Events & Festivals
Atlanta honors the African-American culture and heritage throughout the year, both with innovative events and long-standing traditions. Listed are just a few of the things to do in Atlanta, including King Week celebrations and February's Black History month events.
Visit What's Hot in Atlanta for a searchable compilation of Atlanta Black History Events!
"A King Celebration" Concert
January 12, 2012
Performed by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra "A King Celebration" concert is a musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Now in it's 20th anniversary, this celebration of life and legacy will feature acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma performing Dvořák's Cello Concerto, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed narrating Joseph Schwantner's New Morning for the World, and Beethoven‟s Overture to Fidelio. The Morehouse and Spelman College Glee Clubs will sing "How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place" from Brahms' A German Requiem and the traditional Elijah Rock.
Martin Luther King, Jr. March & Rally
January 16, 2012
Commemorating and continuing the advancements of the civil rights leaders, the event's theme is "Keeping the Dream Alive! Remembering the Past; Forging Towards the Future." The March is held on Auburn Avenue from Peachtree Street to Jackson Street. The Rally is held on Auburn Avenue in the King National Park Area.
Black History Month Parade
February 25, 2012
Celebrating the culture, history heritage and accomplishments of the African-American community, the first annual Black History Month Parade will feature fun and activities for the whole family! Stop by for performances, speeches and food which exhibit the community's progressive history!
Sweet Auburn Springfest 2012
May 11-13, 2012
Sweet Auburn Springfest 2012 is a celebration of 28 years of great festivals on Auburn Avenue. In 1984 civil rights icon, Hosea Williams produced the first festival in an effort to bring people back to Auburn Avenue. His vision was to once again see Auburn Avenue as a thriving, bustling center of Black Atlanta's business, social, civic and religious life.
Atlanta Jazz Festival
May 26-28, 2012
Don't miss the fun and excitement at the annual Atlanta Jazz Festival - one of the country's largest free jazz festivals – which spotlights local and national jazz greats, a neighborhood jazz series, youth jazz band competition, a kids zone and many other family-friendly activities.
National Black Arts Festival
July 2012
Held each summer, the much-acclaimed Black Arts Festival showcases performing arts, literature and visual arts produced by creative artists of African descent. All weekend long, the NBAF Main Stage at Centennial Olympic Park will feature live music, creative dance and other exciting events!
Sweet Auburn Curb Market
Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. year round
Originally a segregated one-stop shop, the Sweet Auburn Curb Market was developed to help bring fresh produce and farm goods to urban dwellers. Today the market offers fresh produce as well hot meals, and features local crafters and handmade wares.
Martin Luther King GPS Tour
Tour the MLK National Historic Site by GPS and enjoy history at your own pace.
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Celebrating Civil Rights
Vicki L. Crawford, director of the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection, discusses the annual observances of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday and Black History Month
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Auburn Avenue Audio Tour
Travel Sweet Auburn Avenue through the memory of Andrew Young. This audio tour provides first-person accounts of events and memories of a city in progress.
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