Guide to ONE Musicfest
Follow these insider tips for navigating one of Atlanta's largest fall music festivals.
Some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop and R&B are coming to downtown Atlanta’s Central Park for two full days of music to celebrate 15 years of ONE Musicfest on October 26-27, 2024. ONE Musicfest (OMF) is the Southeast's largest two-day urban progressive music festival.
In celebration of the festival's 15th year, we talked with founder J. Carter and collected some tips to help you navigate the city and the event.
Q: Given Georgia's rich musical heritage and growing reputation as a cultural hub, how did you see ONE Musicfest as a crucial addition to the state's music scene? What unique aspects or experiences did you aim to bring to Georgia that were missing from other music festivals?
A: OMF is a vital part of Black music, culture, and legacy, and it could only have been created in Atlanta. In 2008-2010, there was nothing like it in festival programming, and launching it in a city that leads in Black music and culture was essential. As one of the largest festivals of its kind, OMF adds to Atlanta's rich cultural story and growing influence.
Our generational appeal sets us apart. Many festivals focus on one aspect of our music and culture, but we embrace the diversity of it all. We create an experience where college students, their mothers, and aunts all feel welcome. That celebration of inclusivity is what makes us unique and contributes to Atlanta and Georgia’s cultural landscape.
Q: What do you hope ONE Musicfest's legacy will be in the music industry and the state of Georgia?
A: We contribute to the legacy of celebrating Black culture and putting Black joy on a grand stage, something that should be embraced everywhere. For 15 years, we've defied those who doubted us, filling a void in the celebration of Black music and joy — that, in itself, is our legacy.
Q: What are some of your favorite memories from ONE Musicfest over the years?
A: For me, it's the memories of the people — the emails we receive afterward with the thank yous, the "I had no idea," the "I came from Hawaii," and the "I've never experienced this with my own people before." Those comments show why this platform is so needed. Every year, people get engaged or renew vows at our event. It's those moments, the smiles, the joy, and the sense of community that stand out most. The performances are an incredible backdrop to what’s happening in the crowd.
Q: What are you most grateful for in terms of the success of ONE Musicfest?
A: I'm most grateful that I was able to create ONE Musicfest in Atlanta, a city where it could grow organically without heavy corporate influence. Atlanta is one of the few places where something like this can be built from the ground up. I'm thankful for the opportunity to dream big and execute by leaning on the relationships I’ve cultivated here.
Dates & times
The 2024 ONE Musicfest dates are October 26-27. The festival's gates open at 12 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and concerts typically go on well into the late evening.
Location
2024 ONE Musicfest takes place at Central Park. Address: 395 Piedmont Ave, Atlanta, GA, 30308
Central Park is located within walking distance of downtown Atlanta’s attractions, close to the Atlanta Beltline, and near Ponce City Market. Although it looks like it is close to Centennial Olympic Park on a map, the hike from downtown Atlanta is hillier than it appears at first glance.
Getting there
Central Park is easily accessed by bus, train, taxi, Uber, on foot, and by bicycle. It is easily accessed by car, but parking is tough during major festivals.
Tip for taking MARTA: use the Breeze Mobile app to purchase fares directly from your phone and scan your device on the bus or at the station.
The closest MARTA station to ONE Musicfest is the Civic Center station, which is 0.5 miles from the festival's West Entrance and the Box Office location (Pine Street just east of the intersection with Piedmont Avenue).
Staying there
Atlanta is home to a number of hotels close to the event site, including the Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriot Atlanta Downtown, Springhill Suites by Marriott Atlanta Downtown, Hyatt Regency Atlanta Downtown, The American Hotel Atlanta Downtown - A Doubletree By Hilton, The Candler Hotel Atlanta, Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta Midtown, Aloft Atlanta Downtown, Hyatt Place Atlanta Centennial Park.
The area is also home to a number of bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels, including Stonehurst Place and Hotel Indigo.
If you don’t mind traveling a short distance to get to your room, you may want to try some of these Atlanta hotels.
At the festival
Featuring more than 30 artists performing over two days, of course the main reason to go to ONE Musicfest is the music. To satisfy your sense of taste, the festival is promising some of Atlanta’s favorite local bites that will be available for purchase.
Before you get there, be sure to check out the festival's full FAQ page.
Other things to do while you're there
Within walking distance, festivalgoers can take a break from the action and head to Ponce City Market, where Skyline Park provides a whole host of entertainment, and the food stalls provide a reason to bring your appetite with you.
The High Museum of Art and Museum of Design Atlanta are close by, and just a bit farther are the attractions of downtown Atlanta, including Skyview Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, and World of Coca-Cola.
