Underground Atlanta’s Comeback: What’s Open Now and What to Expect Next

If you live in Atlanta or you’re planning a visit, you’ve probably heard that Underground Atlanta is “reopening”—again. The reality is a bit more nuanced: Underground Atlanta is already partially open, and its full redevelopment is happening in phases rather than on one single grand reopening date.

Below is a clear breakdown of what’s open now, what’s planned, and how to stay updated so you know what to expect when you head downtown.

Is Underground Atlanta Open Right Now?

Yes. Underground Atlanta is open, but it’s not back to its old mall-style format.

Instead of a traditional shopping mall, the property is being redeveloped into a mixed-use entertainment district with:

• Event spaces and concert venues
• Bars and nightlife
• Occasional markets, pop-ups, and festivals
• A growing mix of food, art, and cultural spaces

If you walk through today, you’ll see some active businesses and event spaces, along with areas that are still under construction or being renovated.

Location:
Underground Atlanta
50 Upper Alabama St SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

This is directly in Downtown Atlanta, near the Five Points MARTA station and close to many major office buildings and tourist sites.

When Will Underground Atlanta Fully Reopen?

There is no single, official “full reopening” date for Underground Atlanta.

Instead, the property’s owner and development team have been:

• Reopening sections in phases
• Signing new tenants over time
• Hosting events even while construction continues

From a practical standpoint, that means:

• You can already visit now for certain venues and events.
• More restaurants, bars, entertainment, and residential spaces are expected to come online over the next few years.
• The project should be viewed as a long-term revitalization, not a quick flip back to the Underground of the 1980s or 1990s.

If you’re looking for a simple answer:

• Underground Atlanta has “reopened” in a limited, evolving way.
• A fully built-out district is still in progress, with no single official completion date announced.

What You Can Expect to Find at Underground Atlanta Today

What’s open at Underground Atlanta can vary over time, but many Atlantans currently experience it as:

• A nightlife and event destination more than a traditional daytime shopping center.
• A work-in-progress where some corners feel lively and others are clearly still under redevelopment.

Common types of activity you may find:

• Live music and concerts at indoor or outdoor stages
• Bars, lounges, and clubs operating mostly in the evenings
• Art installations, murals, and creative spaces
• Special events like festivals, seasonal markets, or cultural gatherings

If you’re planning a visit, it’s smart to:

• Check specific venues or event listings for hours and ticket information.
• Be prepared for some construction, blocked-off areas, and changing layouts as development continues.

How the “New” Underground Atlanta Differs From the Old One

Longtime Atlantans remember Underground as an underground shopping and entertainment mall with chain stores, food courts, and tourist shops.

The new vision is different:

Old Underground Atlanta (past decades):

• Indoor mall-style retail
• Heavy focus on tourism and souvenirs
• More structured shopping experience

New Underground Atlanta (current redevelopment):

• Mixed-use entertainment district above and below street level
• Emphasis on arts, music, nightlife, local culture, and eventually residential and office space
• Fewer traditional mall corridors; more open spaces and event-focused areas

For Atlanta residents and visitors, that means:

• You’re less likely to go there for everyday shopping, and more likely to go for a show, a drink, or a special event.
• The feel is gradually shifting toward a creative urban district rather than a compact indoor mall.

Quick Snapshot: Underground Atlanta Right Now

Tips if You’re Planning a Visit

If you’re in Atlanta and curious about Underground’s status, here’s how to approach a visit:

1. Decide What You Want to Do

Think about why you’re going:

• 🎵 Live music or nightlife? Look up specific venues located at Underground and confirm their hours.
• 🎨 Art, culture, or events? Check local event calendars or Underground’s own announcements for upcoming happenings.
• 🚶 Quick walk-through or sightseeing? You can walk through parts of the district, but expect an urban redevelopment zone, not a polished shopping mall.

2. Plan Your Transportation

Underground Atlanta is one of the more transit-friendly destinations downtown.

Common options:

• MARTA:

  • Take the Red or Gold line to Five Points Station.
  • Exit toward Alabama Street; Underground is a short walk from the station.

• Driving:

  • There are surface lots and garages around Downtown, including near Alabama St SW and Pryor St.
  • Be aware of event-day congestion when there are big games or concerts nearby.

• Walking from downtown hotels:

  • Many hotels near Peachtree Street, the Georgia State Capitol, or the Georgia World Congress Center are within walking distance, but check your route in advance.

3. Check Hours and Safety Basics

Because Underground Atlanta is transitioning, hours and activity levels can vary:

• Some areas are more active in the evening than during the day.
• Certain corners may feel quiet or under construction, especially on weekdays.
• As with any urban downtown area, visitors commonly:
  • Stay aware of surroundings
  • Stick to well-lit, active areas
  • Travel with a friend when heading out late for nightlife

How to Stay Updated on Underground Atlanta’s Progress

Because redevelopment is ongoing, the best way to know what’s open and what’s coming next is to check recent updates before you go.

Here are practical steps:

• Search for “Underground Atlanta events” or “Underground Atlanta calendar” before your visit.
• Look up individual venues located at Underground to get their latest hours and event schedules.
• Follow local Atlanta news outlets and neighborhood coverage, which frequently report on milestones like:
  • New restaurants or bars opening
  • Major construction phases
  • Announcements about new residential or office components

If you live in the metro area, you may also see city planning discussions and public announcements about downtown redevelopment that mention Underground Atlanta as part of a broader effort to revitalize the core of the city.

What This Means If You Live in Atlanta

For Atlanta residents, Underground Atlanta’s “reopening” isn’t a single event—it’s a long-term shift in how the space functions within downtown.

In practical terms:

• You can already add Underground to your list of potential nightlife or event destinations, especially on weekends.
• It’s not yet a go-to spot for everyday errands or traditional mall shopping.
• Over the next few years, you can expect more restaurants, creative spaces, and possibly housing and workplaces that make the area feel more like a full neighborhood than a one-off attraction.

If you’ve been wondering, “Should I wait until it’s fully reopened?”—you don’t have to. Underground Atlanta is already usable, but how much you’ll enjoy it depends on whether the current mix of events and venues matches what you’re looking for.

Bottom Line: When Will Underground Atlanta Reopen?

For someone in Atlanta, the most accurate way to think about it is:

• Underground Atlanta is already partially reopened and active, especially for events and nightlife.
• There is no single future date when everything will suddenly be “done.”
• The site is in a multi-year redevelopment, with new openings rolling out in phases.

If you’re curious, the best approach is to treat Underground Atlanta as an evolving destination: check what’s happening now, visit for a specific event or venue, and expect to see it change as Atlanta’s downtown continues to grow and redevelop.