Live music, dance, comedy, and theatrical performances take place throughout the weekend, joyfully celebrating Decatur’s immense local talent across four main venues – the Decatur Community Bandstand, the Performing Arts Tent, the LOL Tent, and the Decatur Recreation Center – with pop-ups in between. Sort the full schedule by date, location, or interest. All events are free.
Live music, dance, comedy, and theatrical performances take place throughout the weekend, joyfully celebrating Decatur’s immense local talent across four main venues – the Decatur Community Bandstand, the Performing Arts Tent, the LOL Tent, and the Decatur Recreation Center – with pop-ups in between. Sort the full schedule by date, location, or interest.
All events are free.
- All
- Saturday, May 6
- Sunday, May 7
- Poetry
- Puppetry
- Performing Arts Tent
- Acoustic Sets
- Spoken Word
- Dance
- Theatre
- LOL Tent (Comedy)
- Friday, May 5
- Theatre
- Performing Arts – Courthouse
- Live Music at the Bandstand
Unscripted Shakespeare
The Unscripted Shakespeare Ensemble performs fully improvised plays in the style of William Shakespeare based on YOUR suggestions! Hie thee hither to witness a comedy, tragedy, or history invented before thine eyes by the preeminent improvisers of Atlanta.
The Oakhurst Community Choir
The Oakhurst Community Choir is a friendly, non-audition choir established in 2013. Our goal is to bring together members of our community to share in the joy of choral singing in a fun and relaxed setting. facebook.com/oakhurstcommunitychoir
Beacon Hill Middle School/ Decatur High School Slam Poets
Local poets from Beacon Hill Middle School and Decatur High School take the stage to showcase the art of Slam Poetry. Slam Poetry is a unique style of spoken-word poetry that combines the elements of writing, performance, competition, and audience participation – animated and elevated spoken-word riffing on contemporary issues.
DJ MettaSpin
The Unscripted Shakespeare Ensemble performs fully improvised plays in the style of William Shakespeare based on YOUR suggestions! Hie thee hither to witness a comedy, tragedy, or history invented before thine eyes by the preeminent improvisers of Atlanta.
Aaliyah Cesaire
Aaliyah Cesaire is a 15-year-old poet/singer/songwriter who is passionate about using language to explore and express the human experience. Through their poetry, they aim to touch the hearts and minds of their audience and inspire them to see the world in a new light. Aaliyah will be performing a powerful work titled “Kintsugi” and other…
Spaghetti Junction
Spaghetti Junction is a versatile musical group that prides itself on its ability to perform a wide range of songs by various artists, spanning different genres and eras. With a diverse set that includes everything from Elvis, to Rush, to Cake, to the Eurythmics, to Phish, to Grease and Louis Armstrong, Spaghetti Junction caters to…
Julie Baggenstoss: Intro to Flamenco (Class)
Basic rhythms of flamenco become the foundation of introductory dance steps and percussive movements that make flamenco an exciting way to transmit emotion. No special dance gear or equipment is required.
Unscripted Shakespeare
The Unscripted Shakespeare Ensemble performs fully improvised plays in the style of William Shakespeare based on YOUR suggestions! Hie thee hither to witness a comedy, tragedy, or history invented before thine eyes by the preeminent improvisers of Atlanta. facebook.com/UnscriptedShakespeareATL amandarountree.com/shows/the-unscripted-shakespeare-ensemble
The Quaranteens
The Quaranteens are a local band made up of a diverse group of five sophomores at Decatur High School performing classic rock covers. This homegrown group of Oakhurst teens spent the pandemic months learning how to rock, and as Rough Draft Atlanta puts it . . . they are “legit”! Listen Here
Nguzo Babies Presents: Abena the Cowgirl
Meet for music and storytime with the Nguzo Babies. In this puppet show, the treehouse friends celebrate Abena for her equestrian birthday party and meet an unexpected guest: Bill Pickett.
Dan Weeks
Dan’s a charmingly weird dude whose comedy is described as “so smart it’s stupid” and “it’s a party every time he steps on stage.” His credits include Big Sky/Laughing Skull/Boston Comedy festivals, featured comedian on Fox networks, Weather Gone Viral on The Weather Channel, Abercrombie & Fitch, and a feature in the film American Dirtbag.…
D. Patton White: Intro to 6 Count East Coast Swing (Class)
In this short Swing class, we will learn the basic steps and a few variations to get the participant comfortable with leading or following in most social situations. We will listen to a variety of swing music of varying tempos and styles, and have fun in a relaxed atmosphere.
