9 essential Atlanta arts events this weekend

Each week, ArtsATL curates a selection of the most exciting arts and culture events happening in Atlanta this weekend, highlighting nine must-see experiences. 

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Thursday

W.J. Lofton

Meet Me There is a monthly intergenerational poetry, fiction and creative non-fiction experience curated by trans/genderqueer poet and sound artist Samuel Ace. This month, they’ll feature Atlanta poet W.J. Lofton and his new book, boy maybe. This event takes place in person at Charis and on Crowdcast, Charis’ virtual event platform. This 7:30 p.m. event is free, but registration is required for virtual attendance. Click here to register to attend virtually.

Alan Rudolph at the Plaza

The Plaza Theatre will host two Q&A sessions with 81-year-old director and Robert Altman protégé Alan Rudolph, along with screenings of his 1984 film Choose Me (on April 12) and the little-seen 1978 film Remember My Name (on April 10).

Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat

Have a rhyming good time as the Center for Puppetry Arts presents Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat, in a version originally produced by the National Theater of Great Britain. The show is already up and running, but there’s a big celebration on April 12, the first Saturday of the run (which continues through May 25), including puppet encounters and photo opportunities.

Tchaikovsky and Ravel at the ASO

Pianist Anna Geniushene joins the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and conductor Nathalie Stutzmann for Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. The orchestra will also perform several works by Ravel at 8 p.m. April 10 and April 12.

Friday

Kylie Minogue

The Australian superstar’s Tension tour follows the 2024 album Tension II and its predecessor Tension, which is where you’ll find the Grammy-winning Padam Padam, a dance club banger that seemed ubiquitous in the summer of 2023. She’ll bring the tour to Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, with special guest Rita Ora, at 7:30 p.m. April 11

Legacy Tour: Marcel, Rami and Sary Khalife at SCADshow

The Alif Institute presents Lebanese composer, singer and oud master Marcel Khalife, whose innovative blend of Arab tradition and modern Western musical elements has made him a revered figure around the world. He’ll be joined by his son, virtuoso pianist Rami Khalife, and his nephew, cellist Sary Khalife, at SCADshow at 8 p.m. April 11.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival

The city’s signature festival is in its 89th year of filling Piedmont Park with art, music and more amid the blooming dogwood trees. Performances take place on two stages throughout the weekend, and there will be more than 260 artists exhibiting their work in 12 categories from April 11 through April 13.

Saturday

David Ryan Harris

Harris first rose to prominence as frontman for Atlanta rock band Follow For Now in the late 1980s and early 1990s. They seemed poised to break through in a big way after signing with Chrysalis Records, but they never seemed to capture their live magic in the studio, and the band broke up in 1994. Since then, Harris has maintained a solo career (and a stint in Brand New Immortals) and worked with numerous artists as a writer, producer and guitarist. One of his biggest successes came with the 2012 track “Battle Scars,” a massive No. 1 hit in Australia for Guy Sebastian and Lupe Fiasco. Harris co-wrote the song with Sebastian. The longtime Atlanta resident returns to his former hometown for a show at Eddie’s Attic at 9 p.m. on April 12.

Sunday

The High Museum’s UPS Second Sunday

On the second Sunday of each month, the High Museum of Art offers free admission for all visitors, along with special family-friendly programming that includes art-making activities and performances, along with the opportunity to view the High’s collection and special exhibitions.

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More things to do this weekend and beyond

Live artists’ demonstrations, music, book signings and more are on the agenda at the Suwanee Arts Festival at Suwanee Town Center … A Study in Contrasts pairs still lifes by Haidee Becker with the abstract work of Otto Neumann at Tew Galleries. An opening reception takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. April 11, and the show continues through May 17 … The High Museum of Art’s Kim Chong Hak, Painter of Seoraksan is the first American museum exhibition of this South Korean painter. The work will be on view beginning April 11 through November 2.