Experiencing the Atlanta Symphony: A Local’s Guide to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is one of Atlanta’s cultural anchors, drawing local music lovers, families, students, and visitors to its performances in Midtown and across the metro area. Whether you’re planning your first concert at Symphony Hall or deciding on a subscription for the season, it helps to know how the ASO works, where to go, and how to get the most out of the experience.

This guide walks you through the essentials of the Atlanta Symphony in Atlanta, Georgia—from concert types and tickets to parking, nearby dining, and family-friendly options.

Where the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Performs

Atlanta Symphony Hall (Primary Home)

Most ASO performances are held at:

Atlanta Symphony Hall
Woodruff Arts Center
1280 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta, GA 30309
Box Office: (404) 733-5000

Symphony Hall is located in Midtown Atlanta, right off Peachtree Street, and is part of the larger Woodruff Arts Center campus (which also includes the High Museum of Art and Alliance Theatre).

Getting there:

• MARTA Rail:
  • Take the Red or Gold line to Arts Center Station.
  • Symphony Hall is about a 5–10 minute walk from the station, mostly along Peachtree Street.
• Driving:
  • Midtown is easily accessible from I-75/85 via the 14th Street, 17th Street, or 10th Street exits, depending on your direction.
• Rideshare:
  • Designated drop-off areas are typically along Peachtree St NE or 15th St NE near the Woodruff Arts Center entrances.

Other Common Atlanta-Area Venues

While Symphony Hall is the primary home, the ASO and its musicians sometimes appear at:

• Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park (outdoor concerts in Buckhead/Chastain area)
• Spivey Hall (on the campus of Clayton State University in Morrow, for select collaborations or chamber performances)
• Suburban and community venues around metro Atlanta for special programs or education events

Always check your ticket or event listing to confirm the specific venue and address for your performance.

Types of Atlanta Symphony Concerts You’ll See in Atlanta

The ASO’s season typically runs from fall through spring, with additional summer events. In Atlanta, you’ll find several main types of programs:

Classical Subscription Concerts

These are the core symphonic performances—ideal if you’re looking for the traditional orchestra experience.

You can expect:

• Full orchestra performances featuring composers like Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, and contemporary composers
• Guest soloists, such as pianists, violinists, or vocalists
• Guest conductors from around the world alongside the ASO’s own artistic leadership

These concerts usually take place Thursday, Friday, or Saturday evenings, with some Sunday matinees, at Atlanta Symphony Hall.

Pops and Popular Music Concerts

The “pops” and crossover series appeal to a broader audience, often including:

• Movie and TV music (e.g., film scores played live with movie screenings)
• Tributes to classic rock, Motown, Broadway, or jazz
• Holiday-themed concerts

These are often good starter concerts if you’re new to symphonic music but want something immediately familiar and fun.

Special Events and Holiday Concerts

Atlanta residents often look out for:

• Holiday concerts in December (including Christmas and winter-themed programs)
• Season-opening gala events
• Community or benefit concerts

These can sell out quickly, especially around Thanksgiving and December holidays, so Atlanta locals often book these well in advance.

Youth, Family, and Education Programs

Families in Atlanta have several symphony options designed for younger audiences:

• Family concerts: Shorter programs, earlier start times, and kid-friendly explanations from the stage.
• Youth orchestra performances: The Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra (ASYO) gives concerts, often at Symphony Hall.
• School programs and student matinees: Many Atlanta-area schools coordinate field trips to hear the orchestra.

If you have children or teens in metro Atlanta who may be interested in music, these events are a low-pressure, approachable way to experience the ASO.

Buying Tickets for the Atlanta Symphony in Atlanta

How to Purchase

You can typically buy tickets in three main ways:

1. Online:
   • Most Atlanta residents and visitors purchase directly through the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra / Woodruff Arts Center ticketing site.
2. By Phone:
   • Woodruff Arts Center Box Office: (404) 733-5000
   • Helpful if you have seating questions or accessibility needs.
3. In Person:
   • At the Woodruff Arts Center Box Office at Symphony Hall (1280 Peachtree St NE), generally open on performance days and certain daytime hours.

Single Tickets vs. Subscriptions

Single tickets are best if:

• You’re visiting Atlanta and can attend only one or two concerts.
• You want to try out the ASO before committing to multiple performances.

Subscriptions or packages are useful if:

• You live in the Atlanta area and plan to attend several concerts in a season.
• You want consistent seats and a known schedule of performances.

Packages can sometimes offer better per-ticket value and earlier access to popular dates compared with buying one concert at a time.

Price Ranges and Seating

Ticket prices vary by:

• Section (orchestra level vs. balcony or terrace)
• Performance type (special events and pops concerts sometimes differ from regular classics)
• Day and demand

In Symphony Hall, seating generally includes:

• Orchestra Level: Closest to the stage; higher prices, immersive sound.
• Mezzanine / Dress Circle: Elevated view, often excellent acoustics.
• Balcony / Upper Levels: More budget-friendly, still with a full view of the stage.

If you’re unsure where to sit, many Atlanta concertgoers find the front of the balcony or center mezzanine to be a good balance of value and sound.

Parking, Transit, and Getting Around Midtown for the Symphony

Parking Near Atlanta Symphony Hall

Parking options near the Woodruff Arts Center typically include:

• Woodruff Arts Center Garages:
  • On-site or adjacent garages with direct or short-walk access to Symphony Hall.
• Nearby Midtown garages and lots:
  • Options along Peachtree St NE, 15th St NE, and close side streets.

