-
In a city that thrives on unexpected rhythms and hidden gems, Daniel Caesar delivered pure magic yesterday evening with a surprise pop-up performance that had Atlanta buzzing — but it was all but too brief. On Monday, Oct. 13, the Grammy-winning R&B artist materialized at the iconic Piedmont Park, turning a casual autumn sunset into an impromptu concert that felt like a personal serenade for every soul in attendance.
Citng a lack of a permit, Atlanta police shut the impromptu concert down after two songs.
The event was a part of Caesar’s ongoing “Surprise Pop-Up Tour” hyping the upcoming release of his fourth studio album, Son of Spergy (dropping October 24 via Republic Records), Caesar’s set was a masterclass in intimacy amid the chaos of a growing crowd.
Daniel Caesar Performs Pop Up At Piedmont Park
Word of the show spread like wildfire on social media just hours before kickoff—fans refreshing Instagram stories and feeds caught the cryptic teaser from Caesar’s account around 4 p.m., hinting at a “little tour stop” in the ATL with no venue details until the last minute.
By 6 p.m., hundreds had converged on the park’s Active Oval, blankets in tow, phones at the ready, transforming the green space into a sea of eager faces.
Here’s the scene:
Unlike some of his recent stops that faced logistical hiccups (we’re looking at you, Houston’s abrupt shutdown earlier that day), Atlanta’s vibe stayed golden—no interruptions, just unfiltered connection under the fading Georgia sky.
Caesar, ever the soulful storyteller, took the “stage”—a simple setup of amps, a mic stand, and his signature acoustic guitar—without fanfare. Dressed in a loose white linen shirt and jeans, he opened with a stripped-down rendition of “Best Part,” his voice cutting through the crisp air like velvet. The 2017 classic, a fan favorite from his debut Freudian, had couples swaying and strangers linking arms, the lyrics’ tender vulnerability amplified by the open-air acoustics.
“This one’s for the lovers who found their way back,” he quipped mid-song, earning cheers that echoed off the surrounding oaks.The setlist leaned heavily into his catalog’s emotional core while teasing Son of Spergy’s introspective edge.
“Son of Spergy is about coming home to yourself,” he shared between tracks, his Toronto roots shining through in that signature blend of jazz-infused R&B and raw honesty.
“It was like therapy in the park—Daniel’s voice just heals everything,” said attendee Jasmine Lee, a 28-year-old graphic designer from East Atlanta Village, who captured the brief moment on TikTok (where clips are already racking up millions of views).
No tickets, no barriers, just free-flowing joy in a city that knows how to show up for its artists.
Announced via a cryptic Instagram Reel back on September 24, the tour’s ethos is all about surprise and accessibility—free entry, minimal production, maximum soul. While Houston’s Bear Creek Park show earlier Sunday met an unfortunate early end due to crowd control issues, Atlanta’s Piedmont rendezvous proved the concept’s potential when the stars (and permits) align.
As Son of Spergy countdown clocks tick toward October 24, Caesar’s ATL drop feels like a love letter to the South—a nod to the city’s rich R&B heritage from OutKast to SZA. Fans left Piedmont Park floating, already speculating on the next surprise stop. Will he circle back for a full Superpowers Tour redux? One thing’s certain: in a world of scripted spectacles, Daniel Caesar’s pop-ups remind us why live music still feels alive.Stream Son of Spergy pre-saves now on Spotify and Apple Music, and keep your eyes peeled on.
Hit up @danielcaesar for the next whisper of whimsy. Atlanta, you were unforgettable—now go heal someone with that playlist. Photos and videos from the event are flooding our feeds—tag @Atlhappenings with yours for a feature!
-
Get ready to crank up the holiday cheer, Atlanta! iHeartRadio has unveiled the electrifying lineup for the 2025 Jingle Ball, set to light up State Farm Arena with a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and festive vibes.
The annual holiday extravaganza, presented by Capital One and hosted by 96.1 The Beat, promises an unforgettable night of music from some of the hottest names in the game – including several homegrown Atlanta talents.Kicking off the star power is none other than Nelly, the Grammy-winning rapper whose hits like “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma” have defined generations.
Joining him on stage will be R&B sensation Kehlani, delivering her soulful tracks fresh off her latest releases. Atlanta’s own Jermaine Dupri & Friends will bring the local flavor, with the legendary producer-turned-DJ set to curate a special set featuring surprise guests.
