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Parking rates at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) are increasing, effective May 1, 2025, the airport says.
The new rates will significantly raise costs, in some cases nearly tripling them. For example:
- South/North Hourly Decks: From $3/hour ($36/day max) to $10/hour ($50/day max on Day 1, $75/day thereafter).
- International Hourly Deck: From $3/hour ($36/day max) to $10 for the first hour, $15/hour thereafter ($70/day max on Day 1, $100/day thereafter).
- Daily Parking: From $19/day to $30/day.
- Economy Parking: From $14/day to $20/day.
- International Park-Ride: From $14/day to $30/day.
ATL’s assistant general manager, Tyronia Smith, stated that even with planned parking rate increases, ATL’s parking rates would remain “one of the lowest in the country” for daily parking compared to similarly sized airports.Reasons for the Increase:
- Economic Conditions: Airport officials cite a 34% rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Atlanta metropolitan area since the last rate adjustment in 2017, necessitating updates to align with inflation.
- Operational Costs: Parking-related operational expenses have increased significantly.
- Infrastructure Investments: The airport has taken on new debt to fund parking facility modernization and construction, with annual debt service projected at $25.5 million in fiscal year 2025 and expected to grow. Projects include replacing North and South parking decks and adding facilities like the ATL West Deck and Sullivan Road Park-Ride lot.
- Maintaining Competitiveness: Despite the hikes, ATL claims its rates remain competitive compared to other major U.S. airports and off-site parking providers, aiming to ensure a safe, convenient, and reliable experience.
Why Are Parking Rates Going Up at Hartsfield?
Parking rates at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are increasing due to several factors outlined by airport officials.
The primary reasons include rising operational costs and significant investments in parking infrastructure. Since the last rate adjustment in 2017, the Consumer Price Index for the Atlanta area has risen by approximately 30%, and parking-related operational expenses have grown.
Additionally, the airport has taken on new debt to fund modernization projects, with annual debt service projected to reach $25.5 million in fiscal year 2025 and expected to increase further over the next decade.
A key project is the $530 million South parking deck, which will add about 7,700 spaces and is set to be completed by summer 2026 to accommodate events like the World Cup.
These rate hikes, effective May 1, 2025, are intended to align pricing with economic conditions, support ongoing and future infrastructure improvements, and maintain competitiveness with other major U.S. airports and off-site parking providers, airport officials said.
Final Word
Airport parking aside, travel to and from Atlanta is booming. Boutique shops, unique galleries, and retail options add to Midtown Atlanta’s charm for those looking to shop local or find unique items.Downtown Atlanta is a hub for tech companies, startups, and corporate offices, giving it an energetic, innovative vibe.
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Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe recently opened its newest boutique at Phipps Plaza and first location in Georgia, featuring a full collection of women’s ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, small leather goods, eyewear and other accessories.
If you’re looking for things to do in Buckhead, this shop is a must-stop.
The 1,237-square-foot location houses a full, highly sought-after collection of women’s ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, small leather goods, eyewear and other accessories.
Nodding to the brand’s Spanish roots, the space draws inspiration from the CASA LOEWE concept and intersperses LOEWE products with art, craft, and design pieces. Ceramic tiles in peach and silver envelop the façade and interiors, while glass, wood and concrete surfaces complement the space’s warmer textures, such as ceramic, brass and turned iron.
Reflecting Loewe’s commitment to blending traditional styles with modern accents, the boutique features a selection of contemporary furniture, including Utrecht armchairs, signature iron martini tables and a tufted leather puffer bench, as well as three black-and-white reproductions of British textile artist John Allen’s Pink House Cumbria.
Hand-selected artworks from LOEWE’s global art collection can be found throughout the space, illustrating the luxury brand’s devotion to craftmanship and artistry. These pieces include The Thuringer (2021) by Belgian-born artist Caragh Thuring and Pouch on a bent branch (2020) by Irish basket maker Joe Hogan, a finalist of the 2018 edition of the LOEWE FOUNDATION Craft Prize.
Final Word
If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
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It’s been said that without good credit, you won’t have good borrowing power — and that’s true to an extent.  Many people think you have to have a lot of money to do it, but that’s not true. Actually and it’s pretty easy to do — and we’ll show you how.  Millions of Americans struggle to raise their credit scores because of unwise financial decisions, but you can be different. You can build credit fast by taking a few simple steps.  Let’s go over the ways so that you can begin to get financially sound. Here’s what you need to do:1. Get Added As An Authorized User On A Credit Card
Ask someone to add you to their credit card as an authorized user. Obviously this will likely be a family member, spouse or close friend. Really close friend!