Sandra Lin
“I am Sandra Lin, a scholar, a mother, an immigrant, an educator, and a dreamer. I want to use stand-up comedy to promote Asian culture and raise the awareness of Asian stereotypes. We are not a model minority; we need tender loving care. Dos and don’ts when talking to Asian people: 1) Don’t ask Asian…
Andonia Alexander-Smith
Andonia Alexander-Smith is a high school senior who is a passionate musician and avid performer. In the past, she has played alongside the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra as well as small jazz and rock ensemble groups. Andonia enjoys performing in a number of styles and specializes in ukulele, guitar, and clarinet. She also composes her own…
Open Mic
Take your turn at the mic; sign up for the Open Mic segment on Saturday at 1:30 pm to share your silliest thoughts or humorous observations. MC’d by Lew Lefton, longstanding member of the Atlanta comedy community and a seasoned Decatur Arts Festival coordinator.
D. Patton White: Inhabiting Your Body Through Body Weather (Class)
In this movement class we will learn about the movement ideas and techniques of Japanese performing artist and choreographer Min Tanaka, and the body of work he developed that he calls ‘Body Weather’. The participants will learn some gentle warm up exercises, and then move into some more physical work called ‘M/B’, which is both…
Théâtre du Rêve
Théâtre du Rêve (Theatre of the Dream) presents selections from their hit show, Vive La Fontaine! A band of traveling players invites you to rediscover the magic of Fables in this theatrical feast for all ages. Circus, song, and puppetry merge in this celebration of France’s master storyteller, Jean de La Fontaine! Performed in French…
Emma
Inspired by mythology, nature, and emotion, singer/writer Emma Rose Holmes dedicates her creative process to cinematic artwork. Her self-empowerment single, “Sailing,” is available on all major streaming platforms, and she is currently working on her first album. Instagram
Dwayne Dash
“My name is Dwayne Dash. I’m a true Atlantan because I was actually born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. I have been doing standup comedy for several years. It’s more than a hobby that I enjoy; it’s my passion. I’ve been featured on several showcases, including Coffee Comedy, Fifty First Jokes, The Laughing Skull, and…
Essential Theatre
Join Essential artists Emily McClain and Cameryn Richardson as they lead our audiences in fun and interactive theatrical games! About Essential Theatre Essential Theatre is the longest-running theatre exclusively dedicated to supporting Georgia playwrights. Since our first play festival in 1999, we’ve produced or presented 43 new works by 34 different Georgia playwrights, with readings…
Jasmine George
Jasmine George is a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and has her PhD in Biomedical Science from Morehouse School of Medicine. She was the Louis Sullivan Fellow at Research!America, and now serves as the Manager of Advocacy Programs at Research!America where she supports the organization’s signature programs and develops programs around the advancement of diversity,…
Vandy Beth Glenn
Vandy Beth Glenn is a Georgia native, comedian, screenwriter, film director, and civil rights pioneer. She has been performing standup for just over a year. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Georgia. She lives in Decatur with her fiancée and five ungrateful cats. She can be found on Instagram @vandybethglenn and on…
Waiting for the Truth, Performed by The Dancing Flowers for Peace
A body (flower) waits in stillness for the truth. A sign will be close to the flower(s) that says “Waiting for the Truth.” The flower(s) will maintain that posture until relieved by Peace and Justice watering cans.
New Dance Showcase Performances
New Dance Showcase Performance features the following new dances by these artists: Tang By The Dancing Flowers for Peace Indian Classical /Fusion by Leenatha Vancha and Hima Karri Go For It!!! by Gloria Blalock Kitchens Shaken Not Stirred by Ouroboros Dance Project/Heidi Bailla Live Flamenco by Julie Galle Baggenstoss Voices Asemble! (Excerpt) by D. Patton…
Frank Hamilton Band
The Frank Hamilton School Players is comprised of students and instructors from FHS. The school’s main focus is community – bringing people together to make and enjoy music. We encourage everyone to Come Play with Us. frankhamiltonschool.org
Village Theatre Improv
Village Theatre is a bunch of weirdos who just like to create good comedy. Founded in 2008, Village Theatre is an award-winning non-profit company that offers classes, corporate training, and shows. Village focuses on comedy that is fast, silly and, most of all, funny. Thank you so much to Decatur Arts Festival for putting on…
Alma Mexicana
Alma Mexicana, meaning “Mexican Soul”, is a group that presents traditional Mexican dances. Based in Atlanta area, this group has been performing for more than a decade bringing to the audience joy, music, dances, and culture from different regions of Mexico. almamexicanaatlanta.com
Ryan Kilgore
Ryan Kilgore is a native of Atlanta and a 4th generation saxophonist. Ryan attended Southwest Dekalb High School and Clark Atlanta University. Ryan’s musical career has afforded him the opportunity to tour 6 continents and perform in well over 100 of the most prestigious arenas around the world. Transforming him into an international saxophonist and…
