The Atlanta Exposition Center is a major event complex in south Atlanta known for hosting large trade shows, conventions, expos, festivals, and specialty markets. If you live in Atlanta—or plan to visit for a specific show—this is one of the main places where big regional events take place.
This guide walks you through what the Atlanta Exposition Center is, where it’s located, what kinds of events it hosts, how to get there, and practical tips to make your visit smoother.
The Atlanta Exposition Center is located off Jonesboro Road SE, just outside the I-285 perimeter on the south side of the city. It’s near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, making it convenient for out‑of‑town visitors.
There are actually two main buildings on site:
| Area | What to Know | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Exposition Center North | Large indoor hall with flexible floor space | Trade shows, consumer expos, conventions |
| Atlanta Exposition Center South | Similar large hall, often used for separate or concurrent events | Markets, festivals, exhibitions, large sales events |
Both buildings are used for public and private events, so on any given weekend you might see a car show in one building and a regional expo in the other.
The center is primarily known as a multi-purpose exhibition venue. Depending on the time of year, you may find:
Consumer expos
Home shows, travel expos, health and wellness fairs, and hobby or collector conventions.
Trade and business events
Industry trade shows, vendor fairs, and regional professional gatherings where businesses set up booths and displays.
Specialty markets and sales
Large indoor flea markets, seasonal warehouse sales, antique or collectible shows, and niche shopping events.
Car, boat, and RV shows
Big indoor spaces make it a popular place to showcase vehicles, recreational equipment, and outdoor gear.
Cultural and community events
Festivals, cultural exhibitions, church gatherings, and large banquets or celebrations.
Events are typically organized by outside promoters, not by the center itself, so schedules can change frequently. For the most accurate details, it’s best to check the specific event organizer’s information for dates, hours, and ticket policies.
The Atlanta Exposition Center is generally referenced with this location:
Atlanta Exposition Center
Located near Jonesboro Road SE and I‑285
Atlanta, GA 30354
Because there are North and South buildings, event listings usually specify which side your event is in. When planning your visit:
If you’re unsure which building your event uses, most organizers list that information on their event flyers, tickets, or websites.
For most Atlantans, driving is the easiest way to reach the center.
🅿️ Parking
Parking is generally on-site and surface-lot based. Some events may charge for parking, while others may include it in the ticket price. Costs and policies vary by event organizer, so it’s wise to:
If you don’t want to deal with parking, rideshare services and taxis are commonly used:
Public transit access to the Atlanta Exposition Center area is more limited than in Midtown or Downtown:
If you rely on transit, plan ahead by:
The buildings at the Atlanta Exposition Center are designed for flexibility, so the look and layout can change drastically based on the event.
You can generally expect:
Some events bring in:
Because the center is often busy, it can get crowded and noisy during major shows, especially on Saturdays and holiday weekends.
To make your visit smoother, especially for bigger expos or festivals, consider:
Every event has its own rules and logistics. Look for:
Traffic on the south side near I‑285 can be heavy, particularly:
Aim to:
Because the facility is large and events often involve a lot of walking:
Check the event’s rules before bringing:
The Atlanta Exposition Center is a modern event facility, and events typically provide:
If you need specific accessibility support (such as reserved seating for programs, sign language interpretation, or assistance at registration), contact the event organizer in advance rather than the building itself, since accommodations are usually managed by the group hosting the event.
If you are coming in from out of town or turning your expo trip into a day out, you may want to plan around nearby areas:
Lodging and restaurant availability varies, so if you’re attending a multi‑day event, it helps to book a hotel near the airport or on the south side early, especially on busy convention weekends.
Within metro Atlanta, the Atlanta Exposition Center is known as a workhorse venue for large‑scale, indoor, regional events. While places like the Georgia World Congress Center and Georgia International Convention Center handle many downtown and airport‑adjacent conventions, the Atlanta Exposition Center often hosts:
For Atlantans, that means if there’s a big market, seasonal sale, or hobby expo in town, there’s a good chance it might be scheduled here.
Use this short checklist to prepare for an event at the Atlanta Exposition Center:
With a little advance planning, the Atlanta Exposition Center can be an easy and convenient place to attend major shows, expos, and markets on Atlanta’s south side.
