Trendy in Midtown

Midtown Atlanta is known as the Heart of the Arts. The main reason for this is the Woodruff Arts Center, which houses the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Alliance Theatre and the High Museum of Art. Those three institutions are, in fact, some of the Best Things to Do in Midtown. While the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performs at Atlanta Symphony Hall, so do popular artists and comedians. And at the High Museum of Art, in addition to more than 20,000 pieces of art, things get hopping in a musical way on the first and third Fridays of every month. It’s High Frequency Friday the first weekend of every month with DJs providing the tunes and Friday Jazz with live music the third Friday of every month.

Midtown Atlanta is known as the Heart of the Arts

Where to Hear and Dance to Live Music in Atlanta

See your Favorite Artists Perform at Atlanta Symphony Hall

Popular acts from across the country routinely perform at Atlanta Symphony Hall. Just a few examples are Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Toad the Wet Sproket. Comedians including Dusty Slay and Jim Gaffigan bring the laughs to this venue. Gordon Lightfoot made Atlanta Symphony Hall a regular stop on his tours prior to his death.

Blind Willie’s: All about the Blues

A mainstay in Virginia Highland, the intimate space known as Blind Willie’s is all about the blues. This long-time favorite Atlanta club named for bluesman Blind Willie McTell, won the W.C. Handy award for Blues Club of the Year. Blind Willie’s was a favorite venue of the late singer/songwriter Townes Van Zandt.

Three Distinct Performance Venues in One Place at Center Stage

Center Stage, a revered Atlanta concert hall is home to three venues. Center Stage Theater, the historic 1,050-capacity original theater, is renowned for its acoustics and intimate live show experiences. The Loft is an industrial 650-capacity live music and event space. Vinyl is a 300-capacity staple in Atlanta’s local music scene.

Music at Red Light Cafe Ranges from Americana to Funk and Everything in Between

Billing itself as Atlanta’s Listening (Living) Room, Red Light Cafe brings to the stage jazz, comedy, burlesque, variety shows, Americana, folk, funk, soul and more. The cozy venue has tables and seating for more than 100 folks.

Comedy Clubs

Laughing Skull Lounge Showcases a Variety of Comedians

Laughing Skull Lounge, among the Best Comedy Clubs in Atlanta, features Best of Atlanta Comedy Showcases where 10 or 20 comics perform for 10 minutes each. Also popular at Laughing Skull Lounge are stand-up comedy classes.

You Never Know What to Expect at Whole World Improv Theatre Co. Why? Because it’s Improv.

As one fan said about Whole World Improv Theatre performances: “I always laugh until I can’t breathe.” Enough said.

Dance

Dine and Dance at Sebastian Pintxos Bar

Weekends at Sebastian Pintxos Bar promise live entertainment featuring Latin dance. DJs keep the energy high with a mix of Latin, reggaeton and electronic beats. The space is small but vibrant, making it perfect for those who love a packed dance floor. Learn Where to Go Dancing in Atlanta.

Explore more nightlife in neighborhoods throughout Atlanta: Buckhead, Downtown, Eastside, Midtown and Westside.