It’s almost time for the annual Grant Park Summer Shade Festival!
This popular festival takes place on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23, 2026, in Grant Park.
As always, festival admission is FREE.
All entertainment is free as well, and you can see the concert schedule below — just scroll down OR jump to the music lineup.
August in Atlanta is known for sweltering heat, but Grant Park is home to some of Atlanta’s oldest and tallest trees to provide relief.
The outdoor fun includes an artist market, food trucks, craft beer, kids bouncy house village, and a music line-up that just gets better every year.
All the details are below, including the music line-up, list of food vendors, and tips for getting there and parking.
Festival hours:
- Saturday — 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- View the festival website
Returning this year!
See a family-friendly wrestling performance by Deep South Wrestling, an Atlanta favorite since 1983. Expect thrilling acrobatics, colorful characters, awe-inspiring feats of strength, and a must-see Tag Team Championship Tournament that will deliver double the action.
You may also be interested in the House in the Park Music Festival on Labor Day Weekend.
Tickets are just $15 in advance, for a full day of entertainment.
Browse our big list of FREE outdoor movies and our complete guide to FREE outdoor concerts this summer!
Artist Market
More than 200 artisans and craftsmen will be selling their goods — including art, photography, oil paintings, jewelry, silver, metal work, wood items, sculpture, blow glass, ceramics, pottery and more.
The artists market is open till 7 p.m. each day.
View the list of participating artists
Food
You can expect traditional festival foods like corn dogs and funnel cakes — as well as healthier options like chopped salads and frozen yogurt.
The 2026 food vendors include:
- Belen de la Cruz
- Carbarts’s K-dogs
- Coffyn Pyes
- Bun & Bites
- Argentine Eats
- Williamson Bros. BBQ
- Banh Mi Chi Em
- The Pickle
- Sweetacular Treats
- Repicci’s Real Italian
- Big Softie
- Cultured south
- Ms. Pearl’s BBQ
- Lisa’s Creperie
- Dolce Tropical
- King of Pops
- Island Noodles
- Gyro Chef
- Gumbowl
- Love at Wurst Sight
- Pretty Little Tacos
- The Different Twist Pretzel
- Chicago Eats
- Smash Hit
- Complete list: summershadefestival.org/food-market
Kids Zone
There are plenty of activities this year, including a Kids Bungee Jump, art stations, and interactive games. Plus, imaginative balloon animals and bubbles will keep the smiles coming all weekend long.
The 2026 entertainment line-up
Saturday Concerts + Entertainment on the Gazebo Stage
12:00 p.m. – Bolo Boys
1:00 p.m. – Deep South Wrestling
1:30 p.m. – Questionable At Best
2:30 p.m. – Crookd Roots
3:45 p.m. – False Hearted Lovers
4:30 p.m. – Deep South Wrestling
5:00 p.m. – Bonemeal baker
6:00 p.m. – PeetMidnite & The Back Taxes
Saturday Concerts + Activities on the Main Stage
11 a.m. – Yoga Poses
12 p.m. – Yes Ma’am
1 p.m. – Vanille Noire
2 p.m. – Superstar
2:50 p.m. – Predawn Poors
3:50 p.m. – Sweet Melissa’s Blues Revue
4:45 p.m. – James Hall and the Steady Wicked
5:50 p.m. – KJ and The Funk Maysons
7 p.m. – The Higher Choir
8:30 p.m. – The Veldt
Sunday Concerts + Entertainment on the Gazebo Stage
12:00 p.m. – Chasing The Light
1:00 p.m. – Deep South Wrestling
1:30 p.m. – Flat Tired
2:30 p.m. – Deep South Wrestling
3:00 p.m. – Bradley Cole Smith Band
4:00 p.m. – Moonchild
Sunday Concerts + Activities on the Main Stage
12 p.m. – Happy to Be Here with Sonnie
1 p.m. – Jarvis Taylor
2 p.m. – Dave Franklin
3 p.m. – Ghost Riders Car Club
4 p.m. – Tree of Life Dojo Demonstration
4:35 p.m. – Das Kaiser
5:45 p.m. — Bully
Know before you go
Dogs are NOT allowed on the festival grounds. You know the drill — it’s a city of Atlanta permitting rule. Please don’t bring a pet of any kind and expect the rules to flex for you.
Outside alcohol is not allowed, but you can purchase adult beverages on site.
You’ll find several free water stations around the park, as the weather is expected to be hot. You can also visit one of several misting tents that will help you cool off.
Getting there and parking
Parking in and around Grant Park will be limited. PLEASE consider alternative means of transportation.
If you do choose to drive, your paid parking options are listed here.
Of course, you can also walk, rideshare, carpool, ride your bike or rent a Relay Bike, or ride an electric scooter!
If you bring your own bicycle, you can park it safely with the bike valet.
The closest MARTA station to the festival is the King Memorial MARTA station on the blue/green rail line. You can walk from the station, but plan on it taking 35 minutes. (Or, you can rent a Relay bike at the station).
MARTA Train and Walk/Bike Directions
- Take a blue or green line train to the King Memorial MARTA station
- Go to street level and turn left on Grant Street/Hillard Street.
- Walk two short blocks to Memorial Drive and turn left again.
- At Cherokee Avenue turn right — Cherokee will take you straight to the park.
View the MARTA guide for getting to the Summer Shade Festival
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We strive for 100% accuracy on Atlanta on the Cheap.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it's also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
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