Atlanta’s Medieval Times: Showtimes, Schedule, and What to Expect

If you’re searching for “Atlanta Medieval Times” and specifically care about time—showtimes, how long it lasts, the best time to arrive, and when it’s busiest—this guide walks you through everything with an Atlanta‑focused lens.

Where the Atlanta-Area Medieval Times Is Located

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament – Atlanta Castle
5900 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite 517
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
(Inside Sugarloaf Mills Mall)

From most parts of metro Atlanta, you’ll be planning around I‑85 North traffic, which affects the best time to leave for your show.

Typical Showtimes at Atlanta Medieval Times

Medieval Times operates on a show schedule, not open hours like a typical attraction. Showtimes vary by day of the week and season, but consumers commonly see patterns like:

• Weeknights (Mon–Thu): Often 1 evening show
• Fridays: Typically 1–2 shows (late afternoon/early evening and a later evening show)
• Saturdays: Commonly 2 shows (afternoon matinee + evening)
• Sundays: Usually 1–2 shows, often earlier in the day than Saturdays

Showtimes are usually in the range of:

• Matinee shows: Around 2:00–4:00 p.m. start time
• Evening shows: Around 7:00–8:00 p.m. start time

Because times change for holidays, school breaks, and special events, the most reliable step is to:

• Check your specific date and show time carefully when you book tickets.
• Confirm time again the day before you go, especially around major holidays.

How Long Does Medieval Times in Atlanta Last?

An Atlanta Medieval Times experience normally runs about 2 hours once the show begins.

However, your total time at Sugarloaf Mills is usually longer:

• 30–60 minutes before the show: Check-in, seating, photos, browsing, pre-show activities
• ~2 hours for the show and meal
• 15–30 minutes after: Exiting, photos, gift shop, restroom breaks, walking back through the mall

Plan for about 3–3.5 hours total from arrival at the mall entrance to walking back out to your car.

Ideal Arrival Time (Especially With Atlanta Traffic)

The most important time-related tip for Atlanta locals and visitors:
Leave early. Metro Atlanta traffic can seriously affect your arrival.

For most shows, Medieval Times recommends arriving at least 45 minutes before showtime. In Atlanta, it’s wise to aim for:

• 60 minutes early if you’re coming from:

  • Downtown Atlanta
  • Midtown
  • Buckhead
  • Airport area

• 45–60 minutes early if you’re coming from:

  • Decatur
  • Sandy Springs
  • Dunwoody
  • Smyrna

• 30–45 minutes early if you’re closer to:

  • Duluth
  • Lawrenceville
  • Suwanee
  • Norcross

On Friday evenings and weekend afternoons, consider building in extra time for congestion on I‑85 North, especially near the Pleasant Hill Road and Sugarloaf Parkway exits.

Quick Time-Saver Overview

What Happens Before the Show (Timing Inside the Castle)

Arriving early isn’t just about parking; there are time-based steps once you’re at the castle:

1. Check-In and Seating Assignment (10–20 minutes)

   • Staff check tickets and assign your section/color (for your knight).
   • If you arrive right at showtime, this part can feel rushed.

2. Pre-Show Time in the Great Hall (20–40 minutes)
   You can:

   • Browse the gift shop
   • Take photos with cast members (when available)
   • Order drinks at the bar
   • Look at upgrades or souvenirs

   This time can be as relaxed or as quick as you want, but it’s much smoother if you’re not racing in at the last minute.

3. Seating Call (About 10–15 minutes before showtime)

   • Staff call sections by color or group name.
   • You walk into the arena and find your seats.
   • The earlier you arrive, the more relaxed and organized this process feels for families and groups.

Timing the Meal During the Show

The dinner is served in courses while the show is in progress. A typical sequence:

• First 15–20 minutes:

  • Introduction and opening of the tournament
  • First course (soup or starter) served

• Middle of the show:

  • Main course and side dishes served
  • Continuous tournament action and performances

• Last 20–30 minutes:

  • Dessert and coffee/tea (if offered)
  • Final battles and closing ceremony

From a time-planning standpoint, this means:

• There is no separate meal time; it’s built into the show’s 2-hour window.
• If you have young kids, know that dinner may end close to 9:00–10:00 p.m. for later shows.

👉 Tip for Atlanta families:
For younger children or anyone with an early bedtime, consider a matinee or earlier evening show to avoid driving home late on I‑85.

