Medieval Times in Atlanta: Showtimes, Schedule, and What to Expect

If you’re searching for “Medieval Times Atlanta” and especially trying to figure out what time the show is, you’re really asking about the show schedule, when to arrive, and how long the experience takes at Medieval Times’ castle near Atlanta.

Below is a clear breakdown of how time works at Medieval Times for Atlanta-area visitors, plus practical tips to help you plan your evening.

Where Medieval Times Atlanta Is Located

Atlanta’s nearest Medieval Times castle is in Lawrenceville, just northeast of the city:

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

From much of metro Atlanta, travel time typically runs:

• Downtown Atlanta → Castle: about 30–40 minutes in light traffic
• Buckhead → Castle: about 30 minutes
• Decatur → Castle: about 35–40 minutes
• Alpharetta / Johns Creek → Castle: about 25–35 minutes

Heavy rush-hour traffic on I‑85 can add significant extra time, so plan conservatively.

Typical Show Times at Medieval Times Atlanta

Show schedules can change, but most Atlanta visitors will see patterns like:

• Fridays: evening shows (commonly around 7:00–8:00 p.m.)
• Saturdays: afternoon matinee plus evening show(s)
• Sundays: afternoon and/or early evening shows
• Weekdays (Mon–Thu): often one evening show, or select days only depending on season

Showtime availability often depends on:

• Time of year (busy seasons like summer, spring break, and holidays may have more shows)
• Day of the week (weekends usually offer the most options)
• Special events or group bookings

Because specific times are adjusted regularly, it’s wise to:

• Check the current day’s showtimes before you commit to other plans.
• Look a few weeks ahead if you’re aligning with travel dates or a birthday.

How Long Does Medieval Times Atlanta Take?

From an Atlanta resident’s perspective, you want to think about door-to-door time, not just the show itself.

Here’s the general breakdown:

• Show length: about 2 hours
• Recommended early arrival window: about 45–75 minutes before showtime
• Post-show time (photos, gift shop, exiting): 15–30 minutes

So, the total on-site time is realistically 3 to 3.5 hours, plus:

• Drive time from your part of Atlanta
• Parking and walking into the castle (usually quick, but busy on Saturday nights)

Quick Planning Snapshot

If you’re planning for kids’ bedtime or coordinating with MARTA plus rideshare, build your evening around that 4–5 hour block.

When You Should Arrive Before Your Show

For Atlanta locals used to cutting it close, Medieval Times runs differently. Your ticket time is the showtime, but you’re strongly encouraged to show up well before that.

Most visitors aim for:

• 45 minutes early as the bare minimum
• 60–75 minutes early for a relaxed experience
• Even earlier on Saturday nights or holidays, when check-in and security can be busy

Arriving early helps you:

• Get checked in and receive your crown and seating color
• Explore the Hall of Arms and themed areas
• Take any photos you want before the arena fills
• Order drinks or extras before the lights dim

If you’re driving from inside the Perimeter around rush hour, consider leaving at least 90 minutes before the recommended arrival time.

How Show Time Fits Into an Atlanta Evening

Timing Around Traffic

Atlanta’s I‑85 corridor toward Lawrenceville can back up heavily, especially:

• Weekdays: 4:00–7:00 p.m.
• Fridays: often worse, with earlier congestion
• When there’s a major event downtown or in Gwinnett (concerts, sports, etc.)

To protect your showtime:

• Leave extra cushion if your route includes downtown connectors or I‑285.
• Use a navigation app to check traffic before you leave and again halfway there.
• Consider earlier shows if you’re traveling with young kids or from far south of the city.

Lining Up with Other Plans

People in Atlanta often pair Medieval Times with:

• Shopping or walking around Sugarloaf Mills before the show
• A late-night dessert or coffee afterward near Duluth or Peachtree Corners
• An overnight stay at a nearby hotel if coming from farther out (e.g., south metro, Athens)

To keep the evening smooth, avoid scheduling:

• Tightly timed activities within 2 hours after the show (it can run slightly long)
• Back-to-back sports practices or events if you’re coming from other parts of metro Atlanta

Holidays, Weekends, and Special Event Timing

Time works a bit differently at Medieval Times Atlanta during:

1. School Breaks and Summer

• More showtimes may be added, including weekday matinees.
• Afternoon shows can be convenient if you want to avoid driving back late to far suburbs or outlying counties.

2. Winter Holidays

• Expect high demand and potentially sold-out evening shows.
• Book earlier times if you’re coordinating with family travel or kids’ bedtime.
• Allow for extra time in the parking lot and entrance line.

3. Birthdays and Group Events

If you’re organizing a party or group event from Atlanta:

• Check times several weeks in advance, especially for Saturday prime slots.
• Build in additional time for meeting up at the mall before entering the castle.
• Remember that wrangling a group in holiday traffic around I‑85 and Sugarloaf Parkway can take longer than expected.

Tips for Managing Your Time Smoothly

A few practical, Atlanta-specific time tips:

• 🕒 Choose earlier shows if you live in south metro (e.g., Henry, Clayton, Fayette Counties) to avoid a very late return.
• 🚗 Carpool if possible; a single vehicle is faster to park and regroup than several cars arriving at different times.
• 📍 Allow a buffer if you’re unfamiliar with Sugarloaf Mills entrances; finding the exact castle entrance can take a few extra minutes the first time.
• 📱 Keep your ticket information handy (printed or on your phone) so you’re not searching at the door.

How Medieval Times Fits a One-Day Atlanta Itinerary

If you’re visiting Atlanta and want to include Medieval Times:

Morning/Late Morning

• Explore downtown Atlanta (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park).

Afternoon

• Head toward Lawrenceville a bit earlier than necessary and walk Sugarloaf Mills to shop or browse.

Evening

• Arrive at the castle 45–75 minutes before showtime, enjoy the 2-hour tournament and dinner, then head back to your hotel or home.

This rhythm helps you avoid the worst traffic windows and keeps the day from feeling rushed.

Key Takeaways About Time at Medieval Times Atlanta

• The castle serving Atlanta is in Lawrenceville at Sugarloaf Mills.
• Plan about 3–3.5 hours on site, plus 30–60+ minutes of drive time each way depending on where you are in metro Atlanta.
• Aim to arrive 45–75 minutes before the scheduled showtime.
• Traffic on I‑85 and around the Perimeter can significantly affect your arrival time—build in extra cushion, especially evenings and weekends.
• During holidays and school breaks, showtimes may be more frequent but sell out faster, so it’s wise to plan ahead.

If you line up your travel time, arrival window, and show duration, Medieval Times fits smoothly into an Atlanta evening without feeling rushed.