Let us run down the month’s must-see, must-do and must-attend events for you.
The 45th annual celebration of the Atlanta Jazz Festival, May 28 through 30, will feature Kebbi Williams and the Wolfpack, T.C. Carson, Joe Alterman, four-time Grammy-nominated group The Baylor Project and more.
5/1
Bow Wow Brunch
The Bow Wow Brunch is a family affair designed to introduce children and grandchildren of Atlanta Humane Society donors to the importance of philanthropy and lifelong giving. Th is popular family-friendly event is co-chaired by Brittany Duncan and Lisa Fuller. Buckhead, atlantahumane.org/brunch
5/1
Van Morrison
Grammy Award winner Sir Van Morrison is making a one-night stop in Georgia. The unparalleled singer-songwriter will play all of his hits such as “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Moondance”. Rocking and rolling for over seven decades, Morrison has earned a number of awards and accolades, including a BRIT Award, an OBE and entry into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Ameris Bank Amphitheatre, 2200 Encore Parkway, Alpharetta, vanmorrison.com/live
5/3
Friends of Winship Fashion a Cure Fashion Show
The annual Fashion a Cure fashion show produced by Friends of Winship raises money to benefit Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University in the treatment and research of cancers affecting women. Both in-person and at-home options will be available. The in-person event will feature flexible plans to keep guests safe while we make a difference for those facing cancer. Piedmont Driving Club, 1215 Piedmont Ave. NE, winshipcancer.emory.edu
5/3-5
Spring Cash & Carry
Stock or restock your inventory instantly at AmericasMart Spring Cash & Carry. This event is all about the savings on everything from furniture to jewelry and everything in between. Explore special savings and floor samples while getting the 411 on what’s in demand from leading gift and home furnishing brands. AmericasMart, 240 Peachtree St. NW, Ste. 2200, americasmart.com/markets/spring-market
5/6-7
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
The ongoing battle between the Jedi and the Sith comes to a final showdown as the Atlanta Symphony, conducted by Damon Gupton, tells the final chapter of the original Star Wars trilogy. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia are back as they help the Rebel Alliance destroy the Death Star and fight against the Emperor, Darth Vader and their drone army. Experience the battle between good and evil through John Williams’ score as the movie is accompanied by the live score. Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St., aso.org
5/6-22
The Color Purple: The Musical
This story of hope, the healing power of love and celebration of life stands the test of time. After premiering at the Alliance Theatre, it opened on Broadway in 2005 and was nominated for 11 Tony Awards. This musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel follows Celie’s coming-of-age story over the course of 40 years, creating a beautiful arc and epic story. With joyous scores of jazz, ragtime, gospel, African music and blues, The Color Purple is an impactful, must-see show of the 21st century. City Springs Theatre Company, 8601 Dunwoody Place, Ste. 136, Sandy Springs, cityspringstheatre.com
5/7
Beastly Feast Gala
Sophisticated elegance, a unique locale and a spectacular auction make Beastly Feast Gala one of the year’s most anticipated fetes. The generous donations from the event support mission-critical conservation and education efforts, contributing directly to Zoo Atlanta’s reputation as a national leader in animal care and the preservation of endangered species. The 2022 event will honor Faye and Drew Evans. Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave. SE, zooatlanta.org/beastlyfeast
5/7
Derby Party
Modern Luxury Interiors Atlanta and The Atlantan celebrate their anniversaries with a luxury-inspired Derby Affair presented by Bentley Atlanta that will transport guests straight to Kentucky. Ultra VIPs will enjoy an event celebrated like no other. The afternoon will be flowing with Champagne, mint juleps, elevated bites and live entertainment as guests take their bets and watch the Kentucky Derby. 10995 Westside Parkway, Alpharetta, atlantanmagazine.com
5/7
Tivolian Festa
Hosted at one of the city’s most historic homes, the “Pink Castle,” join the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation for it’s 38th Annual Preservation Gala. This Italian-themed celebration will feature fine Italian fare, wine and live entertainment al fresco. Sponsors and patrons will get exclusive access to explore the home’s stunning main floor interior spaces, secluded terrace and extensive gardens. 3418 Pinestream Road NW, georgiatrust.org
5/13-15
Strike Your Fancy
The Atlanta Ballet presents a four-day reimagined performance of the 2020/2021 season of Silver Linings. Strike Your Fancy adds new intricate and complex dances of Claudia Schreier’s Pleiades Dance. Atlanta Ballet dancer Sergio Maero has created an all-new piece of work since her Teneo Integrum captivated audiences last season. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, cobbenergycentre.com
5/14-15
Alive! Expo Atlanta
The once-a-year health and wellness consumer event is back. The 17th annual Alive! Expo is back for one weekend only, with concentrations on natural, organic, gluten-free, eco-friendly, health and wellness for the self, body and home. With tons of information for a healthy lifestyle at your fingertips, try on and sample some of the products to find new favorites from over 35 vendors. Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway SE, cobbgalleria.com
5/19
Collector’s Evening
Art lovers will enjoy an evening of celebration and art acquisition at the High Museum of Art this spring. Guests will enjoy elegance, art and entertainment while voting on potential works to be acquired for the High’s permanent collection. High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, high.org
5/21
Dancing Stars of Atlanta
Reinventing the popular show Dancing With the Stars, this fundraising event is comprised of local Atlanta celebrities paired with professional dancers. Funds are raised by gaining votes in a lively dance competition for the Alzheimer’s Association. Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway SE, dancingstarsofatlanta.com
5/21
LAA Latina Empowerment Conference
The 7th iteration of this annual conference is once again bringing together Latina women from Metro Atlanta for an experience to educate, inspire and empower. This year’s emcee is Elyangelica González. Gas South District, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Duluth, thelaa.org
5/25
MS Fine Wine & Dine for the Cure
Indulge in gourmet food and raise a glass to end multiple sclerosis at the MS Fine Wine & Dine for the Cure. Attendees will experience gourmet food, vintage wines, and a silent auction and raffle to reach a goal of $500,000 to fund research initiatives and advocate for change. The Stave Room, 199 Armour Drive NE, msfinewineanddine.org
5/28
Brew at the Zoo
Kick-off your summer the right way, at the Atlanta Zoo’s Brew at the Zoo. Happening only a couple of times during the summer, make the most of an afternoon with live music and locals on tap. 800 Cherokee Ave., SE, zooatlanta.org
5/28-30
Atlanta Jazz Festival
Celebrate jazz legends and up-and-coming greats this Memorial Day at the country’s largest free jazz festival. Indulge in not just jazz music, but also an artist market filled with local artists and entrepreneurs’ rare and collectible artwork, and a food and beverage market from local ATL eateries. The festival stretches over the three-day Memorial Day weekend and is proudly produced by the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Piedmont Park, 1320 Monroe Drive NE, atlantafestivals.com
Photography by: Konstantin Aal/Unsplash
