Summer is the prime time for concerts, but there are lots of places in Georgia where you can catch a live music performance all throughout the year. And contrary to what some people may think, there are many amazing spots to watch a concert outside of Atlanta as well. So, regardless of your taste in music or what the weather is outside, here are the best venues to see a live show in Georgia!
Variety Playhouse
One awesome show spot that is in Atlanta is the Variety Playhouse, which is part theater and part nightclub. Inside, you’ll find theater seating, tables and chairs for additional concert-goers, and standing areas for dancing. The layout changes depending on who’s performing. Past performers here include Drive-By Truckers, Michelle Branch, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and The Black Lips. The Variety Playhouse is located at 1099 Euclid Avenue Northeast in Atlanta, and you can find parking in the paid lot behind the theater or on streets throughout the Little Five Points neighborhood. Make sure to get here early for popular bands because the line will wrap all around the building before the show! If you’re coming from out of town, The Ritz Carlton Atlanta offers a luxe stay nearby.
40 Watt Club
There are quite a few good concert venues in the college town of Athens, including the Georgia Theater, Hendershot’s, and the Caledonia Lounge. But one of the all-time favorite venues here is called 40 Watt. This is a small and cozy venue that has a great atmosphere and cheap beer. The venue got its name from the bare 40-watt lightbulb that used to provide lighting for the club! Expect to find whimsical lights hung from the ceiling and a relaxed vibe. This is a nice place to bring a date who loves music!
Hargray Capitol Theatre
Like several of the great venues in Georgia, the Hargray Capitol Theatre boasts of a successful revitalization story. The theater’s history dates back to 1916, but then it sat unused for several decades. It was reopened in 2006 and now has balcony seats and standing room on the main level floor. Past performers include the Chris Robinson Brotherhood and Steve Earle. Nearby restaurants to stop by for a meal before or after your show are The Rookery and H&H Soul Food.
Eddie's Attic
This favorite spot in Decatur is small, intimate, and artist-friendly. Come here to see incredible singer-songwriters belt out their heart-filled hits and draw you into their world. Inside, you’ll find small tables and risers in the back for seating and standing room. Some famous performers who have taken the stage at Eddie’s Attic include the Indigo Girls, Sheryl Crow, The Black Crowes, and India Arie. But there are also songwriter open mic nights that welcome aspiring songwriters of all skill levels. Sandwiches, small plates, big bowl salad entrees, sharing plates, and rotating taps are available at the venue, which is located across the street from the Dekalb Courthouse in Decatur.
Gas South District
For powerhouse bands and big-name shows, the Gas South District in Duluth is the place to be. In addition to concerts and family shows, this is where the ECHL Atlanta Gladiators and the NLL Georgia Swarm play. Some of the top artists that have performed here include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Justin Timberlake, and Carrie Underwood. It’s just minutes from Atlanta on a 90-acre lakefront campus.
The EARL
Head over to East Atlanta to catch some of the best alternative performers and intimate shows. The EARL serves draft beer, cocktails, and food, so it’s a great spot to grab dinner and catch a show at the same time. The typical fare is burgers, sandwiches, and salads. This is a 21+ venue that often has very affordable tickets.
The Wormhole
One of the best places to catch a show when you’re in Savannah is the Wormhole, which is in the Starland Design District. This pub and venue has lots of weekly events, like open mic, trivia, karaoke, and pool tournaments. You can also find some great drink specials here for happy hour and lunch. Musical concert and comedy show tickets are affordable, so don’t miss out on stopping by next time you’re in Savannah!
The Fox Theatre
The famous Fox Theatre draws in amazing acts from all around the world. This is a great place to see a concert or a Broadway show, and you can even take a tour of the venue. This is a historic building on the edge of Downtown Atlanta that once showed Vaudeville movies. Over the decades since then, it has been preserved, restored, and redesigned – even with its impressive 3,622-pipe organ!
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre is a state-of-the-art amphitheater located on 45 acres of wooded land, and it has 7,000 covered seats, lawn seating, and box suites. Onsite, you’ll find concessions in the upper and lower plazas, beverage stands at the top of the lawn, gourmet picnic baskets for pick up, and lawn chair rentals. Some of the bands who have taken the stage include the Steve Miller Band with Peter Frampson, Nickleback with Daughtry and Shaman’s Harvest, Boston with Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and Lady Antebellum with Kelsea Ballerini and Brett Young.
