Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl FanFest: Your Guide to Game-Day Family Fun in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia during college football bowl season, the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl FanFest is one of the biggest family-friendly events in the city. It’s packed with games, live entertainment, and football-focused activities, all within walking distance of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Here’s a clear, local-focused guide to what FanFest is, where it is, and how Atlanta families can make the most of it.

What Is the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl FanFest?

The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl FanFest is a pre-game fan festival held on game day (or occasionally the day before) in downtown Atlanta. It’s designed as a family-friendly, indoor tailgate-style event that celebrates the teams playing in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.

You can expect:

• Interactive football games and skill challenges
• Live music and entertainment
• Food and beverages for purchase
• Promotional booths, giveaways, and photo ops
• Appearances from team bands, cheerleaders, and mascots

It’s especially appealing for Atlanta-area families who want the excitement of bowl season, even if they’re not going into the stadium for the game itself.

Where FanFest Happens in Atlanta

The FanFest is typically held at or next to the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC) in downtown Atlanta, conveniently close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Common FanFest Location:

• Georgia World Congress Center
  285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
  Atlanta, GA 30313
  Main phone: (404) 223-4000

The exact building and hall (e.g., Building C, Exhibit Hall) can change from year to year. ATL locals should confirm the current year’s details through Peach Bowl or venue information before heading out.

Nearby major landmarks you might already know:

• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – where the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl is played
• State Farm Arena
• Centennial Olympic Park
• CNN Center area

If you’re staying in a downtown Atlanta hotel, FanFest is usually walkable from many major hotels in the area.

When Does FanFest Take Place?

FanFest typically takes place on Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl game day, usually:

• Morning through early afternoon, ending before kickoff

For example, if the game kicks off mid-afternoon, FanFest often runs late morning into early afternoon, giving families time to enjoy the activities and then head to the stadium or home to watch.

Because dates and times change each year, Atlanta residents and visitors should:

• Check the current Peach Bowl schedule
• Look for specific FanFest hours posted alongside game information
• Confirm whether there is same-day entry or if advanced tickets or add-ons are required

What to Expect: Activities & Attractions

The Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl FanFest is structured to appeal to all ages, from younger kids to dedicated football fans. Activities often include:

Interactive Games & Family Activities

You’ll usually find:

• Football toss and passing accuracy games
• Field goal kicking simulators
• Obstacle courses and skill challenges
• Inflatables and kid-friendly play zones

These are popular with Atlanta families looking for an active outing, especially if your kids like to burn off energy before sitting through a game or watch party later.

Team Spirit & Game-Day Atmosphere

FanFest often features:

• Performances by college marching bands
• Cheerleader and mascot appearances
• Team-themed sections and decor
• Loud, energetic game-day music

Even if you’re not strongly rooting for one team, the energy level feels like a citywide celebration. Locals often attend just to soak in the buzz around Atlanta’s bowl season.

Live Entertainment & On-Stage Programming

Depending on the year, you may see:

• Live music from local or regional acts
• Emcees and hosts running contests or giveaways
• Interviews or short segments connected to the game

Programming can rotate, so the exact lineup varies, but it’s generally designed to keep families entertained while they move between activities.

Food & Beverages

Inside or near FanFest, you’re likely to find:

• Concessions offering standard event fare
• Chick-fil-A items and other fan-friendly foods
• Beverages, including non-alcoholic options appropriate for kids

Because it’s a bowl game event, food prices often resemble stadium or convention pricing, so Atlanta families sometimes plan to eat a partial meal beforehand and treat food inside FanFest more like snacks.

Is the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl FanFest Family-Friendly?

FanFest is built as a family event with a strong emphasis on:

• Safe, supervised activities
• Games and attractions suitable for kids and teens
• Clear indoor layout (when held in GWCC halls)
• Restroom access, seating areas, and wide walkways

Parents in metro Atlanta tend to appreciate:

• The indoor setting (very helpful in cold or rainy late December weather)
• The ability to bring kids for the atmosphere without committing to the full game experience
• The mix of short, drop-in activities that work for different attention spans

If you have younger children, it can be a good “test drive” for big events: they can enjoy the bowl game excitement without sitting through four quarters in a stadium seat.

Tickets, Pricing, and Entry

Do You Need a Ticket?

FanFest entry often requires:

• A separate FanFest ticket, or
• An add-on or included benefit if you have certain game tickets or packages

Policies sometimes change, so Atlanta attendees should always:

• Check whether FanFest is included with their Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl game ticket
• Confirm ticket type, entry time, and access details before arriving

How Atlantans Typically Get Tickets

Most locals secure FanFest admission by:

• Buying Peach Bowl tickets that include or unlock FanFest access
• Purchasing FanFest-only tickets if available that year

If you live in metro Atlanta and don’t plan to attend the game, it can be worth checking if FanFest-only options are offered so your family can still join the celebration.

