The Best Shows in Atlanta: Where to Catch Live Entertainment Around the City

Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s biggest hubs for live shows—from Broadway tours and stand-up comedy to local theater, concerts, and family performances. Whether you live in the city or you’re visiting for a weekend, you can find a show almost every night.

This guide walks you through the main types of shows in Atlanta, key venues, how to find what’s on, and practical tips for getting tickets and getting around.

Major Types of Shows in Atlanta

1. Broadway, Musicals, and Big Touring Productions

If you’re looking for Broadway-style shows in Atlanta, most large tours stop at a few major venues:

• Fox Theatre (Midtown) – 660 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, Box Office: (855) 285‑8499
  A historic landmark and the main stop for national Broadway tours, large concerts, and special events. Expect big-name musicals, holiday shows, and popular family-friendly productions.

• Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre – 2800 Cobb Galleria Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30339, Administrative: (770) 916‑2800
  Located just outside city limits near the Perimeter, often hosts touring musicals, ballets, and live performances.

• Atlanta Symphony Hall at the Woodruff Arts Center – 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, Main: (404) 733‑4800
  Primarily for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, but it also hosts special concerts, film-with-orchestra events, and occasional theatrical productions.

These are the places to check if you want big, polished productions with full sets, orchestras, and long runs.

2. Local Theater, Plays, and Experimental Shows

Atlanta has an active local theater scene with everything from classic plays to new works and intimate productions.

Key theater companies and venues include:

• Alliance Theatre (Midtown, at the Woodruff Arts Center)
  1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Box Office: (404) 733‑5000
  A leading professional theater in Atlanta, known for high-quality plays, new work development, and family programming. Many Atlantans look here first for serious theater and thoughtful productions.

• True Colors Theatre Company
  Office: 887 West Marietta St NW, Suite J‑107, Atlanta, GA 30318
  Phone: (404) 532‑1901
  Focused on telling stories from the Black experience with a mix of classics and contemporary plays. Performances may appear in multiple partner venues, so always check current show locations.

• Horizon Theatre Company (Little Five Points/Inman Park area)
  1083 Austin Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  Phone: (404) 584‑7450
  A smaller venue with a reputation for intimate, contemporary productions and accessible neighborhood theater.

• Dad’s Garage Theatre Company (Old Fourth Ward)
  569 Ezzard St SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  Phone: (404) 523‑3141
  Known for improv shows, original comedies, and playful, offbeat theater. Good option if you want something less formal and more interactive.

These venues are ideal if you prefer smaller theaters, closer interaction with performers, and a local community vibe.

3. Comedy Shows and Stand-Up in Atlanta

Atlanta’s comedy scene is busy, with stand-up, improv, and sketch shows happening most nights.

Common places to find comedy shows in Atlanta:

• The Laughing Skull Lounge (Midtown)
  Located inside The Vortex (878 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309)
  A small club known for stand-up, local showcases, and touring comics. Seating is tight and intimate—plan ahead for popular shows.

• The Punchline Comedy Club
  3652 Roswell Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342
  Phone: (404) 252‑5233
  Long-running club hosting regional and national comedians, usually with multiple shows on weekend nights.

• Dad’s Garage Theatre (for improv, as above)
  Regular improv and comedy shows, including late-night and themed performances.

• Smaller bar and brewery shows
  Throughout neighborhoods like East Atlanta Village, Grant Park, Little Five Points, West Midtown, and Decatur, local comics frequently organize weekly or monthly shows at bars and breweries. These are usually advertised via venue calendars or social announcements; they’re often low-cost or donation-based.

4. Concerts and Live Music

While the question is about “shows” broadly, many Atlantans use that term for concerts and live music, too. Atlanta has everything from arenas to tiny listening rooms.

Major concert venues include:

• State Farm Arena (Downtown)
  1 State Farm Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Large arena for major touring artists, big pop, hip-hop, R&B, and rock shows.

• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium (Downtown)
  1 AMB Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
  Hosts massive stadium tours and special concerts, often paired with sports or festival events.

• Tabernacle (Downtown)
  152 Luckie St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Mid-size music venue housed in a historic building, popular for rock, indie, and hip-hop tours.

• Variety Playhouse (Little Five Points)
  1099 Euclid Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
  A neighborhood favorite for indie, folk, and mid-level touring acts.

• Center Stage / The Loft / Vinyl (Midtown)
  1374 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Three connected venues offering different sizes for concerts, from small to mid-sized crowds.

You’ll also find regular jazz, R&B, and open mic shows at lounges and restaurants across the city, especially in Midtown, Buckhead, and along Edgewood Ave.

5. Family-Friendly Shows and Kids’ Events

If you’re looking for shows in Atlanta that work for children or multigenerational groups, consider:

• Center for Puppetry Arts
  1404 Spring St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  Phone: (404) 873‑3391
  Hosts puppet shows for children and adults, plus museum exhibits. Many Atlanta families treat it as a must-do outing.

• Alliance Theatre’s Family Series (at Woodruff Arts Center)
  Offers plays and musicals geared to young audiences throughout the year, especially around holidays and school breaks.

• Fox Theatre seasonal shows
  Includes touring family productions, holiday ballets, and special movie nights in a historic theater setting.

• Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
  Runs family and youth concerts, often shorter and designed to be more engaging for kids.

When you check event listings, try filtering for “family,” “all ages,” or “kids” to quickly find age-appropriate options.

6. Festivals and Outdoor Shows

Certain times of year, Atlanta leans heavily into outdoor shows and festivals, especially in spring and fall when the weather is comfortable.