And don’t miss Lil Jon & Friends, where the crunk king himself will undoubtedly get the crowd yelling “Yeah!” and “What?” all night long.Rounding out the bill are rising stars BigXthaPlug, whose gritty trap anthems are taking the charts by storm; Atlanta native Mariah The Scientist, known for her ethereal R&B sound; and the smooth newcomer MOLIY, blending Afrobeats with contemporary pop.
This powerhouse roster embodies the spirit of the season while celebrating Atlanta’s rich musical heritage.The concert is scheduled for Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. EST at State Farm Arena. As part of iHeartRadio’s national Jingle Ball Tour, the Atlanta stop highlights the city’s vibrant scene amid a coast-to-coast celebration of holiday hits.
Tickets are in high demand already, but fans can snag theirs soon. Eligible Capital One cardholders get first dibs with a presale starting Tuesday, September 30, at 10 a.m. local time through Thursday, October 2, at 10 a.m. local time (or while supplies last) via iheartradio.com/CapitalOne.
General public sales kick off Friday, October 3, at noon local time on iheartradio.com/JingleBall or Ticketmaster.
Final Word
Whether you’re a die-hard hip-hop head or just looking to jingle all the way into the new year, this is the must-attend event of the season.
Mark your calendars, Atlanta – the Jingle Ball is about to make State Farm Arena feel a whole lot like Christmas.
More Content From AtlantaFi.com:
-
Brandy and Atlanta’s own Monica are touring the United States and we’re about to relive our 90s music again! They have announced their first-ever co-headlining tour, titled The Boy Is Mine Tour. Kelly Rowland, Muni Long and Jamal Roberts will also tour with the duo.
When Are Brandy and Monica Coming To Atlanta?
The Boy Is Mine tour comes to Atlanta on October 27, 2025. You can get tickets to attend now,.
The tour begins on October 16, 2025, in Cincinnati and runs through December 7, 2025, in Houston. The 24-city arena tour includes stops in major cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York, with special guests Kelly Rowland, Muni Long, and Jamal Roberts.
Tickets go on sale to the public on June 27, 2025, at 10 a.m. local time, with presales starting June 26 using the code “BPC.”
The Boy Is Mine Tour Dates
Here is the list of cities for Brandy and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine Tour” in the U.S. with their corresponding dates, based on the announced 24-city schedule starting October 16, 2025, and ending December 7, 2025:
- Cincinnati, OH – October 16, 2025
- Detroit, MI – October 18, 2025
- Chicago, IL – October 20, 2025
- Minneapolis, MN – October 22, 2025
- St. Louis, MO – October 24, 2025
- Atlanta, GA – October 27, 2025
- Charlotte, NC – October 29, 2025
- Washington, DC – October 31, 2025
- Philadelphia, PA – November 2, 2025
- Newark, NJ – November 4, 2025
- New York, NY – November 6, 2025
- Boston, MA – November 8, 2025
- Hartford, CT – November 10, 2025
- Baltimore, MD – November 12, 2025
- Raleigh, NC – November 14, 2025
- Orlando, FL – November 16, 2025
- Miami, FL – November 18, 2025
- Tampa, FL – November 20, 2025
- New Orleans, LA – November 23, 2025
- Dallas, TX – November 25, 2025
- Austin, TX – November 27, 2025
- San Antonio, TX – November 29, 2025
- Phoenix, AZ – December 4, 2025
- Houston, TX – December 7, 2025
Note: These dates are based on the official announcement and may be subject to changes or additional dates. For the most current schedule, check the official tour website or ticketing platforms.
Final Word
Fortunately, there are other ways and venues to enjoy live music in Atlanta. Our Atlanta Live Music Guide lets you know every week and each fun-filled weekend who’s playing and where.
There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.
Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!
Read more AtlantaFi.com stories:
-
Music3 Min Read
Several big-name artists, such as GloRilla, Lil Wayne and Camila Cabello, are set to perform at the College Football Playoff (CFP) in Atlanta, Georgia.
The CFP unveiled the lineup of top recording artists on Nov. 21, two months before they are set to perform at AT&T Playoff Playlist Live!, which is happening tJanuary 18 and 19 at Atlanta’s acclaimed State Farm Arena.
When Is the College Football Playoff Concert?
The high-energy weekend kicks off on Saturday, January 18, with performances by five-time GRAMMY® Award-winning rap legend Lil Wayne and GRAMMY®-nominated hip-hop artist GloRilla.
The second night, Sunday, January 19, will feature a stellar mix of talent, including diamond-certified GRAMMY®-nominated pop star Camila Cabello, British singer-songwriter and Apple Music Up Next Artist Myles Smith, and Nashville-based singer-songwriter and social media sensation Knox.
