Ferst Center in Atlanta: Your Guide to Georgia Tech’s Performing Arts Hub

The Ferst Center for the Arts in Atlanta is one of the city’s most versatile mid-size performance venues, located right in the heart of the Georgia Tech campus in Midtown. If you live in Atlanta, study or work near Midtown, or you’re visiting and looking for a cultural stop that’s a bit different from the usual tourist circuit, the Ferst Center is worth knowing.

Below is a practical guide to what the Ferst Center is, what happens there, how to get there, and what to expect when you go.

What Is the Ferst Center for the Arts?

The Ferst Center for the Arts is a multi-purpose performance hall on the Georgia Institute of Technology campus. It typically hosts:

• Concerts (classical, jazz, contemporary, and student ensembles)
• Theater productions
• Dance performances
• Lectures and talks (including visiting speakers and campus events)
• Film screenings and special events

Unlike some of Atlanta’s larger venues, the Ferst Center is intimate but professional, with permanent seating, full stage, and modern sound and lighting systems. It’s a frequent choice for both campus events and public performances, so the audience is often a mix of students, faculty, and Atlanta residents.

Where Is the Ferst Center in Atlanta?

Address (check current listings to confirm):
Ferst Center for the Arts
Georgia Institute of Technology
349 Ferst Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30332

The Ferst Center sits on the northwest side of Georgia Tech’s main campus in Midtown Atlanta, close to major corridors like Northside Drive and 10th Street.

Nearby Atlanta Landmarks

If you know Midtown at all, you’ll recognize a few reference points:

• Roughly west of I-75/85 and the main Midtown high-rise cluster
• A short drive from Atlantic Station
• Not far from Georgia Tech’s Bobby Dodd Stadium and Tech Square (though those are on the east side of campus)

Because it’s on a college campus, you should plan a little extra time on your first visit to navigate campus roads, gates, and parking decks.

Getting to the Ferst Center

By Car

From most parts of Atlanta, you’ll likely approach via:

• I-75/85 to 10th Street/14th Street exits
• Northside Drive if you’re coming from West Midtown, the Westside, or the Georgia World Congress Center area

Once you’re near campus, look for Georgia Tech signage and follow directions toward Ferst Drive or the specific parking deck listed in your event information.

🚗 Parking Tips:

• Parking is typically in Georgia Tech visitor decks or lots, often for a fee.
• Event information frequently points to nearby decks such as:
  • Campus or visitor deck near Ferst Drive NW
  • Other campus parking that may be designated for the event
• For evening and weekend performances, some lots open specifically for event parking.

Check your ticket confirmation or event page for the exact deck name and recommended entry point, as campus parking patterns can change between daytime classes and evening events.

By MARTA

If you’re trying to avoid Midtown traffic, MARTA can be a good option:

• Take a Red or Gold line train to Midtown Station or North Avenue Station.
• From there, you can:
  • Walk (around 15–25 minutes depending on route), or
  • Use the Georgia Tech “Tech Trolley” or campus shuttles, which typically connect the MARTA stations with campus areas including near the Ferst Center.

For an easier first visit, many people prefer to ride MARTA + shuttle or take a rideshare directly to a campus entrance on Ferst Drive.

What Kinds of Events Happen at the Ferst Center?

Programming at the Ferst Center reflects both campus life and Atlanta’s broader arts scene.

Campus and Student Performances

Because it’s on Georgia Tech’s campus, a lot of activity centers on:

• Student music ensembles (bands, orchestras, choirs, jazz combos)
• Student theater groups
• Dance organizations and cultural clubs
• Campus-wide lectures or special programs

These events are often open to the public and can be a low-cost way to experience live performance in Atlanta, especially if you’re local and like supporting student arts.

Visiting Artists and Public Events

The Ferst Center also hosts professional and guest performances, which may include:

• Touring theater or dance companies
• Guest musicians and bands
• Comedy, spoken word, and talk events
• Film screenings and special programs

These shows usually draw Atlanta residents from across the metro area, not just the Georgia Tech community.

Lectures, Talks, and Academic Events

You may also see the Ferst Center listed for:

• High-profile speakers and lecture series
• Conferences or academic events with a public component
• Ceremonies such as honors, recognition events, or campus gatherings

Atlanta residents who follow science, technology, business, or policy topics often look out for public lecture events held here.

Buying Tickets and Finding Event Information

Because the Ferst Center is part of Georgia Tech, ticketing and event details generally run through Georgia Tech’s own ticketing systems or the presenting organization.

Common ways Atlanta residents and visitors find events:

• Georgia Tech arts calendars and performance listings
• Announcements from Georgia Tech schools or departments (for lectures or special programs)
• Student organization pages promoting shows, recitals, or cultural nights

🎟 Ticket Basics:

• Many performances offer online ticket purchasing in advance.
• Some student events may be free or low-cost, sometimes with optional reservations.
• For popular or one-night-only shows, advance tickets are highly recommended; walk-up availability can be limited.

Check whether your event is general admission or assigned seating, as that can affect how early you want to arrive.

Seating, Capacity, and Experience Inside the Ferst Center

The Ferst Center is a traditional proscenium theater with a sloped seating area and a clear view of the stage from most seats.

What the Venue Feels Like

• Mid-size hall: Large enough to feel like a real theater, small enough to feel close to the stage.
• Fixed seating: Theater-style chairs, usually with good sightlines.
• Modern production capability: Sound, lighting, and projection suitable for music, theater, and lectures.

For many Atlantans, the Ferst Center feels less formal than a big downtown concert hall, but more polished and structured than a casual performance space.

Accessibility and Accommodations

The Ferst Center is on a modern university campus, and events typically take accessibility into account, but the specifics may vary by performance.

Accessibility considerations to look for in your event details:

• Accessible seating locations within the hall
• Ramps or elevators from the main entrance and parking areas
• Assistive listening devices or captioning for certain programs
• Any instructions on drop-off locations for guests with limited mobility

If accessibility is essential for your visit, consider calling the Georgia Tech arts or ticketing office in advance to confirm the current arrangements and the best parking or drop-off spot.

Best Times and Situations to Visit the Ferst Center

Living in or visiting Atlanta, you might choose the Ferst Center for several reasons:

• You want a performance experience that’s smaller and more campus-oriented than the big downtown venues.
• You have a connection to Georgia Tech (student, alum, family, or neighbor) and want to explore its arts side.
• You’re looking for affordable live events, especially student or campus shows.
• You’re interested in lectures and talks on science, technology, or public issues.

A Few Practical Visit Tips

• Arrive early for parking and navigation. Campus roads and decks can be confusing if it’s your first time.
• Check event-specific instructions. Some events may use different entrances, will-call locations, or suggested parking decks.
• Factor in Midtown traffic. If you’re driving from Buckhead, the Perimeter, or the south side during rush hour, give yourself extra time.
• Know campus restrictions. Certain areas may be gated or limited to permit holders during class hours; evening events are usually easier.

Quick Reference: Ferst Center at a Glance

For anyone in Atlanta looking beyond the usual concert halls and arenas, the Ferst Center offers a blend of campus energy and professional performances, all in a location that’s central to Midtown, the Westside, and the broader in-town neighborhoods.