Concerts by the Springs at City Springs: Your Atlanta Guide to Free Summer Music

If you love live outdoor music, easy parking, and a setting that feels more like a neighborhood block party than a packed festival, Concerts by the Springs at City Springs in Sandy Springs should be on your Atlanta summer list.

This guide breaks down what the series is, how it works, where to park, what to bring, and how to make the most of a concert evening just north of the Perimeter.

What Is “Concerts by the Springs” at City Springs?

Concerts by the Springs is a free outdoor summer concert series hosted at City Green at City Springs, the central gathering space in Sandy Springs, just north of Buckhead.

Key things to know:

• Location: City Green at City Springs
  1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
• Type of event: Family-friendly, outdoor concerts
• Cost: Generally free admission, with food and drinks available for purchase
• Typical season: Warmer months (often late spring through early fall)
• Typical schedule: Sunday evenings, once a month during the season

The series features cover bands and tribute acts, danceable favorites, and crowd-pleasing genres like classic rock, Motown, ’80s hits, and pop. The vibe is relaxed and very local—you’ll see families, couples, groups of friends, and plenty of lawn chairs.

Because City Springs is the civic and cultural hub of Sandy Springs, the event feels organized without being overly formal.

Where Exactly Are the Concerts Held?

City Green at City Springs

Concerts take place on the City Green, a large, gently sloping lawn amphitheater-style space in front of Sandy Springs City Hall and the Performing Arts Center.

City Springs campus basics:

• Address:
  City Springs
  1 Galambos Way
  Sandy Springs, GA 30328
• Area: Just north of I-285, west of Roswell Road
• Nearby Atlanta areas: Buckhead, Chastain Park, North Atlanta, Dunwoody

If you’re familiar with other Atlanta outdoor performance spaces, City Green feels like a smaller, more intimate cousin of Chastain Park Amphitheatre, but with the convenience of a newer mixed-use development.

When Do Concerts by the Springs Happen?

Details can change year to year, but in a typical season, you can expect:

• Season timing: Late spring through early fall (often May–September)
• Frequency: About one Sunday evening per month
• Start time: Often early evening (for example, around 7:00 p.m.), with guests arriving earlier to claim spots
• Duration: A couple of hours, often with a short break

Because schedules and bands change annually, it’s wise to:

• Check the current-year concert schedule before you go
• Confirm start times, any weather-related updates, and special rules for that specific show

You can call City of Sandy Springs main information at (770) 730-5600 or check City Springs event listings to confirm up-to-date details.

What Kind of Music and Atmosphere Can You Expect?

Music Style

Concerts by the Springs usually focuses on:

• Tribute bands (’70s, ’80s, or specific artists)
• Classic rock and pop
• Motown, R&B, and soul
• Beach music, dance bands, or party bands

The programming leans toward familiar, upbeat songs that work well for all ages. This is not a niche indie festival—think sing-along hits and bands that get people dancing.

Atmosphere

Expect:

• A casual, picnic-style crowd
• Kids playing on the lawn
• People bringing blankets and low-back chairs
• Couples enjoying a laid-back date night
• Groups celebrating birthdays or gathering with neighbors

It’s a community atmosphere that feels a bit like a neighborhood cookout with a professional stage and sound.

Is It Really Free? What About Tickets?

For most seasons, Concerts by the Springs is free to attend.

Common patterns:

• No general admission ticket required for the lawn
• Space is first-come, first-served for seating on the grass
• Some years, there may be reserved table seating or sponsorship seating closer to the stage that must be reserved in advance

If reserved or premium seating is offered in a given year, expect:

• Paid reserved tables or seats closer to the front
• Free lawn seating behind those areas

To avoid surprises, Atlantans often:

• Plan to arrive early for good lawn spots
• Confirm on the City Springs events page whether any reservations or registrations are required for that season

Parking, MARTA, and Getting There from Around Atlanta

Driving and Parking

City Springs was designed with events in mind, so parking is more manageable than many intown venues.

Typical options:

• City Springs parking decks:
  Multi-level parking structures on-site, accessible from surrounding streets (e.g., Mount Vernon Highway NE, Roswell Road, and Johnson Ferry Road area)
• Event parking rates:
  Often free or low-cost, but rates may vary during special events
• Wayfinding: Clear signage for decks, elevators, and exits

If you’re coming from:

• Buckhead/Midtown/Intown:
  Take GA-400 north, exit at I-285 West, then Roswell Road (Exit 25) and head north to City Springs.
• Dunwoody/Perimeter:
  Take Mount Vernon Highway or Abernathy Road west and follow signs to City Springs.
• East Atlanta/Decatur:
  Use I-285 north/west to Roswell Road and go north.
• Cobb County:
  Cross over via I-285 or surface streets (e.g., Powers Ferry to Abernathy) depending on traffic.

Aim to arrive 30–60 minutes before music starts, especially if you want a central lawn spot.

MARTA Access

City Springs is not directly on a MARTA rail line, but you can combine MARTA + bus or rideshare:

• Rail stop:
  Sandy Springs Station or North Springs Station (Red Line)
• From there, options often include:
  • MARTA bus routes running along Roswell Road
  • Short rideshare trip to 1 Galambos Way

This is helpful if you’re coming from Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead and prefer not to drive or deal with parking.

What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

Rules can vary slightly each year and by event, but these are common expectations for outdoor concerts at City Green.

