Soul, Sound, and Restoration: Atlanta’s R&B Soul Picnic Returns for Its 5th Year

Tickets are available now at www.rnbsoulpicnic.com.

ATLANTA, GA — As spring settles over the city, one of its most anticipated cultural gatherings is preparing to transform green space into a sanctuary of sound, soul, and shared experience. The 5th Annual R&B Soul Picnic returns on Saturday, May 9th, from 12 PM to 11 PM at Shirley Franklin Park—welcoming music lovers, families, and community seekers to an all-day celebration rooted in nostalgia, healing, and connection.

Now firmly established as a signature springtime tradition in Atlanta, the R&B Soul Picnic has evolved beyond a music event into a cultural movement. It’s where classic rhythm and blues meets modern festival energy, and where intentional joy becomes part of the programming. Designed as both an entertainment experience and a mental health initiative, the event invites attendees to slow down, reconnect, and embrace the therapeutic power of music.

At the heart of this year’s experience is a deeply meaningful Mother’s Day tribute series beginning at 4 PM. The segment will honor the timeless legacies of icons like Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross—artists whose voices continue to define love, vulnerability, and Black musical excellence across generations.

But the soundtrack doesn’t stop there. The day will be driven by an elite lineup of DJs, each bringing their own flavor to a seamless blend of classic hits and feel-good anthems. Expect electrifying sets from crowd favorites like DJ SNS, DJ Traci Steele, DJ Mars, DJ Jelly, DJ Mix Master David, DJ P Nut, DJ Queen of Spades, DJ Che Mack, DJ Tephlon, and DJ DSA—creating an atmosphere where every generation can find its rhythm.

Guiding the crowd through the experience will be charismatic hosts Wild African and K Botchey, whose energy and engagement promise to keep the vibe elevated from start to finish.

For founder Ais York Almahdi, the vision has always extended beyond music. “The R&B Soul Picnic is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of our culture, our music, and the moments that bring us together,” Almahdi shares. “We created this experience to honor the soundtrack of our lives while giving people a space to connect, unwind, and elevate through love and community. It’s also a soul-healing experience—an intentional mental health initiative that reminds us to be present.”

That intention is felt in every detail—from the open invitation for guests to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and curated picnic setups, to the welcoming atmosphere that encourages authentic connection. It’s a space where style meets serenity, where laughter blends with lyrics, and where community becomes the headliner.

More than a festival, the R&B Soul Picnic is a reminder: healing doesn’t always happen in silence—sometimes, it sounds like your favorite song played under an open sky, surrounded by people who feel like home.

Tickets are available now, and if past years are any indication, Atlanta will once again show up ready to vibe, celebrate, and restore—together.