The Masquerade Atlanta: Your Local Guide to the Iconic Music Venue

The Masquerade is one of Atlanta’s most recognizable live music venues, known for its multi-level setup, diverse shows, and long-running role in the city’s alternative and underground music scene. Whether you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and want to catch a show, this guide walks you through what to expect, how to get there, and how to make the most of your night.

Where The Masquerade Is Now (And What It’s Like)

For many years, The Masquerade was known for its location in an old mill building on North Avenue. It has since moved and is now part of Underground Atlanta, in the heart of downtown.

Current location:

• The Masquerade
• 50 Lower Alabama St. SW
• Atlanta, GA 30303
• Main phone (commonly listed): (404) 577-8178

The venue is divided into three main indoor “rooms,” each with its own capacity and feel:

• Heaven – The largest room, used for bigger touring acts and higher-capacity shows
• Hell – Mid-sized room, often hosts rock, metal, hip-hop, and electronic shows
• Purgatory – The smallest room, often used for more intimate performances and emerging artists

If you see tickets on sale for “Heaven at The Masquerade,” for example, that refers to which of these rooms the show will be held in.

What Kind of Shows You’ll See at The Masquerade

The Masquerade is known for eclectic, often high-energy shows. Typical lineups include:

• Rock, punk, and metal bands
• Emo, pop-punk, and alternative acts
• Hip-hop and rap artists
• Electronic and DJ sets
• Indie, experimental, and local Atlanta artists

You’ll often see multi-band lineups with touring headliners and Atlanta openers. For many local bands, performing at The Masquerade is a milestone, which gives the venue a strong hometown connection.

If you live in Atlanta, it’s common to use The Masquerade as a go-to spot for discovering new artists or catching mid-sized touring acts that don’t jump straight to the arenas.

Age Limits, IDs, and Entry Policies

Policies can vary by show, but some general patterns are helpful if you’re planning a night out:

Common age setups

• All ages – Many rock and alternative shows are open to all ages
• 18+ – Common for some electronic, hip-hop, or late-night events
• 21+ – Usually applies when the focus is more on drinking or late-night club-style events

You’ll typically see the age restriction clearly listed on the ticketing page.

ID and entry tips

• Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID, especially if you plan to drink or the show is 18+/21+.
• Doors usually open about an hour before showtime, but that can vary by event.
• Security checks often include a bag check and walk-through or hand-held metal detector, consistent with many downtown Atlanta venues.

If you’re visiting from out of state, standard driver’s licenses and passports are usually accepted forms of ID.

Getting to The Masquerade in Atlanta

Because The Masquerade is at Underground Atlanta in downtown, you have multiple transportation options.

By MARTA

Using MARTA is often the easiest way to avoid downtown parking hassles:

• Rail:
  • Take either the Red/Gold line or Blue/Green line to Five Points Station.
  • The Masquerade is just a short walk from the station, as Underground Atlanta is adjacent to Five Points.

If you’re staying in Midtown, Buckhead, or near Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, the train ride to Five Points is typically straightforward and avoids traffic.

By car

If you prefer to drive:

• Use 50 Lower Alabama St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 for GPS.
• There are paid parking decks and surface lots around Underground Atlanta and downtown. Rates and availability vary by time and event.
• Give yourself extra time during weeknight rush hour or when the State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, or Georgia World Congress Center have events, since downtown traffic and parking can be congested.

👍 Tip: Many local concert-goers plan to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before doors if they’re driving, to handle parking and walking time.

Safety and Downtown Atlanta Considerations

The Masquerade is in a busy part of downtown where major events and nightlife are common. General safety habits that many Atlanta residents use:

• Stick to well-lit, populated routes, especially late at night.
• Use rideshares or MARTA if you don’t want to walk to or from distant parking.
• Keep valuables minimal and avoid leaving items visible in your car.
• Travel with a friend or group when possible, especially after late shows.

For urgent safety issues, you can reach:

• Atlanta Police Department (Emergency): 911
• Atlanta Police Department (Non-emergency): (404) 658-6666

Tickets, Pricing, and Where to Buy

Tickets for The Masquerade shows are typically sold:

• Through major online ticket platforms
• Sometimes at the venue box office, depending on the event and timing

Typical patterns:

• Smaller or local shows usually have lower ticket prices, especially for Purgatory and some Hell shows.
• Touring acts in Heaven can be more expensive, but still generally below arena-level pricing.
• Many shows are general admission / standing room, so getting there early can help you secure a better spot.

