Things to Do Around Atlanta Show Venues

By Joleen Pete

Published April 8, 2024

Have you ever traveled to cheer on your team at the big game or to see your favorite artist in concert? Atlanta offers something for everyone in the way of entertainment, with show venues and arenas sprinkled all across the city. We want to help you plan your visit — whether you’re in town for the night or looking to extend your stay. Here are things to do around show venues in Atlanta.

Buckhead

Buckhead Theatre is located in the neighborhood it’s named for, just down the street from Buckhead Village District, where you’ll find good eats and an upscale, stylish vibe. Buckhead is home to some of the best shopping in Atlanta. Be sure to visit Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square or stroll around Miami Circle. See what’s on exhibit at the Atlanta History Center, located a short two-minute drive from the theater. If this is your first visit to Buckhead, here’s your itinerary.

Downtown

Downtown Atlanta is home to several mid-size concert halls for live music, including Center Stage Theatre, The Masquerade and the Tabernacle. National and international jazz, world music and dance hit the stage at Rialto Center for the Arts, known for its incredible acoustics. Cheer for the Atlanta Falcons or Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, also host to larger concert tours and events. State Farm Arena is a multi-purpose arena and home venue for the Atlanta Hawks. 

Make it a weekend getaway with all there is to do Downtown. Visit Atlanta attractions, such as Georgia Aquarium, Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and World of Coca-Cola. Experience Atlanta nightlife. Here’s your itinerary if you only have a a day or two.

Eastside

For more of an indie, artsy vibe you’ll want to head over to Atlanta’s Eastside. The Plaza Theatre is Atlanta’s longest continuously operating independent movie theater, which showcases film and Broadway shows on screen, as well as hosting special events for film lovers, such as dinner, trivia, costume contests and more. The Eastern is a live music venue, and Variety Playhouse is a converted movie theater now serving as an intimate concert hall. Horizon Theatre is a year-round theater. The EARL (East Atlanta Restaurant and Lounge) is one of Atlanta’s most-popular alternative music venues and hosts local up-and-coming performers and nationally established indie acts.

During the day you can explore the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside trail. Head to Little Five Points, the city’s most artistically eclectic neighborhood, and visit the retro records shop Criminal Records for vinyl, comic books and more. Step into the Civil Rights Movement with a stroll through Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site or visit a replica of the Oval Office at the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum. Nightlife on the Eastside could mean vintage arcade games in one of the Edgewood Avenue bars or singing karaoke with a live rock band in Virginia-Highland. If shopping is on your agenda, check out Ponce City Market for unique stores as well as good eats.

Midtown

Midtown Atlanta is the city’s heart of the arts. Woodruff Arts Center is home to Alliance Theatre, the High Museum of Art and Atlanta Symphony Hall, where you can see (and hear) the world-renowned Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Just down the street is the famous and fabulous Fox Theatre. During the day, see why Atlanta is known as the city in the forest with a visit to Piedmont Park or stroll through the exhibits at Atlanta Botanical Garden. For more ideas, check out our ultimate Midtown Atlanta itinerary.

Metro Atlanta

If you find yourself at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre or Coca-Cola Roxy you’ll want to visit The Battery for good eats and shopping before your concert. Baseball fans will want to visit the Braves Clubhouse Store. If you have more time on your hands, try your luck at The Escape Game Atlanta. 

If your show or concert is at Gas South Arena in Gwinnett, you’ll want to allow time to taste your way across Buford Highway.

Here’s where to eat and drink around Atlanta show venues.

Joleen Pete lives outside Atlanta with her husband and their son. On the weekends they enjoy going into the city for family fun and exploration. Joleen is the family travel and lifestyle blogger behind Love, Joleen.