Inside the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta: A Local’s Guide for Atlantans

If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and looking for a classic small-town historic theater experience just outside the city, the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square is one of the most charming options in metro Atlanta.

Located in downtown Marietta, about 20–30 minutes northwest of Midtown Atlanta (depending on traffic), the Strand combines historic architecture, local arts programming, and community events in a walkable setting surrounded by restaurants, shops, and the Cobb County courthouse district.

Where the Strand Theatre Fits into Metro Atlanta

Although it’s technically in Marietta (Cobb County), the Strand is part of the broader Atlanta cultural scene. For many people who live in Atlanta, it serves as:

• A smaller, more intimate alternative to big Atlanta venues
• A reason to spend an evening on Marietta Square
• A convenient cultural stop if you’re already heading to Truist Park, Kennesaw, or Northwest Atlanta

Location:
Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
117 North Park Square NE
Marietta, GA 30060

From most intown Atlanta neighborhoods (Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Westside), you’ll typically hop on I-75 North and exit toward Marietta and the Historic Marietta Square.

What the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre Is Known For

The Strand is best known in the Atlanta area for three main things:

1. Historic movie-palace vibe – a restored 1930s-style theater with a marquee, balcony seating, and Art Deco details.
2. Live performances – including plays, musicals, concerts, comedy, and tribute shows.
3. Community-centered programming – local productions, regional performers, and special events that highlight Marietta and Cobb County culture.

You won’t typically see large touring Broadway shows here (those tend to go to the Fox Theatre or the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre), but you will find:

• Classic film screenings
• Local theatre companies’ productions
• Holiday shows and sing-alongs
• Tribute bands and themed concerts
• Dance recitals and school events

Getting from Atlanta to the Strand Theatre

Driving from Intown Atlanta

For most Atlantans, driving is the simplest option:

• From Downtown/Midtown: Take I-75 North toward Marietta.
• Exit at North Marietta Parkway (GA-120 Loop) and follow signs for Marietta Square / Historic District.
• Public parking is available in city garages and assorted paid and time-limited street spots around the Square.

🅿 Parking tips:

• There are several public parking decks within a short walk of the Strand.
• During busy evenings (weekends, festivals, or holidays), arrive 30–45 minutes early to find parking and get to your seat without rushing.
• Most garages around the Square charge relatively modest hourly or flat-event rates compared to intown Atlanta garages.

Transit Options from Atlanta

Transit to Marietta from central Atlanta is more limited compared with in-city MARTA options:

• CobbLinc bus service runs between parts of Atlanta and Cobb County.
• There is no MARTA rail directly to Marietta; you’d need to connect via bus or drive/ride-share.

For many visitors, ride-share (from Midtown, Buckhead, or the Westside) can be a convenient alternative to dealing with parking, especially on weekend nights.

What You Can See and Do at the Strand

Live Theatre and Musicals

The Strand often hosts:

• Full-scale community theater productions
• Smaller-scale musicals or plays
• Locally produced shows with regional actors

If you’re used to big-budget productions at the Fox Theatre, think of the Strand as a more intimate, local counterpart—often more casual, with plenty of regular patrons from Marietta and East Cobb.

Concerts and Tribute Shows

The Strand frequently books:

• Tribute bands (classic rock, Motown, country, etc.)
• Local and regional musicians
• Seasonal or themed concerts

These shows can be a fun night out if you’re looking for live music with assigned seating, rather than a standing-room club environment like you might find in East Atlanta or on Edgewood.

Film Screenings & Classic Movies

A big draw for many Atlantans is the Strand’s classic movie nights, which may include:

• Older Hollywood films on the big screen
• Themed costume nights
• Holiday films (for example, around Halloween or Christmas)

If you appreciate cinema history or just want a nostalgic movie night, this is one of the closest vintage theater experiences to Atlanta outside of the main city.

Special & Community Events

The Strand is widely used for community functions, such as:

• Fundraisers and charity events
• Dance school recitals
• Comedy nights
• Local award ceremonies and private rentals

If you’re involved in arts, education, or nonprofits in metro Atlanta, the Strand may come up as a possible venue for events thanks to its central location in Marietta and classic ambiance.

Inside the Theatre: What It’s Like

Seating and Layout

The Strand typically offers:

• Orchestra/main floor seating
• Balcony seating
• A traditional proscenium stage

The theater feels cozy compared to major Atlanta venues, which makes it easier to see and hear from most seats. For people used to big arenas, the Strand can feel refreshingly small and personal.

Atmosphere

Expect:

• A restored historic interior with vintage details
• A classic marquee and lobby feel
• A mix of Marietta locals, Cobb County families, and visitors from across metro Atlanta

It has a more relaxed, small-town energy than many downtown Atlanta venues, paired with an active year-round event calendar.

Planning Your Visit from Atlanta

Buying Tickets

Most Atlantans buy tickets in advance, especially for:

• Weekend evening shows
• Holiday events
• Well-known tribute acts

You can typically purchase tickets:

• Online (most common)
• By phone or in person at the box office during posted hours

📌 Box office location:
Inside the main entrance at 117 North Park Square NE, directly facing Marietta Square.

When to Arrive

For a smooth experience:

• Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before showtime (earlier on weekends or during major Marietta events).
• Allow extra time for I-75 traffic if you’re coming from Atlanta during rush hour.

Marietta Square is walkable and pleasant, so arriving early isn’t wasted time—you can explore the area, grab a coffee, or people-watch on the Square.

Exploring Marietta Square Before or After the Show

One major advantage the Strand has over many Atlanta venues is its location directly on Marietta Square, a compact, pedestrian-friendly area with:

• Restaurants and bars ranging from casual to more upscale
• Ice cream, dessert, and coffee shops
• Local boutiques and gift shops
• A central park often used for festivals and outdoor concerts

Many Atlantans pair a Strand performance with:

• Dinner on the Square before a show
• Drinks or dessert afterward
• Wandering around the Square’s shops during the day if it’s a matinee

If you’re coming from Atlanta, this can easily turn into a half-day or full evening outing rather than just a quick in-and-out event.

Accessibility and Practical Considerations

If you’re evaluating whether the Strand works for your group:

• The venue generally provides accessible seating options; these typically must be requested when purchasing tickets.
• Restrooms and concessions are located inside the building.
• Elevators, ramps, and accessible routes may be available, but it’s wise to confirm details directly with the box office if accessibility is a priority for your party.

For those who find downtown Atlanta driving stressful, the Strand’s Marietta location can feel more manageable, especially for families or older visitors.

How the Strand Compares to Other Atlanta-Area Venues

For Atlanta residents, it helps to think of the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre as:

• More historic and intimate than very modern venues like Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
• Smaller and more community-driven than the Fox Theatre or Atlanta Symphony Hall
• More family- and neighborhood-oriented than many in-city music clubs

If you enjoy:

• Local arts
• Classic theaters
• A walkable square with independent restaurants

…then the Strand is a strong option for a night out that still feels connected to the greater Atlanta arts ecosystem, but with a distinctly Marietta character.

Quick Reference: Visiting the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre

For anyone in Atlanta looking beyond the city limits for arts, entertainment, and a more relaxed historic setting, the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta is a notable and accessible choice.