With the 90-degree temps we’ve had all this week, it’s easy to forget that technically, summer doesn’t start until Saturday. Toast the longest day of the year with beer, pinball, sand, and bedazzled leather jackets.
Juneteenth
The Atlanta History Center’s celebration of the end of slavery includes genealogy workshops, free admission to the exhibitions, and family-friendly programs. Saturday and Sunday. atlantahistorycenter.com
Elvis Costello
The singer-songwriter takes the stage at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Thursday, 8 p.m. cobbenergycentre.com
Heart of the King
And two days later, Shawn Klush, billed as the world’s top Elvis impersonator, brings his show to the same venue. Saturday, 8 p.m. cobbenergycentre.com
Summer Beer Fest
How many of the promised 150 beers can you sample in this one-day fest at Masquerade Music Park? How many should you? Saturday, 4 p.m. atlantasummerbeerfest.com
Southern-Fried Gameroom Expo
Fun fact: 75 years ago, Atlanta banned pinball from the city, so you can feel a bit rebellious while playing tons of classic pinball and arcade machines, which will all be set on free play (i.e., you don’t have to wrangle up any quarters). Friday through Sunday. southernfriedgameroomexpo.com
Run the Rails 5k
If you’re curious about where exactly you’ll be able to take the Atlanta Streetcar, whenever it actually starts operating, you can scout the route and get a good workout during this run/walk. Saturday, 8 a.m. theatlantastreetcarrace.com
AthFest
If you’re up for the drive, check out 100 local, regional, and national bands that take over most of downtown Athens for five days. The event also includes artists’ displays, film screenings, and lots of great food and drink. Through Sunday. athfest.com
Decatur Beach Party
Georgia coast or Florida coast, it still takes some five hours to reach the closest beach. Luckily, 60 tons of sand will be dumped in the Decatur Square for you to sink your toes into, accompanied with food and music. Saturday, 5 p.m. decaturdba.com
For even more happenings, check out the June events page in our Summer Guide.
