Dad’s Garage Theatre Company: Atlanta’s Home for Improv, Comedy, and Offbeat Theatre

If you’re looking for fun, affordable, and very “Atlanta” live entertainment, Dad’s Garage Theatre Company in the Old Fourth Ward is one of the city’s most beloved spots for improv and comedy. It’s casual, quirky, and a local favorite for both long-time Atlantans and visitors who want something different from a typical night out.

What Is Dad’s Garage Theatre Company?

Dad’s Garage is an independent theatre company best known for:

• Improv comedy shows (short-form and long-form)
• Original scripted plays and parodies
• Special events, including themed nights, holiday shows, and community collaborations

The vibe is informal and playful—more like hanging out with very funny friends than watching a traditional, formal theatre show. You’ll often see:

• Local comedians and actors
• Guest performers (sometimes from TV, film, or stand-up)
• A mix of regulars and first-timers in the audience

It’s especially popular with people who live in Intown Atlanta (Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, Midtown, Virginia-Highland, East Atlanta) but easy to reach from most parts of the metro area.

Where Is Dad’s Garage in Atlanta?

Location:
Dad’s Garage Theatre Company
569 Ezzard St SE
Atlanta, GA 30312

This is in Old Fourth Ward, close to:

• The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Krog Street Market
• Sweet Auburn and the MLK Jr. National Historical Park

It’s a convenient stop if you’re already planning a night around the BeltLine, nearby restaurants, or bars.

What Kinds of Shows Can You See?

Improv Comedy

Improv is the core of Dad’s Garage. These shows are usually:

• Fast-paced and interactive – performers ask the audience for suggestions
• Different every night – no two performances are the same
• Casual and often PG-13 or R-rated – language and content can be adult-oriented

You’ll typically find:

• Short-form improv: quick games and scenes, perfect for first-timers
• Long-form improv: one continuous story built on audience suggestions

This is a common choice for:

• Date nights
• Birthdays
• Groups of friends looking for a laid-back night out

Scripted Plays and Parodies

Beyond improv, Dad’s Garage creates original scripted shows, often comedic spins on:

• Pop culture and movies
• Classic stories
• Local and regional topics

These productions change throughout the year, and runs can be limited, so it’s smart to check what’s currently playing if you’re planning ahead.

Typical Schedule and Showtimes

Schedules can change, but many Atlanta locals find that Dad’s Garage frequently offers:

• Evening shows on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays
• Earlier evening shows that are a bit more relaxed
• Later-night shows that may be edgier or geared toward adults

Matinees are less common but may be offered for certain special events or family-friendly shows.

📝 Tip: If you’re coming from outside the city (e.g., Marietta, Alpharetta, Decatur suburbs), aim for earlier shows to avoid driving home too late, especially on weekends when traffic and events can affect travel time.

How to Get Tickets

Most people in Atlanta reserve tickets ahead of time—especially for:

• Weekend evenings
• Special events or limited-run shows
• Holiday productions

You can usually:

• Buy tickets online in advance
• Sometimes purchase at the box office before showtime, if not sold out

Prices are often more affordable than large touring productions in Midtown or Downtown, which is part of Dad’s Garage’s appeal to students, young professionals, and budget-conscious audiences.

If you’re planning a group outing (friends, coworkers, or meetup groups), it’s a good idea to:

• Decide your date early
• Book all tickets together when possible

Parking and Transportation

Dad’s Garage is in a busy intown neighborhood, so parking and transport are worth planning.

Driving and Parking

Around 569 Ezzard St SE, you’ll often find:

• On-street parking in the surrounding streets (be sure to read signs)
• Potential nearby paid or shared lots depending on the night and events in the area

Because the Old Fourth Ward area fills up quickly—especially on weekends—arrive 15–30 minutes early if you plan to drive.

MARTA and Rideshare

While there’s no MARTA rail station right next to the theatre, people often:

• Take MARTA to a central station (such as Five Points, Inman Park/Reynoldstown, or King Memorial)
• Use rideshare or a short bike/scooter ride to the theatre

Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) is common among locals, especially on weekends, to avoid parking stress.

What Is the Atmosphere Like?

Dad’s Garage feels very “Atlanta”:

• Casual dress – jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are completely normal
• Mixed crowd – college students, young professionals, longtime residents, and visitors
• Lively, talkative lobby – people often arrive early, grab a drink, and hang out

Expect:

• A laid-back environment rather than a formal theatre experience
• Regular laughter and audience participation
• Occasional adult language and themes

If you’re looking for something more traditional and polished (like touring Broadway shows), you might compare this with downtown and Midtown theatres such as the Fox Theatre or Alliance Theatre. But for intimate, offbeat comedy, Dad’s Garage stands out.

Food, Drinks, and Nearby Places

Inside the theatre, there is typically:

• A concession area or bar with drinks and light snacks

Outside the theatre, Old Fourth Ward and nearby neighborhoods offer many options before or after the show, including:

• Krog Street Market – food hall with multiple restaurants and bars
• Edgewood Avenue – known for nightlife and casual bars
• Restaurants along the BeltLine Eastside Trail

Many Atlantans plan a full night out by:

1. Grabbing dinner near Krog Street or along the BeltLine
2. Walking or driving over to Dad’s Garage for the show
3. Finishing the night with drinks or dessert nearby

Is Dad’s Garage Family-Friendly?

Content at Dad’s Garage often leans adult. While some offerings may be more suitable for older teens, many shows include:

• Strong language
• Mature or suggestive humor
• Adult themes

If you’re considering bringing kids or younger teens:

• Look carefully at the show description
• Aim for specific family-friendly or “all-ages” events when offered

Atlanta parents often treat Dad’s Garage as a date night spot and rely on more kid-focused venues (like youth theatre programs or daytime performances elsewhere) for younger children.

Accessibility Considerations

If you have specific accessibility needs, common steps Atlanta audiences take include:

• Contacting the theatre in advance to ask about:
  • Accessible seating options
  • Entry and restroom access
  • Any assistance or accommodations available during shows

Old Fourth Ward sidewalks and streets can be a mix of newer and older infrastructure, so if mobility is a concern, planning your route and arrival time is especially helpful.

When Is the Best Time to Go?

It depends on what kind of experience you want:

If you’re visiting the city, fit Dad’s Garage into a night when you’re already exploring Intown neighborhoods so you can combine it with nearby food, drinks, or a BeltLine walk.

How Dad’s Garage Fits into the Atlanta Theatre Scene

For people trying to understand Atlanta theatre options, it helps to think of Dad’s Garage as:

• A go-to for improv, comedy, and experimental shows
• A complement to larger venues like the Fox Theatre (big touring productions) and Alliance Theatre (major regional theatre)
• A hub for local artists and performers

If you want a snapshot of Atlanta’s creative, quirky side—not just its big stages—Dad’s Garage is a strong choice.

Quick Tips Before You Go

• Check the show description: To know if it’s improv, scripted, or a special event
• Buy tickets ahead: Especially for weekend nights and holiday shows
• Arrive early: For parking, getting settled, and grabbing a drink
• Expect adult humor: Plan accordingly if you’re considering bringing teens
• Make it a full night out: Pair your visit with nearby food, drinks, or BeltLine exploring

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta who enjoys live comedy, Dad’s Garage Theatre Company offers a distinctly local, memorable night out in the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.