The CFP also announced the exciting lineup of artists performing at the Allstate Championship Tailgate, which will kick off game day festivities for the 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship. Taking place outside Mercedes-Benz Stadium from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, the event will be held in Georgia International Plaza and The Home Depot Backyard. The headliner for the tailgate will be global superstar Kane Brown, along with iHeartCountry “On The Verge” artist Ashley Cooke, who will perform on the Capital One Music Stage.
In addition to the music, fans can look forward to a variety of interactive games, sponsor activations, concessions, live ESPN broadcasts, and performances from each team’s marching band throughout the day.
The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship game will kick off later that evening, Monday, January 20, at 7:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. CT, airing live on ESPN.
Final Word
As you might have guessed, Atlanta is one musical city. Our Atlanta Live Music Guide lets you know every week and each fun-filled weekend who’s playing and where.
There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.
Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!
Read more AtlantaFi.com stories:
-
Atlanta-born rapper Childish Gambino has announced his New World tour taking place this year along with Willow and Amaarae. And yes, Atlanta is a city on the list. So is Philadelphia, Dallas, Chicago and other big cities.
The rapper, aka, Donald Glover, also released his Atavista (3.15.20 reimagined versions) project, a favorite of his fans. The artist shared on social media that. “%his album is the finished version of “3.15.20”, the album i put out 4 years ago. there’s a special vinyl coming soon w/ visuals for each song. the all new childish gambino album comes out in the summer.”
Childish Gambino’s Tour Stops By Atlanta: When?
So when does Childish Gambino’s tour have a date in Atlanta? The tour stops by on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024.
Presale tickets began Wednesday 5/15, [and Amex card members] . The General sale begins Friday 5/17
American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public for North American, Australian and select UK dates.
Here are the complete tour dates:
North America Tour Dates
Oklahoma City, OK – August 11 – Paycom Center
Kansas City, MO – August 12 – T-Mobile Center
Milwaukee, WI – August 14 – Fiserv Forum
Columbus, OH – August 15 – Schottenstein Center
Detroit, MI – August 17 – Little Caesars Arena
Toronto, ON – August 18 – Scotiabank Arena
Pittsburgh, PA – August 20 – PPG Paints Arena
Philadelphia, PA – August 21 – Wells Fargo Center
Boston, MA – August 23 – TD Garden
Uncasville, CT – August 24 – Mohegan Arena
Brooklyn, NY – August 26 & 27 – Barclays Center
Washington, D.C. – August 29 – Capital One Arena
Raleigh, NC – August 30 – PNC Arena
Nashville, TN – September 1 – Bridgestone Arena
Atlanta, GA – September 2 – State Farm Arena
Tampa, FL – September 4 – Amalie Arena
Sunrise, FL – September 5 – Amerant Bank Arena
New Orleans, LA – September 7 – Smoothie King Center
Houston, TX – September 8 – Toyota Center
Austin, TX – September 10 – Moody Center
Dallas, TX – September 11 – American Airlines Center
Denver, CO – September 13 – Ball Arena
Salt Lake City, UT – September 14 – Delta Center
Phoenix, AZ – September 16 – Footprint Center
Los Angeles, CA – September 18 & 19 – Crypto.com Arena
San Francisco, CA – September 21 – Chase Center
Vancouver, British Columbia – September 23 – Rogers Arena
Portland, OR – September 24 – Moda Center
Seattle, WA – September 25 – Climate Pledge Arena
Calgary, Alberta – September 27 – Scotiabank Saddledome
Edmonton, Alberta – September 29 – Rogers Place
Saint Paul, MN – October 2 – Xcel Energy Center
Chicago, IL – October 3 – United CenterEurope Tour Dates
Lyon, France – October 31 – LDLC Arena
Milan, Italy – November 2 – Unipol Forum
Cologne, Germany – November 4 – Lanxess Arena
Hamburg, Germany – November 6 – Barclays Arena
Oslo, Norway – November 8 – Oslo Spektrum
Copenhagen, Denmark – November 10 – Royal Arena
Prague, Czechia – November 12 – O2 Arena
Berlin, Germany – November 13 – Uber Arena
Paris, France – November 19 – Accor Arena
Munich, Germany – November 21 – Olympiahalle
Brussels, Belgium – November 23 – ING Arena
Amsterdam, Netherlands – November 24 – Ziggo Dome
Manchester, England – November 26 – AO Arena
Glasgow, Scotland – November 28 – OVO Hydro
London, England – November 30 & December 1 – The O2
Birmingham, England – December 3 – Utilita Arena
Dublin, Ireland – December 5 – 3ArenaAustralia Tour Dates
Auckland, New Zealand – January 28 – Spark Arena
Brisbane, Australia – February 1 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Sydney, Australia – February 4 – Qudos Bank Arena
Melbourne, Australia – February 7 – Rod Laver Arena
Perth, Australia – February 11 – RAC ArenaAfter the New World tour jaunts through North America, the show continues in Australia and travels to Europe for a few dates.
