What’s Going On in Downtown Atlanta? Your Local Guide to Things To Do

Downtown Atlanta is one of the city’s busiest neighborhoods, packed with major attractions, live events, local eats, and walkable sights. Whether you live in the metro area, you’re staying in a nearby hotel, or you’re just trying to figure out what “downtown” actually has going on, this guide will walk you through the essentials.

Core Downtown Atlanta Attractions

If you’re asking “What’s going on downtown?” these are the big, can’t-miss spots people usually mean.

Centennial Olympic Park & Surrounding Sights

Centennial Olympic Park (265 Park Ave W NW) is the heart of downtown tourism. Around this green space, you’ll find:

• Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker St NW) – One of the largest aquariums in the world, with whale sharks, manta rays, and interactive exhibits.
• World of Coca‑Cola (121 Baker St NW) – A museum dedicated to the history and culture of Coca‑Cola, with tasting rooms and memorabilia.
• College Football Hall of Fame (250 Marietta St NW) – An interactive football museum, especially popular on game weekends.
• SkyView Atlanta (168 Luckie St NW) – A large observation wheel with enclosed gondolas overlooking downtown and the park.

These attractions are all within easy walking distance of each other, so you can plan a full day without needing to drive.

CNN Center Area & State Farm Arena

Just south of Centennial Olympic Park:

• State Farm Arena (1 State Farm Dr) – Home of the Atlanta Hawks and a major concert venue. Check the event calendar for NBA games, concerts, and special events.
• CNN Center – Historically a hub for tours and offices. Operations have changed over time, but the area around it still serves as a gateway to the park and arena.

On game and concert nights, this part of downtown gets busy with crowds, rideshares, and street vendors, so plan extra travel time.

Events, Festivals, and What’s Happening Now

“Downtown” often means big events: sports, conventions, and festivals.

Major Event Venues

These venues drive much of the “what’s going on” downtown:

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (1 AMB Dr NW)

  • Atlanta Falcons (NFL) and Atlanta United FC (MLS) home games
  • Major concerts, college football games, and special events

• Georgia World Congress Center (285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW)

  • Large conventions, industry expos, fan events, and trade shows
  • Often creates heavy foot traffic around Centennial Olympic Park and nearby hotels

• Tabernacle (152 Luckie St NW)

  • Historic concert venue for touring bands and comedians
  • Popular for evening shows, often with lines out front before doors open

When any of these venues host a major event, expect busy MARTA trains, crowded parking decks, and more street activity across downtown.

How to Check What’s Going On Today

If you’re trying to figure out what’s happening right now or this weekend:

• Look at event calendars for Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, the Georgia World Congress Center, and the Tabernacle.
• Check MARTA service alerts – special event service is often added for big games and concerts.
• Many downtown hotels and visitor desks near Centennial Olympic Park keep printed flyers or digital boards listing current events.

Downtown Neighborhood Pockets to Explore

Downtown Atlanta isn’t just one block. It’s a cluster of small, walkable pockets with different vibes.

Fairlie‑Poplar District

A historic district just north of Five Points, with older buildings, theaters, and cafes:

• Theatrical venues like the Rialto Center for the Arts host concerts, performances, and cultural events.
• Streets like Luckie St, Broad St, and Poplar St have restaurants, bars, and casual lunch spots that cater to office workers and students during the day.

Expect more energy on weekday afternoons and event nights.

Five Points & Underground Atlanta

• Five Points is a major MARTA hub and a crossroads of downtown.
• Underground Atlanta (50 Upper Alabama St SW) has gone through several re-developments. It often hosts:
  • Pop‑up events and festivals
  • Art shows, markets, and music gatherings

This area can change quickly, so if you’re headed there for a specific event, it’s wise to confirm dates, times, and open spaces in advance.

Government & Civic Center Areas

Near Central Avenue, Trinity Avenue, and Mitchell Street, you’ll find:

• Atlanta City Hall (55 Trinity Ave SW)
• Fulton County Courthouse and other government buildings

On weekdays, this part of downtown is active with court traffic, government workers, and legal offices. After hours and weekends, it’s quieter unless a nearby event is taking place.

