The Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is the  largest festival in the nation solely devoted to presenting traditional, urban contemporary and classical Afro-centric theatre under one roof!  

Whether you're a fan of Tyler Perry, August Wilson or just a lover of an exceptional arts festival, the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is an amazing way to experience some of the nation's best plays in Atlanta. 

Recently named among the "Best Fall Festival" by MyAJC.com and "Can't Miss Fall Festival" by the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, the ABTF (popularly known as "40 plays in 4 days") is sure to become one of your favorite things to do in Atlanta!   

Individual tickets go live on June 15th, but multi-access passes are available now!

Our popular Readers' Theatre series features original works from the minds of some of the most prolific wordsmiths of our time!  Writers have a rare opportunity to test or share original content for live theatre and digital platforms.  Each reading is followed by a "talk back" as time permits.  

Readers' Theatre Series: October  3-6, 2018 

Individual tickets go on sale on June 15th, but multi-access passes are available now!

Let's face it. There is no fast track to success, but you can study the habits of those who have made their mark in the entertainment industry.

Creative Connections for Artists is a  unique platform that intimately connects aspiring artists with influential entertainment industry experts, professors, and award-winning legends. Get mentored and coached by those who have paved the way as they pass on the best practices for navigating your creative career. 

Join us and leave inspired with a 20/20 perspective on how to succeed in the entertainment business!

Creative Connections: October  3-5, 2018 

Speaker schedule available June 15th! 

Economic viability is a crucial pillar to building community. Our International Vendor and Art Market connects you with proprietors that offer a unique selection of fine and wearable art.  Begin your holiday shopping early while keeping community based businesses in the "Black"!

Market Dates/Hours: October  3-6, 2018

10am - 9pm

After four power packed days of the most incredible theatre, panels, shopping and more, this "love fest" closes with a star studded gala that includes a critically acclaimed live performance!  This is when we take the time to pay homage to legendary artists who've paved the way for the next generation. This red carpet tribute is immediately followed by the reveal of the Festival Favorite Award winners. We end with a perfect finale on this historic event "turnt up" with a VIP After Glow!

This year's theme: "Black is Beautiful"

Signature Closing Event: October 6, 2018 

Individual tickets go on sale on June 15th, but multi-access passes are available now!

We're reaching our youth... 

Partnerships with universities like South Carolina State and Georgia State, provide rarely offered hands on experiences to the next generation of African-American students seeking opportunities in creative careers. 

Additonally, art organizations and corporate collaborations with Landmindz, Inc. and PNC Bank allow us to present thought provoking dramatic inspiration to students in public schools.

This year, the Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is expanding the platform to provide opporutunities for self-published authors! We've partnered with Divine Garden Press, LLC a black owned publishing firm to expand and enterain your literary palette by connecting you with community griots. The Author's Cafe will give you an opportunity engage with phenomenal authors who dare to share their stories. The book signings are free and open to the public with registration (due to limited seating). Passholders do NOT need to register for this event. Come and join  the fun as these seasoned and aspiring authors introduce their new works.  

Main Events: October  3-6, 2018

Registration opens Aug. 15th!

Getting our best work to the community is what we do best. Come see the latest curated exhibition of artists we believe deserve a "chance" to share their own stories with visual arts. 

Gallery talks are at designated times. This event is free and open to the public with registration (due to limited space). Passholders do NOT need to register for this event.

Main Events: October 3-6, 2018

Registration opens June 15th!

PRE-FESTIVAL EVENT!

The nation's only Afro-centric play festival promoting positive images through the arts for youth age 5-12!  Ideal for youth groups or family fun, the Atlanta Black Theatre Fesival Children's PlayFest kicks off with an exciting workshop entitled "Speak Up, Your Voice Matters" promoting speaking and acting skills with theatre games. Each child has a chance to win amazing prizes and gifts. This memorable day is filled with high energy and excitement. It ends with a "fun-tastic" family production! 

Children's PlayFest: Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 

Futlon County West End Performing Arts Center 

945 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd

Atlanta, GA 30310

Tickets go on sale June 15th!