Photograph courtesy of Spin the District
Truist Night Market: Passport Edition
When: Thursday, May 2, 6:30-9:30
Where: Home Depot Backyard behind Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Cost: $45-$90
Details: Take your taste buds on a world tour with the night market at the Home Depot Backyard, sponsored by Truist Bank. Stroll around the market for small bites by a variety of local restaurateurs, as well as craft cocktails, beer and wine, a cigar lounge, and an artist’s market. There will be live music and a live muralist at work during the event. This evening event is 21+, so leave the kids at home. Tickets include entry and a number of drink and food tickets; purchase online in advance for lower prices.
Spin the District Cycling Races & Street Party
When: Friday, May 3 (Hapeville) – Sunday, May 5 (College Park)
Where: ATL airport district, including Hapeville and College Park
Cost: Street party and kids’ races free; junior and adult race registration $15-$60
Details: Cyclists of all ages and abilities, from kids to pro racers, will converge on the ATL airport district this weekend for cycling competitions and a festive street party including an old-school DJ. Friday and Saturday both feature competitive cycling criterium races, where racers speed around a closed circular track; there are pro-only races for men and women, as well as categories for novices and intermediate cyclists. Sunday’s race in College Park also has categories for junior racers ages 9-18. Before the pro races, kids will take to their wheels for races in two categories: two-wheel cyclists who will race half a loop, and smaller kids with balance bikes, tricycles, or training wheels, who will “mad dash” from one adult to another waiting for them down the line. Food, drinks, music, and a raffle for a free hybrid bike will round out this celebration of all things cycling.
Mariah the Scientist “To Be Eaten Alive” Tour
When: Friday May 3 – Saturday May 4
Where: Tabernacle
Cost: $202-$432
Details: The rising Atlanta star returns home for two shows at the Tabernacle, promoting her latest album, To Be Eaten Alive. Mariah, who graduated from South DeKalb High School, has earned critics’ praise for tracks like “Spread Thin” and “Always n Forever.” Grab a ticket quick–many of her shows have sold out so far on this tour–and see this homegrown talent while she’s climbing the charts.
Shaky Knees Music Festival
When: Friday May 3 – Sunday May 5
Where: Central Park, Old Fourth Ward
Cost: $165+
Details: Back for its eleventh year, the iconic Atlanta music festival is full of musical stars, from newcomers Noah Kahan and Girl in Red to mainstays like Weezer, Foo Fighters, and Billy Idol. Three-day passes are sold out, but there are single-day tickets left, plus VIP options. There will be plenty of food and drink stations within the festival, and a cashless option allows you to connect your festival wristband to your debit card for easy pay. Strap on your clear plastic backpack and give your eardrums a weekend they’ll remember.
Photograph courtesy of Jamestown
Bodacious Blooms Flower Festival
When: Thursday May 2 – Saturday May 4
Where: Buckhead Village
Cost: Free, with optional ticketed events
Details: Buckhead kicks off spring in style with its annual Bodacious Blooms festival. Participating venues around Buckhead Village will host conversations, workshops, and vendors celebrating all things floral. On Friday, renowned floral designer Canaan Marshall of HBO’s Full Bloom will host a floral arranging workshop at the Village “Veranda.” In addition to other workshops and panels, there’s also a 5k race, crafts and art markets, and plenty to eat and drink around the neighborhood.
Sports corner: Atlanta home games
- Atlanta Vibe, the women’s pro volleyball team, will host Columbus Fury at Gas South Arena on Thursday, May 2. Info here.
- Atlanta United hosts Minnesota United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, May 4. Info here.
- Atlanta Dream kicks off the WNBA season at home with a preseason match against the Washington Mystics. Tickets aren’t available for preseason games, but get your regular season tickets here—and quickly–they’re selling fast!
- The Braves host the Boston Red Sox at Truist Park on Tuesday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 8. Info here.