Reverend Hylton
Reverend Hylton is an Americana Singer/Songwriter out of Atlanta who has spent the better part of the last decade touring this beautiful country sharing his songs. Heartbreak, addiction and traveling are the substance of his melodic musical, lyrical and vocal writings. From the stage to the crowd, a real performance is heard. Real words from…
Kurt Blumthal • 2022 Open Mic Winner
Kurt Blumthal, the winner of last year’s Decatur Arts Festival “Open Mic” contest, got a late start to his comedic journey. Appearing on stage for the first time in 2022, he quickly learned that his observational style of standup could work in any market. Starting standup comedy late in his life has given him the…
Petal Play (Class)
The Dancing Flowers for Peace share values they have practiced since 2005. They will facilitate an introduction to movement improvisation that emphasizes play, collaboration, sensing, and relating. Dance for your own health and well-being! Movers will explore how we communicate with each other; how we uniquely express our identities; and how play transforms into moving…
Noell Appling
Noell Appling is a comedian currently living in Atlanta, Georgia. He’s been on AthFest, Best of Atlanta Laughing Skull and public broadcast television being interviewed for no good particular reason. Catch him hosting a monthly comedy show in Athens at Hendershot’s every third Wednesday of the month at 8PM. instagram.com/noell_appli facebook.com/shon.appling
Words and Stories
Host: Derona King Derona King is the creator of Story Matters, an interactive learning workshop, to help people reclaim purpose and creativity in their work through storytelling. Derona says, “Stories help us find common ground and teach us about community, culture and even ourselves.” She even engages storytelling in her role as a certified wellness…
Naoma and the SunDaze
Naoma and the Sundaze is an 8 person Disco Funk band based out of Atlanta. They have only been here for a little over a year, but have already performed at several venues around the city including their recent performance at the Atlanta St Patrick’s Day Parade and their headliner show at MJQ in April.…
Donald Gee
Donald Gee is a student at Georgia Tech studying Civil Engineering and Sustainability. He is originally from Iowa and has performed with the likes of Matthew Longfellow (SNL), Preacher Lawson (AGT) and Katherine Blanford (Don’t Tell Comedy). He created the College Comedy Tour which has helped raise more than $5,000 for charities around the South…
Hush Harbor
Founded by Atlanta-based playwrights Addae Moon and Amina McIntyre, Hush Harbor Lab is a brave space for the development and production of new and innovative digital, live and multi- media performance work by Black Atlanta-based artists. Hush Harbor strives to be a space that promotes wellness, self-care and the sacred within the Black arts community…
Carly Sharec
Carly Sharec is an Atlanta-based stand up comedian and writer. She appears regularly on comedy shows across Atlanta, including in Kenan Thompson’s Ultimate Comedy Experience. In real life, Carly works in marketing and lives in Flowery Branch with her two fur sons, Bowser and Louis. instagram.com/carly_sharec
G Clef & The Playlist
This 4-piece powerhouse sounds like an 8-piece! From Motown to Maroon 5, from Hootie to Hip-Hop, this band does it ALL! Superior sound, lush harmonies, and an amazing repertoire that transitions song to song like a DJ, only better! The Playlist is your playlist. Facebook
Joseph E. Reed
Joseph E. Reed, “The One-Man Orchestra” specializes in creating exciting, multi-layered musical arrangements on the spot. Joseph combines violin, guitar, and more using a looper and an effects pedal. josephereed.com
Lauren Jones
Lauren Jones is a stand up comedian, improviser, and total klutz living in Atlanta, GA. She runs a quarterly show called the Trans Talent Show, a space for transgender individuals to share their art and passions with fellow trans people. She also produces a monthly show called the AI Comedy Show, where comedians have to…
Village Theatre Improv
Village Theatre is a bunch of weirdos who just like to create good comedy. Founded in 2008, Village Theatre is an award-winning non-profit company that offers classes, corporate training, and shows. Village focuses on comedy that is fast, silly and, most of all, funny. Thank you so much to Decatur Arts Festival for putting on…
New Dance Showcase Performances
New Dance Showcase Performance features new dances by these artists: “Tang” by The Dancing Flowers for Peace “Indian Classical/Fusion” by Leenatha Vancha and Hima Karri “Go For It!!!” by Gloria Blalock Kitchens “Shaken Not Stirred” by Ouroboros Dance Project/Heidi Bailla “Live Flamenco” by Julie Galle Baggenstoss “Voices Asemble!” (Excerpt) by D. Patton White/Beacon Dance “I…
- All
- Live Music at the Bandstand
- 2023 Music + Performances
- Saturday, May 6
- Sunday, May 7
- Poetry
- Puppetry
- Performing Arts Tent
- Acoustic Sets
- Spoken Word
- Dance
- Theatre
- LOL Tent (Comedy)
- Friday, May 5
- Theatre
- Performing Arts – Courthouse
Unscripted Shakespeare
Beacon Hill Middle School/ Decatur High School Slam Poets
Local poets from Beacon Hill Middle School and Decatur High School take the stage to showcase the art of Slam…