When November arrives, Atlanta feels like it’s in celebration mode. The air turns crisp, the trees glow red and gold, and the city comes alive with concerts, film festivals, parades, and football weekends. It’s that perfect in-between month — cozy but exciting, festive but relaxed. Whether you’re chasing great food, live music, or family fun, November in Atlanta promises something unforgettable.

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Category Events & Festivals Why Go
Arts & Culture Chastain Park Arts Festival, Atlanta Art Week, Bronzelens Film Festival, A Christmas Carol Local art, theater, and creative energy
Food & Drink Atlanta Fall Wine Festival, Taste of Atlanta, Hot Sauce Fest Great flavors, casual fun, local chefs
Music & Nightlife Latin Music Festival, Jazz on the Lawn, R&B Fest Big concerts, small stages, and seasonal sounds
Family Fun Zoo IllumiNights, Stone Mountain Christmas, Children's Parade Kid-friendly joy and holiday spirit
Sports Falcons home games, Georgia vs. Georgia Tech, Thanksgiving Half Marathon Football fever and fall traditions

Festivals That Keep the City Buzzing

November kicks off with Chastain Park Arts Festival, one of Atlanta’s favorite fall traditions. More than 150 artists line the park with paintings, pottery, and handmade goods. Over at Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, the Westside Market Pop-Up adds a modern twist, showcasing new local talent and design finds.

If you’re looking for culture, The Atlanta Jewish Film Festival Fall Preview screens powerful stories from around the world, while Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival celebrates music, community, and the city’s creative roots. For those already feeling festive, the Atlanta Christkindl Market at Centennial Olympic Park opens mid-month, filling downtown with German treats, crafts, and twinkling lights.

Music, Lights, and Late Nights

November in Atlanta sounds good — literally. Jazz on the Lawn at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center wraps up the season with smooth tunes under the stars, while The Garden Lights, Holiday Nights at the Botanical Garden brings music, light, and magic together.

For something big, The Latin Music Festival adds tropical energy to fall weekends, and the Atlanta R&B Fest at State Farm Arena draws top artists for one unforgettable night. Smaller venues across the city keep the beat going — from indie shows in East Atlanta Village to acoustic sets in Decatur cafés.

Food, Drink, and Flavorful Weekends

If you travel for taste, November is your month. The Atlanta Fall Wine Festival at Historic Fourth Ward Park is a crowd favorite, with dozens of wines, live bands, and local bites. Over in Midtown, the Taste of Atlanta Restaurant Week turns the city into one giant dining table — with prix fixe menus and local chef specials everywhere you turn.

For something sweet, the Atlanta Ice Cream Festival Holiday Edition brings seasonal flavors and community fun. And if you like your fall treats with a little spice, Hot Sauce Fest in Grant Park delivers big flavor and even bigger bragging rights.

Arts, Film, and Creative Adventures

Creativity never slows down in November. The Atlanta Art Week connects galleries, collectors, and visitors through studio tours and exhibitions. Meanwhile, the Bronzelens Film Festival shines a spotlight on Black filmmakers, and the Georgia Short Film Festival celebrates storytelling in bite-sized brilliance.

Theatre lovers can catch A Christmas Carol at the Alliance Theatre or enjoy the nostalgia of Elf in Concert at Symphony Hall — perfect for getting into the holiday mood early.

Family Fun and Seasonal Favorites

Families will find plenty to do before winter hits. Atlanta’s Children’s Christmas Parade lights up Peachtree Street with floats and marching bands. IllumiNights at Zoo Atlanta transforms the zoo with glowing lanterns shaped like animals, while Stone Mountain Christmas brings fireworks, holiday shows, and a mountain of twinkle lights.

And don’t forget the College Football Hall of Fame Fan Days, where kids can meet mascots, play games, and test their field skills. It’s Atlanta family fun at its best — spirited, warm, and full of cheer.

Sports, Rivalries, and Big Games

November means football — and Atlanta takes it seriously. The Falcons return home to face division rivals at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, while Georgia Tech and Georgia gear up for their classic Thanksgiving showdown. Baseball season may be over, but Atlanta United’s playoff buzz keeps fans cheering.

Experience Atlanta Like a Local With HomeExchange

The best part of Atlanta’s fall festivals isn’t just the events — it’s how the city feels when you’re part of it. With HomeExchange, you can swap homes with locals and live right in the middle of the action. Stay near Piedmont Park for the wine festival, in a cozy Grant Park bungalow for art week, or in a family home close to Stone Mountain for holiday lights.

You’ll enjoy space to relax, kitchens for your market finds, and a neighborhood that feels like yours — because for a little while, it is.

Discover how HomeExchange works