Common formats include:

• Music festivals in and around Piedmont Park, Central Park (in Old Fourth Ward), or at larger venues like Lakewood/Cellairis Amphitheatre.
• Theater in parks or pop-up performances, often connected to local theater companies or college programs.
• Neighborhood festivals in places like Little Five Points, Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, Grant Park, and Candler Park, where you may find local bands, improv troupes, or street performances.

Many of these are annual or seasonal, so check each year’s festival schedule rather than assuming the same dates or lineups.

How to Find Shows in Atlanta Today or This Weekend

Because listings change daily, it helps to know where Atlantans usually look:

Common Ways Locals Find Shows

• Venue calendars:
  Go directly to main venues (Fox Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Hall, Tabernacle, etc.) and check their official event schedules.

• Ticket platforms:
  Most large touring shows in Atlanta appear on major ticketing sites, which often let you filter by date, genre, and neighborhood.

• Local arts and entertainment listings:
  Atlanta-based media outlets and arts organizations usually maintain updated “Things to Do” or “Events” pages with curated lists of shows.

• Social media and email lists:
  Many Atlanta venues, theater companies, and comedians share show announcements on social platforms and through newsletters. If you like a particular venue, signing up for their emails can help you catch presales and special events.

Typical Neighborhoods for Nighttime Shows

If you’re new to Atlanta, it helps to know where shows cluster so you can plan a whole evening (dinner + show + drinks) in one area.

Midtown

Best for: Broadway tours, symphony, major theater, some comedy and music.

• Fox Theatre
• Woodruff Arts Center (Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Hall)
• Smaller stages and bars with open mics and local shows

Midtown is transit-friendly, walkable around the Peachtree corridor, and packed with restaurants.

Downtown

Best for: Large concerts, major events, some comedy and variety shows.

• State Farm Arena
• Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Tabernacle
• Occasional convention shows and special events

Great if you’re staying in a Downtown hotel or visiting tourist attractions like the Georgia Aquarium or World of Coca‑Cola earlier in the day.

Old Fourth Ward / Inman Park / Little Five Points

Best for: Local theater, improv, indie concerts, alternative and neighborhood shows.

• Dad’s Garage
• Horizon Theatre
• Variety Playhouse
• Numerous bars and small venues with live music and comedy

These neighborhoods feel more informal and artsy, with walkable pockets of restaurants and bars.

Buckhead and North Atlanta

Best for: Established comedy clubs, some live music, and nightlife.

• The Punchline Comedy Club
• Various lounges and hotel venues with live bands or piano shows
• Easy access from GA‑400 and major hotels

Practical Tips for Attending Shows in Atlanta

1. Transportation and Parking

Atlanta’s traffic can be heavy, especially around showtime.

• MARTA rail and bus
  Many central venues are near MARTA stations:

  • Fox Theatre and Woodruff Arts Center: North Avenue or Arts Center stations
  • State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium: GWCC/CNN Center or Vine City stations
    Using MARTA can help you avoid parking costs and congestion.

• Parking garages and decks
  Large venues typically list official or partner parking options. Prices vary widely depending on event size and location. For Midtown and Downtown shows, pre-booking parking through recognized services can reduce stress.

• Rideshare
  Rideshare pick-up and drop-off zones are usually marked during large events, especially at arenas and stadiums. Plan a short walk to and from designated areas.

2. When to Buy Tickets

• Big tours and Broadway shows at the Fox Theatre or major arenas can sell out or jump in price quickly, especially for weekend performances. Buying as soon as dates are announced often gives you more choice.
• Local theater and comedy shows may be available closer to the date, but smaller venues can fill up for popular performers or opening weekends.
• For budget-conscious buyers, weeknight performances are often less expensive and less crowded than Friday or Saturday nights.

3. Dress Codes and Expectations

Most shows in Atlanta are casual to smart-casual:

• Broadway shows, symphony, and high-profile theater: business casual or neat casual is the norm, but you’ll see a range from jeans to dressier outfits.
• Comedy clubs and small music venues: casual is standard.
• Outdoor festivals: comfortable clothing and weather-appropriate layers, especially in Atlanta’s hot summers and variable fall/spring evenings.

If a specific venue has a formal dress code (more common in upscale lounges), it will typically be noted on the ticket or venue information.

4. Accessibility and Accommodations

Major Atlanta venues usually provide:

• Accessible seating
• Assistive listening devices
• Elevator access where needed
• Policies for service animals

If you need specific accommodations, calling the venue’s box office or guest services before purchasing tickets can help you secure the right seats and support.

Quick Reference: Popular Atlanta Show Venues

How to Plan a Show Night in Atlanta

To make the most of a show in Atlanta:

1. Choose your area first
   Decide if you want a Midtown, Downtown, Old Fourth Ward, Buckhead, or neighborhood experience. This helps narrow down venues and restaurants.

2. Check the venue’s calendar
   Once you have a neighborhood in mind, look at the main venues there to see what’s scheduled on your target dates.

3. Buy tickets and confirm logistics

   • Check showtime, doors-open time, and seating layout.
   • Plan transportation (MARTA, driving, or rideshare) and parking.
   • Note any age restrictions (some comedy clubs and bars are 18+ or 21+).

4. Arrive early
   Aim to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before curtain or showtime to handle parking, security, and seating without rushing.

5. Build in food and drinks
   Many Atlantans pair a show with nearby restaurants or bars. Around Midtown, Little Five Points, Inman Park, Downtown, and Buckhead, you’ll find plenty of options within walking distance of the main venues.

If you’re searching for “shows in Atlanta,” you’ll find options almost every night of the week, in every part of the city, and at nearly every price point. Focusing on the neighborhood and type of show you want—Broadway, local theater, comedy, concerts, or family outings—will quickly narrow your choices and help you plan a smooth, enjoyable night out.