Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for a themed dinner experience in Atlanta that mixes food, live entertainment, and a big dose of medieval pageantry, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Lawrenceville (part of metro Atlanta) is one of the most recognizable options. This guide walks you through what to expect, how it works, and how to make the most of a visit from an Atlanta local or visitor’s perspective.

Where Medieval Times Is in the Atlanta Area

Atlanta’s Medieval Times castle is located at:

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

This is in Gwinnett County, northeast of downtown Atlanta. It’s part of Sugarloaf Mills, a large outlet-style mall near the intersection of Sugarloaf Parkway and I‑85.

Getting there from around Atlanta

• From Downtown / Midtown Atlanta

  • Typically 25–45 minutes by car, depending on traffic
  • Take I‑85 North toward Greenville, then exit at Sugarloaf Parkway

• From Buckhead / Brookhaven

  • Around 25–35 minutes in light traffic
  • Take GA‑400 or local routes to I‑85 North, then Sugarloaf exit

• From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

  • Usually 40–60 minutes
  • Head north on I‑85 through downtown toward Sugarloaf Parkway

Parking is generally free in the mall lot, so there’s no separate parking hassle like you might see with some in-town venues.

What the Medieval Times Atlanta Experience Is Like

At its core, Medieval Times is a set-piece dinner show:

• Guests are seated in an arena-style venue
• You’re grouped by color/section, each cheering for a specific Knight
• The show features jousting, sword fighting, horsemanship, and falconry
• A four-course meal is served during the performance

Atmosphere and staging

The Atlanta-area castle is built to feel like a medieval fortress from the outside, connecting to the mall via its own entrance. Inside, you’ll find:

• A large Great Hall / lobby area with bars, gift shops, and photo ops
• Costumed staff (knights, squires, royalty) interacting with guests
• An indoor arena with tiered seating and a sand-filled performance area

If you’re used to more traditional fine dining in Atlanta (Buckhead steakhouses, Midtown tasting menus), think of this as more of a themed dinner theater with a set menu and family-friendly show, rather than a quiet, gourmet restaurant.

How Tickets and Seating Work in Atlanta

You’ll typically choose:

• Show date and time (often evenings, sometimes weekend matinees)
• Ticket tier (standard admission vs. upgraded packages)

While offers and package details can change, common elements include:

• General Admission – Standard arena seating, dinner, and show
• Upgraded Packages – May include priority seating, souvenir flags, group photos, or coordinated celebrations for birthdays/anniversaries

Sample overview of ticket tiers

Exact names and inclusions can vary, so locals usually check current packages before they pick a date.

The Dinner: What You Actually Eat

The Atlanta Medieval Times follows the chain’s standard style of menu, which is themed around medieval-style fare and usually served “utensil-free” (you eat with your hands, if you’re comfortable doing so).

A typical meal often features:

• Roast chicken (main protein)
• Side items like potatoes and corn
• Soup and bread to start
• Dessert (often a simple cake or pastry)
• Beverages (water and soft drinks; bar service is available for alcoholic drinks at an additional charge)

Dietary considerations

If you’re in Atlanta and have dietary restrictions, the castle generally offers alternative options such as:

• Vegetarian or vegan plates
• Gluten-conscious options

These may be limited and should usually be requested in advance when you book or confirmed at check-in. For many Atlanta locals with allergies or dietary needs, it’s common to:

• Call the castle ahead of time for details
• Arrive early to confirm your meal with the staff

The Tournament and Show

The core draw is the live medieval-themed performance. The show is choreographed, scripted, and family-friendly, with:

• Six color-coded Knights representing different regions
• Jousting on horseback with lances
• Sword and weapon combat with staged battles
• Horsemanship displays showcasing the horses’ training
• A King, Queen, and court overseeing the tournament
• Audience participation in the form of cheering, oohs/ahhs, and a bit of good-natured competition

Atlanta-area students and families often attend as part of:

• Birthday parties
• School groups or youth sports outings
• Tourist itineraries for visitors staying in Midtown, Downtown, or around Gwinnett

The show runs about two hours, with dinner served in courses during the performance.

Family-Friendly vs. Adult Night Out

Medieval Times in Lawrenceville is set up to work well for both families and adult groups, but the feel varies by showtime and day.

Family appeal

• Sword fights and horses are big hits with kids and teens
• Food is straightforward and familiar for picky eaters
• The experience is structured enough that parents don’t have to plan activities separately

🧒 Tip for families in Atlanta: Early weekend shows or matinees (when available) can be easier for families with younger children who don’t stay up late, especially if you’re driving back into the city afterward.

Adult groups

Many Atlantans use Medieval Times for:

• Birthday parties for adults who like themed nights out
• Office or team outings, especially for companies in Gwinnett, Duluth, and the north I‑85 corridor
• Pre-game or post-mall hangouts, since Sugarloaf Mills also has other entertainment options

Alcohol is available via bar service, but the overall vibe remains PG/PG‑13 rather than rowdy.

Getting There and Getting Home: Local Logistics

Because Medieval Times is in Lawrenceville, you’ll want to think through transportation and timing.