You don’t even ever have to use the credit card so there’s no risk to them.
On the other hand, you will benefit from the authorized user’s wise use of credit. Over time, this will improve your credit as well.
2. Apply For A Secured Credit Card
The benefit of getting a secured credit card is that you have to pay upfront. As you wipe away your monthly debt, you begin to boost your credit history.
The key to getting fast credit is to pay for whatever you swipe at the end of the month. Pay it in full. That way, you’ll get credited with a zero balance after 30 days, which is an A1 credit practice.
3. Get Credit For Paying Your Bills
A relatively new financial product is the rise of rent-reporting services. These services report your bill payments to the credit bureaus.
That means you can get credit for psyching your light bill or other utilities.
How Long Does It Take To Build Credit?
A lot of consumers may need to build credit quickly because of a big purchase, like a house, car or even a TV.
But it’s going to take several months — figure about six months — for your credit score numbers to rise.
The reason it takes so long for your credit score to rise is because the credit agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, need to build a report on your credit history.
Also, FICO requires that at least one of your credit accounts be open for six months, so the credit bureaus like to use those six months to monitor your financial decisions.
Final Word
It’s always a good idea to get request your credit report to see where you are credit-wise. By law, you get one free credit report from each credit reporting agency.
Up Next: How To Dispute Your Credit Report
https://atlantafi.com/how-to-dispute-your-credit-score-really-easily/
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From time to time, we still need that weekend getaway even if it’s simply a trip to a nearby state. All you need is some flexibility and yes, some money.
5 Steps To Save Money On Your Next Trip
This article is going to show you how to save money on travel so that you can spend your cash how you please.
1. Get A Travel Rewards Credit Card
The first thing you want to do — perhaps a year in advance — is to see if you can get a travel credit card. These cards unlock savings that you can’t get anywhere else.
A travel credit card with a rewards program can save you big bucks because what you spend can be redeemed for points. Points can be transferred into miles or money toward your trip.
2. Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates
When it comes to saving money on travel, knowing when and the best time to book your trip is half the battle.
Travel experts say that if you book a flight between 21 and 30 days out, you should be able to get a deal.
But no matter what, it pays to be flexible with your travel dates. Use Google Flights to find wiggle room in the days you plan to travel. You’ll be thankful for the money you save.
3. Fly On A Budget Airline
If you really want to just get there, avoid the United and Deltas of the world by flying on a budget airline. You can save up to 60% on your airfare by choosing low-cost airlines that fly in smaller or regional airports.
Don’t know of any budget airlines? Check out WhichBudget.com to research some carriers.
4. Don’t Rent A Car
When you arrive at your destination, don’t rent a vehicle. Plan ahead so that you can use public transportation to get where you need to go.
Oftentimes, that may even mean staying at a hotel closer to the action. Rental cars eat up huge parts of your travel budget. And you may even have to pay for parking at the hotel or other places.
5. Eat Like A Local
One of the surest ways to go broke on vacation, especially overseas, is to eat exclusively at tourist traps. These restaurants will have you paying $8 for a bottle of water!
To really maximize your savings (and enjoy choice food), choose to eat where the locals eat. That way, you’ll pay what they pay, which is refreshingly affordable prices.
Final Word
Believe it or not, traveling doesn’t have to be expensive. Although, we want to have a good time, it can be done for less.Once you get your passport, you should be ready for your trip. Make sure you have found the cheapest flights from Atlanta that are on sale.
To Atlanta is one of the most convenient places to travel to and from. A large part of that is because Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is so accessible.
Not only is it the world’s busiest airport, but it’s state-of-the-art in every way. If you’re interesting in traveling around Atlanta via car or even on scooter, here’s what to know.
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Traveling Soon? Check Out Our International Checklist
If you’re looking for cheap plane tickets right now, you should know that Atlanta typically can be expensive when it comes to flying in or out of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. But there’s one airline that can give more cheap fares than others based off costs per mile.
Researchers at CashNetUSA analyzed data from the FAA, TripAdvisor, and Air Miles Calculator to compare flight prices from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) to every other major U.S. airport, identifying which airlines provide the most affordable fares for travelers departing from ATL.
Check out this airfare pricing map, which shows the cheapest airline costs per mile. As you can see, in Georgia, you’ll fly for 11 cents per mile.
Determining the absolute cheapest airline flying out of Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) right now depends on your destination, travel dates, and booking time. However, based on current trends and available data, low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines consistently offer some of the lowest fares from ATL.
Read up on how to get cheap fares from Atlanta.
- Spirit Airlines: Known for ultra-low base fares, often starting as low as $20-$40 one-way to destinations like Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or Philadelphia. However, additional fees for baggage, seat selection, and other services can increase the total cost, so review their policies carefully.
