As the sun hovers above the city of Atlanta for longer stretches of the day and the heat index pushes towards 90 degrees, the blissful explosion of festivals and musicals hits the metroplex.
May is not only the official start of the summer season at the box office, but unofficially the start of it in the South. As you shop for summer dresses and shorts, you also want to take a look at the best places to floss late spring attire.
Take a look at the best Atlanta festivals in the month of May 2015.
East Atlanta Beer Fest, May 16: Sip on more than 175 beers, with ticket price proceeds going to help improve the neighborhood. https://www.eastatlantabeerfest.com/
Georgia Craft Beer Festival, May 30. Thirty Peach State breweries tap kegs at the third year of this hops happening hosted by Red Brick Brewing.
www.georgiacraftbeerfestival.com.
Georgia Renaissance Festival
Through June 7
For 30 years, the Fairburn tradition has been selling turkey legs the size of your head. Chomp on one while watching jousts, juggling, live music, acrobatics, and the new Wheel of Death.
https://www.garenfest.com/mobile-1
Marietta Greek Festival, May 15-17. You can snack on souvlaki, buy Greek goods, and watch some traditional dancing. www.mariettagreekfest.org.
Sweet Auburn Springfest, April 8-10. Zoom down a 150-foot zipline at one of the largest festivals in the Southeast. If you aren’t a thrill-seeker, check out the international food court or kids zone. www.sweetauburn.com.
Kirkwood Spring Fling, May 16. Run at the 5K, walk through the tour of homes, and dance to live music at the 13th annual neighborhood festival. www.kirkwoodfling.com.
PAWFest, May 15. Leash up Rover for this Lilburn Fido festival that starts with a pack hike and includes contests for best costume and kisser. www.pawfest.com.
Atlanta Jazz Festival, May 22-24. Hear the likes of the Alfredo Rodrìguez Trio, Banda Magda, and more at one of the largest jazz fests in the country at Piedmont Park. www.atlantafestivals.com
Candler Park Music and Food Festival, May 29-30. Athens’s Drive-By Truckers and South Carolina’s Shovels & Rope headline this food truck and tunes show. www.candlerparkmusicfestival.com.
TimeGate Convention, May 22-24. Watch out for daleks at this “Dr. Who” convention, featuring celebrity Q&As, a masquerade, a cabaret, and a game night. https://timegatecon.org/
Pick’n in Grant Park, May, 8-9. Pork, ribs, and chicken compete for best barbecue while Michelle Malone and other local musicians play at this Grant Park shindig. https://www.grantparkbbq.org/
Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, May 28-31. Chefs from across the Southeast cook up tastings and classes at this food fete. www.atlfootandwinefestival.com.
Wing & Rock Fest, May 30-31. Enjoy the best part of the chicken at this Woodstock bird bash. If you really love your wings, see how many you can eat in two minutes at the daily competition. www.wingandrockfest.com.
Decatur Arts Festival May 23-24. Spoken word, stand-up, an artists market—if it’s an art event, this weekend has it.
www.decatureartsfestival.com.
