Big Shows & Live Music: Your Guide to Concerts Coming to Atlanta

Atlanta rarely has a quiet night. From massive arena tours to intimate jazz sets, there are concerts coming to Atlanta year-round across nearly every genre. Whether you live here or are planning a visit, it helps to know where shows happen, how to find upcoming concerts, and how to navigate Atlanta’s venues like a local.

Below is a practical guide to Atlanta concert venues, neighborhoods, transportation tips, and ways to keep up with new shows so you don’t miss the artists you love.

Major Concert Venues in Atlanta

If you’re searching “concerts coming to Atlanta,” you’ll see the same big venues come up again and again. These are the places most major tours hit.

State Farm Arena (Downtown)

Best for: Pop, hip‑hop, R&B, major tours, special events

Located next to Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Downtown, State Farm Arena hosts some of the largest concerts in Atlanta, from worldwide pop acts to legacy artists.

• Typical capacity: Over 15,000 for concerts
• Vibe: Big-production shows, arena sound, large crowds
• Location: 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Getting there:
  • MARTA: GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green line) is directly connected
  • Driving: Expect heavy traffic on show nights; plan parking in advance and arrive early

Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Downtown / Vine City)

Best for: Stadium-level pop, rock, country, festivals, special one-off tours

When the biggest artists in the world come to Atlanta, they often play Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.

• Typical capacity: Tens of thousands
• Vibe: Massive shows, pyrotechnics, festival-like crowds
• Location: 1 AMB Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
• Getting there:
  • MARTA: GWCC/CNN Center or Vine City Station
  • Allow extra time for security checks and walking inside the stadium

Fox Theatre (Midtown)

Best for: Classic rock, R&B, jazz, seasonal tours, special one-off performances

The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s most iconic buildings. It hosts concerts, Broadway shows, and special performances.

• Vibe: Historic, ornate, theater-style seating
• Location: 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
• Getting there:
  • MARTA: North Avenue Station (Red/Gold line)
  • Lots of pay-to-park decks and lots along Peachtree and Ponce

Variety Playhouse (Little Five Points)

Best for: Indie, rock, electronic, jam bands, eclectic touring acts

In the heart of Little Five Points, Variety Playhouse is a favorite for mid-sized concerts.

• Vibe: Relaxed, mostly standing room with some seating, neighborhood feel
• Location: 1099 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Transit/Parking: Limited parking; many people use rideshare or nearby paid lots

Tabernacle (Downtown / Centennial Park District)

Best for: Alternative, hip‑hop, rock, electronic, comedy

The Tabernacle is a converted church near Centennial Olympic Park, known for strong sound and a great balcony view.

• Vibe: Intimate but energetic, mostly standing with balcony seating
• Location: 152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Good to know: Security lines can be long; arriving early helps secure a good spot

Coca‑Cola Roxy (The Battery Atlanta / Cumberland)

Best for: Rock, pop, country, EDM, mid-sized tours

Attached to The Battery Atlanta near Truist Park, the Coca‑Cola Roxy hosts frequent touring acts.

• Vibe: Newer venue, solid sound, surrounded by restaurants and bars
• Location: 800 Battery Ave SE #500, Atlanta, GA 30339
• Parking: Multiple decks at The Battery; parking prices vary on game vs. non-game days

Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park (Buckhead)

Best for: Summer shows, jazz, classic rock, adult contemporary

This outdoor amphitheater is a go-to for warm-weather concerts.

• Vibe: Picnic-style seating in some sections, relaxed atmosphere
• Location: 4469 Stella Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
• Good to know: Shows are seasonal (typically spring–fall); sound rules may apply in some “quiet” nights

Lakewood Amphitheatre / Cellairis Amphitheatre (South Atlanta)

Best for: Summer rock, country, hip‑hop, large touring shows

Often still called “Lakewood” by locals, this outdoor amphitheater hosts many national tours.

• Location: 2002 Lakewood Way SW, Atlanta, GA 30315
• Parking: Large surface lots; traffic leaving the venue can be heavy, so expect delays

Smaller Venues & Local Music Spots

If you’re more interested in local bands, emerging artists, or smaller crowds, Atlanta has many smaller rooms where you can still see major talent up close.

Terminal West (Westside / King Plow)

Best for: Indie, electronic, jam, alternative

Located in the King Plow Arts Center complex, Terminal West is a popular mid-sized club.

• Location: 887 West Marietta St NW C, Atlanta, GA 30318
• Vibe: Industrial-chic, balcony area, strong sound system

The Masquerade (Downtown / Underground Atlanta)

Best for: Alternative, metal, punk, EDM, multi-stage events

Known for its three stage names (Heaven, Hell, Purgatory), The Masquerade regularly hosts multi-band lineups.

• Location: 50 Lower Alabama Street, Atlanta, GA 30303
• Good to know: Several shows may run the same night on different stages

Aisle 5 (Little Five Points)

Best for: Local bands, electronic, hip‑hop, jam, experimental

• Location: 1123 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
• Vibe: Intimate, standing-room, neighborhood spot

Smith’s Olde Bar (Morningside / Monroe Drive)

Best for: Singer‑songwriters, local rock, acoustic sets, late-night shows

• Location: 1578 Piedmont Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
• Vibe: Classic Atlanta bar venue with separate music room

Where to Look for Upcoming Concerts in Atlanta

Because schedules change quickly, the most accurate concert info will always be current listings, but it helps to know where locals usually look.

