Although summer doesn’t technically start until the solstice on June 20, the weather in Georgia is already heating up for the season, and Atlantans are returning to the familiarity of annual events sprawling all over the city. No matter which neighborhood you may find yourself in this summer, there surely will not be a lack of good times to be had.
Bring the whole family to 39th Annual Virginia-Highland Summerfest
On June 8 and 9, free and family-friendly Summerfest returns to Virginia Highland. Start the day at 8 a.m. at the Summerfest 5K Run. Enjoy a free drink at the finish line and a commemorative T-shirt. Younger runners can join the Tot Trot for kids 10 and younger following the 5K. Register here and get more information. Afterwards listen to exceptional live and local tunes and browse artisan arts and crafts.
Hear the people sing! Catch Les Miserables at Fox Theatre until June 9
After having the honor of attending this week’s opening show, all I can say is it makes sense that this has long upheld its title as the world’s most popular musical. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling and equally heartbreaking story of broken dreams, unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. Grab tickets here while it’s in town.
Share a laugh at 12th annual Atlanta Fringe Festival
The Atlanta Fringe Festival is back with its biggest event yet, with 28 performance groups from seven different states and Thailand. Curate your time with live theater, dance, puppetry, comedy, storytelling and more. This year’s festival, which takes place June 3 to 9 across seven local venues, will also feature a free performance venue for family-friendly shows and activities, a free outdoor festival featuring Atlanta street performers, a variety benefit featuring local Atlanta talent, and audio artists whose work will be available exclusively on the Atlanta Fringe podcasting network. The entertainment will be taking over venues around Little Five Points, East Atlanta Village and Old Fourth Ward. This year’s performing spaces include 7 Stages, The Marianna at Wrecking Bar Brewpub, Limelight Theater, Metropolitan Studios and Dynamic El Dorado.
Get inspired by the youth at the 17th annual Atlanta’s Children Film Festival
Atlanta Children’s Film Festival takes place at various venues June 7 to 23 with over two weeks of eye-opening and exciting activities, including film screenings and workshops for children, teens and industry professionals. Showcasing films produced by youth and adult independent filmmakers from around the world, the festival promotes positive, educational and entertaining children and family-oriented independent programs.
Follow Alice down the rabbit hole as Alice’s Wonderland exhibit returns to Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Now until Sept. 15, Alice’s Wonderland Returns features 38 larger-than-life sculptures in seven installations inspired by Lewis Carroll’s timeless tales. Planning a trip without kids? Every Thursday, enjoy the garden after-hours with specialty cocktails, a treasure hunt for Cheshire Cat, live music, discovery stations, lawn games and more while admiring Alice’s Wonderland Returns dramatically lighted at night.
Find your zen at High Museum’s Oasis, a mindfulness-centered experience held on the third Saturday of each month
The hustle and bustle of the summer can leave you burnt out and in need of another vacation after your vacation. High Museum has the solution. Immerse yourself in movement-based sessions led by local yoga instructors, unwind with soothing sonic experiences, or unleash your creative expression in art-making activities led by teaching artists. In our Seeing with Spirit dialogue series, engage in thoughtful conversations exploring the intersection of art and spirituality. Drop into the next Oasis on June 15 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oasis is free for High members and $23 for non-members. Find everything you need to know here.
Celebrate at the 12th Annual Juneteenth Festival & Parade at Piedmont Park
Sprawling over 100 acres from June 21 to June 23, enjoy mouthwatering food, listen to music on six different stages and attend the televised Black history parade in celebration of Juneteenth featuring captivating floats, fly-over jets, colorful dance troops, community youth organizations, mesmerizing marching bands and esteemed local and national dignitaries from every city in the state of Georgia. Get more information here.
Fill up on fresh seasonal produce at a local farmer’s market
Peaches, tomatoes, corn — you name it, they’ve got it at one of Atlanta’s local farmers markets. Bring your dog and the whole family for a morning of grazing yummy treats and produce. Grant Park, East Atlanta Village, Oakhurst, Decatur, VAHI and multiple MARTA stations host outstanding farmers markets each week throughout the summer. Find the schedule and information here.
The inclusion of a free family-friendly venue and a free outdoor festival makes the event accessible to a wider audience.