Atlanta Home Show: Your Guide to Atlanta’s Biggest Home Improvement Events

If you live in Atlanta or own a home in the metro area, Atlanta home shows can be one of the most efficient ways to explore new products, meet contractors, and get inspiration for renovations—all in a single day. Atlanta hosts several major home shows each year, along with smaller neighborhood and design events, so it helps to know what to expect and how to make the most of them.

Below is a clear, locally focused guide to Atlanta home shows, where they’re usually held, what you’ll find there, and how to prepare.

What Is a Home Show in Atlanta?

A home show is a large event where:

• Home improvement vendors display their products and services
• Contractors and builders talk with homeowners about projects
• Design professionals share ideas on kitchens, baths, outdoor living, and more
• There are often workshops, demos, and presentations on remodeling, energy efficiency, and décor

In Metro Atlanta, these shows typically attract people who:

• Own a house, condo, or townhome and are planning updates
• Are buying or building a home and want to understand options
• Manage rental properties and need reliable vendors
• Are simply gathering ideas for future projects

Major Atlanta Home Show Venues & Typical Locations

While exact venues and schedules can change year to year, many large Atlanta home shows are regularly hosted at well-known event spaces in the metro area.

Here are some of the main places where large home shows are often held:

Because events move and rebrand, it’s smart to confirm dates and locations through the show’s official site or information line before you go.

What You’ll Typically Find at an Atlanta Home Show

Most Atlanta home shows follow a similar pattern, though the mix of vendors and topics can vary.

Home Improvement & Remodeling Vendors

You’re likely to see booths and displays for:

• Kitchen and bath remodelers
• Flooring (hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, tile, carpet)
• Windows and doors (including energy-efficient options)
• Roofing and gutters
• Siding and exterior paint
• Basement finishing and waterproofing
• Garage organization and storage systems

For Atlanta-area homeowners, these vendors can be especially helpful if you’re tackling:

• Updating older homes in intown neighborhoods (Grant Park, Kirkwood, West End, etc.)
• Modernizing 1980s–2000s suburban houses in places like Alpharetta, Marietta, or Snellville
• Improving insulation and windows to handle Georgia’s heat and humidity

Outdoor Living & Landscaping

Because Metro Atlanta has a long outdoor season, home shows tend to feature strong outdoor living sections, including:

• Decks, patios, and screened porches
• Outdoor kitchens and grilling setups
• Fencing and hardscaping
• Landscaping design and irrigation
• Pools and spas

If you’ve been thinking about turning a basic backyard into an outdoor entertaining area, a home show can give you a quick look at what’s typical for Atlanta yards, HOA communities, and local building conditions (like hilly lots and red clay soil).

Energy Efficiency & “Smart Home” Options

You’ll commonly see:

• Solar panel providers
• High-efficiency HVAC systems
• Smart thermostats, lighting, and security systems
• Insulation and attic fan vendors

Given Atlanta’s hot summers and mild winters, many homeowners use home shows to:

• Compare ways to lower cooling bills
• Learn about attic insulation upgrades
• Explore whole-house fans or improved ventilation
• Ask questions about power backup options during storms

Interior Design, Décor & Furnishings

Look for:

• Furniture and custom cabinetry
• Window treatments and blinds
• Artwork and home décor
• Closet systems and organization products
• Interior paint and finishes

Some Atlanta shows bring in local designers to give mini-consults or presentations about reworking older spaces, adding color, or staging a home for sale in the metro market.

Educational Seminars & Live Demos

Many larger Atlanta home shows offer:

• Short talks on budgeting a remodel, working with contractors, or current design trends
• DIY demonstrations (e.g., tiling basics, painting tips)
• Q&A sessions with local pros

These can be particularly useful if you’re:

• New to homeownership in Atlanta
• Considering a major renovation and want to understand the process
• Unsure how to prioritize projects for resale value in this market

How Atlanta Home Shows Usually Work (Tickets, Parking, and Timing)

Details differ by organizer, but several patterns are common across Atlanta home shows.

Timing & Frequency

You’ll often find:

• Spring shows (popular for outdoor projects, roofing, and landscaping)
• Fall shows (focused on interiors, energy efficiency, and pre-holiday updates)

Most large events run for 3 days over a weekend, typically Friday–Sunday.

Tickets & Admission

Common practices include:

• Paid admission for adults, with occasional discounts for seniors, military, or advance purchases
• Kids often admitted free with a paying adult
• Occasional “discount days” or late-day pricing

To avoid surprises, verify:

• Admission cost
• Accepted payment types
• Any age restrictions or special entry rules

Parking

Where the show is held makes a big difference:

• Cobb Galleria Centre: Usually has structured parking garages and surface lots; often a parking fee. Access from I-75/I-285 can be busy during rush hours or Braves game days at nearby Truist Park.
• Gas South Convention Center in Duluth: Large lots with event parking; traffic can be heavier around Sugarloaf Parkway during big events.
• Downtown venues (like GWCC): Multiple decks and lots, but you’ll want to plan around downtown traffic, Hawks/Falcons games, or other major events.

Tip: Build in extra time for parking and walking to the entrance, especially if you’re bringing kids or meeting a contractor at a certain time.

How to Prepare for an Atlanta Home Show

A little planning helps you get far more value from a show day.

