Music Festivals, Oktoberfest And Fall Fun: Atlanta This Weekend

ATLANTA, GA — This weekend in Atlanta brings two major music festivals: AFROPUNK Atlanta and the A3C Conference and Festival. One of the highlights of A3C will be a keynote conversation between Stacey Abrams and writer Mikki Taylor. Over at AFROPUNK, each day will be headlined by the likes of Anderson .Paak and Brittany Howard.

And if you’d like to welcome in the new season, there’s also Fall Family Fun at the Atlanta Botanical Garden or Oktoberfest Atlanta. Here’s what's happening around the city:

Oktoberfest Atlanta

Neighborhood: Old Fourth Ward

If a trip to Germany to celebrate Oktoberfest wasn’t quite in the works this year, consider heading to Oktoberfest Atlanta. The two-day event will feature an assortment of German beers, craft beer from Bell's Brewing, German food, live music and plenty of games and Oktoberfest-themed activities. From a Bier Lovers pass to a table package for up to eight people, there are several ticket options available.

Where: Historic Fourth Ward Park, 680 Dallas St. NE

When: 5 p.m. Friday

Fernbank After Dark: Weird Science

Neighborhood: Druid Hills

Fernbank will pay homage to the 1985 cult classic "Weird Science" with its latest edition of Fernbank After Dark. The 21-and-older affair will include live music from Mermaid Motor Lounge, hands-on activities and experiments, and screenings of "Volcanoes: The Fires of Creation 3D."

Where: Fernbank Museum Of Natural History, 767 Clifton Road

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Fall Family Fun

Neighborhood: Midtown

The fall fun continues here in Atlanta — and the Atlanta Botanical Garden is joining in on the seasonal excitement. As part of the botanical garden’s Fall Family Fun series, families will have the opportunity to check out the new Scarecrows in the Garden exhibit and also take part in sensory and art activities.

Where: Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE

When: 10 a.m. Saturday

AFROPUNK Atlanta

Neighborhood: West End

Described as “a safe place, a blank space to freak out in, to construct a new reality, to live your life as you see fit,” AFROPUNK is heading back to Atlanta for two days’ worth of music, art, fellowship and much more. On the music end, the festival will include performances from Anderson .Paak, Brittany Howard and an assortment of other artists.

Where: 787 Windsor, 787 Windsor St. SW

When: 10:30 a.m. Saturday

Plant Based Food Crawl: West End

Neighborhood: West End

If you’ve ever been curious about vegan fare, now’s your chance to try a variety of vegan foods. As part of the Plant Based Food Crawl in the West End, you’ll visit Soul Vegetarian, Wadada Healthy Market & Juice Bar and other neighborhood restaurants. Tickets start at $55.

Where: Various Locations In West End

When: Noon Saturday

A Keynote Conversation With Stacey Abrams

Neighborhood: Downtown

A Keynote Conversation With Stacey Abrams serves as one of dozens of impactful events taking place during the annual A3C Conference and Festival. The politician will partner with writer/motivational speaker Mikki Taylor for an engaging conversation on the importance of the upcoming 2020 election, voter suppression and Fair Right Action.

Where: Atlanta Convention Center At AmericasMart, 240 Peachtree St.

When: 3 p.m. Saturday

Atlanta Pride Parade

Neighborhood: Downtown/Midtown

The 49th Annual Pride Festival and a weekend’s worth of activities will conclude with a parade that will take participants from Downtown to Midtown Atlanta’s Piedmont Park. Those hoping to officially march in the parade are asked to register online.

Where: 435 W. Peachtree St. NW

When: 10 a.m. Sunday