Virginia-Highland Summerfest made its debut in 1985. Only taking two years off for the pandemic, the festival has continued to be an Atlanta staple for neighborhood regulars and newcomers alike. This year, for its 40th anniversary, Virginia-Highland Summerfest will return on June 7 and 8 to showcase local and regional bands.
The festival, which is estimated to have around 30,000 attendees, will feature an incredible mix of rock, indie, funk, and blues on the main stage, which will be located in the center of the street at the corner of N. Highland Ave and Virginia Ave.
2025 Summerfest Band Lineup:
Saturday, June 7:
Magnolia Revival – (Atlanta)
Mama’s Love – (Athens)
Chalk Dinosaur – (Pittsburgh)
Susto – (Charleston)
Sunday, June 8:
Frute – (Atlanta)
Wim Tapley – (Athens)
Improvement Movement – (Atlanta)
Eddie 9V – (Atlanta)
“This year’s lineup is truly special, reflecting our commitment to celebrating both up-and-coming and established talent from Atlanta and beyond,” said Karen Isenberg Jones, Summerfest co-chair and Virginia-Highland Civic Association Board Member. “We can’t wait to welcome these incredible artists to the stage and create an unforgettable experience for music lovers of all ages.”
Beyond the music, Summerfest remains a cherished tradition, uniting neighbors, artists, and visitors from across the metro area. Kenneth Herring, Summerfest co-chair and Virginia-Highland Civic Association Board Member, added, “Summerfest isn’t just a festival; it’s a cornerstone event that brings the entire community together. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, this weekend captures the essence of Virginia-Highland and showcases why it remains one of Atlanta’s most vibrant neighborhoods.”
Herring had just moved to Atlanta from Knoxville, Tennessee, when he and his son first discovered Summerfest. “It was special for us because that was our very first weekend in Atlanta, and as soon as I experienced it, I knew I wanted to be involved in it,” he shared.
Jones, who is a longtime Virginia-Highland resident, added why being a part of the continuous planning and vitality of Virginia-Highland is so important to her. “I celebrated my 21st birthday at Moe’s & Joe’s and had my first date with my husband at Atkins Park”, she recalled with a smile. “This neighborhood is so dear to me.”
Attendees will also be able to enjoy a diverse artist market, local food vendors, a 5K race, and a children-focused area located at Virginia-Highland Elementary School called Kidsfest. The artist market, which will line Virginia Ave, will feature over 200 fine art booths showcasing a wide variety of mediums, including sculpture, painting, textiles, ceramics, photography, wood, and metal. Artists interested in showcasing their work can apply to be part of the juried artist market, with judged winners receiving prize money. Applications are now open here.
“The festival draws in artists and makers from Metro Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and beyond, but this year we want to highlight a special area within the market just for our hyperlocal artists who are from our neighborhood to showcase the best of Virginia-Highland,” Jones added.
Prior to the weekend fun, The Friday Night Summerfest Kick-off Party will take place on June 6. The evening will take place in the heart of Virginia-Highland and will be a community wide event featuring live music and drink and food specials.
In addition to the amazing feat of Summerfest celebrating 40 years, Murphys, a landmark restaurant in the heart of Virginia-Highland, is celebrating 45 years of business.
“We will be tying our kick-off party and the celebration of 45 years of Murphy’s together so we can have a wonderful community evening with live music and celebration,” Jones shared. “Showcasing the best of Virginia-Highland absolutely includes showcasing Murphy’s.”
Summerfest serves as a fundraiser for the Virginia-Highland Civic Association. The profit from sponsorships and beer sales from the festival directly funds the renovation of neighborhood parks, grants for local schools, and initiatives regarding safety and urban planning, such as adding bike lanes to the Virginia-Highland streets.
Click here for more information about Summerfest.
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40th Anniversary! That’s awesome! Summerfest sounds like the perfect way to kick off summer in Atlanta. Maybe I’ll create some awesome things in game with Melon Playground while listening to the bands perform.
Summerfest activities are really meaningful. We hope that Summerfest will continue to bring many values to society.
thank, i like it!