Best Days and Times to Go (Atlanta Perspective)

When It’s Typically Less Crowded

Atlanta-area residents often find more relaxed experiences on:

• Weeknights (Mon–Thu) during the school year
• Earlier Sunday shows
• Non-holiday weeks (outside of spring break, summer peak, Thanksgiving, Christmas/New Year’s periods)

These times can mean:

• Shorter lines for check-in
• Easier parking
• Less overall crowd noise
• Smoother photo opportunities before and after the show

When It’s Typically Busiest

Expect larger crowds and heavier traffic around the castle on:

• Saturday evening shows
• Holiday weekends
• School breaks (Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb calendars matter here)

If you need a Saturday, consider:

• Booking an earlier show if available
• Leaving extra early from Atlanta to avoid stress from traffic and mall parking congestion

Travel Time From Different Parts of Atlanta

Actual travel times depend heavily on Atlanta traffic patterns, but many visitors use the following rough guides:

• Downtown / Midtown Atlanta → Medieval Times

  • Around 30–45 minutes without heavy traffic
  • Can push to 60 minutes or more during rush hour or bad weather

• Buckhead / Brookhaven

  • Often 25–40 minutes, longer at peak times

• Decatur / East Atlanta

  • Around 30–45 minutes, depending on route and I‑85 conditions

• Cobb County (Smyrna, Marietta)

  • Often 40–60 minutes, longer if using I‑285 + I‑85 across town

Because the castle is inside Sugarloaf Mills, you’ll also factor in:

• Finding a parking spot near the Medieval Times entrance
• Walking through the mall (5–10 minutes depending on your parking location)

Parking and Mall Hours: Time Considerations

Parking:

• Sugarloaf Mills offers free parking.
• For busy show times (Saturday nights, holidays), plan extra time to find a space.

Mall hours:

• The mall generally closes earlier than the last show ends.
• Once the mall stores close, you still exit through the mall common areas, but some side entrances may be locked.

To save time on your way out, take a moment when you arrive to note:

• The closest exterior door to Medieval Times
• Landmarks near where you parked (mall entrance number, major store, etc.)

Atlanta-Specific Timing Tips for Families and Groups

For Families With Kids

• Nap timing:
  For evening shows, many Atlanta parents try to give kids a late nap so they’re awake for the full 2-hour performance.

• School nights:
  A Sunday afternoon or earlier evening show often works better than a late Saturday show if you’re worried about Monday morning wake-up.

• Car time:
  Bring snacks or quiet activities for the car, since unexpected traffic on I‑85 is common.

For Large Groups, Schools, or Camps

If you’re organizing a group visit from an Atlanta school, camp, or youth organization:

• Build buffer time into your bus schedule for:

  • City or suburban traffic
  • Loading/unloading students
  • Group check-in at the castle

• Many groups plan to arrive 60–90 minutes prior to showtime to manage headcounts and seating assignments without rushing.

When to Book Tickets (Timeframe for Reservations)

For the Atlanta castle, booking timing often follows this pattern:

• Peak times (Saturdays, holidays, breaks):

  • Best to book at least a couple of weeks in advance if you’re set on a specific date and time.

• Weeknights / less busy periods:

  • You may find more flexibility to book closer to your chosen date, but availability still tightens during major tourism weeks and local school breaks.

If your group is:

• Large (10+ people)
• Tied to a specific birthday, reunion, or celebration date

…then it’s wise to lock in your show time as early as possible to avoid limited seating or less ideal times.

Common Time-Related Questions from Atlanta Visitors

1. Can I arrive late and still get in?
Late arrivals are normally seated, but you may:

• Miss part of the show
• Be seated after the rest of your section
• Have less time for pre-show photos and activities

Leaving early from Atlanta helps avoid this.

2. Is there anything to do at Sugarloaf Mills before or after the show?
Yes. Since Medieval Times is in a large shopping and entertainment mall, many visitors:

• Arrive early to shop or walk around
• Grab a coffee or snack
• Let kids burn energy in the mall before sitting for 2 hours

3. How late will we get home to Atlanta after a night show?
For a 7:30–8:00 p.m. show, expect to:

• Leave the castle around 9:30–10:00 p.m.
• Drive 30–60 minutes back into the Atlanta core, depending on where you live and late-night traffic.

Plan accordingly if you have early commitments the next morning.

Key Takeaways for Timing Your Atlanta Medieval Times Visit

• Showtime is firm; build your schedule around it.
• Plan to be there 45–60 minutes before the listed time, especially if you’re coming from central Atlanta or farther.
• Expect about 2 hours for the show itself and 3–3.5 hours total including arrival and exit.
• Traffic on I‑85 North and inside Sugarloaf Mills is your biggest variable—pad your schedule.
• For a smoother, less crowded experience, weeknights or earlier Sunday shows often work best for Atlanta locals.

With these timing details in mind, you can pick the best day and showtime for your schedule, avoid stressful rushes, and make the most of your Medieval Times experience in the Atlanta area.