Here are the most common ways people in Atlanta keep up with concerts:

• Venue calendars:
  • Check major venues like State Farm Arena, Fox Theatre, Tabernacle, and Variety Playhouse for official schedules.
• MARTA + event alerts:
  • Transit updates sometimes highlight big events near major MARTA stations.
• Local media and alt-weeklies:
  • Atlanta-focused event calendars often list both big tours and local shows.
• Neighborhood social pages:
  • Areas like East Atlanta Village, Little Five Points, and West Midtown often share local show details.
• Artist announcements:
  • Many fans follow specific artists’ social channels to see when they’re coming to Atlanta.

Quick Venue Snapshot: Where Big Concerts Usually Land

Use this simple table to match the type of concert you’re looking for with likely Atlanta spots:

Atlanta Neighborhoods with a Strong Live Music Scene

You don’t always have to go to a big arena. Several Atlanta neighborhoods are known for multiple live music spots in walking distance.

Little Five Points

• What you’ll find: Indie bands, local acts, touring mid-level artists
• Key venues: Variety Playhouse, Aisle 5
• Vibe: Bohemian, walkable, good pre-show food and drink options

East Atlanta Village (EAV)

• What you’ll find: Local rock, punk, experimental, underground hip‑hop
• Vibe: Edgy, neighborhood-oriented, late-night crowd
• Tip: Parking is mostly street and small lots; many people use rideshare

West Midtown / Westside

• What you’ll find: Indie, alt, electronic, DJ sets
• Key venues: Terminal West, plus bars with rotating live music
• Vibe: Industrial lofts, creative spaces, popular for dinner + show nights

Downtown & Centennial Park District

• What you’ll find: Big arena shows, major tours, multi-venue nights
• Key venues: State Farm Arena, Tabernacle, Masquerade (at Underground)
• Vibe: Event-driven; busier on game and concert nights

How to Get to Concerts in Atlanta

Atlanta traffic can be intense, especially around Downtown, Midtown, and Buckhead on show nights. Planning your route can make the difference between catching the opener and missing half the set.

Using MARTA for Concerts

MARTA is often the fastest way to get to large concerts, especially near Downtown and Midtown.

Helpful MARTA stations for concert-goers:

• GWCC/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green line):
  • For State Farm Arena, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, and events at Centennial Park
• Vine City Station (Blue/Green line):
  • Also useful for Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• North Avenue Station (Red/Gold line):
  • Short walk to the Fox Theatre
• Five Points Station:
  • Central transfer point; walkable or a short rideshare to venues in Downtown/Underground

MARTA Headquarters (for general info):

• Address: 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
• Customer service (general info): 404‑848‑5000

✅ Tip: Check train schedules for late-night service, especially after weekday shows.

Driving & Parking

If you plan to drive:

• Pre-purchase parking if the venue offers it (arena and stadium shows especially).
• Aim to arrive at least 60–90 minutes before showtime for major events.
• Expect post-concert traffic leaving stadiums and amphitheaters; some people stay back for a bit after the encore to let lots clear.

Rideshare & Taxis

Rideshare is popular for:

• Little Five Points, East Atlanta Village, West Midtown, where parking is limited
• Late-night shows where MARTA may not fit your schedule

Many large venues have designated rideshare pickup zones; follow on-site signs and staff directions after the show.

Seasons & When Big Tours Come to Atlanta

Atlanta hosts concerts year-round, but timing affects venue types and music options.

• Spring (March–May):
  • Start of amphitheater season at Chastain and Lakewood
  • Many major tours announce spring or early summer dates in Atlanta
• Summer (June–August):
  • Heavy outdoor concert season; festivals and lawn shows
  • More stadium concerts at Mercedes‑Benz
• Fall (September–November):
  • Strong mix of indoor arena/theater shows and late-season outdoor concerts
• Winter (December–February):
  • Mostly indoor: State Farm Arena, Fox, Tabernacle, club shows

If you’re visiting, you’ll typically find bigger outdoor shows from late spring through early fall, and more club and theater shows in winter.

Ticket Tips for Atlanta Concerts

To make the most of concerts coming to Atlanta, locals commonly pay attention to:

• Presales vs. general sales:
  • Larger tours often sell out quickly; signing up for artist or venue newsletters can provide early access codes.
• Seat vs. GA (general admission):
  • Many mid-sized venues (Tabernacle, Variety Playhouse, Terminal West) use standing GA floors; arrive early if you want to be close to the stage.
• Weather for outdoor shows:
  • Amphitheaters generally run rain or shine; bring a light rain jacket instead of an umbrella if venue rules limit large items.
• Security policies:
  • Clear bag or small bag rules are common at Atlanta arenas and stadiums.

Accessibility & Special Considerations

Most major Atlanta venues provide accessible seating and services. If you or a guest needs accommodations:

• Check the venue’s accessibility page or call the box office ahead of time.
• Ask about:
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Companion seating
  • Accessible parking and drop-off areas
  • Assistive listening devices, if provided

For large venues like State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, accessible entrances and elevator locations are usually marked and staffed, but planning ahead helps avoid last-minute stress.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta for a Concert

If you’re coming into town specifically for concerts in Atlanta, consider:

• Staying near your venue
  • Downtown: Convenient for State Farm Arena, Tabernacle, Mercedes‑Benz Stadium.
  • Midtown: Good for Fox Theatre and easy MARTA access.
• Building a full evening around the show
  • The Battery Atlanta (for Coca‑Cola Roxy) and Little Five Points (for Variety Playhouse, Aisle 5) have plenty of pre- and post-show dining and nightlife.
• Checking transit options from the airport
  • Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport connects directly to MARTA’s Red/Gold line, which can take you into Downtown and Midtown without a car.

By knowing the main concert venues, how to get there, and where locals look for listings, you’ll be ready for almost any show coming to Atlanta—whether it’s a stadium headliner, a Fox Theatre classic, or a small-club band you discover right before they break big.