In case you were wondering, the best vacation destination in the US for festivals is Atlanta, Georgia. It might be in honor of a holiday or maybe just to celebrate the season, but the communities of Atlanta’s many neighborhoods will find any excuse to cook some food, contemplate some art, make some music, and make some memories. There’s a festival happening somewhere in Atlanta throughout the year, so no matter when you arrive, you’ll might have trouble deciding which ones to attend. Here are some of our favorites.
End of Spring
Atlanta’s Caribbean Carnival is the perfect way to herald in the summer season with a massive Memorial Day weekend festival. The festival celebrates Caribbean history, culture, foods, and dress. Watch the annual parade march through Atlanta’s Downtown, check out the artists’ street market, and listen to some cool, vibey tunes while dancers use the streets as their dance floor.
The Atlanta Jazz Music Festival celebrates over 40 years of the soulful renditions of some of the genre’s most iconic players. Visit Piedmont Park and take in the best arts and crafts from the city’s greatest vendors as you dine on artisanal foods to start the Memorial Day holiday.
Summer
Candler Park’s Music Festival lasts for two days every June — two action-packed days full of music and food with a backdrop of some of the city’s best artist’s pieces on display. Food and drink are never too far, as the festival pulls in the best food trucks from across Atlanta.
There’s nothing quite like seeing thousands of butterflies filling the sky at once, but this is exactly what you get at the annual Flying Colors Butterfly Festival. Hosted by the Chattahoochee Nature Center, this family friendly event offers the new exhibit, Butterfly Encounter, plus tons of food, drink, and carnival games for the kids. While you listen to the live music, watch the kids get their faces painted by some of Atlanta’s greatest artists.
Fall
Atlanta’s Annual Greek Festival pulls the best of Greece into one Atlanta neighborhood. Think fireside chats about Greek history, watching traditional Greek dances, and enjoying authentic Greek foods — just might make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time about 2,000 years.
When it comes to year-round vacation spots, Atlanta, Georgia is the best vacation destination in the US for festivals no matter what time of year.