Small-town feel on the edge of a big city
BROOKHAVEN, GEORGIA–SEPTEMBER 2024–There are plenty of reasons to visit Brookhaven, Georgia, this year for food, festivals and fun. Located 19 miles northeast of Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and just 10 miles from downtown Atlanta, Brookhaven’s small-town charm and community-focused vibe enchants visitors and locals alike, with a diverse family friendly ambiance. Visitors will find the area’s authentic character interwoven throughout walkable neighborhoods, well-preserved parks, outstanding locally owned restaurants, one-of-a-kind shops and lodging with big city access.
From Saturday morning strolls at the Farmers Market to a spectacular cherry blossom festival, and from sipping and dining experiences to multicultural holiday events, this manageable-sized city near the big city is a welcoming delight. Here are just a few don’t-miss reasons to visit.
Spring
Brookhaven is a tree- and flower-filled small city that puts on a big free show. The Brookhaven Cherry Blossom Festival (March 29-30, 2025) is a great opportunity for friends and families to road trip for a weekend getaway or just stay for a day. Featuring national headliner bands (+LIVE+ and Barenaked Ladies in 2024), Food Trucks, 100+ Vendors in the Artist Market, Pet World, Kidz Zone and more, this festival continues to grow every year. The 5K run on Saturday a weekend before the festival is a 2024 Atlanta Journal Constitution Peachtree Road Race qualifier and 100% of the proceeds benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta! Cherry blossom festivals are a centuries-old Japanese cultural tradition, where hanami, or “viewing flowers” is combined with parties and picnics. Here, they’re a great reason for a festival of music along with the food and flowers, and Brookhaven’s is one of the biggest music festivals in Georgia, an opportunity to see up-and-comers along with legacy acts that charge hefty admission prices otherwise. Blackburn Park, 3493 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319
Enjoy a Saturday stroll at the Brookhaven Farmers Market. This popular market is a go-to spot for anyone seeking fresh finds from local farmers and vendors. Many Brookhaven restaurants also turn to the Brookhaven Farmers Market to stock their kitchens with fresh, locally produced food and items for the ultimate farm-to-table experience. Operating Saturdays from April through November, Brookhaven Farmers Market features over 50 vendors offering everything from fresh produce, dairy and packaged foods to bath and body products, pet food and treats as well as items from artists and crafters. Brookhaven Farmers Market, 1375 Fernwood Circle NE, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319
April 12, 2025, Sip Brookhaven returns for a second year at Oglethorpe University and is an opportunity to sample boutique wines, craft cocktails, local beer along with tasty bites from Brookhaven restaurants, all on Oglethorpe University’s beautiful campus. Ticket links and additional information will be posted on the Explore Brookhaven social channels as well as @SipBrookhaven Facebook and Instagram channels. Oglethorpe University 4484 Peachtree Road NE Brookhaven, Georgia 30319
Summer
Red, White and BlueHaven by the Brookhaven Chamber of Commerce (July) – this annual car show brings the community together to view modern hot rods, classic cars and everything in between. Guests enjoy DJs, local vendors, community organization booths, while viewing all the rides and sipping on cool beverages from the on-site bars. This is a family and pet-friendly event. Find more details, here: https://www.facebook.com/BrookhavenCC.
City Centre opens Summer 2025 – The City Centre in Brookhaven will be the cornerstone of this 12-year-old municipality. The City Centre will have extensive venue space for events and weddings, including a rooftop area, while housing the offices of the City of Brookhaven. It is located at the intersection of Peachtree and North Druid Hills roads next to the MARTA station making The City Centre easily accessible to Atlanta Metro. City Centre, 4047 Peachtree Road NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319
Buford Highway Restaurant Month (August 2025) We know that a week wouldn’t do justice to the many flavors and opportunities along Buford Highway, so the event runs all of August. Buford Highway Restaurant Month is an invitation to all of Atlanta and beyond to find new favorites, enjoy cuisine from all over the world and to support the locals they love. View the link above for more details as the event gets closer.
Fall
Art Pop Up + Shop (September 2024, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) – Browse a temporary gallery curated with local and regional artists and take a piece or two home with you! Additional details to be announced later, but plans include possible wine night and live music activations in the space. Art Pop Up + Shop is a three-week exhibition of paintings, mixed media, photographs, drawings and more. The 2024 event welcomed over 40 artists. Art lovers and visitors alike are invited to enjoy this temporary gallery and take home a piece of local art. Town Brookhaven, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319
Taste Brookhaven (October 2024) – A fundraiser for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and celebration of the Brookhaven culinary scene. Our top restaurants return to the gardens of Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter for a fabulous evening of delicious bites, cocktails, art, live music and dancing. A silent auction features amazing sports tickets, pampering gift packages, lake/mountain house getaways and more. Follow @TasteBrookhaven for the latest details. City Centre, 4047 Peachtree Road NE, Brookhaven, GA 30319
Brookhaven International Festival (October) – The 3rd Annual Brookhaven International Festival is a special event that celebrates the international community along Buford Highway Cultural Corridor. The Brookhaven International Festival will feature a variety of live cultural performances and live music, “food of the world” international cuisine, an art walk, interactive art creation, a Kidz Zone, health and wellness fair and a global marketplace of food and other vendors. A 5K walk/run benefiting We Love Buford Highway is planned. The race would be a qualifier for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race.
Holiday
Light Up Brookhaven (December) is a must do, celebrating the traditions of both Christmas and Hanukkah. Kickstart the holiday season with a fun filled event packed with festive cheer. Light Up Brookhaven is a beloved annual event and a great way to kick off the season with the whole family. No grinches allowed! Between a 40-foot Christmas tree and menorah lighting, Santa’s arrival by helicopter, choral performances, a petting zoo, train rides, food trucks and more, this is a manageable-sized holiday spectacular for anyone looking to catch the holiday spirit.
Stay awhile
Choose from a variety of options: traditional hotels and extended stay properties, family/pet-friendly and luxury accommodations, all offering easy access to Atlanta and the metro area. DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Dunwoody is a favorite among families and those traveling with pets. Offering an onsite restaurant and a heated outdoor pool, this property is sure to become your favorite, too. DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta Perimeter Dunwoody, 4386 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Brookhaven, Georgia 30341; 770-457-6363
Exuding Brookhaven’s charm, Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina is a lavish urban hotel offering a luxurious experience. Nestled into Perimeter Summit, this property offers spacious, suite-inspired guest rooms, a rooftop pool and gym. Convenient to Brookhaven’s neighborhoods, shopping and dining, this pet-friendly property is also close to big city area attractions. Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina, 4000 Summit Boulevard, Brookhaven, Georgia 30319; 678-539-1234. For more of Brookhaven’s lodging options, click here.
Read more about this must-experience destination in Brookhaven Magazine.