In a city like Atlanta, there is always something big planned. Local groups want to bring some festivities to other residents, the City plans an event or an outside organization wants to come in and let Atlanta play host to an international or national event. The point is that Atlanta has seen many exciting people, shows and organizations over the years and there can be no doubt that there will be more to come.
Perhaps the most famous Atlanta event in modern history was the 1996 Summer Olympics. The Olympics were officially opened on July 19 by then President Bill Clinton, and until their closing on August 9. the city was home to thousands of tourists who poured in to watch their home countries compete for Olympic titles in a wide range of sports. The Centennial Olympic Stadium, built specifically for the event, was home to the track and field competitions but in following years was completely revamped and changed into Turner Field. Turner Field is a national icon in that it is home to the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball team.
Of course Atlanta is not only subject to sporadic events that only last for a short time, the city is host to its own regular annual events that residents look forward to every season. January sees the Atlanta Boat Show, the Georgia Bridal Show, the Metro Montage, the Peach Bowl and Martin Luther King Junior Week. February celebrates Black History Month, the Atlanta Terrier Club Competition, the Atlanta Garden and Patio Show and the Southeastern Flow Show. In March it’s the NASCAR Atlanta 500 Series, the Atlanta Passion Play, Conyers Cherry Blossom Festival and the Junior League Tour of Kitchens. April ushers in the Battle of Kennessaw and Concerts by the Springs. In May there is the Decatur Arts Festival and Notoberfest. Throughout the summer Atlanta residents can enjoy Atlanta Fest, the Lesbian and Gay Pride Festival, the Black Arts Festival, Independence Day celebrations, the Jewish or the Latino Festivals. Then, come September, its National Football League time and the Atlanta Greek Festival. October sees the Autumn Oaks Festival, Strut for Mutts and the Pumpkin Festival while November is the month for basketball games and December plays host to many seasonal festivities including the Festival of Trees and Lights, Christmas at Callenwolde and The Nutcracker ballet.
Basically, there are events for every nationality, every age, every interest group and most sports – there is virtually no excuse to miss out on the fun because you couldn’t find what you were looking for in the events calendar! With theatre performances, musical concerts, dancing, parades and holiday gatherings, you should be able to get out into the city and not only enjoy yourself but maybe even open yourself up to new neighborhoods that you would otherwise have missed out on.