A3C Festival
Where: Georgia Freight Depot
When: October 3-7
Price: $70+
Details: Wu-Tang Clan, Lil Wayne, Talib Kweli—and those are just a few of the headliners. The 14-year-old A3C Festival is continuing to expand itself as a hip-hop music festival and social justice conference, with speakers including Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Rembert Browne, Killer Mike, and Jermaine Durpi. Along with panels and events, the conference is partnering with Georgia State University to help new artists get started with free headshots, websites, and album mastering. If you want a detailed look at the festival’s future, check out our Q&A with its executive director Mike Walbert.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Where: Atlanta Symphony Hall
When: October 5-7
Price: $80-$130+
Details: The only thing better than watching Harry Potter is watching it on a 40-foot screen while the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra plays John Williams’s magical score right in front of you. Get a live taste of the wizarding world’s second installment—and do so quick, as tickets are selling out.
ATL CluckFest
Where: Candler Park
When: October 6, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Price: $15-$35
Details: It’s exactly what you would expect: Atlanta’s favorite fried chicken, all in one place. Self-titled as Atlanta’s first fried chicken festival, the event is bringing together more than 25 restaurants so attendees can choose which has the city’s best fried chicken.
Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest
Where: The Promenade at Piedmont Park
When: October 5, 6 p.m.-midnight
Price: $20-$40
Details: It’s October, which means Oktoberfests are back in full force. Grab some friends and enjoy all you can drink beer at Piedmont Park to raise money for the Piedmont Park Conservancy while listening to live music and participating in games for people (and dogs as well!)
Sweet Auburn Music Fest
Where: 320 Irwin Street
When: October 6-7
Price: Free
Details: The historic streets of Sweet Auburn are turning into a fall festival where an estimated 80,000 people are expected to attend. R&B, hip-hop, and gospel bands will perform and the Atlanta Falcons will be participating as well—former players and cheerleaders will attend to give away game tickets.