Atlanta Streets Alive: How Open-Streets Days Work in Atlanta

Atlanta Streets Alive turns some of the city’s busiest streets into car-free playgrounds for a day, inviting people to walk, bike, roll, and explore neighborhoods at a different pace. If you live in Atlanta—or you’re visiting when one is scheduled—these open-streets days can be one of the most family‑friendly ways to experience the city.

Below is a clear guide to what Atlanta Streets Alive is, how it works, and how to make the most of it with kids.

What Is Atlanta Streets Alive?

Atlanta Streets Alive is a series of open-streets events where major Atlanta roads are temporarily closed to motor vehicle traffic and opened for people-powered activities. For several hours, the route becomes a giant linear park.

You’ll typically see:

• People walking, biking, scootering, skating, and pushing strollers
• Pop-up performances, music, and interactive activities
• Local organizations, neighborhood groups, and community booths
• Families using the street space the way they usually use parks and sidewalks

The events are often coordinated with support from City of Atlanta departments, transportation and planning agencies, and local community groups. Routes and schedules can change from year to year, but they tend to focus on walkable, transit‑accessible corridors.

Why Atlanta Streets Alive Is Great for Families

A big-city outing that still feels manageable

For parents, Atlanta Streets Alive offers a rare mix: a big, exciting event that’s also low-cost and easy to customize around your kids’ ages and energy levels.

Common family benefits include:

• No car traffic on the route
  Parents often feel more comfortable letting kids ride bikes or scooters in the street when there are no moving vehicles.

• Flexible timing
  You can arrive when it works for nap schedules or sports practices, and leave whenever you’re ready.

• Built-in entertainment
  You don’t have to plan every detail. The route is usually lined with activities, performances, and things to watch.

• Neighborhood discovery
  Families who mostly drive through certain parts of Atlanta get a chance to see those areas up close—storefronts, public art, side streets, and parks they might otherwise miss.

Seasonal and special-occasion feel

Many local families treat Streets Alive like a seasonal tradition, similar to festivals or holiday parades:

• Fall routes often feel like a back-to-school or pre-holiday community kickoff.
• Spring routes pair well with Atlanta’s outdoor season—mild weather and blooming trees.

If you’re visiting Atlanta, attending one of these open-streets days can feel like you’ve dropped into a local favorite event, rather than a tourist attraction.

When Does Atlanta Streets Alive Happen?

Event dates and routes can change, but a few patterns are common:

• Held a few times a year, often in spring and/or fall
• Weekend daytime hours, typically a multi-hour window such as late morning to afternoon
• Routes rotate around the city to highlight different neighborhoods

Because details can change, it’s important to check the latest schedule close to the time you plan to go.

Where to look for current dates and routes

While you won’t find all details in one permanent government office, useful Atlanta-based sources often include:

• Announcements from the City of Atlanta and Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT)
• Community calendars maintained by Atlanta Parks and Recreation or citywide event listings
• Social media and newsletters from local neighborhood associations and transportation advocacy groups

If you want to double-check whether a particular corridor will be closed for an open-streets day, you can also contact:

• City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office main line
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: 404-330-6100

Staff can usually direct you to the department handling street closure information for that event period.

Typical Routes: What Parts of Atlanta Participate?

Routes change over time, but Atlanta Streets Alive has historically highlighted:

• Intown corridors and vibrant commercial streets
• Areas that are already walkable or have strong transit access
• Neighborhoods where many Atlantans live, work, or play

Examples of the kinds of streets and areas that have been used in past open‑streets events include:

• Peachtree Street through parts of Downtown and Midtown
• Segments connecting neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and West End
• Corridors that run near MARTA rail stations to make it easier to arrive without a car

Exact streets can change, so each new event will publish a route map showing:

• Start and end points
• Major intersections
• Activity hubs or “activation zones”
• Crossing points where motor traffic may intersect the route

What to Expect on an Open-Streets Day

The feel on the ground

When you arrive on an Atlanta Streets Alive route, you’ll usually find:

• The road surface clear of cars along the designated route
• Barricades and signs at side streets where motor vehicles must stop
• Police officers and event staff managing traffic at key intersections
• Families, groups of friends, and solo participants enjoying the street at their own pace

The atmosphere is casual and come-as-you-are—you’ll see everything from serious cyclists to toddlers in wagons.

Common activities and attractions

Along the route, you may encounter:

• Live or recorded music
• Fitness classes or movement demos (yoga, dance, family‑friendly exercises)
• Pop-up kids’ crafts or chalk art areas
• Local nonprofits and community groups sharing information
• Restaurants and cafés opening their doors or setting up sidewalk seating

Not every block will have programmed activities. Some stretches are simply open street, which can be ideal if your kids want space to ride or run.

Getting There: Transportation Tips for Atlanta Families

Using MARTA

Many families use MARTA rail and buses to avoid event-area parking stress:

• Look for routes that pass near stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, Civic Center, North Avenue, Midtown, Inman Park/Reynoldstown, or West End, depending on the event route.
• Bring strollers that are easy to fold for trains and buses.
• Rail stations typically have elevators for strollers and wheelchairs, though availability can vary by station and time.

