Atlanta is quite the busy city, and summertime in the peach state is no different. Seniors should be just as motivated to get out and explore their city in order to remain social while spending time with family and friends. For the many seniors who can’t get around on their own, many of the local happenings around Atlanta are wheelchair accessible and have shady spots to people watch and enjoy entertainment. Enjoying summertime festivities can be equally as rewarding for the caregivers to seniors, whether it’s in-home care provided by a service or a family member helping with a grandparent, these activities can be the perfect bonding experience. Getting out of the house and taking in the fresh air also means an opportunity to break up the monotony of daily routines— we all deserve a bit of a break in life, and summer means fun for everyone.
Atlanta Food and Wine Festival
Where: Loews Atlanta Hotel. 1065 Peachtree St., Atlanta.
When: Thursday May 31st- Sunday June 3rd with times of the festival varying by day— see website below for details.
What: The Atlanta Food and Wine Festival refers to itself as, “A Deliciously Southern Weekend,” highlighting some of the best cuisine from Texas to D.C. There will be themed tasting tents with 3-hour experiences combing live music and highlighting the flavors of southern cuisine. There will be approximately 120 different food and beverage
tables with samples at no additional cost to guests once inside the venue, as well as a southern marketplace to purchase regional goods. On Friday June 1st, Southern Living will host a 2-hour workshop on the international influencers of our southern palate, discussing everything from grilled foods to the relationship between cocktails and music. Tickets for Atlanta Food and Wine vary by type and what experience you want to be included in— they range anywhere from $85 to $1,000+ and can be purchased on www.atlantafoodandwinefestival.com
Atlanta Fringe Festival
Where: Various locations and venues in Atlanta.
When: Wednesday June 6th- Sunday June 10th.
What: The Atlanta Fringe Festival is the perfect way to support your local performing arts, with 20 different theater shows at 6 different venues. To learn more about the variety of shows, purchase tickets, and learn more about the artists behind it all, visit http://atlantafringe.org/.
Concerts in the Garden
Where: Atlanta Botanical Garden. 1345 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta.
When: Wednesday June 6th – Friday August 24th.
What: The Atlanta Botanical Garden’s concert series takes place throughout the summer on the Great Lawn inside the garden area. This summer they’ll have performances from artists such as The Wood Brothers, JJ Grey & Mofro, Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, and many more. Tickets can be purchased in advance for the shows on http://atlantabg.org/visit/events-misc/concerts-in-the-garden with discounts for annual pass holders.
Hot Air Balloon Festival
Where: Sara Harp Minter/Whitewater Complex. 1650 Highway 85 South Fayetteville, GA.
When: Saturday June 9th from 5 p.m.- 10 p.m.
What: Come see the majestic and colorful hot air balloons soar over Fayetteville, just a short drive from Atlanta. With hot air balloon rides, food trucks, and live entertainment, it’s perfect for the whole family. Admission is between $1- $5;more event details can be found at
http://www.fayettecountyga.gov/parks_and_recreation/balloons_over_fayette.htm
Virginia Highland SummerFest
Where: John Howell Park. 869 Virginia Avenue Atlanta, GA.
When: Saturday June 9th – Sunday June 10th from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Artist market stops at 6:30 p.m.)
What: The Summerfest Artist Market has quickly become Atlanta’s premiere art show specializing in painting, photography, clay, metal, stone mediums. You can find original art pieces for sale as well as meet the artists themselves. The Summerfest also has a wide variety of local food vendors and cocktails available for sale as well as plenty of crafts for children to partake in. Admission is free, however donations are greatly appreciated.
Jazz on the Lawn
Where: Callanwolde Fine Arts Center. 980 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta, GA
When: Every Friday from June 15th – August 10th
What: Callanwolde’s Jazz on the Lawn showcases Atlanta’s best jazz performances from a variety of contemporary and classic jazz artists. Guests can spread out over the lawn with a blanket and picnic and enjoy the soothing sounds of live jazz among the natural beauty of the Callanwolde amphitheater. Doors for the shows open at 6:30 p.m., start at 7:30 p.m., and end at 9:30 p.m. For a full list of artists playing this summer and to purchase tickets, visit http://callanwolde.org/jazz-on-the-lawn/.
Father’s Day at the Zoo
Where: The Atlanta Zoo. 800 Cherokee Avenue SE, Atlanta.
When: Sunday June 17th.
What: The Atlanta Zoo has been an attraction to the peach state for over a decade, and is one of four zoos in the U.S. that is home to giant pandas. On Father’s Day with purchase of a child’s ticket, fathers enter free— that means grandpas too!
Tomato Festival
Where: Westside Provisions District. 1198 Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta.
When: Sunday July 15th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
What: The 10th annual Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival is back for another year of tomato-based cocktails, and tasty tomato treats from top chefs around the southeast. This year they will have performances by G. Love & Special Sauce; all proceeds for ticket sales will go to Georgia Organics and the many amazing farmers that keep us well fed! Ticket prices vary by level— see https://www.xorbia.com/events/aktf/2018/ for details.
Bradley’s Bar & Grill Auto Show
Where: Bradley’s Bar & Grill. 4961 Lower Roswell Rd Suite 117, Marietta.
When: Sunday July 22nd from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
What: Bradley’s Bar & Grill has partnered with the Orphan Annie Animal Rescue to bring you their 2nd auto show. There will be live music, other entertainment, plenty of refreshments and amazing automobiles. Entry to the show ranges from $8- $12; details for the auto show can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bradleys-bar-and-grill-auto-show-tickets-46048055975?aff=erelexpmlt .
Atlanta Ice Cream Festival
Where: Piedmont Park. 400 Park Dr. NE, Atlanta
When: Saturday July 28nd from 11 a.m. 6 p.m.
What: Founded in 2010, the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival was designed to be fun for the entire family and focus on one very important thing only— ice cream. The festival also focuses on a variety of health and wellness activities for guests to join in on like zumba, yoga, line dancing, as well as live and local music. Visit https://www.atlantaicecreamfestival.com/about/ for more information.