Glover also released the video Little Foot, Big Foot to drum up attention for the tour.
Final Word
Did somebody say live music? That’s what Atlanta has a lot of. From the small cubby holes you’ll find in the suburbs to the elegant stages of Midtown and Buckhead, ATL has music for your ears. Check out our Atlanta Live Music Guide to see who’s performing where.
You might also enjoy some spoken word or jazz brunches that Georgia’s largest city has to offer. We get down not just on fun-filled weekends, but through the week as well.
-
Usher performed all the hits at his Super Bowl performance, but if you know what I know, what really stood out was that his mic was on. Yes, he was really singing out there. But also many on social media have been reacting to the spontaneous hug – from behind – that he gave to fellow singer Alicia Keys.
Usher has always been a real singer, but he’s always said, “Don’t leave your girl around me.” Have you forgotten?
Check out these live performances where Usher “got a little fresh” with the participants, from Mary J. Blige, Summer Walker and more.
Usher And Jennifer Hudson
J-Hud had to look twice and more than that as Usher laid it on thick with the crooning and swooning.
Usher Swoons Kenya Moore
Also, who knew Usher was a RHOA fan? Seriously, Kenya Moore, a former Miss America, was swept off her feet with the “OMG” singer pulled up.
Usher Finds Out She’s H.E.R.
Usher knows that H.E.R. is a beast vocally and musically, which is why he tapped her for the Super Bowl, but he’s not above sliding through either.
Victoria Monet Meet Usher, Usher Meet Victoria Monet
The “On My Mama” singer gave props to Usher and he no doubt will be producing something soon with her.
Usher Turns Summer Walker Into Autumn
In other words, he made her “fall” for him. This was when we knew Usher was on a mission during his shows. And Summer was with all the action!
Final Word
Usher is one of the most iconic singers and performers still at it today, and there’s no denying that. He represents Atlanta like no other.
More Articles From AtlantaFi:
-
Atlanta iconic rapper and flutist Andre 3000 is performing a series of shows in his hometown of Atlanta as part of a new U.S. tour, New Blue Sun Live. The former Outkast frontman will be joined on stage by musicians Carlos Niño, Nate Mercereau, Surya Botofasina, and Deantoni Parks.
A limited number of tickets will be available for the four shows, which go on sale Wednesday morning, Jan. 24, 2024. Get tickets.
André 3000 To Perform 4 Shows In Atlanta
Posting on his Instagram, André 3000 announced that he’ll be performing at Atlanta’s Variety’s Playhouse on Feb. 27-29.
He’ll then perform at Center Stage Theater on March 2. He will perform his new album, New Blue Sun, which is a flute album.
Andre 3000 Tour Dates
01-29 Brooklyn, NY – Crown Hill Theatre
01-31 New York, NY – Blue Note Jazz Club (8:00 p.m.)
01-31 New York, NY – Blue Note Jazz Club (10:30 p.m.)
02-01 New York, NY – Blue Note Jazz Club (8:00 p.m.)
02-01 New York, NY – Blue Note Jazz Club (10:30 p.m.)
02-02 New York, NY – Blue Note Jazz Club (8:00 p.m.)
02-02 New York, NY – Blue Note Jazz Club (10:30 p.m.)
02-05 Brooklyn, NY – St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church
02-06 Brooklyn, NY – St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church
02-08 Detroit, MI – Cliff Bell’s
02-09 Detroit, MI – The Chapel at Masonic Temple (7:00 p.m.)
02-09 Detroit, MI – The Chapel at Masonic Temple (10:00 p.m.)
02-12 Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
02-13 Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed
02-15 Chicago, IL – Garfield Park Conservatory (7:00 p.m.)
02-15 Chicago, IL – Garfield Park Conservatory (9:00 p.m.)
02-02 San Francisco, CA – Bimbo’s 365 Club
02-22 San Francisco, CA – Bimbo’s 365 Club
02-24 San Francisco, CA – The Independent (7:00 p.m.)
02-24 San Francisco, CA – The Independent (9:00 p.m.)
02-27 Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
02-28 Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
02-29 Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
03-02 Atlanta, GA – Center Stage Theater
03-05 Los Angeles, CA – The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
03-06 Los Angeles, CA – The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
03-07 Los Angeles, CA – The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
03-08 Los Angeles, CA – The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
03-09 Los Angeles, CA – The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood ForeverFinal Word
There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.
Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!
Read more AtlantaFi.com stories:
-
Atlanta native André 3000 has released a new album for the first time in nearly 20 years. His new album New Blue Sun was released on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
The artist, born Andre Benjamin, hasn’t released new music in 17 years, but decided the end of 2023 was the right time. To test his music, he reportedly reached out to other creatives to give them a listen.
“I wanted to see how a younger audience would perceive it… I reached out to Tyler [the Creator] for him to check it out and I went to his house. “Frank [Ocean] just happened to drop by [too],” he told NPR.
When Is New Blue Sun’s Release Date?
New Blue Sun was released on Friday, November 17, 2023.
How did they respond to the new music? They loved it.
“And I was just happy to hear that, ’cause I respect them as musicians. Like new energy; they’re going for it, man. So I really respect their opinions. I play it for my homies. I play it for friends, play it for artists, directors — just to see their reaction more than anything. So I was just happy with what I was getting.”
Andre 3000 New Album: No Bars
If you’re thinking you’ll get some new Andre 3000 verses, you’re in for a change.
Speaking to the NPR, Andre said that he wanted to release a concept album free of his past life and what people may have been used to from him.
“I don’t want to troll people,” André was quoted as saying. “I don’t want people to think, Oh, this André 3000 album is coming! And you play it and like, Oh man, no verses. So even actually on the packaging, you’ll see it says, ‘Warning: no bars.’”
Why No Music For So Long?
It wasn’t long ago that Three Stacks was saying that he was not really feeling new music for himself. In an interview with Rick Rubin, he said:
“I haven’t been making much music man. My focus is not there. My confidence is not there. I tinker… I tinker a lot,” he said. “Like I would just go to my piano and just sit my iPhone down and record what I’m doing. Move my fingers around. I haven’t been motivated enough to make a serious project. I’d like to… but it’s just not coming.”
Fast forward to 45 days before 2024 and Andre is ready to bless us with new audio. If you’ve heard the music, how do you like it? Let us know in the comments.
Final Thought
Do you love to get up and out in the city? ThenI suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.
Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!
Read more AtlantaFi.com stories:
-
It’s going to be a So So Def October. The inaugural So So Def Festival is taking place in Atlanta this fall.
It’s only fitting that the festival happen in So So Def’s birthplace, Atlanta.
When is The So So Def Festival Happening?
The dates for the So So Def Festival are October 7-8. The two-day event will take place in Atlanta’s Central Park in Midtown.
Who Is Performing At the So So Def Festival?
The musical lineup includes:
- Ari Lennox
- T.I.
- Monica
- Jagged Edge
- Da Brat
- Gucci Mane
- Xscape
- Anthony Hamilton
- Bow Wow and more
Legendary Atlanta music mogul Jermaine Dupri announced the festival on his Instagram in July.
“We celebrating 30 years of So So Def and the way that we gon’ celebrate this is So So Def Festival,” he said. “I need all my day ones in the building.”
Final Word
In Atlanta Festival season goes deep into the year.
Atlanta is for tourists, but it’s also for locals. If you want to explore Georgia’s largest city, do it on your terms and check out the fun, cool and new things happening in Atlanta this weekend and even on the weekday. You can start downtown, and get it crackin’ in Buckhead. Check out the newest Atlanta restaurants, beautiful parks and unexplored spots you’ve only heard about. AtlantaFi your experience!
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com:
-
Singer Jeremih is set to perform as a part of 50 Cent’s The Final Lap tour, which is happening at Lakewood Amphitheater in southwest Atlanta.
Jeremih Coming To Atlanta As Part Of The Final Lap Tour
The concert, advertised as 50 Cent’s last big concert tour, also features major artists such as Busta Rhymes and more. The global tour was put together in part to celebrate the 20th anniversary of 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’ album.
Jeremih, known for such hits as Changes and Room featuring Adekunle Gold & 2 Chainz, has been tapped to perform on every date of the tour.
Get Tickets To The Final Lap Tour In Atlanta.
Where Is Lakewood Amphitheater Located?
Lakewood Amphitheater is located at 2002 Lakewood Way SW, Atlanta, GA 30315. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
If you like to have a good time on the dance floor or while listening to music, Atlanta has something for everyone. Check out the top live music venues around the city as well as best comedy clubs.
If you’re into spoken word, you’ll love these poetry spots in Atlanta. Don’t forget to hit up the top clubs in Atlanta throughout the week end weekend.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com: