Sport Your Best Lederhosen for Oktoberfest in Atlanta This Weekend

Well, summer came and went, didn’t it? As we conclude the first official week of fall, we can still enjoy sunny days, cooler nights, and dozens of activities in Atlanta. This weekend the A3C Festival & Conference makes its return to the 404 after a brief hiatus, and you can also enjoy food, fun and live performances at the Sweet Auburn Fest. For all you book enthusiasts, Scandal star Kerry Washington will be discussing her memoir with Tyler Perry at Tabernacle on Saturday, and to cap things off, the Atlanta Braves will face off against the Washington Nationals three days in a row in what is sure to be a competitive NL East showdown. There’s plenty of things to do in Atlanta however you want to spend your weekend, so in the words of the great Goodie Mob, “get up, get out, and do something.”

Kerry Washington: Thicker Than Water Book Tour
Saturday, September 30
The Tabernacle; Tickets start at $45
The award-winning actor, director, producer, and activist Kerry Washington heads to Tabernacle to share the deeply moving journey of her life so far. Moderated by Tyler Perry, Washington will discuss her memoir Thicker Than Water in front of a live audience. In the book, the Scandal star gives readers an intimate view into both her public and private worlds—as an artist, an advocate, an entrepreneur, a mother, a daughter, a wife, a Black woman.

The Gift Art Exhibition
Friday, September 29; 6:30 to 10:30 pm
ZuCot Art Gallery; Free
Located in the heart of Castleberry Hill, ZuCot has been one of the area’s most sought-after galleries. It has held solo shows for some notable artists and, on Friday, will host the opening reception for The Gift. This group exhibition will delve into the global impact of hip-hop culture and its undeniable influence and will feature works from Horace Imhotep, Alfred Conteh, Michi Meko, Charlotte Wiley-Webb, and collaborative pieces from Charly Palmer, D.L. Warfield, and Paper Frank.

Deon Cole: My New Normal
Sunday, October 1; 8 pm
The Coca-Cola Roxy; Tickets start at $128
Earlier this year, stand-up comic Deon Cole embarked on his My New Normal tour. Since then, the Chicago native has continued to bring his insightful and highly personal stand-up perspective to stages all over the country. Now, he’ll bring his unique brand of comedy to the Coca-Cola Roxy stage at Battery. If you’ve seen his previous specials Cole Blooded Seminar, Cole Hearted, and Charleen’s Boy, then you know that this is an event that you don’t want to miss.

A3C Festival & Conference
Thursday, September 28 – Sunday, October 1
America’s Mart; Tickets start at $199
In what is its first in-person live event since the pandemic, the A3C Festival & Conference returns to Atlanta. For three days, this music, tech, and culture conference will bring thousands of attendees from around the world to Atlanta to discover, network and learn from the innovators, entrepreneurs, and artists that drive the culture forward. This year features notable figures such as Jeezy, Pinky Cole, Angela Rye, Taye Diggs, T.I., and more.

Oktoberfest
Saturday, September 30; 3 to 9 pm
Wild Leap Atlanta; Tickets start at $15
You know October isn’t official until Oktoberfest, right? This Saturday, the brewery right next to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium will turn into a beer garden that will feature live music, food, and any drink you can imagine. Visitors will be able to dance the night away to the sounds of two local bands, and in true Oktoberfest fashion there’ll be polka and a 360-degree photo booth that’s perfect for capturing attendees in their best lederhosen. Ring in the new month the right way at Wild Leap’s flagship fall event.

Sweet Auburn Music Festival
Saturday, September 30 – Sunday, October 1
Edgewood; Free
The wait is finally over. Sweet Auburn’s Music Festival is back for another year. Attendees can enjoy the perfect blend of music, people, food, entertainment, and culture. In addition to live performances from up and coming acts to legendary artists, there is also an international food court, art and small business vendors, and an atmosphere like none other.

Pastor Troy’s 25th Anniversary
Friday, September 29; 8 pm
Center Stage; Tickets start at $50
For 25 years, Pastor Troy has provided the masses with several underground hits; establishing himself as a staple in Southern culture. This weekend, he is not only celebrating his 25th anniversary, the Georgia native will bid farewell to the stage and embark on a well-deserved retirement. On this night Troy will create an unforgettable night filled with soul-stirring melodies and captivating performances, as the audience witnesses the culmination of 25 years of raw talent and unwavering dedication to music.

Jonas Brothers
Sunday, October 1; 7 pm
State Farm Arena; Tickets start at $80
If you’re a fan of this New Jersey trio, then you definitely want to be at State Farm Arena this weekend. For one night only (well, two: a second date was added for October 18) you can see this legendary group perform their classic hits in front of a live audience. What’s really cool about this concert is that they will deliver songs from five separate albums, giving both newcomers and longtime listeners a heavy dose of their highly documented catalog. For almost 20 years, the Jonas Brothers have created a special sound, so be sure to see it for yourself on Sunday.

Atlanta Braves vs. Washington Nationals
Various dates
Truist Park; Prices vary
With the Braves currently leading the season series between these two teams, the Washington Nationals are headed to The Battery for some redemption. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, baseball fans can watch this highly-anticipated NL East matchup while enjoying bites from spots like Wahlburgers, Punch Bowl Social, or Superica, along with sipping brews from Blue Moon and Terrapin. As October approaches, each game counts more and more, especially for teams vying for playoff contention.

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