CRITIC’S PICK: No Words ATL music festival

Sat., May 9
No Words ATL music festival
Little 5 Points Cultural District

The No Words ATL music festival has become an annual institution since its launching in 2022. Originally conceived by Ann Wood as an exclusive, diverse showcase for instrumental performances, No Words remains mostly devoid of vocals with occasional divergences.

This year’s all-day (2-11 p.m.) event curated by Ben Garden in cooperation with the Little 5 Points Cultural District includes a cornucopia of genres and disciplines ranging from weird improv, jazzy jamband and reggae to prog-metal, DJs and dance.

As a special treat, a New Orleans-style second line parade featuring dozens of custom flags created by Art Span NOLA artists Monica Rose Kelly and Antonia Zennaro and the Atlanta-based Freak Flag Freedom Party begins at 2 p.m. at the L5P Community Center.

The 2026 No Words ATL musical lineup is a wonderfully eclectic roster, which includes W8ING4UFOS, Musicians & Movers, Bird City Revolutionaries, Flea Circus, Free Hat, Auxigen ATL, Rick Daum and North Scenic Route Arkestra. – Doug DeLoach
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