2025 ELEVATE ATL RECAP!
Atlanta’s Culture is Medicine
3 Day Public Art Festival
Each fall, ELEVATE transforms Atlanta’s neighborhoods through public art, performance, and creative dialogue — activating spaces, uplifting communities, and celebrating the soul of the city. This year’s festival theme is, Rooted & Rising. We’re throwing it back to ATL in the late ’80s through early 2000s with a full weekend takeover — celebrating the traditions, spaces, and stories that built our city’s vibe. It’s an ode to the Atlanta that healed our collective soul and shaped a global movement. We honor the roots that raised us.
Courtney Brooks is an Atlanta-based curator, multifaceted visual artist, muralist, founder of Journey of a Black Girl and owner of CBROOKS GALLERY.
Melissa Alexander is obsessed with vulnerability – she focuses on the intimacy that exists within the Black American community.
Stephen Wilkins and Jordan Neal, SLW & Steady Productions co-founders, have become fixtures in Atlanta’s alternative art, music, and culture scene.
STEELE FRESH
Location: The Carrie Steele Bridge, 125 Ted Turner Dr.
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Soul Fresh Sound Bowl Session and Wellness activation
5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Steele FRESH Creative and Cultivated Live Art & Vendors Market
6:00 PM – 7:15 PM | DJ Set featuring DJ RASYRIOUS + more
7:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Runway Fresh Fashion Show featuring EVERYTHANG DOPE, WILD SEED BUTIK, 8011, Abeille Creations, and Selara Regalia.
8:30 PM – 8:45 PM | Spoken Word Performance
9:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Live Band featuring TIFFANY GOODE & THE GOODE STUFF EXPERIENCE + special guest
off the bridge
Location: ZuCot Gallery, 100 Centennial Olympic Park Dr.
5:00 – 10:00 PM | ZuCot Gallery
After Party
Location: Smokey Stallion Bistro 309 Nelson St
10:00 – 12:00 AM | Funky Fresh
ELEVATE x Woodruff Park – The Space Within
Hosted by Atlanta Downtown
Location: Woodruff Park, 91 Peachtree St.
9:30 – 10:30 AM| Morning HIIT with Community RBG Experience
11:30 – 12:30 PM| Live harp music by Sonia and nourishing food by Smooth N Groove
The Culture Comb Out
Location: Underground Atlanta. 50 Upper Alabama St.
12:00 – 5:00 PM | The Corner Store Marketplace
Trivia Station
3:00 – 5:00 PM | The Crown Classic Hair Showdown
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Inside Underground
The Future Is Ours
Location: Westview Corner Grocery, 1562 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.
12:00 – 5:00 PM | Artist + Makers Market
12:00 – 2:00 PM | DJ Set – Atlanta Classics (’80s–2000s)
2:00 – 4:00 PM | Auxigen’s Beatmaker / Producer Open Mic
4:00 – 5:00 PM | Live Music Performance
Under Influenced: 80's - 2000's Atlanta Gallery Pop-up
Location: 1521 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.
12:00 – 5:00 pm | Gallery Show
2:00 – 3:00 pm | Artist Talk / Q&A
Westview Makers Space Exploratory Sessions
Location: 1562 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd
12:00 – 1:00 PM| Cobbling Class
1:00 – 2:00 PM| Pottery Class
2:00 – 2:45 PM| Capoeira 101
3:00 – 5:00 PM| A History of Rhythm + Drum Circle
A Night at the Pearl
Location: The Pearl Cleage & Zaron Burnett Center for Culture and Creativity, 945 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd.
5:15-6:15 PM| Balancing Legacy and Cultural Preservation with a Futuristic Mindset – Panel
6:30 – 9:00 PM| Club Zebra Film Screening & Panel Discussion
Cultural Passport: Collect Your ATL Culture Stamp
Atlanta’s culture is medicine—and the ELEVATE Cultural Passport is your ticket to explore it beyond the 3-day festival.
With the Cultural Passport, you’re invited to explore partner spaces, organizations, and events across Atlanta that continue to shape and celebrate our city’s vibrant creative community. Each stop is a chance to discover something new—from galleries and theaters to community spaces and cultural landmarks. Collect a custom Atlanta stamp at every partner location you visit. The more stamps you gather, the more you’ll unlock Atlanta’s story—one creative destination at a time.
Browse the List
Click below to view all ELEVATE Cultural Passport partner locations.
Visit a Location
Stop by any partner site to explore what they have to offer.
Pick Up a Brochure
Grab an ELEVATE brochure with space to collect your stamps.
Collect Stamps
Receive a custom Atlanta stamp at each location you visit.
Unlock the Story
Watch your passport come alive as you discover new creative destinations.
Share Your Journey
Show off your passport! Tag @ELEVATEATLART on social media.
Snag the vibes, not just the memories
This year’s ELEVATE: Rooted & Rising comes with 4 exclusive stickers you can only grab at the festival, October 10–12.
Each circle design was dreamed up by ATL’s own creative powerhouses—George F. Baker III, Kayla Hagler, Eugene V. Byrd, and Mike Stasny.
They’re bold, fresh, and once they’re gone… they’re gone. Collect all 4 and flex your festival cred.
FAQ
Do I need a ticket?
All ELEVATE events are free and open to the public. No paid tickets, no wristbands — just come ready to celebrate Atlanta’s culture. Events like workshops, panels, and movie screenings require registration to ensure every one has a spot!
Where does the festival take place?
ELEVATE 2025 takes place across Westview, West End, Castleberry Hill, and South Downtown — transforming Atlanta’s neighborhoods into living stages filled with art, music, and community.
Where do I park?
MARTA is always your best option — quick, easy, and no parking stress. If you’re driving, there are paid public parking decks and lots near all festival locations.
Is it family friendly?
Yes. ELEVATE is designed for all ages. From art activations and performances to workshops and community fun, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
Is the festival accessible?
Yes. All ELEVATE locations are wheelchair accessible, and we work to make the festival welcoming to everyone. If you need special accommodations, please reach out in advance.
What if it rains?
ELEVATE happens rain or shine. Some performances may move indoors or under cover — check our website or social media for real-time updates.
Can I bring food and drinks?
You’re welcome to grab food and drinks from nearby local businesses — in fact, we encourage it. Some events will also feature food vendors.
Do I need to sign up for workshops?
Yes. Workshops require a quick online sign-up to save your spot. Space is limited, and all materials are provided, so be sure to register early.
How can I stay updated during the festival?
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ELEVATEATL for live updates, schedule changes, and highlights throughout the weekend.