- Frontier Airlines: Similarly budget-friendly, with one-way tickets frequently in the $27-$48 range to cities like Denver, Orlando, or New York. Like Spirit, Frontier operates a low-cost model with optional add-ons.
For example, recent data shows Spirit offering flights to Fort Lauderdale for as low as $39 round-trip and Frontier to Denver starting around $48 round-trip, though these prices are for specific dates in May 2025 and subject to change.
Tips to Find the Cheapest Flights:
- Check fare comparison sites like Kayak, Skyscanner, or Expedia for real-time deals.
- Be flexible with travel dates—midweek flights (Tuesday/Wednesday) are often cheaper.
- Book at least 53 days in advance for the best rates, as prices rise closer to departure.
- Consider nearby destinations or smaller airports for potential savings.
Since prices fluctuate hourly, I recommend checking directly on Spirit’s or Frontier’s websites or a platform like Kayak for the latest deals from ATL.
The lounge life just got sweeter in Atlanta. The new Delta Sky Club at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) opened its doors on April 8, 2025, marking the first entirely new Sky Club in Atlanta since 2016.
Located in Concourse D-Center Point near the food court, close to gates D18 and D21, this is the eighth Sky Club at ATL and reflects Delta’s efforts to enhance the passenger experience at its largest hub during its centennial year.
Delta Sky Club: What To Know
Spanning 24,000 square feet, it’s the second-largest Sky Club in Atlanta but offers the most seating, with capacity for 506 guests, making it a major draw for passengers as well as employees.
The design draws inspiration from Atlanta’s Southern hospitality and urban sophistication, featuring elements like a brick entryway, shutter screens, coffered ceilings, and lighting reminiscent of outdoor ceiling fans, creating a welcoming, home-like atmosphere.
The lounge includes Southern-inspired artwork by local Atlanta artists, such as a vibrant green tile mural behind the buffet that nods to Atlanta’s nickname, “City in a Forest.”
Amenities cater to both business and leisure travelers, including a large central bar, two additional beverage stations, a buffet with regionally inspired food, six private Framery phone booths (one accessible), a theater-style media wall, and a business area with a high-top coworking table.
Seating options range from recliners and couches to bar-style seats, with airfield views enhancing the experience. While it lacks an outdoor terrace or shower suites, the focus on functional space and seating capacity addresses the high traffic at Delta’s busiest hub.
This opening aligns with ongoing renovations at Concourse D to accommodate more passengers and larger aircraft, with plans to refresh Sky Clubs in Concourses A and C by the end of 2025. It’s considered Delta’s nicest lounge in Atlanta yet, blending modern design with practical features to elevate the travel experience.
Final Word
Atlanta is for tourists, but it’s also for locals. If you want to explore Georgia’s largest city, do it on your terms and check out the fun, cool and new things happening in Atlanta this weekend and even on the weekday. You can start downtown, and get it crackin’ in Buckhead. Check out the newest Atlanta restaurants, beautiful parks and unexplored spots you’ve only heard about. AtlantaFi your experience!
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Some things you don’t forget, like when your favorite artist came to Atlanta either on tour or a special performance. Some of the hottest artists have performed at Atlanta venues at one time or another.
Back in the day, if you didn’t buy a ticket you had to remember the event as best you could. But today with social media, Youtube, Vimeo and other video recordings, concerts can be seen in their entirety.
Top Artists That Performed At Atlanta Concerts
Some of the biggest artists came through Atlanta’s Philips Arena, the Georgia Dome and other defunct arenas in the 1990s and early 2000s. Here are some of the best ones we could find.
Usher Feat. T.I. – Atlanta 2024
In 2005, Destiny’s Child toured one last time before its three members embarked on solo careers. The Atlanta stop was turned into a movie and remains a highlight of the group’s live performances.
Taylor Swift – Philips Arena – Atlanta
Taylor Swift came to Atlanta and sold out Philips Arena, causing major traffic gridlock that weekend.
Miguel – War & Leisure Tour – Atlanta
R&B singer Miguel came through Atlanta in 2018 as part of his “War & Leisure” tour. The date further solidified Miguel’s fanbase in the Dirty South.
Prince’s Last Performance – April 2016 at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre
Who can forget Prince’s last concert in early April 2016 at the Fox Theatre? The Purple One electrified his fans with back-to-back performances that have gone down in history. Less than a week later, the music legend was dead.
Young Thug Concert In Atlanta
Young Thug used to do local shows in Atlanta all the time before he hit it big. Now, when the rapper does a show in Atlanta, it’s in a major venue.
