Ameris Bank Amphitheatre: Your Guide to North Atlanta’s Big Outdoor Concert Venue

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and looking for a major outdoor concert experience, the Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in Alpharetta is one of the main places big tours stop in the metro area. It’s a large, open-air venue that draws major artists, comedy tours, and festivals, and it’s especially popular with people on the north side of Atlanta.

This guide walks through what Atlantans need to know: where it is, how to get there, parking, seating, nearby food and hotels, and practical tips for enjoying a show.

Where Ameris Bank Amphitheatre Is and What It’s Like

Location:
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
2200 Encore Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30009

The venue sits just north of Atlanta in Alpharetta, near GA-400 and North Point Parkway, in the Encore Park area. It’s about:

• 25–35 minutes from Buckhead (in light traffic)
• 35–50 minutes from Midtown or Downtown Atlanta
• 15–20 minutes from Roswell, Johns Creek, or Cumming (south)

What Kind of Venue It Is

Ameris Bank Amphitheatre is a premium outdoor concert venue with:

• Covered pavilion seats close to the stage
• A large lawn area behind the pavilion
• Modern sound and lighting designed for big tours
• Food and drink stands throughout the concourses

It operates mostly during the warmer months (spring through fall), since it’s an open-air space. Most shows happen in the evening to avoid the worst of the heat.

Getting There from Around Atlanta

Because it’s a regional venue, most Atlantans drive. Planning your route and timing makes a big difference.

Driving Directions

• From Midtown / Downtown Atlanta:

  • Take I-85 North or I-75 North to GA-400 North (US-19)
  • Exit at Exit 8 – Mansell Road or Exit 9 – Haynes Bridge Road, depending on your parking instructions and traffic
  • Follow signs toward Encore Parkway / North Point Parkway and posted signs for the amphitheatre

• From Buckhead / Sandy Springs:

  • Take GA-400 North and follow the same exits (8 or 9)

• From East Atlanta / Decatur:

  • Navigate to I-285 or I-85 and connect to GA-400 North, then follow signs to Alpharetta

• From Westside / Smyrna / Vinings:

  • Use I-285 across to GA-400 North, then head toward Alpharetta

Traffic gets heavy on GA-400 North and on local roads leading to the venue 90+ minutes before showtime, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. Leaving extra time is important.

Parking at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

Parking is one of the main logistics Atlantans care about when heading to a big show.

General Parking Setup

• On-site lots: Multiple surface lots surround the venue within walking distance
• Event-only access: Lots open for scheduled shows, usually a few hours before gates open
• Accessible parking: Designated ADA spaces closer to the entrances (availability can go quickly — arriving early helps)

Exact parking details, including whether parking is included or separate for a particular show, can vary by event and ticket type, so checking your ticket info and event details is important.

Tips for Easier Parking

• Arrive early: Aim to be in the area 60–90 minutes before showtime to reduce stress
• Follow posted signage and staff instructions: Traffic patterns may change per event
• Take a photo of your parking area or a nearby landmark so you can find your car in the dark
• If meeting friends, agree on a landmark inside the venue, not in the parking lot, where cell reception and visibility may be spotty after the show

Rideshare and Drop-Off Options

If you’d prefer not to drive from Atlanta:

• There is typically a designated rideshare or drop-off/pick-up area set up for events
• Expect heavy congestion after the show while everyone tries to leave at once
• If you’re using services like Uber or Lyft:
  • Confirm your pickup point with your driver
  • Allow extra time for them to get in and out of the traffic pattern

For people staying nearby in Alpharetta hotels, some choose short rideshare trips instead of dealing with on-site parking.

Seating: Pavilion vs. Lawn

Where you sit dramatically changes your experience and budget.

Pavilion Seating

Pavilion seats are under a large roof structure and face the stage directly.

• Pros:

  • Better protection from rain and direct sun
  • Clearer view of the stage
  • Numbered, reserved seats

• Cons:

  • Typically more expensive than lawn tickets
  • Could still be warm and humid on summer nights, even under cover

These are popular with Atlantans making a special night out, date nights, or big fan experiences where proximity to the stage matters.

Lawn Seating

The lawn stretches out behind the pavilion, on a sloped grassy (or turf) area.

• Pros:

  • Usually the most affordable option
  • More casual, picnic-style vibe
  • Good for groups and a more laid-back experience

• Cons:

  • Exposed to weather (sun, rain, humidity)
  • View of the performers is more distant; many people watch the video screens
  • Seating is first-come, first-served within the lawn

Many Atlanta locals bring blankets or low-backed chairs if allowed. Policies on bringing chairs or renting them on-site may vary by event, so checking event-specific rules in advance is wise.

Weather, Seasons, and What to Wear

Because Ameris Bank Amphitheatre is outdoors, Atlanta weather plays a big role in comfort.