1. Clarify Your Goals

Before you go, decide what you’re focusing on:

• ✅ “I want to collect quotes for a new roof in Decatur.”
• ✅ “I’m looking for ideas for a small backyard in East Atlanta.”
• ✅ “I need to talk to at least three window companies about replacing old single-pane windows.”

Write down your top 3–5 priorities so you’re not overwhelmed by everything else.

2. Bring Photos, Measurements, and Notes

Atlanta contractors and designers can give you better input if they understand your specific space. Consider bringing:

• Photos of your current kitchen, bath, or yard
• Rough measurements (room dimensions, wall lengths, ceiling height)
• Notes about problems: drafts, moisture, sun exposure, noise from nearby roads, HOA restrictions

This is especially helpful if you live in:

• A historic or older home (Inman Park, Cabbagetown, Cascade Heights, etc.)
• A townhome or condo with strict HOA or building rules
• A steep or wooded lot where access or drainage is an issue

3. Prepare Questions for Vendors

Have a short list of questions ready, such as:

• “Do you regularly work in my part of Metro Atlanta?”
• “Are you familiar with [your city/county] permitting requirements?”
• “What is a typical timeline for a job like mine?”
• “What factors increase or decrease the price in this area?”
• “Are there things about Atlanta’s climate I should consider for this product (humidity, pollen, heat)?”

You don’t need full details at the show, but you do want to sense whether a vendor understands local conditions and codes.

4. Bring the Right Supplies

Consider bringing:

• A small notebook or notes app on your phone
• A folder or envelope for brochures and cards
• A comfortable bag or backpack
• Snacks and a water bottle (or plan to use the concession stands)
• Comfortable shoes—large shows require a lot of walking

Talking With Contractors at an Atlanta Home Show

Many homeowners use home shows to meet contractors face-to-face before inviting them to the house for a quote.

What You Can Accomplish on Site

At the show, you can usually:

• Describe your project and see if it’s a good fit for the contractor
• Request a follow-up appointment at your home
• Learn rough price ranges and timeframes
• See photos of past projects in Metro Atlanta neighborhoods

You typically will not get a full written estimate on the spot, since that usually requires measuring your space in person.

Verifying Local Licensing & Permits

While you should never rely solely on what a vendor says, a home show is a good place to ask:

• “Are you licensed in Georgia for this type of work?”
• “Do you usually pull permits, or is that on the homeowner?”
• “Which counties and cities do you usually work in?”

If you’re planning a larger project inside the city limits of Atlanta, contact:

City of Atlanta Office of Buildings
55 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main line (City of Atlanta switchboard): 404-330-6000

They can direct you to information about:

• Whether your project typically requires a permit
• Basic guidelines for structural, electrical, plumbing, or zoning-related work

For properties in other jurisdictions (e.g., Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Decatur, Roswell, Gwinnett County, Cobb County), check with that specific city or county’s community development or building department for current permit requirements.

Budgeting and Comparing Offers After the Show

Once you’ve collected business cards, flyers, and preliminary ideas, the real decision-making usually happens after the event.

Organize What You Collected

When you get home:

1. Sort materials by project type (roofing, windows, landscaping, etc.).
2. Note who you actually spoke with and what stood out (good or bad).
3. Star or highlight 2–4 vendors per project you want to follow up with.

Get Multiple Quotes

In the Atlanta market, labor and material costs can vary significantly based on:

• Whether you live intown, in close-in suburbs, or farther out
• Access and parking at your property
• HOA rules and design restrictions
• Local demand during busy seasons (spring and early summer especially)

For meaningful comparisons:

• Aim for at least 2–3 written quotes for any medium or large project.
• Make sure each quote is based on similar materials and scope.
• Ask for clarification if terms, timelines, or exclusions aren’t clear.

When an Atlanta Home Show Might Be Especially Worth It

While anyone interested in home improvement can benefit, home shows are especially useful if you:

• Just bought a home in Atlanta and want a “project roadmap”
• Own an older home that needs multiple updates (systems, windows, roofing, layout)
• Are preparing to sell and want to prioritize projects that appeal to local buyers
• Manage several properties and need a range of trusted local vendors
• Have a challenging yard, lot, or HOA situation and need creative solutions

They’re also helpful if you prefer to meet people face-to-face before inviting them into your home.

Practical Tips for Navigating an Atlanta Home Show

A few final pointers tailored to Atlanta:

• Plan around traffic. Friday rush hour and weekend events (sports, concerts, festivals) can make getting to venues slower than expected. Check what else is happening near the venue.
• Consider MARTA where practical. For downtown events, rail can be easier than parking, especially around the Georgia World Congress Center area.
• Expect seasonal themes. Spring shows often emphasize landscaping and outdoor living; fall shows may highlight interior updates, insulation, and energy savings.
• Be selective with sign-ups. Many vendors collect contact info for follow-up. Share only with companies you genuinely want to hear from.
• Take photos of booths or displays you like. It’s easier to remember which decking style, door design, or layout caught your eye when you can see it later.

Atlanta home shows bring a big slice of the local home improvement world under one roof. With a bit of planning and a clear idea of your priorities, you can use these events to find Atlanta-area pros, gather realistic ideas and price ranges, and move your projects forward in a way that fits your home, your neighborhood, and your budget.