Atlanta Events & Things to Do: Georgia Aquarium, BeltLine, Sports & Concerts

Quick answer: The best things to do in Atlanta include visiting the Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola at Centennial Olympic Park, touring the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, walking the Atlanta BeltLine, exploring the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and catching the Falcons, Hawks, or Braves. Coming up: Falcons vs. Ravens (October 11), the Hawks home opener (October 24), and Garden Lights, Holiday Nights (November 14 through January 10).

Looking for things to do in Atlanta today, this weekend, or with kids? Downtown's Centennial Olympic Park anchors the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, and the College Football Hall of Fame, while the Atlanta BeltLine links food halls and neighborhoods like Old Fourth Ward and Inman Park. Atlanta is also a major sports city with the Falcons, Hawks, Braves, and Atlanta United, plus a deep hip-hop and live music scene.

Start Here: Your Atlanta Trip Planner

• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park Tours & Tickets: Guided tours and outdoor experiences.
• Centennial Olympic Park Tours & Tickets: Guided tours and outdoor experiences.
• World of Coca-Cola Tours & Tickets: Top-rated tours, tickets, and experiences.
• Inman Park Tours & Tickets: Guided tours and outdoor experiences.
• Atlanta Food, Wine & Nightlife: Browse food, wine & nightlife in Atlanta.
• Georgia State Capitol Tours & Tickets: Historic tours and guided visits.
• Atlanta Seasonal & Special Occasions: Browse seasonal & special occasions in Atlanta.

Quick Links: Atlanta Tours & Activities • Atlanta Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises • Atlanta Outdoor Activities • Atlanta Sightseeing Tickets & Passes

Upcoming Atlanta Events in 2026 and 2027

• Falcons football: Atlanta hosts the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night, October 11, 2026.
• Hawks home opener: The Hawks host the Houston Rockets at State Farm Arena on October 24, 2026.
• Garden Lights, Holiday Nights: Millions of LED lights fill the Atlanta Botanical Garden nightly, November 14, 2026 through January 10, 2027.

Find Tickets: Atlanta Beltline Tours & Tickets • Zoo Atlanta Tours & Tickets • College Football Hall of Fame Tours & Tickets

What Is There to Do at Centennial Olympic Park?

Built for the 1996 Olympic Games, Centennial Olympic Park is surrounded by some of Atlanta's biggest attractions. The Georgia Aquarium is open 365 days a year and is home to whale sharks, beluga whales, and manta rays. Next door, taste drinks from around the world at World of Coca-Cola, then visit the College Football Hall of Fame and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Explore: National Center for Civil and Human Rights Tours & Tickets • Centennial Olympic Park Tours & Tickets • World of Coca-Cola Tours & Tickets

How Do You Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park?

In the Sweet Auburn neighborhood, you can see Dr. King's birth home, the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church where he preached, and the King Center, where he and Coretta Scott King are buried. The visitor center exhibits are a moving introduction to the civil rights movement.

Explore: Ebenezer Baptist Church Tours & Tickets • Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park Tours & Tickets • Atlanta Historical & Heritage Tours

Atlanta Food, Drink & Neighborhoods

Walk or bike the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail between Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market, explore Little Five Points and Inman Park, and eat your way through Atlanta's famous fried chicken, lemon pepper wings, Southern soul food, and barbecue.

Explore: Krog Street Market Tours & Tickets • Little Five Points Tours & Tickets • Inman Park Tours & Tickets

Atlanta Sports Events & Game Day

• Atlanta Falcons: NFL football at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• Atlanta Hawks: NBA basketball at State Farm Arena.
• Atlanta Braves: MLB baseball at Truist Park.
• Atlanta United: MLS soccer at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
• Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: College football at Bobby Dodd Stadium.

Find Tickets: College Football Hall of Fame Tours & Tickets • Oakland Cemetery Tours & Tickets • Margaret Mitchell House Tours & Tickets

Things to Do in Atlanta With Kids

Traveling with kids? Visit the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Zoo Atlanta, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, the Center for Puppetry Arts, and Stone Mountain Park, then see Garden Lights, Holiday Nights in winter.

Explore: Zoo Atlanta Tours & Tickets • Atlanta Attraction Tickets • World of Coca-Cola Tours & Tickets

Free Things to Do in Atlanta

• Centennial Olympic Park: The Fountain of Rings and green space from the 1996 Olympics.
• Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail: Murals, food, and people-watching on a former rail line.
• Piedmont Park: Atlanta's Central Park, with skyline views and festivals most weekends.
• Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park: His birth home area, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and visitor center.

Things to Do in Atlanta for Adults & Couples

• Ponce City Market: A food hall below a rooftop with games and skyline views.
• Fox Theatre: Broadway tours and concerts in a 1929 movie palace.
• BeltLine brewery hop: Several breweries and bars sit right on the trail.
• Atlanta Botanical Garden: Evening events and seasonal lights next to Piedmont Park.

Things to Do in Atlanta This Weekend & Today

Atlanta weekends are often built around a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or Truist Park, plus a BeltLine walk and dinner at Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market. Festivals fill Piedmont Park most spring and fall weekends.

Browse Now: Atlanta Tours & Activities • Atlanta Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises • Atlanta Seasonal & Special Occasions • Piedmont Park Tours & Tickets

Popular Atlanta Questions

What are the best free things to do in Atlanta?

Free favorites in Atlanta include Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, Piedmont Park, and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park. See the free things to do section above for details.

What are the best things to do in Atlanta for adults and couples?

Popular picks for adults and couples in Atlanta include Ponce City Market, Fox Theatre, BeltLine brewery hop, and Atlanta Botanical Garden.

When is the Hawks home opener 2026?

The Hawks host the Houston Rockets on October 24, 2026 at State Farm Arena.

When is Garden Lights, Holiday Nights 2026?

The holiday light show runs nightly November 14, 2026 through January 10, 2027 at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Is the Georgia Aquarium open every day?

Yes. The Georgia Aquarium is open 365 days a year, with entry ending half an hour before closing.

What is there to do in downtown Atlanta?

Centennial Olympic Park puts the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, the College Football Hall of Fame, and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights within walking distance of each other.

When is the best time to visit Atlanta?

Spring brings dogwood blooms and mild weather, fall brings football and festivals, and the holidays bring Garden Lights and seasonal events.

What is there to do in Atlanta this weekend?

Browse Atlanta tours and activities for city tours, food tours, and experiences you can book for your dates.

Explore Nearby

• Savannah Events & Things to Do

Plan Your Atlanta Trip

See the Georgia Aquarium, taste your way through World of Coca-Cola, visit the MLK National Historical Park, walk the BeltLine, catch a Falcons or Hawks game, and see Garden Lights, Holiday Nights.

Start exploring Atlanta with Get Your Ticket and discover your next event, tour, or adventure.

Keep Exploring Georgia: Georgia Tours & Activities • Georgia Tours & Sightseeing

More Atlanta Experiences: Atlanta Classes & Workshops • Atlanta Unique Experiences • Atlanta Transfers & Ground Transport

Get Travel Tips & Event Guides: Read the Get Your Ticket Blog