Spring and Fall Shows

• Temperatures are usually more comfortable
• Light jackets or layers are helpful for evening cool-downs
• Expect pollen season in spring, which can bother some attendees

Summer Shows

Atlanta summers are hot and humid, especially in July and August.

• Wear breathable clothing
• Consider a hat and sunscreen if you’ll be in the sun before sunset
• Hydrate before arriving and during the show
• Evening temps may stay warm even after dark

Shows are rarely canceled for heat or light rain, so planning for the elements is important.

What You Can (and Can’t) Bring

Exact allowed items can change and are often event-dependent, but common patterns at venues like Ameris Bank Amphitheatre include:

Commonly Restricted Items

Policies commonly address:

• Bag size limits (small clear bags, clutches, or no bags for faster entry)
• Prohibited items such as:
  • Weapons or anything resembling them
  • Outside alcohol
  • Large umbrellas or items that obstruct views
  • Professional cameras with detachable lenses, depending on the show

Frequently Allowed Items (Check Event Rules)

Subject to security screening and specific event policies, some venues allow:

• Small bags or clear bags
• Blankets for the lawn
• Low-backed lawn chairs (sometimes only if rented on-site, sometimes allowed from home)
• Empty or sealed water bottles at some events

Because rules can change, it’s best to check the event details on your ticketing page before you go so you’re not turned away at security or forced to walk back to your car.

Food and Drinks at the Venue

Ameris Bank Amphitheatre typically offers:

• Concession stands with items like burgers, sandwiches, snacks, and soft drinks
• Various beer, wine, and cocktail options
• Multiple stands across the concourses to spread out lines

Prices are generally in line with what Atlantans expect at major venues. Lines spike right before the headliner, so it’s often easier to grab food and drinks earlier in the evening or between sets.

Some events may have specialty food vendors or brand activations, especially for larger tours.

Bathrooms, Accessibility, and Comfort

Restrooms

• Multiple restroom areas are located throughout the venue
• Lines can be longest:
  • Just before the main act
  • Immediately after the show
• For shorter waits, some people head to less central restrooms further from the main entrance or main concourse

Accessibility

The venue typically includes:

• Accessible parking spaces close to entrances
• Ramps and accessible routes within the venue
• Designated accessible seating areas

If someone in your group has mobility needs, it’s helpful to:

• Review ticketing information for accessible seats before purchasing
• Arrive early to secure convenient parking

Table: Quick Snapshot for Atlantans

Nearby Food, Drinks, and Things to Do

If you’re making a full evening out of it, the area around Ameris Bank Amphitheatre is one of the more developed parts of North Fulton.

Pre-Show Food and Drinks

Close-by areas with many options include:

• Avalon (Alpharetta) – Upscale mixed-use development with restaurants, bars, shopping, and a movie theater
• Downtown Alpharetta – A short drive away, with a walkable square, local restaurants, and bars

Many Atlantans:

• Grab an early dinner in Alpharetta, then head to the show
• Or drive up from the city, eat closer to home, and only travel for the event

Because popular restaurants in Avalon and downtown Alpharetta can get busy on show nights, reservations or early arrival can help.

Hotels and Staying Overnight

For people coming from Southside, West Atlanta, or out of town, it can be easier to stay overnight nearby, especially for late-ending shows. Common options:

• Chain hotels along GA-400 exits 8–11
• Hotels near Avalon or in downtown Alpharetta

This can be a good option if you’d rather avoid the late-night drive back through Atlanta.

Safety, Security, and General Conduct

Security at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre usually includes:

• Bag checks and walk-through screening at entrances
• Clear venue rules on what’s allowed

To make your night smoother:

• Have tickets ready (digital or printed) before you reach the entrance
• Bring only what you need to speed up security
• Be prepared for crowds at exits as everyone leaves at the same time

For families or groups, it’s smart to agree on a meeting spot inside the venue in case you get separated and cell service is slow.

Is Ameris Bank Amphitheatre Right for Your Night Out?

For people in Atlanta and the surrounding suburbs, Ameris Bank Amphitheatre works especially well if:

• You enjoy big-name tours and large-scale productions
• You’re comfortable with driving or rideshare and planning around traffic
• You like the feel of an outdoor concert, with lawn options and pavilion seating

If you prefer smaller, more intimate venues, you might gravitate instead toward city locations like smaller theaters and clubs in Midtown, Buckhead, or East Atlanta. But for large-scale outdoor performances on the north side of the metro, Ameris Bank Amphitheatre is one of the main spots you’ll see on tour schedules.

By planning your drive, parking, seating choice, and weather prep ahead of time, you can turn a show at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre into a smooth, memorable night out from anywhere in the Atlanta area.