things as refreshing as a nice swim in the pool. The good news is that Atlanta’s public pools are open for business!
If your kid loves to swim and play in the water, they will love taking advantage of the city’s free pools. What about you? Are you down for some fun in the sun?More From AtlantaFi.com:
