Tag Archive for: august

THE GRANT PARK CONSERVANCY SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL RETURNS AUGUST 23-24, 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/2/25


A Free End of Summer Celebration Filled with Art, Eats, Vintage Finds, Live Music, Deep South Wrestling, and Family Fun in Atlanta’s Oldest Park

Now in its 23rd year, the Summer Shade Festival has become one of Atlanta’s most anticipated end-of-summer traditions. Presented by and benefiting the Grant Park Conservancy, the free, two-day festival returns Saturday, August 23 and Sunday, August 24, 2025, with live music, a curated artist and vintage market, family-friendly fun, and some of the city’s best bites and sips—set in one of Atlanta’s most historic and storied green spaces. 

Running 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, this year’s festival brings something for everyone—from families and art lovers to vintage collectors, music fans, and weekend wanderers. The Main Stage and the Gazebo Stage will host a full lineup of live performances all weekend long. Around the restored Milledge Fountain, a curated vintage experience by GVG Events (formerly Georgia Vintage Goods) will join 140+ regional artists around the park, turning this vibrant space into a can’t-miss hub of sound, style, and creativity.

Additional highlights include two daily performances by Deep South Wrestling near the Gazebo, plus free family programming like the Kids’ Bouncy House Village, face painting, and the Sunday morning Move & Groove activation hosted by the Grant Park Parents Network. From yoga in the grass to dancing under the trees and a bike valet for cyclists, surprises and discoveries await around every corner. Whether it’s the twenty-third visit or the very first, this is where summer goes out in style.

What began as a small neighborhood gathering has grown into one of Atlanta’s most beloved traditions. The Summer Shade Festival is more than a party in the park—it’s a celebration of creativity, connection, and the mission of the Grant Park Conservancy, the nonprofit dedicated to preserving and enhancing the park’s 131 acres. From ecological care to major restoration projects, the Conservancy works year-round to preserve, maintain, and beautify this vital green space for everyone to enjoy. Summer Shade is its biggest fundraiser of the year—and one unforgettable way to give back to the park that gives so much to Atlanta. 

Festivities officially kick off Saturday at 8 a.m. with the Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K, a neighborhood run and community fundraiser that winds through Grant Park’s historic streets and directly supports the Conservancy’s year-round work. Runners, walkers, and strollers are all welcome. Registration is now open at summershadefestival.org. 

To learn more, donate, or get involved, visit www.gpconservancy.org. Forupdates on the festival, visit www.summershadefestival.org or follow along at @grantpark.atlanta on Instagram and Facebook.com/SummerShadeFestival.

Photo credit: Mimi Leake

SUMMER FUN CONTINUES AT ATLANTIC STATION THIS AUGUST

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/5/24

Keep the Good Times Rolling at Atlantic Station With Wine & Conversations With Vivo,
Throwback Thursdays With Star 94.1 FM, Improv in the Park and More!


Soak up the final moments of summer fun at Atlantic Station! As back-to-school season steadily approaches, the Heart of Atlanta is the place to be for a vibrant lineup of events this August. Start back-to-school shopping at Atlantic Station’s annual eSTEAM Fair, unwind with a rejuvenating yoga class on the Atlantic Green and rock out to ‘80s cover bands with Throwback Thursdays. From family-friendly activities to lively entertainment, Atlantic Station has something for everyone this month.

The Atlantic Station August Calendar of Events includes:

Every Weekend: CREATOR’S MARKET
Located around Atlantic Green | Every Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. | Every Sunday, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. | Friday, Aug. 2, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Creator’s Market is back, bringing unstoppable creativity to Atlantic Station, featuring a special market on Friday, Aug. 2, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Shop locally and celebrate Atlanta’s artisans every Saturday (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m. to 7 p.m.) in August with festive art, jewelry, couture and more, all while supporting the makers of the South. Explore more details here.

Thursday, August 1: WINE & CONVERSATION WITH VIVO
Located at Vivo | 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Experience an engaging evening at Vivo’s next Wine & Conversations series, featuring a special book reading and discussion. This event will highlight Samuel Kolawole, author of “The Road to the Salt Sea,” in conversation with Deepa Varadarajan, author of “Late Bloomers.” Kolawole’s acclaimed work has been published in prestigious outlets such as AGNI, Georgia Review, Harvard Review and Image Journal. He has also received numerous residencies and fellowships, was a finalist for the Graywolf Press African Fiction Prize and was shortlisted for the UK’s The First Novel Prize. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an insightful literary discussion accompanied by a selection of fine wines! Find out more exciting details here.

Saturday, August 3: “IT ENDS WITH US” FLOWER TRUCK POP UP
Located Near Regal Atlantic Station | 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Get ready for a blooming surprise! In a spectacular celebration of the much-anticipated movie release, “It Ends With Us,” Emma’s Flower Truck will be sprinkling a little petal magic in the air and providing complimentary floral bouquets while supplies last. Celebrate the film in style with a beautiful bouquet and find out more details here.

