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
Oakland Cemetery will be transformed through lighting and art installations by local artists, interactive experiences and live music at Illumine 2025. Atlanta gallery and studio Cat Eye Creative (which recently opened a new Decatur space) will curate the experience of Oakland after dark, set against the backdrop of Atlanta’s skyline. The event takes place from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. April 17 through April 20 and April 24 through April 27.
The Grammy-winning musician’s Maestro Tour, which lands at the Fox Theatre on April 17, is a stripped-down affair with just Batiste and his piano. He reimagines songs from his own catalog, delves into Black American musical traditions and revisits some of the classical music that inspired him. The show begins at 8 p.m., and tickets are from $39.50 to’; $246.50.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Neil Young’s recent solo tour in Coastal, a documentary directed by actress and filmmaker (and Young’s wife) Daryl Hannah. The screening takes place at 7 p.m. April 17 at Midtown Art Cinema.
Friday
Songs My Mother Taught Me and Singing for Justice
Singing for Justice makes its theatrical debut on April 19 at the Tara Atlanta movie theater. At the April 19 screening, PBS’ Virginia Prescott will lead a post-film conversation with Caroline Herring and John McCutcheon. Herring will sing some of Faith Petric’s favorite songs at an April 18 event titled Songs My Mother Taught Me at Eddie’s Attic.
Israeli-born New York clarinetist and saxophonist Anat Cohen joins the Georgia State University Jazz Band at the Rialto Center for the Arts at 8 p.m. April 18. Cohen’s latest album, released last fall, is Bloom, a Latin-flavored set recorded with her Quartetinho (Portuguese for “little quartet”).
On April 25, Emory’s Vega Quartet will play Carnegie Hall’s Zankel Hall, but you can get a preview of that performance right here in Atlanta this weekend. They’ll take on Beethoven’s “Serioso” Quartet (Op. 95) and Mark O’Connor’s Bluegrass Quartet (No. 2). Catch it at the Michael C. Carlos Museum’s Ackerman Hall from noon to 1 p.m. April 18.
The annual musical celebration returns to Pullman Yards this weekend, with headliners the Revivalists, Marcus King and Greensky Bluegrass, along with the bluegrass mandolin of Sierra Hull and the neo-soul and hip-hop of emerging Athens artist Linqua Franqa. Don’t miss artist-at-large Zach Person, who will be performing throughout the weekend.
Saturday
Looking for a way to celebrate National Poetry Month? Art and nature come together at the inaugural Atlanta Haiku Festival, happening this weekend at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Traditionally, nature is the focus of this Japanese art form and the Garden has many Japanese plants, which thrive here because Atlanta has a similar climate to parts of Japan. There will be kids’ programs throughout the day (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 19), along with chef demonstrations, a haiku workshop and a scavenger hunt. Don’t miss the 2 p.m. reading of the winning haiku, chosen following a month-long competition.
Expect nearly 125 artists will showcase their work in the heart of Sandy Springs April 19 and April 20. You’ll also find a children’s play area, performances by local musicians and interactive art stations. And because it’s Easter weekend, there will be an egg hunt at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 20.
More things to do this weekend and beyond
Get a cultural twofer at the High Museum of Art’s Friday Jazz series, where you’ll hear live music and get to explore the museum’s galleries. The 4 Korners, a jazz fusion band inspired by the legendary Chick Corea Elektric Band, will play throughout the evening on April 18. Coming up next is pianist Madoca Kawahara on May 16 … Support Georgia artists and local arts organizations at ARTucker, happening at Tucker’s Church Street Green Space from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 19 … Me’shell Ndegéocello will perform music from her latest album, No More Water: The Gospel Of James Baldwin, at Variety Playhouse at 8 p.m. April 19 … Take a musical journey across the globe at WRFG’s Global Drumbeat World Music Fest at the Westside Motor Lounge from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. April 19 … What the World Needs Now: The Bacharach Songbook Live, coming to Buckhead Theatre at 8 p.m. April 21, spotlights the timeless songcraft of the late great Burt Bacharach in a show headlined by Todd Rundgren and longtime Bacharach Music Director Rob Shirakbari.
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