From Jazz to Steve Aoki, Music Events to Soundtrack Your Weekend in Atlanta

Plus, St. Patrick’s Day festivities and more things to do.

High Museum of Art
Photo courtesy of High Museum of Art
Photo courtesy of High Museum of Art

This weekend is really one for the books, so make sure you buckle up because you’re in for an exciting ride. Beyond the city’s many St. Patrick’s Day festivities, there’s plenty of other things to get into. You can start things off at the High Museum for its monthly Friday Jazz series, which brings together food, fun, and fine art. Saturday will be jam-packed with an ensemble comedy show, Red Bull’s annual skate competition, Suwanee’s Beer Festival, and a performance from DJ Steve Aoki. Whether it’s music, sports, theater, or something else, the next few days offer plenty of things to do in Atlanta.

Northeast Atlanta Ballet
Photo courtesy of Northeast Atlanta Ballet

Arts and Culture Events in Atlanta

March 15, 6 pm
High Museum of Art, $30
Every third Friday, the High Museum of Art holds a concert-style experience for members and first-timers alike. Enjoy a drink and light bites, head to the galleries to explore the works on view, or join a docent-led tour for a detailed look at the collection, all to the backdrop of live jazz. With music organized by Rhonda Thomas, the event will feature two musical areas where musicians will play throughout the evening. The evening also includes food from Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q and the month’s signature cocktail, Artisan Punch.

March 16, 5 pm
Hapeville Depot, Free
Free to the public, a new exhibition Civil Rights and Workers Rights will host its opening at the historic Hapeville Depot this weekend. In its heyday, this building stood as one of the country’s most productive plants, characterized not only by its unparalleled output but also by its diversity. This exhibit aims to tell the story of the depot, ensuring that the lessons of the past will continue to inspire and inform current and future generations. At the top of each hour, tours of the plant are provided, serving as the perfect balance between art and education.

March 16–17, 1 and 5 pm
Cobb Performing Arts Centre, $15 and up
The Atlanta Ballet’s rendition of this timeless classic will offer four shows over the next two days. Conceived and choreographed by Bruce Wells with music by Johann Strauss II, Cinderella is perfect for audiences of all ages. Head out to the Cobb Performing Arts Centre with the whole family this weekend to experience a beautiful adaptation of a legendary fairy tale, brought to life through celebrated characters and elegant costumes, all set to the backdrop of Kat Conley’s staging.

We Them Ones Comedy Tour
Photo courtesy of We Them Ones

Comedy Shows in Atlanta

March 16, 8 pm
State Farm Arena, $75 and up
From the moment it began in February, this comedy tour has rocked every city it has visited. When the We Them Ones Comedy Tour touches down at State Farm Arena this Saturday, the lineup will consist of Mike Epps, DeRay Davis, DC Young Fly, Chico Bean, Karlous Miller, Lil Duval, Mojo Brookzz, Moneybag Mafia, and more.

March 17, 9 pm
City Winery, $50 and up
Known for being astute and politically savvy in his comedy, DL Hughley is one of the most popular and highly recognized stand-up comedians in history. He’s had an amazing career spanning over 30 years, so any fan of the craft should definitely be in the building for his show at City Winery this weekend. This iconic comic doesn't pull any punches, so get ready to listen, laugh, and enjoy the best selection of wine that Atlanta has to offer.

roller derby Atlanta
Photo by Ethan Trewitt

Sports in Atlanta

March 16, 5 pm
Agnes Scott College, $18 and up
Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, the Atlanta Roller Derby gives participants and audience members alike a rush of excitement like they’ve never felt before. This Saturday marks the 2024 season opener, with two bouts to choose from. At 5 pm, Rolling Ruckus and Peach State will go head-to-head, followed by an all-star mashup featuring Team Red vs. Team White. Outside of the hard-hitting competition, the derby also includes art vendors, halftime entertainment, and food vendors if you get a bit hungry from all that cheering.

March 16, 1 pm
Newnan Skate Park, Free
This exciting event is primed to be a skateboarding competition unlike any other. Skate shop teams from across the state of Georgia will have the opportunity to compete for a chance to earn a shot at winning the Red Bull Terminal Takeover, a skate contest in New Orleans’ abandoned airport terminal next month. Skate culture has really grown in recent years, so anyone in attendance is primed to enjoy an unforgettable experience at Newnan Skate Park.

Festivals in Atlanta

March 16, Noon
Suwanee Town Center Park, $60 and up
Billed as Gwinnett’s largest St. Patrick’s Day party, The Suwanee Beer Fest never disappoints. Visitors will be able to partake in the ultimate selection of more than 400 craft beers from around the country. The event also includes live music, bites from local food trucks, and games like cornhole, giant Jenga, and ax throwing. The Georgia Beer Garden will also return, featuring more than 70 local and statewide breweries, plus seltzers, wines, cocktails, and drinks from Sugar Hill and Legends Distillery.

Concerts in Atlanta

March 16, 10 pm
District Atlanta, $40 and up
DJ and record producer Steve Aoki will grace Atlanta with his presence this weekend for a captivating performance. Don’t miss your chance to see one of the most popular electronic dance music artists in the world.

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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.