Family-Friendly Things To Do Downtown

Downtown is one of Atlanta’s best areas for family activities, especially if you want to park once and walk.

Top Family Stops

• Georgia Aquarium – Kid‑friendly exhibits, touch pools, and shows.
• World of Coca‑Cola – Colorful exhibits, brand history, and tasting experiences.
• Children’s Museum of Atlanta (275 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW)
  • Hands‑on exhibits, ideal for younger children.
• Centennial Olympic Park – Open green space, playground areas, and splash fountains (check for hours and seasonal operation).

Tips for Families

• ✅ Arrive earlier in the day to avoid longer lines and heavier crowds.
• ✅ Use MARTA to avoid parking frustration, especially on game or concert days.
• ✅ Plan meal breaks at flexible, kid‑friendly spots along Marietta St, Baker St, or around the park.

Nightlife, Dining, and Entertainment

When the workday and conferences wrap up, many people stay downtown for food and nightlife.

Dining in Downtown Atlanta

You’ll find:

• Casual spots around Peachtree St, Marietta St, and Luckie St serving burgers, tacos, pizza, and Southern staples.
• Hotel restaurants that cater to convention visitors and game-day crowds.
• Quick lunch counters and coffee shops near Broad St and Fairlie‑Poplar, busier on weekdays.

For visitors, it’s common to walk from hotels around Peachtree Center or the Centennial Olympic Park area to nearby restaurants instead of driving.

Bars, Music, and Late-Night Options

• Sports bars near the arenas and stadium are lively on game nights, often with big screens and fan crowds.
• Smaller bars and lounges are tucked into Fairlie‑Poplar and the streets surrounding the park.
• Concerts at State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and Tabernacle draw big nighttime crowds and can keep the area busy well into the evening.

If you’re staying out late, planning your MARTA route or rideshare pickup point ahead of time can make departures smoother once events end.

How to Get Around Downtown Atlanta

Understanding how transportation works downtown can save time and stress.

MARTA Rail & Bus

Downtown is one of the easiest areas in Atlanta to reach by MARTA:

• Key rail stations serving downtown:
  • Five Points Station (Peachtree St SW & Alabama St SW) – Central hub connecting all lines.
  • Peachtree Center Station (216 Peachtree St NE) – Convenient for hotels, Peachtree Center, and the office core.
  • Georgia State Station (170 Piedmont Ave SE) – Good access to Georgia State University and the eastern side of downtown.
  • Garnett Station (225 Peachtree St SW) – Southwest edge of downtown, near Greyhound and some government buildings.

From these stations, you can walk to most downtown attractions in under 15–20 minutes, often less.

Driving and Parking

Driving downtown is common, but:

• Parking near Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Georgia World Congress Center, and Centennial Olympic Park can fill quickly on event days.
• Expect event pricing in many parking decks.
• Smaller surface lots and decks are scattered around Baker St, Marietta St, Ted Turner Dr, and Spring St.

Many people who live in the metro area choose to park at a MARTA station further out and ride the train into downtown to avoid traffic and parking costs.

Walking and Safety Basics

Downtown is walkable, especially between major attractions. To move around comfortably:

• Stick to well‑lit, busier streets when possible, especially at night.
• Be aware of event end times, when crowds and traffic will spike.
• If you’re unfamiliar with the area, choosing a central meeting point like Centennial Olympic Park or a MARTA station can make it easier to regroup.

Quick Snapshot: What’s Going On Where?

Here’s a simple overview to help you match what you want to do with where to go in downtown.

Helpful Downtown Contacts and Locations

If you’re planning a visit or trying to understand services downtown, these central contacts are useful:

• Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
  233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1400, Atlanta, GA 30303
  (Often provides visitor information, maps, and event guidance.)

• City of Atlanta – City Hall
  55 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main switchboard: 404‑330‑6000

• MARTA Customer Information Center
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 (headquarters; not downtown but serves downtown riders)
  Customer info line: 404‑848‑5000

These offices and services can help with transportation planning, city services, and visitor information related to downtown.

If you’re wondering “What’s going on downtown Atlanta?” the answer on most days is: a lot. Between major attractions, events, restaurants, and everyday city life, there’s almost always something happening within a short walk or MARTA ride once you reach the heart of downtown.