New Edition at Pepsi Funk Fest in Atlanta
New Edition is Atlanta second home, with members Bobby Brown and Ron DeVoe calling the metro area home. Here is one of their legendary performances in the city.
Alabama Shakes at The Earl in Atlanta
Alabama Shakes chose the quaint venue, The Earl, to give a signature performance in 2011.
Drake & Migos, 2017 at Philips Arena
Drake and Lawrenceville’s own Migos performed a memorable set at Philips Arena in 2017.
James Brown – Atlanta
None other than the Godfather of Soul, Jmes Brown, brought the house down in his homestate of Georgia, a few hours from his hometown of Augusta.
Mary J. Blige – 2011 – Tabernacle
Mary J. Blige, the Queen of Hop Hop Soul, brought her soul-stirring voice to downtown Atlanta’s Tabernacle in 2011.
Parliament Funkadelic Concert In Atlanta
George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic raised a ruckus when they played before a packed crowd.
Thompson Twins , The B-52’S & Culture Club Live At Chastain Park
The Thompson Twins,The B-52s and the Culture Club performed in Buckhead toa packed house.
Sade – Philips Arena – 2011
Sade Abu packed Philips Arena in 2011 in a celebrity-filled concert that people are still talking about.
Erykah Badu – 2016 – Atlanta
Erykah Badu brought Baduism and more to Atlanta in 2016. The singer has spent some time in the city throughout years while rearing her son, Seven, with Outkast member Andre Benjamin.
Outkast & Dungeon Family – Lakewood Amphitheater – 2016
Outkast and the Dungeon Family turned ONE Musicfest into a reunion as the whole crew took the stage for a medley of hits.
John Legend – Philips Arena – 2013
John Legend brought his crooning to downtown Atlanta in 2013 for a winter concert that brought crowds to Philips Arena.
Floetry – Center Stage – 2015
Floetry had the crowd jumping when they re-assembled for a concert in Midtown Atlanta’s Center Stage.
Kanye West – St. Pablo Tour – Philips Arena
Kanye West stopped by Atlanta, his birthplace, to promote his then-new album St. Pablo.
Jennifer Lopez – Philips Arena 2012
J-Lo did her thing on stage in 2012 with a performance of all her hits at Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta.
Jay Z and Beyonce – Mercedes-Benz Stadium – 2018
In August 2018, a fan rushed the stage when husband-and-wife team Jay Z and Beyonce performed on stage.
Why Do Artists Love Performing in Atlanta?
Big music artists love performing in Atlanta for a few key reasons.
First, the city has a massive, passionate music fanbase—it’s a cultural hub where people live and breathe music, especially hip-hop, R&B, and trap. The energy from the crowds is electric, and artists feed off that vibe.
Second, Atlanta’s history as a launching pad for talent means it’s got a reputation—performers know they’re stepping into a place that’s shaped legends like OutKast, T.I., and Future. It’s almost like a rite of passage.
Third, the infrastructure’s top-notch: venues like State Farm Arena or the Tabernacle are world-class, and the city’s logistics make it a smooth stop on tours.
Plus, the nightlife and creative scene draw artists in—they can network, collaborate, or just soak in the culture while they’re there.
It’s a sweet spot where audience love, legacy, and practicality collide.
Atlanta has several live-music venues you should check out. If you plan on going to downtown Atlanta for a concert, make sure you enjoy a dinner at one of these restaurants.
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Are you ready for some outdoor fun on the west side Atlanta? It’s happening on Saturday, April 12.
Come celebrate the day at the Urban Forest Festival 2025, exploring all three sites of Atlanta’s Children’s Forest Network as we honor the urban forests we cherish.
Urban Forest Festival: What To Know
Kick off the day by walking, skating, or biking to the lesser-known Lionel Hampton Beech Nature Preserve in West Atlanta for a morning immersed in nature.
Next, join us at the Outdoor Activity Center to mark its 50th Anniversary with a lively Forest Disco Party, featuring a ribbon cutting, mushroom workshops, screen-printing, and more.
Finally, wrap up at Cascade Springs Nature Preserve for an Earth & Art Celebration tribute to Radcliffe Bailey—don your finest Black dandy or AfroFuturistic attire!
Schedule:
- 9:00 AM – Lionel Hampton Beech Nature Preserve
- 9:00 AM – Special Edition: Service Saturday
- 11:30 AM – Outdoor Activity Center
- 3:00 PM – Cascade Springs Nature Preserve
Final Word
Festivals are year-round in the city. Every Atlanta weekend has something cool to do. The city has a thriving cultural, food, sports and music scene, with venues like the Tabernacle and the Fox Theatre hosting concerts and shows throughout the year.