Common tips from Atlanta locals:

• Prepay parking when possible (if offered) to shorten entry and exit times.
• Arrive early—Midtown traffic, especially before evening performances, can be heavy around rush hour.
• Consider ride-hailing if you prefer to avoid garage congestion after popular events.

Using MARTA to Reach the Symphony

For many Atlanta residents and visitors, MARTA is the easiest way to get to the ASO:

• Rail:
  • Take the Red or Gold line to Arts Center Station.
  • Exit toward Peachtree Street / Arts Center and walk north along Peachtree to the Woodruff Arts Center.
• Bus:
  • Several MARTA bus routes stop near Peachtree St NE and 15th/16th Street, serving Midtown.

MARTA can be a strong option on rainy nights, during major Midtown events, or if you live or stay near a MARTA station (e.g., Downtown, Buckhead, Sandy Springs).

Dress Code and What to Expect at an Atlanta Symphony Performance

What to Wear

There is generally no strict dress code at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Most Atlanta concertgoers choose:

• Business casual or “night out” attire for evening concerts.
• Slightly more formal outfits (dresses, jackets, or suits) for opening nights, gala concerts, or holiday events.
• More casual attire for some pops, youth, or afternoon performances.

The key is to be comfortable but respectful. Midtown venues are typically climate-controlled, but it can be useful to bring a light layer, especially in cooler months.

Arrival Time and Lobby Experience

Aim to arrive:

• 30–45 minutes before the scheduled start time, or earlier if:
  • You’re picking up tickets at Will Call
  • You need time for parking or MARTA walks
  • You want to explore exhibits or have a drink in the lobby

Before the performance and during intermission, you’ll often find:

• Bars and concessions in the lobby
• Program books or digital programs with notes about the pieces and performers
• A mix of longtime subscribers, families, students, and visitors

During the Performance: Etiquette and Practical Tips

When to Clap

If you’re not familiar with classical concert etiquette, Atlanta Symphony ushers and regulars generally follow these norms:

• Most multi-movement works (like symphonies or concertos) have several sections.
• Applause waits until the end of the entire piece, not between movements.
• If you’re uncertain, a simple rule is: wait to see when the majority of the audience claps, then join in.

For pops concerts and some special programs, the atmosphere is more relaxed, and applause can be more frequent, especially after songs or prominent solos.

Phones, Photos, and Recording

Typical expectations:

• Silence or airplane mode on cell phones during the performance.
• No flash photography or video recording while the orchestra is playing.
• Some patrons take photos in the lobby or before/after the concert, but staff may make announcements about what is and isn’t allowed inside the hall.

Intermissions

Most full-length concerts have a 15–20 minute intermission:

• Use this time to stretch, visit restrooms, and take a quick break.
• The lobby can become busy, especially near restrooms and concession stands, so watch the time to be seated before the second half starts.

Bringing Kids and Teens to the Atlanta Symphony

Atlanta families have many ways to introduce young people to the symphony:

Family-Friendly Concert Choices

If you’re bringing children:

• Look for family-specific programs—they are usually:
  • Shorter in length
  • More interactive or narrative-driven
  • Scheduled at child-friendly times (weekend afternoons)
• Pops concerts with familiar movie, game, or popular music can also be appealing for older kids and teens.

Practical Tips for Families

• Consider balcony or aisle seats for easier in-and-out access.
• Bring kids a bit early to:
  • Get comfortable in the hall
  • Visit restrooms before the music starts
• Talk beforehand about:
  • Staying seated and quiet during pieces
  • Clapping when most of the audience claps

Many Atlanta parents find that starting with shorter or themed concerts helps kids grow into longer classical programs over time.

Dining and Things to Do Around Symphony Hall in Midtown Atlanta

One of the benefits of seeing the Atlanta Symphony in Midtown is the variety of nearby restaurants, cafes, and attractions.

Pre- or Post-Concert Dining

Within walking distance of Symphony Hall you’ll find:

• Casual spots for quick bites and drinks
• Sit-down restaurants for a full meal before or after the show
• Cafes and dessert places along Peachtree Street and nearby side streets

Because weekend evenings in Midtown can be busy, especially when the ASO, Alliance Theatre, and High Museum have events at the same time, many Atlantans:

• Reserve tables in advance for popular restaurants
• Choose earlier dinner times before weekday performances to avoid traffic and parking crunches

Nearby Arts and Attractions

If you have time before an evening concert—or during a day trip—you can pair your symphony visit with other Midtown attractions:

• High Museum of Art (next door in the Woodruff Arts Center)
• Alliance Theatre (also on the same campus)
• Midtown’s arts district along Peachtree St NE
• Nearby green spaces like Piedmont Park (a longer but manageable walk or a short rideshare)

This makes the ASO a strong centerpiece for a full arts day in Atlanta.

Accessibility and Special Accommodations

Atlanta Symphony Hall and the Woodruff Arts Center typically provide:

• Accessible seating areas for patrons using wheelchairs or with limited mobility
• Elevator access to various seating levels
• Assistive listening devices on request for those with hearing difficulties

If you need specific accommodations:

• Call the Box Office at (404) 733-5000 in advance to:
  • Ask about seating options
  • Arrange for assistance entering or exiting the hall
  • Learn about any available accessibility services for that performance

Informing staff ahead of time usually makes the process smoother once you arrive.

Quick Reference: Atlanta Symphony Basics for Locals and Visitors

Below is a simple summary table to help you plan your ASO visit in Atlanta:

Whether you live in Atlanta or are just visiting, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra offers an accessible way to experience live orchestral music in the heart of Midtown. Understanding the venues, ticket options, transit, and local customs will help you make the most of your time at Symphony Hall and enjoy one of Atlanta’s signature cultural experiences.