Things to Do in Buckhead and Brookhaven: September 13 to 21, 2026

Mid-September brings a welcome change of pace to Buckhead and Brookhaven, with cooler evenings, livelier patios, and a calendar that rewards anyone willing to plan a few days ahead. For anyone searching for things to do in Buckhead this week or Brookhaven events this weekend, the stretch from September 13 to 21, 2026 offers a well-rounded mix: a thoughtful museum exhibition on a college campus off Peachtree Road, a midweek concert on Roswell Road, a Saturday morning farmers market on the grounds of the Cathedral of St. Philip, and a free weekend arts festival in the heart of Buckhead Village.

Realism Revisited at Oglethorpe University Museum of Art

Why It Stands Out

Realism Revisited runs June 12, 2026 through February 28, 2027, and it gathers paintings and works on paper by artists working across several realist movements, including European Realism, American Realism, Hyper Realism, and Social Realism. The works come from the museum's permanent collection, with recent acquisitions that include Social Realist prints by Minna Wright Citron, part of a gift of ten works received in 2025. Three paintings are on loan from contemporary Atlanta-based artist Melvin Toledo, and the artist list also includes Henri Matisse and Raphael Soyer.

What to Expect

The exhibition also looks back at the museum's own history. It references two earlier shows organized by founding director Lloyd Nick: The Spirit and the Flesh: Contemporary American Realists in 1995 and Slow Painting: A Deliberate Renaissance in 2007. The museum is also presenting Conversations with Collections and The Core Self 2026, so allow time for more than one gallery.

Timing and Planning

The Oglethorpe University Museum of Art is located in Lowry Hall on the Oglethorpe University campus at 4484 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30319, in Brookhaven. The museum is closed Mondays. It is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., so any day in this window except Monday, September 21 works. Park in the small lot directly behind Lowry Hall. The museum entrance is on the third floor of the building.

Neighborhood Angle

Because the doors open at noon or 2 p.m. depending on the day, the exhibition slots neatly into an afternoon before an early dinner along the Peachtree Road corridor. It is an easy outing for newcomers getting familiar with Brookhaven. Details are available on the Realism Revisited exhibition page.

Shoshana Bean at Buckhead Theatre

Why It Stands Out

Vocalist Shoshana Bean takes the stage at Buckhead Theatre on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 8 p.m. The venue lists the show under R&B, and her new album, Only Smoke, is out now, which gives fans a fresh reason to hear her live. A Tuesday night concert has its own appeal, offering a pleasant break in the routine without competing with a crowded weekend schedule.

Best For

This is a natural choice for couples looking for a midweek date night, friend groups who enjoy a strong vocal performance, and anyone who prefers a theater setting to a stadium experience.

Timing and Planning

Buckhead Theatre is at 3110 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30305. Tickets are sold through Ticketmaster via the venue's show listing, and the box office can be reached at 404.843.2825. The venue partners with ParkWhiz for parking, so reserving a spot in advance through the venue's website is a simple way to take one variable off the table. Door time and opening acts were not posted at the time of writing, so check your ticket details a day or two before the show.

Insider Tip

Treat this as a full evening plan. Book an early dinner at one of the restaurants near Buckhead Village, then make the short trip to Roswell Road with time to spare.

Peachtree Road Farmers Market

Why It Stands Out

The Peachtree Road Farmers Market runs every Saturday from March 7 through December 19, 2026, and within this window that means Saturday, September 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The market gathers more than 70 local farmers, vendors, and artisans, and it sets up at the Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30305.

What to Expect

Beyond the produce and artisan goods, the market features live music, a kids play area, and a weekly Chef Pop-Up tent, which makes it easy to turn a quick shopping run into a leisurely morning. SNAP benefits are doubled at each visit to the market. Bring a sturdy tote and walk the full market before buying.

Timing and Planning

Parking is more flexible than many visitors expect. The cathedral offers a large free lot on the main level and a lower lot toward the back. Free parking is also available at the Georgia Banking Company building across the street, where the first two hours are complimentary with a suggested $5 donation, and there is free parking at Second-Ponce Baptist Church within a short walk. If you park on neighborhood streets, stay on the designated side, follow posted signs, and keep driveways, hydrants, and corners clear. With a noon close, arriving closer to opening gives you the widest selection.

Neighborhood Angle

Few Saturday rituals capture Buckhead's rhythm quite like this one, and the setting along Peachtree Road gives the morning an unhurried feel. For relocation clients, an hour here offers a clear sense of how the neighborhood spends its weekends.

Buckhead Arts Festival

Why It Stands Out

The Buckhead Arts Festival takes over the 200 to 300 block of Buckhead Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia 30305, in Buckhead Village on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026. Approximately 100 painters, photographers, sculptors, metalwork artists, glass artists, jewelers, and other makers set up along the street, and the festival is free to attend. It is organized by the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces.

What to Expect

Along with artist booths, the festival includes artist demonstrations and live acoustic music, which keeps the pace relaxed and encourages visitors to linger. It is a good opportunity to meet artists directly and find a piece for a new home or a thoughtful gift. The event goes on rain or shine, so a light jacket or umbrella is sensible if the forecast turns.

Timing and Planning

Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Parking is available in various areas around the event site. Arriving close to opening on either day leaves the most room to browse at an easy pace and talk with artists about their work. More information is available on the Buckhead Arts Festival website.

Insider Tip

Pair this festival with the Peachtree Road Farmers Market on Saturday, September 19. Shop the market when it opens at 8:30 a.m., drop your produce at home, then head to Buckhead Village for the 11 a.m. festival start. Lunch nearby rounds out a very Buckhead kind of Saturday.

Event Q&A

Which event is best for a date night?

Shoshana Bean at Buckhead Theatre on Tuesday, September 15 is the clear choice. An 8 p.m. show paired with an early dinner near Buckhead Village makes for a polished midweek evening.

Which event works well for families?

The Peachtree Road Farmers Market on Saturday, September 19 includes a kids play area and live music, and the Buckhead Arts Festival that weekend is free to attend with artist demonstrations to watch.

Which option is the most relaxed and low-commitment?

Realism Revisited at the Oglethorpe University Museum of Art. The museum is open every day but Monday, and an hour is enough for a satisfying visit.

Can I combine two events in one day?

Yes. On Saturday, September 19, start at the farmers market between 8:30 a.m. and noon, then continue to the Buckhead Arts Festival, which opens at 11 a.m. on Buckhead Avenue.

Which event is worth planning ahead for?

The Shoshana Bean concert. Secure tickets through Ticketmaster and reserve parking through the venue's ParkWhiz partnership ahead of time for a smoother arrival.