Live Music Events In and Around Atlanta

Atlanta has long been a cornerstone of American music, home to genre-defining artists, influential producers, and a growing list of annual events attracting fans nationwide. From trap and hip hop to country, jazz, and indie rock, the city’s music culture is shaped by its legacy and openness to experimentation. Between May and October, Atlanta comes alive with concerts, festivals, and street-level music gatherings that reflect the city’s creative energy.

If you’re interested in music in Atlanta, these upcoming events are a great way to dive into the scene.

The Juneteenth Atlanta Parade & Music Festival is one of the largest cultural events in the city and a significant celebration of African American heritage. Held at Piedmont Park, the event includes multiple stages with live performances spanning R&B, gospel, Afrobeat, and more. Artists perform on well-equipped outdoor stages surrounded by art installations and vendor booths. The vibe is festive but meaningful, offering opportunities for connection and entertainment. The two-day celebration also features a massive Black History Parade, a 5K Freedom Run, a health and wellness pavilion, and food trucks offering cuisine across the African diaspora.

The Summer of Loud Tour lands at Lakewood Amphitheatre on June 24, bringing together a powerhouse lineup of hard rock and metalcore acts.  Lakewood Amphitheatre offers both lawn and reserved seating, and the stage is known for its strong sound quality and large production setup. Parkway Drive headlines the event, joined by Killswitch Engage, I Prevail, and Beartooth. Gates open early, with performances running into the evening, making this an all-day experience for fans of heavy, high-energy music.

Outlaw Music Festival hits the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta on July 25, bringing together legends like Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan, along with the Turnpike Troubadours and Charles Wesley Godwin. This evening of outlaw country and Americana offers a lineup that blends classic voices with newer names who’ve carved out a strong presence in the genre. The setting in Alpharetta provides a comfortable and organized experience with reserved seats and shaded lawn areas. Food and drink vendors lean local, and parking is well-managed.

This multi-day festival focuses on traditional African rhythms, featuring master drummers, dancers, and instructors across the U.S. and Africa. Held at the Afrikan Djeli Cultural Institute, the Atlanta African Dance & Drum Festival is structured around workshops during the day and evening concerts open to the public. Beyond performances, the festival includes a craft market filled with African textiles, instruments, and handmade jewelry. It’s more than just a music event — it’s a cultural immersion that explores rhythm, heritage, and the communal power of performance.

The Summer Shade Festival returns to Grant Park with two days of live music, food trucks, local artisans, and a 5K run. Music is spread across multiple stages and includes various genres — folk, indie, soul, and roots rock. The event helps support the Grant Park Conservancy’s efforts to preserve and maintain one of Atlanta’s oldest parks. The laid-back setting gives the festival a neighborhood feel, and shaded picnic areas make it comfortable for long afternoons. While food and drink are available throughout the park, many bring blankets or chairs and settle near the stage areas to enjoy back-to-back performances.

Now in its 16th year, the Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival is a two-day celebration of the city’s most influential export — hip hop. This free event takes place in Historic Fourth Ward Park and brings together DJs, MCs, producers, and dancers from across the metro area. Four performance zones ensure non-stop programming, with freestyle battles, dance showcases, and live sets happening throughout the weekend. The festival provides a platform for up-and-coming local artists to share space with better-known acts. It’s a great chance to experience music in Atlanta, deeply rooted in its neighborhoods and youth culture.

Held in the heart of the Sweet Auburn Historic District, this two-day event features performances in R&B, gospel, hip hop, jazz, and blues. The Sweet Auburn Music Fest celebrates the cultural legacy of a historically Black and culturally rich neighborhood. In addition to music, the event includes local food vendors, an outdoor market, and visual art displays. The backdrop of historic buildings and murals gives the festival a distinct personality. The stages are positioned along Auburn Avenue, and the layout encourages walking and discovery, turning each block into a zone of sound and color.

This free outdoor festival is centered on the art of songwriting. Over two days, more than 30 artists will perform across six stages throughout downtown Alpharetta. Genres range from Americana and Southern rock to acoustic pop and indie folk. Attendees can expect intimate performances where musicians share the stories behind their songs. The setting in Alpharetta’s walkable downtown district makes it easy to move between stages, stop at local restaurants, or explore the boutiques. Music fans looking for something personal and low-key will appreciate the format and atmosphere of this event, which puts storytelling and musicianship at the center.

One of the largest free jazz festivals in the country, the Atlanta Jazz Festival brings national and international performers to Piedmont Park for three days of live music. The lineup includes legends and emerging artists across straight-ahead jazz, Latin, fusion, and avant-garde styles. Multiple stages are set up throughout the park, and the festival layout includes food trucks, art vendors, and community tents. Attendees bring blankets and chairs, settling in for entire sets while enjoying the relaxed setting. 

Porchfest turns front porches across Virginia-Highland into temporary music venues. More than 100 performances happen simultaneously, featuring solo acts, full bands, and everything. Neighbors open their yards and driveways to visitors, creating an informal but engaging community music experience. Local businesses and food vendors set up shop throughout the area, and each block offers a different vibe.

In addition to festivals, Atlanta hosts some of the biggest touring acts of the year at its major venues:

• Beyoncé will bring her Cowboy Carter Tour to Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 10, 11, 13, and 14, with four nights of performances.
• The Weeknd performs at the same venue on August 21 as part of his After Hours Til Dawn Tour.
• Tate McRae hits State Farm Arena on September 9 during her Think Later World Tour.

These concerts add to the summer lineup and bring thousands of fans to downtown Atlanta, further cementing the city’s status as a top-tier destination for live music.

Atlanta’s music scene reflects the energy, diversity, and creativity that define the city. The qualities that make it a destination for world-class festivals and concerts make it an exciting place to live. Neighborhoods like Grant Park, Virginia-Highland, and Sweet Auburn offer distinct communities with unique architecture, walkable streets, and real character.

If you're considering making Atlanta your home, the agents at BOULEVARD are ready to help. With a deep understanding of the city’s neighborhoods and a commitment to personalized service, BOULEVARD connects buyers and sellers with properties that fit their goals and lifestyle.

Reach out today to start your next chapter in Atlanta.