Spring forward into these Black Atlanta events

Thank goodness spring has finally sprung in Atlanta, meaning — hopefully — we no longer have to deal with the back-and-forth weather that really started to hammer down over the past month.

Folks will now have more of an opportunity to frolic without worrying if the temperature is going to plummet. (My roommate and I have been toggling between the air conditioning and heat in our house. It has not been an enjoyable experience.)

So, pull your warmer weather attire out of storage and prepare to finally feel some lasting rays of sunshine. From concerts to foodie festivals, the team at UATL has you covered to come out from hibernation.

Atlanta, it is our time to be outside.

Music

Jill Scott will headline the HBCU Aware Fest concert. (Ronald R. Williams III/AJC 2024)

HBCU Aware Fest

HBCU Aware Fest is a huge convention to help fundraise for historical Black colleges and universities. With Atlanta being the epicenter of so many of these institutions, it seems only right the event would commence here.

There’s a major concert that will feature a variety of musical artists. Jill Scott will headline the show, along with Earth, Wind & Fire, GloRilla, Coco Jones, Yolanda Adams and Jeezy. And that’s not it. There will also be special appearances from Mayor Andre Dickens, Ludacris, Will Packer, Big Boi and Magic Johnson.

An additional performance will be made by the cast of the Broadway musical “Hell’s Kitchen.”

Oh, and the concert will be hosted by Nick Cannon.

Yes, it’s a lot. So, get ready.

7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, $68.50+. State Farm Arena: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta. 404-878-3000. ticketmaster.com

Rapper Juvenile. (File photo.)

Juvenile: Boiling Point Tour

Juve the Great is having a renaissance moment, and the New Orleans rapper is making a stop in Atlanta at Tabernacle for his “Boiling Point” tour. Named after the release of Juvenile’s latest album, the concert will surely raise the heat this season — let’s hope by 400 degrees.

8 p.m. Friday, April 3, $97+. Tabernacle: 152 Luckie St., Atlanta. 404-659-9022. ticketmaster.com

This image released by Atlantic Records shows "The Romantic" by Bruno Mars. (Atlantic Records via AP)

Bruno Mars: The Romantic Tour

Soul crooner Bruno Mars is making the rounds, commemorating his latest musical project, “The Romantic.” It’s been a decade since we’ve heard a solo project from the singer, and we’re excited to see him back — especially “It’s UATL” podcast host Nedra Rhone.

Mars won’t be coming alone. Anderson .Paak and Leon Thomas will be tagging along.

7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 25 and 26, Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field: 177 North Ave. NW, Atlanta. 404-894-5447. ticketmaster.com

Performance

HBCU Aware Fest: Deon Cole and Chris Spencer

Now, we said the HBCU Aware Fest was a big deal. Not only will there be a concert — and fifty-eleven other activations, but comedian Deon Cole is also set to take the stage. Grab a drink and get settled in for some laughs — and maybe don’t sit too close to the front, or the laughs could be on you.

8 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, $64+. Tabernacle: 152 Luckie St., Atlanta. 404-659-9022. ticketmaster.com

Kandi Burruss brings her one woman show to City Winery. (Courtesy)

I Do. I Did. I’m Done. A one-woman show with Kandi Burruss

Kandi Burruss has something to tell y’all, and she’s doing it her way. Taking the stage at City Winery, the business person, musician and reality personality will embrace storytelling mixed with music to bear her truth. It’s a one-woman show of her life’s journey.

8 p.m. Monday, April 27, $78+. City Winery Atlanta: 650 North Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-946-3791. citywinery.com

Food

Uptown Market opening weekend

The first Saturday in May will start the season for the Uptown Market. Food, drinks, arts and crafts, and family activities will be on deck during this ongoing festival. Be sure to shop from local vendors through November.

11 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, May 2, Free. The Lawn at Uptown: 521 Market St. NE, Atlanta. eventbrite.com

Party

(ATL) Sexy Nerds: Spring Fling

Nerds like to have fun too!

At this party, video gamers, anime lovers, comic fanatics and folks who like to cosplay as their favorite characters gather for live performances and dancing. It’s the ultimate party for geeks, and it’s coming to Atlanta.

Saturday, April 18, 9:30 p.m.-3 a.m. $20.91+. Knock Music House: 1789 Cheshire Rd. NE, Atlanta. 404-369-3259. sexynerds.net

R&B Brunch — ’90s Edition

A soulful brunch is hitting City Winery, so you can groove and eat in one place.

Curated by $aundae Service and Kristina Webb, the ’90s flow will definitely have you in a vibe that we’re still trying to replicate in 2026.

11:30 a.m. Sunday, April 19, $30+. City Winery Atlanta: 650 North Ave. NE, Atlanta. 404-946-3791. citywinery.com

Tequila Fest Atlanta 2026: Cinco de Mayo weekend

What other way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo than a weekend day party at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark? Hosted by City Group Elite, the event will feature complimentary tequila for a limited time, and round-the-clock DJs will be spinning nonstop.

Tickets will not be sold at the door.

2:30-10 p.m. Saturday, May 2, $34.99+. Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark: 830 Willoughby Way NE, Atlanta. 212-651-9069 / 404-369-3259. posh.vip

Community

Big Tigger’s Beltline BikeFest

For the third year, radio and television personality Big Tigger uplifts community with his annual BikeFest. The event will be a group riding experience paired with music and food, promoting the benefits of exercise and healthy living. There will be helmet and bike giveaways and health screenings.

8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, LEE + WHITE: 929 Lee St. SW, Atlanta. beltline.org

The Q's at Atlanta Greek Picnic. (File photo.)