Everyone goes to the Tabernacle. Heck, I’m going there tonight. Tabernacle is such an Atlanta music staple, that sometimes you have to branch out from there. On the other end, Philips Arena is the go-to place for the big names, like Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry. But there are so many other places that you can go and see a good show. Here are 7 places, in fact:
Terminal West
This venue is visually stunning. It was built out of an old train station, and they stuck to the building’s roots and created an industrial space that would house some of the best up and coming artists of this generation. Terminal West has an uncanny ability of bringing a nice sound, but more importantly, the light shows in this place are incredible. This is a place to see your favorite DJ or Jam Band.
887 West Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
The EARL
Not a lot of people know about this place because it’s 1) off I-20 and 2) it’s 21 and older. But this is a great little gem in the East Atlanta neighborhood. Why? Because it’s able to make a tiny little concert space a giant dance party. Most rock bands have their hideaway show here, but also DJs like Dip and acts like Big Freedia have their parties here, too. Oh, and there’s a full restaurant in the front, so food and drink isn’t an issue.
488 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
Department Store AKA Erosol
This is a new venue, and it’s becoming the go-to place for underground DJs. It’s also known as Erosol, so if you hear these two names… Same place, don’t worry. It’s blending into the eccentric Edgewood personality for sure. There’s still so much to learn about this place, so keep an eye on it! It’s destined for great things.
467 Edgewood Ave. S.E.
Atlanta, GA 30312
Apache Cafe
Ever been in a beat battle? Ever wanted to mingle with people of the hip hop industry? Apache Cafe has some of the budding audio engineers of Atlanta. It’s a tiny little venue hidden in midtown, where DJs spin original beats and compete against others. Not only that, it also has a lot of open mic and spoken word events. Get cultured!
64 3rd St. NW Atlanta, GA 30308
Chastain Park
It’s a little outside of the bustling city, but it’s a summer staple venue because of its sheer beauty. Big acts like John Mayer and The Fray choose Chastain Park over places like Philips Arena and Aaron’s Amphitheater. It’s a beautiful, more relaxed venue where you can have a picnic with your music. Good vibes all around.
4469 Stella Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
Masquerade
At some point… Heaven of Masquerade is going to fall apart. But the rickety venue has stood the tests of time and metal concerts. With three, sometimes four, different spots for music, Masquerade has become a jack of all trades when it comes to concerts. The venue caters mainly to the hardcore, metal and electro-core crowds, but it also brings the Atlanta yuppies with a few beer festivals here and there.
695 North Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Centennial Park
Centennial Park has become more of a go-to for Atlanta music festivals in later years. From hosting the NCAA Tournament concerts a few years back to Sweetwater’s 420fest, it’s revitalized look has become prime real estate for a music festival. Also, there’s so much to see and do downtown now, that afterwards you can get a drink at STATS or ride the Ferris wheel.
265 Park Ave W NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