Saturday, August 3: THE NETWORK ATL ESTEAM BACK-TO-SCHOOL FAIR 2024
Located on the Atlantic Green | 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
Back-to-school shopping is back, and Atlantic Station is here to help! The annual eSTEAM Fair offers a fun, educational, and interactive experience for students in grades K-12. Exhibitors and sponsors will showcase, present, and demonstrate STEAM-related items, introducing students to the diverse options available in participating industries. Enjoy free back-to-school resources and supplies, raffle prizes and promotional giveaways! Explore more exciting details here.

Tuesday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 7: REGAL SUMMER MOVIE EXPRESS
Located at Regal Atlantic Station | 11 a.m.   
All aboard! Moviegoers of all ages are invited to the Summer Movie Express at Regal Atlantic Station to enjoy a great selection of family-friendly movies for only $1. Regal Atlantic Station will offer two PG movies every Tuesday and Wednesday at 11 a.m. through Aug. 7. Guests can also purchase a specially priced $5 Snack Pack, which includes a junior-sized drink, snack-sized popcorn and fruit snacks with an optional $3 Dippin’ Dots add-on. To view the full movie lineup, visit here.

Wednesday, August 7: WELLNESS WEDNESDAY
Located on the Atlantic Green | 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Wellness Wednesday is back with new and exciting fitness classes on the Atlantic Green! Grab a workout buddy and get ready to enjoy a FREE outdoor wellness class on the first Wednesday of the month. This month will feature a rejuvenating yoga class with Tori Kerr. Sign up for the Vitality Passport to earn rewards for each Wellness Wednesday attended! For more details, visit here.

Thursday, August 8: IMPROV IN THE PARK
Located on the Atlantic Green | 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
Get ready for an uproarious evening at Atlantic Station! Whole World Improv is bringing free outdoor laughs to town. Bring a blanket or chair, order some take-out and settle in for a night of comedy the whole family will love! It’s a perfect way to enjoy the warm summer evening with laughter and good company. Visit here for more details.

Thursday, August 15: THROWBACK THURSDAYS WITH STAR 94.1 FM
Located on the Atlantic Green | 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Relive the nostalgia of the ‘80s with Atlantic Station’s “Throwback Thursdays,” a new series presented by Star 94.1 FM. Get ready to groove to the era’s iconic music with a performance by the popular cover band The Geek Squad, while enjoying themed drinks and delicious food for purchase. “Throwback Thursdays” will take place every third Thursday of the month, running through Oct. 17. Don’t miss out on this blast from the past! Keep an eye on the Atlantic Station website for the full lineup.  

22ND ANNUAL SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL RETURNS THIS AUGUST

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/28/24

Free, Family-Friendly Festival in Historic Grant Park Featuring Live Music, an Artist Market, Kids Bouncy House Village, Food Trucks and Much More

Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25, 2024

For over two decades, the Grant Park Conservancy Summer Shade Festival has welcomed music, art, and event enthusiasts to close out summer during two fun-filled days celebrating Atlanta’s oldest park. The 22nd annual Summer Shade Festival will take place on Saturday, August 24, beginning at 10 a.m., and Sunday, August 25, beginning at 10 a.m. Open to all ages and free to attend, this two-day, fun-filled festival will once again feature an impressive lineup of live music throughout the weekend, in addition to an expansive artist market. With two days of family-friendly activities, Kids Bouncy House Village, 5K run, and delicious bites from local food trucks and vendors, there is no better way to end the summer.

On Saturday morning at 8 am, runners, walkers and strollers are invited to kick off the festival at the annual Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K. Raising funds to support the Grant Park Conservancy, the race starts and finishes at the main entrance of Zoo Atlanta. Pre-registration is now open here. The festival is produced by and benefits the Grant Park Conservancy, the non-profit organization committed to the restoration, maintenance, and beautification of historic Grant Park. Additional details about the 2024 festival including the full performer lineup will be announced in the coming months.  To learn more about the Grant Park Conservancy and to make a donation, visit gpconservancy.org/get-involved/support.

 For the most up to date information on this year’s Summer Shade Festival, visit www.summershadefestival.org. Stay connected on Instagram at @grantpark.atlanta and Facebook at facebook.com/SummerShadeFestival. 

Photo: Colin Boddy

SUMMER SHADE 2024 MUSIC LINEUP 

Saturday:

Main Stage: 

12:00 p.m. – Yes Ma’am  
12:55 p.m. – The Judies 1:55 p.m. – Front Porch Session Players
2:50 p.m. – Das Kaiser
3:50 p.m. – Rare Birds
4:45 p.m. – Migrant Worker
6:00 p.m. – Khaliko
7:00 p.m. – Higher Choir
8:40 p.m. – Magnapop

Gazebo:

11:30 a.m. – Fresh Press
1:45 p.m. – Rusty Cars
3:30 p.m. – Chasing the Light  

Sunday:

Main Stage:
12:00 p.m. – Whatever She Is
1:00 p.m. – Jeremy Ray and the Howdy Men
2:05 p.m. – Solid State Radio
3:10 p.m. – Pre Dawn Pours
4:35 p.m. – Rrest
5:45 p.m. – Jackson County Line 

Gazebo:  

11:30 a.m. – Ray Dunlap
1:45 p.m. – Peet Midnight and the Back Taxes

3:30 p.m. – Chasing the Light