Getting There: Transportation Tips for Atlanta

Downtown Atlanta during bowl season is busy, but manageable with a plan. Here’s how locals and visitors commonly get to FanFest.

Taking MARTA 🚇

MARTA is often the easiest option for FanFest days.

Closest rail stations to FanFest and Mercedes-Benz Stadium:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station (West Line) – Often the most direct option
• Vine City Station – Short walk, especially if you’re heading toward Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• Peachtree Center Station – Walkable to GWCC through the downtown grid

Many Atlantans will:

1. Park at a MARTA station outside the core (e.g., Lindbergh Center, North Springs, College Park)
2. Take the train directly downtown
3. Walk from the station to GWCC/FanFest

This avoids the heaviest downtown traffic and higher event parking costs.

Driving & Parking

If you prefer to drive:

• Look for official GWCC or Mercedes-Benz Stadium parking decks
• Expect event pricing and plan to arrive early
• Be aware of road closures or traffic control around the stadium area

Common parking areas (subject to event setup):

• GWCC Red, Silver, or Yellow decks
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium-designated lots and garages

Atlanta residents sometimes choose to park a bit farther out and walk 10–15 minutes rather than fight closest-to-the-door congestion.

What to Bring (and Not Bring)

Because FanFest is adjacent to a major bowl game, there are usually security policies similar to stadium events.

Smart Things to Bring

• Photo ID and any required tickets or passes
• Small bag or clear bag, depending on year-specific rules
• Comfortable walking shoes – expect to be on your feet
• Layered clothing – weather can be chilly outside, warmer inside
• Portable phone charger – for photos, meet-up coordination, and ride-sharing apps

Families in Atlanta often bring a small backpack or clear bag with:

• Snacks for kids, if allowed
• Hand sanitizer and wipes
• A light jacket or hoodie for stepping outside

Common Restrictions

Policies change, but you may encounter:

• Bag size limits or clear bag policies
• Restrictions on outside food and drinks
• Prohibited items similar to stadium security lists (no weapons, fireworks, etc.)

Atlanta locals should always verify the current year’s security policies before packing.

Tips for Atlanta Families Attending FanFest

1. Time Your Visit Around Naps and Meals

If you have younger kids:

• Aim for late morning or early afternoon when energy is higher
• Eat before or after to avoid relying solely on event food
• Build in time to step outside if anyone needs a break from noise or crowds

2. Use It as a Pre-Game or Standalone Outing

FanFest works well in two ways:

• As a warm-up before heading into Mercedes-Benz Stadium
• As a standalone family outing if you don’t have game tickets

Many Atlanta-area families who skip the game still go downtown for FanFest, then head home to watch kickoff on TV.

3. Plan a Downtown “Bonus Stop”

Since you’re already in downtown Atlanta, you can easily pair FanFest with another quick activity before or after, such as:

• Walking around Centennial Olympic Park
• Visiting attractions in the Georgia Aquarium / World of Coca-Cola area (if you plan ahead and budget time)

This can turn your FanFest outing into a more complete Atlanta day trip for visitors or suburban families.

Quick-Glance FanFest Basics for Atlanta

For Atlanta Visitors: Pairing FanFest With Your Trip

If you’re visiting Atlanta around the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl:

• Stay downtown or in Midtown if you want easy access to FanFest and the stadium
• Use MARTA’s airport-to-downtown rail connection if you’re flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Consider a car-free day for FanFest: walk, use MARTA, or use ride-sharing between your hotel and the event

Visitors often find FanFest to be a low-pressure way to engage with Atlanta’s college football culture—especially if they’re tagging along with friends or family who are more serious fans.

How Atlanta Locals Can Decide If FanFest Is Right for Them

You and your family may enjoy the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl FanFest if:

• You like the energy of big events but prefer a shorter, more flexible commitment than a full game
• Your kids enjoy active games and inflatables
• You want to join the bowl season excitement without necessarily buying premium stadium seats
• You’re looking for a seasonal family activity in late December that’s indoors and easily accessible in downtown Atlanta

If you prefer quiet environments, dislike crowds, or aren’t interested in football at all, FanFest may feel overwhelming. But for many metro Atlanta families, it’s a fun, once-a-year tradition that fits perfectly into the city’s holiday and bowl-season calendar.