For route planning help, you can contact:

• MARTA Customer Service
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
  Phone: 404-848-5000

Driving and parking

If you prefer to drive:

• Plan to park a few blocks off the route instead of trying to get right up to the closure.
• Watch for temporary “No Parking” signs near the event boundaries.
• Consider using park-and-ride lots at some MARTA stations and taking the train the rest of the way.

Because streets are closed, navigation apps may reroute you around the corridor or show unexpected delays.

Street Closures and How They Affect You

If you live or work on the route

Residents and businesses on the route should expect:

• Restricted vehicle access during event hours
• Possible limitations on driveway use while the route is active
• Increased foot and bicycle traffic in front of buildings

Those who need detailed closure information for a specific date can contact:

• City of Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT)
  68 Mitchell St SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main City Information Line: 404-330-6000 (can direct you to ATLDOT event/closure info)

If you rely on regular deliveries, rideshare pick-ups, or medical transportation, it can help to:

• Arrange pick-up or drop-off on a nearby cross street that stays open to cars
• Communicate the closure window to your driver or service provider in advance

If you’re just visiting for the event

Plan your day assuming:

• You may need to walk a short distance from parking or your transit stop to the route.
• Side streets near the route could be busier than usual with people searching for parking.

Safety and Comfort Tips for Families

Open-streets days are designed to feel safer than normal city traffic, but they are still busy public events. A few simple habits can make the day smoother.

Staying safe with kids

• Set a meeting point
  Before you start walking, choose a visible landmark (a specific corner, mural, or building) as a family meetup spot in case anyone gets separated.

• Discuss basic rules
  Examples:

  • Stay to one side of the street when you’re moving slowly.
  • Walk bikes or scooters in crowded areas.
  • Hold hands with younger children when crossing any intersection, even if cars are stopped.

• ID for kids
  Some parents like to use a small card in a pocket or write a phone number on a wristband in case of separation.

What to bring

A simple packing checklist many Atlanta families find useful:

• Water bottles (especially in warm months)
• Snacks that don’t melt easily
• Sunscreen and hats
• Small first-aid basics (bandages, wipes)
• Light layers if weather may change
• Wipes/tissues for sticky hands and faces

📝 Tip: Atlanta weather can shift quickly. Even on cool days, walking or biking several miles can feel warm, so plan for sun and hydration.

Accessibility Considerations

Atlanta Streets Alive aims to be welcoming to people of all ages and abilities, but accessibility can vary depending on the route and crowd level.

Points to keep in mind:

• Surface and slope: Some routes include hills or older pavement. If someone in your group uses a wheelchair or mobility aid, check the published route map and elevation if available.
• Transit access: Using MARTA can reduce the need to navigate closed streets by car, which may help for those with mobility concerns.
• Rest areas: Benches and seating depend on existing neighborhood infrastructure (bus stops, plazas, parks). Consider bringing a lightweight folding stool if continuous standing is difficult.
• Restrooms: Public restroom options can be limited. You may rely on nearby businesses, parks, or any portable facilities the event organizers provide.

If you have specific accessibility questions tied to street closures or sidewalks, you can reach out to:

• City of Atlanta ADA Coordinator (Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services – general line)
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Phone: 404-330-6023

They can usually direct you to the appropriate department for current accessibility information connected to city-supported events and closures.

How to Plan Your Day on the Route

Choosing where to start

Once you see the official map for that event, choose a starting area based on your family’s style:

• With young kids:
  Look for segments near parks or playgrounds, so you have quick access to grass, shade, and rest breaks.

• With older kids or teens:
  They may enjoy busier stretches with more performances, art, or food options.

• With strollers:
  Start near transit stations or parking areas that avoid steep hills if possible.

How long to spend

You don’t have to cover the entire route. Many families:

• Spend 1–3 hours walking or biking a portion of the corridor
• Pick 2–3 activity hubs or intersections to explore, then turn around
• Schedule a meal stop at a restaurant or café along or near the route

Good Neighbor Tips for Atlantans

For locals, these open-streets days work best when residents and visitors work together:

• Respect driveways and building entrances
  Don’t block them with bikes, chairs, or large groups.

• Use trash and recycling cans
  Litter is more noticeable when everyone’s in the street.

• Be patient at intersections
  Police officers and event staff are balancing the needs of people walking, rolling, and driving on cross streets.

If you live along a future route and have concerns or ideas, you can often share feedback with:

• Atlanta City Council offices
  City Hall, 55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main line: 404-330-6030

Staff can explain how to direct comments about street events or temporary closures in your district.

Quick Reference: Atlanta Streets Alive Basics

Atlanta Streets Alive open-streets days give Atlantans and visitors a chance to see familiar corridors in a completely new way. With a bit of planning—checking the route, choosing how to get there, and packing a few basics—these events can become a memorable, low-cost addition to your family’s seasonal activities in Atlanta.