19 THINGS YOU HAVE TO DO IN ATLANTA THIS MAY, STARTING WITH MOVIES IN THE PARK
Known for its red clay, hip-hop, and legendary wings, Atlanta has also risen as a beacon of versatility. So it’s no surprise that you can find great food, fun music festivals, unique sporting events, and more within the 404’s city limits this month.
Kick off May in Atlanta drinking tequila and eating tacos at Cinco De Mayo celebrations around town, before showing love to all the moms out there over Mother’s Day weekend. Memorial Day is also coming up this month, so when you make plans for the long weekend away from work, be sure to pencil in the Atlanta Jazz Festival and other cool things to do in Atlanta. May has arrived—and so has the warm weather—so take advantage of all the fun things to do this month with our help.
Truist Night Market: Passport Edition
May 2, 6:30–9:30 pmHome Depot Backyard, Free
The Home Depot Backyard will commence its 2024 signature event calendar with Truist Night Market: Passport Edition on Thursday, May 2. Dubbed the “passport edition” in celebration of the event’s international theme, the May offering of Truist Night Market will feature more than 30 of Atlanta’s top chefs, restaurateurs, and artisans showcasing cuisines and goods from around the world. Live musical entertainment for the evening will also feature an international flare headlined by Atlanta-based Latin ensemble C.O.T. Band.
Cinco De Mayo in Atlanta
May 3–5, Times varyVarious locations, Prices vary
Kick off Cinco De Mayo weekend in Atlanta with one of the city’s many activities. On Friday, Rose & Rye Rooftop will hold its Vinyl Collection party. On Saturday, restaurants like El Super Pan, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, and TWO Urban Licks feature themed events catered to the weekend’s festivities, and Old Fourth Ward Park will hold its annual Tacos & Tequila Fest. Sunday, places like Birdcage, Puttshack, Vesper, and the Thompson Hotel all have curated celebrations.
Shaky Knees Music Festival
May 3–5, 11:30 am–10 pmCentral Park, $165 and up
With more than 60 bands each year, the Shaky Knees Music Festival is a haven for any rock lover. This time around, the event will feature performances from acts like Billy Idol, Weezer, Foo Fighters, The Offspring, Noah Kahan, and many more. In addition to the music, the fest includes food trucks from the city’s most popular establishments, along with on-site activations, fun photo booths, and merch stations highlighting some great bands. By showcasing a diverse lineup of world-renowned acts to up-and-coming artists, Shaky Knees has become one of the most anticipated festivals in the Southeast.
Movies on the Square
May 9, 7–9 pmColony Square, Free
It’s almost summertime, so that’s means outdoor movies. Enjoy the sunny skies at the opening night of Movies On The Square at Colony Square. You can kick back, relax, and enjoy the film Mamma Mia in Midtown’s living room. Take dinner to-go from one of the venue's onsite restaurants while you experience a classic flick under the stars. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for seating.
’Legacy’ Opening Reception
May 10, 6:30 pmZuCot Gallery, Free
Head over to ZuCot to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at the opening reception of its newest exhibition titled Legacy. This group show will explore themes of motherhood, activism, leadership, and friendship through the personal narratives of a diverse group of predominantly women artists. This exhibition showcases the undeniable strength and enduring legacy of Black women across various spheres of life, and features artists like Shanequa Gaye, Lillian Blades, Reisha Williams, Georgette Baker, Charlotte Riley-Webb, Grace Kisa, Charly Palmer, Jamaal Barber, and J. Christopher.
May Oasis
May 10, 6–9 pmHigh Museum of Art, $30
The High Museum houses some of the best artwork this side of the Mississippi, and it is also an all-purpose venue for a bevy of other events and activities. On May 10, attendees can practice meditation, flow in yoga, reflect deeply with works of art, or immerse in sensory experiences at the monthly event, Oasis. Cass Lievsay and Sava will lead the beginner-friendly yoga sessions., and this month’s event will also feature artist Aleah Black’s one-of-a-kind poetry and art activation, mindful art making, and a casual, thoughtful conversation connecting art and spiritual practice with Dr. Alton B. Pollard III. Add a soundbathing course by Jasmine Wilson, a certified sound healer and African American Studies scholar, and this month’s Oasis an event that you can’t miss.
An Evening with Anita Baker
May 11, 7 pmState Farm Arena, $70 and up
The iconic Anita Baker announced a special Mother’s Day weekend performance at the State Farm Arena. Following the success of her sold out 2023 tour, which celebrated her 40-year career as a music icon since the release of her debut album, The Songstress, the renowned eight-time Grammy Award-winning singer will hit the stage for this one-night-only performance. Expect to hear records like “You’re The Best Thing Yet,” “No More Tears,” the timeless classic, “Angel,” and many more.
Sweet Auburn Springfest
May 11–12, Times varySweet Auburn District, Free
Standing as the largest free outdoor festival in the Southeast, the Sweet Auburn Spring Festival offers a great mixture of live music, food, and fun for the entire family. Celebrating its 38th year, this iconic event attracts thousands of attendees to one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. With 10 stages, plenty of art, fashion, and food vendors, and the Fantastic Fun Zone for kids, the Sweet Auburn SpringFest serves as a great time for all ages.
Mother’s Day Weekend at The Battery
May 11–12, Time varyThe Battery, Prices vary
Celebrate mama at one of the many events that will take place at Battery Park for Mother’s Day. You can toast your matriarch with a bountiful brunch at C. Ellet’s featuring live jazz, enjoy a delightful array of bespoke collections from South End Trading Company, mimosas, and cuisine at National Anthem, or indulge in some springtime dishes at CRU. Our mothers have done so much for us, so why not wine and dine them in the best way possible at Atlanta’s favorite stadium.