Driving and parking

• Most visitors drive; the location is directly off I‑85
• There is typically ample free parking in the Sugarloaf Mills lot
• Try to arrive 45–60 minutes before showtime, especially on weekends, to:
  • Check in
  • Browse the lobby and shops
  • Get settled before the arena doors open

Rideshare from Atlanta

If you prefer not to drive from Atlanta proper:

• Rideshare services commonly serve the Lawrenceville area
• Travel time varies with traffic; allow extra time during evening rush hour
• For late shows, confirm rideshare availability in the area, particularly on weeknights

For visitors staying near Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead, expect roughly:

• 30–45 minutes one way in normal conditions
• More if there’s a major event or heavy I‑85 traffic

Reservations, Group Events, and Special Occasions

Individual reservations

You typically:

1. Choose an Atlanta castle showtime
2. Select your ticket tier
3. Confirm the number of guests and any dietary needs

For locals, it’s common to book:

• A few weeks ahead for popular weekends or holidays
• Closer to the date for weeknight shows outside school breaks

Group events

The Atlanta castle frequently hosts:

• School field trips (often daytime educational matinees)
• Corporate events and team-building outings
• Youth group trips and sports team celebrations

If you’re organizing a larger Atlanta-area group, it’s helpful to:

• Ask about group rates
• Confirm any educational or custom packages
• Plan bus or van parking if you’re coming from schools in Atlanta Public Schools, Fulton, DeKalb, or Gwinnett systems

Celebrations

For birthdays, anniversaries, or special milestones, you can often arrange:

• On-screen or in-show name mentions
• Group photos
• Themed add-ons like crowns, flags, or banners

These vary, so many locals call ahead to confirm what’s currently offered at the Lawrenceville location.

What to Wear (and Whether to Dress Up)

The official expectation is generally casual attire, but because this is a themed show, Atlantans often like to have some fun with it.

Common choices:

• Casual clothes: jeans, T‑shirts, comfortable shoes (most popular)
• Themed outfits: capes, crowns, fantasy/medieval-inspired looks (as long as they’re family-appropriate and don’t interfere with safety or view)

👑 Tip: Many kids (and some adults) enjoy wearing crowns and colors that match “their” Knight, which you can often pick up in the lobby.

Accessibility and Seating Considerations

The Atlanta castle, like others in the chain, is generally set up to accommodate a range of accessibility needs, such as:

• Designated accessible seating areas
• Ramps or elevators for arena access
• Restrooms adapted for mobility devices

If you or someone in your group has a mobility, hearing, or visual limitation, it’s wise to:

• Mention this when you book
• Arrive early to coordinate seating with staff

For busy showtimes, early arrival can make a noticeable difference in comfort and logistics.

How Medieval Times Fits Into an Atlanta Visit or Staycation

Because it’s located at Sugarloaf Mills, Medieval Times can easily be combined with other local activities.

Pairing with other north-Atlanta attractions

If you’re planning a day in the northeast metro area, Atlantans often combine the castle with:

• Sugarloaf Mills shopping and entertainment (indoor mall with outlets and activities)
• Nearby Duluth town center for strolling or coffee before/after the show
• Events at Gas South District (arena, convention center, and theater) just down the road on Sugarloaf Parkway

If you’re staying inside the Perimeter and want a full day’s plan, you could:

1. Spend the morning at Piedmont Park, Atlanta BeltLine, or Midtown museums
2. Drive up I‑85 in the afternoon
3. Shop, eat, and end the day with the Medieval Times show in Lawrenceville

Pros and Cons for Atlanta Locals and Visitors

To decide if Medieval Times in the Atlanta area fits your plans, it helps to weigh some common impressions:

Potential benefits

• All-in-one night out: entertainment + dinner single reservation
• Good for mixed-age groups: works for kids, teens, and adults
• Themed, immersive environment: feels different from typical restaurants
• Predictable timing: set show length makes it easier to plan around

Potential drawbacks

• Drive time from central Atlanta: especially in rush hour traffic
• Set menu: less flexibility than typical Atlanta fine-dining spots
• Fixed schedule: you have to work around specific showtimes

If you’re looking for an unstructured, quiet, multi-course fine dining experience, you might prefer Atlanta’s in-town restaurants. If you want a loud, interactive, theatrical dinner that doubles as a show, Medieval Times can be a strong fit.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit

Atlanta-area guests often find these strategies helpful:

• Book ahead, especially for:
  • Friday and Saturday evenings
  • School breaks and holidays
• Check traffic on I‑85 and aim to leave earlier than you think you need to
• Arrive 45–60 minutes early to:
  • Handle check-in
  • Visit the bar or gift shop
  • Ensure any special seating or dietary arrangements are in place
• Dress in layers: Large indoor arenas can sometimes feel cool or warm depending on the crowd and season
• Budget for extras: Photos, souvenirs, and drinks are optional add-ons that can increase the total cost

For anyone in or visiting Atlanta who enjoys immersive experiences, Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Lawrenceville offers a distinctive blend of live action, themed dining, and family-friendly spectacle that feels different from most other restaurant options in the metro area.