If a show is likely to sell out, Atlanta locals often buy in advance rather than waiting until the day of the show.

Layout, Accessibility, and Venue Comfort

The Masquerade is set up to keep crowds moving between different rooms and levels, especially when multiple shows happen on the same night.

General layout feel

• Multiple entrances into Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory, often from shared hallways or common areas.
• Bars in or near each room, serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• Merch areas typically set up near the main entrance to each room or in hallway spaces.

Accessibility

Accessibility details can evolve, but common considerations include:

• Elevators or ramps to access the lower levels of Underground Atlanta where The Masquerade sits.
• Space for wheelchair users or those who need seated accommodations, usually arranged near the rear or sides of the room.

If you have specific accessibility needs, it’s wise to call ahead or use any listed contact emails or phone numbers associated with the show’s ticket page so staff can clarify current options.

What to Wear and Bring (Atlanta-Specific Tips)

Atlanta’s weather and The Masquerade’s indoor environment both matter when planning your night.

Clothing

• Shows are indoor and standing-room, and it can get warm once the crowd fills in.
• Many locals dress in layers—a light jacket or hoodie that’s easy to tie around your waist or carry.
• For rock and metal shows, expect dark clothing, band tees, and boots or sneakers to blend right in, but there’s no strict dress code beyond standard safety and decency rules.

What to bring (and not bring)

Commonly allowed or smart to bring:

• Photo ID
• Printed or mobile ticket
• Small bag (check for current size restrictions if posted with the event)
• Earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud music

Commonly restricted items:

• Weapons or anything that could be used as a weapon
• Large bags or backpacks
• Outside alcohol
• Professional cameras or recording gear, unless you have press/artist permission

Atlanta concert-goers often check the event listing or The Masquerade’s current posted policies for bag sizes and camera rules before heading out.

Food, Drinks, and Nearby Options

Inside The Masquerade, you can usually expect:

• Bars serving beer, wine, and standard mixed drinks
• Soft drinks and bottled water
• Light snacks may be available, depending on the event

Because it’s located at Underground Atlanta and near other parts of downtown, you’ll often find restaurants and fast-casual options within walking distance. Many people:

• Grab a quick bite in downtown or on the way in
• Plan a late-night meal after the show if the event ends before local kitchens close

Days and hours vary by business, so Atlanta residents often check the operating hours of nearby spots, especially on weeknights.

Best Times to Arrive and Typical Show Flow

The rhythm of a typical night at The Masquerade is fairly consistent, though it can vary by show:

• Doors open – Often around 6:00–7:00 p.m. for evening shows
• Opening acts – Start roughly 30–60 minutes after doors
• Headliner – Typically plays later in the night; many shows wrap before MARTA’s last trains on weeknights, but not all

Locals often plan:

• To arrive near door time if they want a front-row spot for a general admission show
• To arrive a bit later if they mainly care about the headliner and are comfortable farther back in the room

If you’re relying on MARTA, it’s smart to check last-train times from Five Points before you go, since service changes for holidays or special events can affect late-night schedules.

Events Beyond Concerts

While live music is the core focus, The Masquerade sometimes hosts:

• Themed dance nights or DJ events
• Festivals that use multiple rooms throughout the day
• Special events, conventions, or fan gatherings tied to specific music scenes or subcultures

For Atlanta residents, these events can serve as a social hub for particular music communities—punk, metal, goth, emo, and more.

Nearby Atlanta Landmarks and Pairing Your Visit

If you’re visiting Atlanta or making a full day of it, The Masquerade’s downtown location makes it easy to pair with other spots:

• Georgia State Capitol
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium (for earlier games or events the same day)

It’s common for locals to schedule a downtown attraction in the afternoon, grab dinner nearby, then head to The Masquerade for an evening show.

Quick-Reference: Key Details About The Masquerade Atlanta

If you live in Atlanta, The Masquerade is one of those venues you’re likely to visit again and again, simply because so many tours and local showcases run through it. If you’re visiting, it offers a direct look at the city’s live music culture in a central, transit-friendly location.