As the sixth largest metro in the country, Atlanta, Ga., also known as “Hotlanta,” is a city full of culture and history. Having played a major role in the American civil rights movement, the Southern city is home to the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
Atlanta’s diverse landscape is further presented by attractions like Buford Highway, a farmer’s market and a veritable melting pot of foods and art, as well as the World of Coca-Cola, located near the city’s Olympic Park. Read on to learn more about all of the fun and entertainment that Atlanta has to offer.
Atlanta’s Live Music Scene
This Georgia metropolis has a large music scene that celebrates different genres like rap, blues, country and more. Popular musicians that call Atlanta home include Travis Tritt, Manchester Orchestra and T.I., the self-proclaimed ‘King of the South’.
The city has many live music venues that are popular with locals and visitors alike such as Terminal West and the 688 Club. Another great venue to see popular music acts like Kane Brown and Paramore is State Farm Arena. The multi-purpose arena, which houses Atlanta’s professional basketball teams, also has put on several MMA and wrestling matches. In 2022, it even served as the venue for the semifinal round of the League of Legends World Championship.
Atlanta also hosts several popular music festivals like the Shaky Knees Music Festival, which has featured acts like Muse and Run The Jewels, as well as the A3C Festival. This festival celebrates the cultural impact of hip-hop with live music and educates attendees with panels and guest speakers from the music, tech and entertainment industries.
For Sports Fans
A popular sports locale in the U.S., Atlanta is also known as the “Capital of College Football,” housing the oldest on-campus football stadium in the country, Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech. The city also earned this nickname as host of the annual Peach Bowl game and the Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, a long-standing rivalry game between the Auburn Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs.
The city’s major sports teams include the MLB’s Atlanta Braves, the NFL’s Falcons and the Hawks and the Dream of the NBA and WNBA, respectively. The Braves, who play home games at Truist Park, are four-time World Series winners, most recently in 2021, and have also claimed 18 National League pennants as a franchise.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to the Falcons, has also served as the venue for the SEC Championship game since 2017. The stadium is set to host the 2025 College Football playoffs along with several matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
If you prefer to be a part of the action, visit Atlanta on July 4 for the annual Peachtree Road Race, the world’s largest 10K race. Amateurs and pros alike participate in the event, with special divisions for wheelchair racers and military service members.
For Arts and Theatre Enthusiasts
Atlanta’s Midtown district is home to several organizations dedicated to theatre and the performing arts. One such organization is the Atlanta Ballet, which was founded in 1929 and is the first regional ballet company in the United States. The company puts on productions of classics like Swan Lake to more contemporary pieces like MAYhem and Liquid Motion at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
Check out the award-winning Alliance Theatre to enjoy one of its ten annual productions like The Color Purple or Bring It On: The Musical. Or stop by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to enjoy classical and contemporary music performances like Firebird Finale live.
Another of Atlanta’s top destinations for live entertainment is the historic Fox Theatre. Constructed in 1928 as a movie palace, this venue has since become the ideal setting for traveling Broadway shows like Les Miserables and hosting concerts from acts like Mitski and Ben Platt. Visit this theatre to enjoy a summer film series or laugh the night away at a Hasan Minhaj show.
Discover The Best of Atlanta
Whether you want to see a live concert or cheer on your favorite sports team with Atlanta Braves tickets, there are plenty of live events to enjoy in Atlanta with TicketSmarter. Check out HotelPlanner for exclusive Atlanta travel deals to save on travel costs when visiting this popular Southern city.
