Escape the Ordinary at these 8 Georgia Music Festivals
Discover new bands, local flavor, cultural celebrations and more at these festivals made for music fans throughout the state.
Music festivals are a tried-and-true Peach State tradition as synonymous with the state as peanuts and Coca-Cola. In Georgia, we have weather on our side for a festival season that lasts all year long. Throughout the year, Georgia hosts a variety of diverse music events to keep the state abuzz with rock and roll, country, soul, jazz, hip hop and plenty more. Grab your calendars and start planning your getaway!
Lost Art Music Festival in Douglasville, Georgia. Photo by Adam Smith Photography
Lost Art Music Festival, June 17-18
Lose yourself in the eclectic mix of music at the Lost Art Music Festival at Foxhall Resort just outside of Atlanta in June. Hear everything from retro soul and roots to folk and outlaw country on the sprawling grounds of the resort set on a beautiful bend in the Chattahoochee River. Stay for the weekend in charming lakeside villas, or camp under the stars. Or, grab a shuttle from Atlanta for a day trip to the one-of-a-kind event!
AthFest in Athens, Georgia
Athfest Music & Arts Festival, June 24-26, 2022
The AthFest Music and Art Festival was founded in 1997 to promote music and arts from the talented folks in Athens and its surrounding counties. Music, children’s activities, family events, film, comedy, an art market and more are all wrapped together for a multi-day festival raising money for AthFest Educates, Inc., a nonprofit supporting Athens area music and arts education programs.
Plan more things to do on your trip with this Guide to Athens.
Dailey & Vincent at Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds in Hiawassee, Georgia
Dailey & Vincent's American Made Music Fest, Sept. 15-17, 2022
Head to North Georgia for this three-day music festival featuring traditional country, bluegrass and gospel music in a beautiful mountain setting. Featured performers include Craig Morgan, Lonestar, Ricky Skaggs, the U.S. Navy Band, and Dailey & Vincent. Bring your RV or tent, and camp for the weekend on the banks of Lake Chatuge.
Imagine Music Festival in Atlanta, Georgia
Imagine Music Festival, Sept. 15-18, 2022
Electronic musicians, DJs and bands perform alongside cirque-style acts during the Imagine Music Festival in September, featuring dance music at Kingston Downs, a family-owned property a few miles outside Rome, Georgia. Plan to camp on the property for the ultimate Imagine Festival experience.
Music Midtown in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by @roshanagmar
Music Midtown, Sept. 17-18, 2022
As one of the state’s largest music fests, Music Midtown draws fans to Atlanta every September. The long list of acts in the weekend lineup covers many musical genres. Held annually since 1994, with a five-year hiatus from 2006 to 2011, this two-day blow-out came back to life and now brings some of the industry’s biggest names. The fest, held outdoors in Piedmont Park, has seen acts by the likes of Jane’s Addiction, Pearl Jam, Ludacris, Artic Monkeys, Red Hot Chili Peppers and T.I.
Plan the ultimate weekend with this Guide to Music Midtown.
Blind Willie McTell Blues Festival in Thomson, Georgia
Blind Willie McTell Music Festival, Sept. 24, 2022
Awarded and recognized as one of the finest small festivals in the South, this blues heritage festival in Blind Willie McTell's hometown of Thomson is an all-day tribute to one of the founding fathers of American roots music. McTell was a blind street performer who got his start as a sought-after guitarist and lyricist who gave the world "Statesboro Blues" and influenced everyone from the Allman Brothers to the White Stripes.
While McTell is acclaimed for his blues-country style, the Blind Willie McTell Festival has grown in its diversity of music genres and acts, with performances by local, regional and national musicians. Also worth mentioning: their iconic artist-rendered posters have become collectible!
Explore more to do in town with this Guide to Thomson.
Cedric Burnside at Wildwood Revival in Athens, Georgia. Photo by Lytle Foto
Wildwood Revival, Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2022
This October festival takes place at a farm outside Athens, one of the state's most storied music cities. Hear bands perform on a stage nestled in a 100-year-old pecan grove. Join morning yoga and late-night jam sessions around a campfire. Sleep under the stars, shop at the artisan market, and don't miss Wildwood Revival's dance party.
Explore more of the Athens music scene with this Guide to Athens Music.
Shaky Knees in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo by Charles Regan Hackleman
Shaky Knees, May 5-7, 2023
Shaky Knees attracts big indie rock and alternative rock bands as well as up-and-comers to perform in Atlanta's Central Park. In 2022, Green Day, Nine Inch Nails and My Morning Jacket were headliners at the three-day festival, which also featured Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Dropkick Murphys, and Death Cab For Cutie among many others. Besides the music, fans enjoy delicious fare from food trucks serving everything from barbecue to vegetarian corn dogs.
Love Atlanta's music scene? Check out this list of 10 Can't-Miss Atlanta Music Festivals.
Find more Georgia music festivals throughout the year at ExploreGeorgia.org/calendar-of-events.