Smart Things to Bring

• Blanket or low-back lawn chairs
  Many Atlantans bring camping-style chairs and picnic blankets.
• Reusable water bottle (check rules on outside drinks each year)
• Light jacket or wrap
  Even summer evenings can feel cooler on the lawn once the sun drops.
• Bug spray
  You’re in metro Atlanta in warm weather; mosquitoes are a fact of life.
• Portable fan or hand fan for hotter evenings
• Small bag or backpack to carry sunscreen, snacks (if allowed), and personal items

Food and Beverages

Typically, you’ll see a mix of:

• On-site food and drink for purchase
  City Springs and surrounding restaurants often offer food, drinks, and sometimes alcohol sales tied to events.
• In some years/events, outside food and beverages may be restricted or limited, especially alcohol.

Because policies can change:

• Check current-year guidelines for outside food, glass containers, and alcoholic beverages.
• Consider planning a pre-concert dinner at nearby Sandy Springs restaurants and then heading to City Green for the show.

Items Usually Not Allowed

Commonly restricted items include:

• Grills, open flames, or large coolers
• Tents, large umbrellas, or tall chairs that block views
• Drones
• Weapons or fireworks
• Pets, depending on the year’s policy (some series are pet-free because of crowd size)

Always verify the allowed items list from the event organizer before packing, as policies can adjust over time.

Family-Friendly Details for Atlanta Parents

Concerts by the Springs is usually very kid-friendly, and many Atlanta and Sandy Springs families use it as a low-stress way to introduce kids to live music.

What parents typically appreciate:

• Open lawn space for kids to wiggle and dance
• Safe, walkable surroundings on the City Springs campus
• Nearby fountains, plazas, and green spaces for pre-show play

Tips for bringing kids:

• Arrive early to claim a spot on the edge of the lawn, so kids can move around without bothering other guests.
• Bring:
  • A large blanket for sitting and snacks
  • Water, sun hats, and sunscreen
  • Quiet activities for younger kids while waiting for music to start

Because crowds can become dense closer to the stage, many families prefer mid-lawn or rear-lawn spots for easier in-and-out.

How Concerts by the Springs Compares to Other Atlanta Outdoor Series

If you’re deciding how to spend limited weekends, it helps to understand how this series fits into Atlanta’s broader summer concert scene.

Compared with:

• Chastain Park Amphitheatre (Cadence Bank Amphitheatre):

  • Concerts by the Springs is smaller, more casual, and free.
  • You won’t see as many national touring acts, but you do get a more neighborhood feel and less hassle.

• Piedmont Park festivals and concerts:

  • City Springs is more structured and compact, with easier nearby parking.
  • Fewer massive crowds, more of a community event atmosphere.

• Local “Movies in the Park” series around Metro Atlanta:

  • Concerts by the Springs focuses on live music, not movies, but the community-lawn setup is similar.
  • If you enjoy outdoor movies in places like Brook Run Park, Piedmont Park, or Historic Fourth Ward Park, you’ll likely enjoy this series.

Nearby Dining and Things To Do Before or After the Concert

One advantage of City Springs is that it sits inside a mixed-use district with restaurants, residences, and civic buildings.

Popular pre- or post-concert ideas:

• Walkable restaurants within or near City Springs (casual to upscale options)
• Coffee or dessert stops along Roswell Road or within the City Springs area
• Short strolls around the plazas, fountains, and landscaped areas

If you’re coming from elsewhere in Atlanta, you can easily:

• Spend the day in Sandy Springs or North Atlanta (Chattahoochee River parks, Morgan Falls Overlook Park, nearby shopping areas)
• Then cap off the evening at Concerts by the Springs

Basic Event-Day Checklist for Atlantans

Use this simple table to prep for a typical Concerts by the Springs evening:

Who Manages the Series and How to Get Information

Concerts by the Springs is part of the broader City Springs / City of Sandy Springs programming.

Helpful contacts and reference points:

• City Springs Campus
  1 Galambos Way
  Sandy Springs, GA 30328

• City of Sandy Springs Main Number
  Phone: (770) 730-5600
  (Ask for information on “Concerts by the Springs” or City Springs events.)

• City Springs Box Office / Event Info
  The on-site box office at City Springs can provide event details for the current season’s lineup, reserved seating (if offered), and accessibility questions.

Accessibility and Comfort Considerations

Event plans may evolve, but City Springs is generally designed with accessibility in mind.

Common features:

• Paved walkways and ramp access to the City Green
• Nearby restrooms within the City Springs complex
• Elevators in parking decks for easier access from vehicle to lawn

If you or someone in your group needs specific accommodations:

• Call (770) 730-5600 in advance and ask about accessibility seating areas, drop-off locations, and any assistance the staff can provide during concerts.

Is Concerts by the Springs Worth It for an Atlanta Visit?

For most Atlanta locals and visitors, the answer is yes if you:

• Enjoy live music in a relaxed, family-friendly setting
• Want a low-cost or free night out
• Prefer less chaotic crowds than you’ll find at major festivals or large amphitheaters
• Are looking for a convenient outing just outside I-285 with easy parking and walkable dining

If you live in Atlanta or are visiting during the warmer months, Concerts by the Springs at City Springs is an easy, enjoyable way to experience live music in a well-designed public space without the stress of downtown traffic or high ticket prices.