Bad Bunny: Most Wanted Tour
May 14–15, 8 pmState Farm Arena, $106 and up
Bad Bunny is back on the road this year with his Most Wanted Tour, and thankfully, he’s rolling through Atlanta. For two nights the three-time Grammy winner will give attendees at the State Farm Arena an intimate experience and give life to his latest studio album with the legendary and high-energy stage presence he’s come to be known for.
We Them Ones Comedy Tour
May 17, 8 pmState Farm Arena, $89 and up
From the moment it began in February, this comedy tour has rocked every city it’s traveled through. Now the We Them Ones Comedy Tour is heading to the award-winning State Farm Arena, featuring a lineup that consists of Mike Epps, DeRay Davis, DC Young Fly, Chico Bean, Karlous Miller, Lil Duval, Mojo Brookzz, Moneybag Mafia, and more, so there’s someone for whatever your comedy preference may be.
Hasan Minhaj: Off With His Head
May 18, 7 pmFox Theatre, $54 and up
Since beginning the Off With His Head tour earlier this year, comic Hasan Minhaj has entertained audiences nationwide. Now he lands at the Fox Theatre in Midtown to deliver his unique brand of comedy. As one of the most vital voices in comedy today, Minhaj continues to take on challenging themes like politics, parenting, and therapy with irreverent wit and insight. If you’ve seen him on The Daily Show or his weekly series Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj, then you know you’re in for a treat as soon as this award-winning funny man hits the stage.
9th Annual Black Music Honors
May 18, 4:30 pmCobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, $90 and up
Hosted by LeToya Luckett and comedian DeRay Davis, this year’s Black Music Honors highlights the trailblazing artists who left a powerful impression on the world of music. Held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, the 2024 ceremony will celebrate Johnny Gill, Patrice Rushen, Bootsy Collins, and Hezekiah Walker, with musical performances by Shanice, BLK ODYSSY, Ricky Dillard, Chanté Moore, Donald Lawrence, MonoNeon, Tone Stith, and more.
Kenny Chesney’s Sun Goes Down Tour
May 18, 5 pmMercedes-Benz Stadium, $35 and up
Kenny Chesney will hit the stage at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium as part his Sun Goes Down 2024 Tour featuring multiple Grammy-winning Zac Brown Band, enjoying their 12th CMA Group of the Year nomination; 2023 CMA Song of the Year and New Artist nominee Megan Moroney; and multiple-week No. 1 “When The Sun Goes Down” duet partner Uncle Kracker, known for his own hits “Follow Me” and “Drift Away.”
Fine Wine Series presents ‘High Notes’
May 25, 3 pmRose & Rye, $25 and up
Fine Wine Series—the Black-owned, experiential event series company established in 2015 in New York City—presents the official Atlanta debut of their Wine and R&B rooftop series High Notes, kicking off the summer season during Memorial Day weekend. The event will include specialty crafted wine cocktails, the city's best DJs playing both new and nostalgic R&B hits, and a community of music and wine lovers.
Atlanta Jazz Festival
May 25–27, 1 pmPiedmont Park, Free
Spend the weekend of Memorial Day listening to some amazing music at Piedmont Park—and the best part is, it’s completely free of charge. Known as one of the largest free jazz festivals in the country, the Atlanta Jazz Fest is a yearly celebration of culture and art designed to expose a larger audience to the history, heritage, and variety of the only true American art form. This event will feature artists from all over and a performance from the legendary André 3000, so you will get a taste of just how eclectic this genre of music can be.
BJ The Chicago Kid: The Gravy Tour
May 25–27, 8 pmCity Winery, $45 and up
Last month, seven-time Grammy Award nominee BJ The Chicago Kid hit the road again for his much-anticipated The Gravy Tour. The singer’s smooth voice pairs perfectly with the intimate vibe of Ponce City Market’s City Winery. Hear songs such as “Get Loose,” “Spend The Night,” “Who Cares,” and “Long Time” off the album Gravy. He’ll be in town for three nights, so make sure you make a memory of Memorial Day weekend by seeing this talented artist live and in-person.
Braves vs. Nationals
May 27–30, Times varyThe Battery, $15 and up
During the week following Memorial Day, the hometown Atlanta Braves will face off against division rivals the Washington Nationals in a four-day showdown at Battery Park. All weekend, visitors can watch the home team while enjoying food from restaurants such as H&F Burger, Yard House, and Punch Bowl Social, among others. With Ronald Acunā, Jr. holding it down at right field and Max Fried at the mound, the game will be a fun experience for long time fans and first-time visitors alike.
Megan Thee Stallion: Hot Girl Summer Tour
May 31, 7 pmState Farm Arena, $70 and up
The Houston rapper has had a great year so far. She released the chart-topping “Hiss,” she appeared in the film Mean Girls, performed on Saturday Night Live, and so much more. Now, she’s embarking on her first headlining trek around the world on the aptly titled Hot Girl Summer Tour. She’ll be bringing along her “Wanna Be” collaborator GloRilla for the ride, so if you’re a fan of this Southern superstar, you want to be in attendance for her show at the end of the month.Want more Thrillist? Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Okla Jones is an Atlanta-based journalist who writes about food, fine arts, and entertainment. His work also appears in ESSENCE, Creative Loafing Atlanta, and Consequence of Sound. Follow him on Instagram at @coolhandoak.
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