The city is also home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera, offering world-class performances for music lovers.Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots.
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America is having a tariff-ic time these days as countries respond to fees tacked onto products exported to the United States. What the ordinary American consumer may not realize is that tariffs will affect some household goods they use daily.
But what items will tariffs specifically affect? And what do the price increases mean for you and I? Let’s get into it.
What Products Are Going To Increase in Price Due To Tariffs?
Tariffs are likely to raise prices on a variety of consumer goods in the United States by increasing the cost of imported products, which is often passed on to consumers. Based on current economic analyses and the types of goods commonly imported, here are five consumer goods that are particularly vulnerable to price increases due to tariffs:
Electronics (Smartphones, Laptops)
Photo credit: Daria Shevtsova / Pexels.com A significant portion of electronics, such as iPhones and laptops, are manufactured in countries like China, which has been subject to tariffs as high as 20% (with proposals up to 60% or more). These tariffs directly increase the cost for importers, and studies indicate that much of this cost is passed onto consumers, potentially raising prices by 10% or more depending on the tariff rate and company pricing decisions.
Automobiles and Auto Parts
The U.S. relies heavily on imported auto parts and vehicles, especially from Canada and Mexico, which face 25% tariffs, and other countries subject to a baseline 10% tariff. This could add thousands of dollars to the price of cars—estimates suggest an increase of $2,500 to $5,000 for lower-cost models— impacting both new car buyers and those needing repairs with imported parts.
Fresh Produce (Avocados, Strawberries, etc.)
Agricultural products like fruits and vegetables, particularly from Mexico (which supplies about 90% of U.S. avocados), are hit with 25% tariffs. Since these are perishable goods with limited domestic substitution in the short term, prices are expected to rise quickly, potentially by 2.9% or more, affecting grocery bills.
Clothing and Footwear
A large percentage of apparel and shoes sold in the U.S. is imported from countries like China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, facing tariffs ranging from 34% to 46%. Retailers often pass these costs to consumers, which could lead to noticeable price hikes for everyday items like sneakers and jeans.
Household Appliances (Washing Machines, Refrigerators, etc.)
Many appliances are imported from China and other nations, and past tariffs (e.g., on washing machines in 2018) have shown price increases of over 11%, adding roughly $86 per unit. With new tariffs in place, similar or greater increases are likely as manufacturers and retailers adjust to higher import costs.
Are Tariffs All Bad? Not Necessarily
One lesser-discussed aspect of tariffs is their potential to act as a strategic tool for economic development, beyond just protecting domestic industries or raising revenue. Economists often focus on the inefficiencies tariffs introduce—like higher consumer prices or trade wars—but rarely highlight how they can be used to foster long-term industrial growth in specific contexts.
Historically, countries like the United States, Germany, and Japan used tariffs in their early development phases to shield nascent industries from foreign competition. This allowed them to build domestic capabilities, achieve economies of scale, and eventually compete globally. The “infant industry” argument is acknowledged in economic theory, but it’s often downplayed because it’s hard to implement without corruption or inefficiency creeping in. Success requires precise timing—knowing when to phase out protection so industries don’t become permanently dependent.
Another secret is the bargaining power tariffs create. By threatening or imposing tariffs, a country can negotiate better trade deals, extract concessions, or deter unfair practices like dumping. This isn’t just about economics; it’s geopolitics masquerading as trade policy. Few economists emphasize this because it blurs the line between their field and political strategy.
The catch? Tariffs are a double-edged sword. They can backfire if other nations retaliate, or if domestic firms get lazy behind the protective wall. Data from the World Bank shows that countries with prolonged high tariffs—like India pre-1990s—often stagnated compared to those that liberalized strategically. So, the real secret is less about tariffs themselves and more about how they’re wielded: as a scalpel, not a sledgehammer.
One of Atlanta’s most iconic establishments is Magic City, a strip club that made a name for itself in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Now, a major production is set to tell the story.
“Magic City: An American Fantasy,” a docuseries about the iconic Atlanta strip club Magic City, which has already completed casting, filming and is now in post-production or distribution phases.
The docuseries that premiered on Starz on August 15, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET/PT in the U.S. and 11 p.m. ET/PT in Canada, with subsequent episodes airing weekly on Fridays.
Directed by Charles Todd and created by Cole Brown, the series explores the history and cultural impact of Magic City, the iconic Atlanta strip club founded in 1985 by Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney.
What It’s About
The docuseries dives into Magic City’s role as a cultural hub and launchpad for Southern hip-hop, often called the “Black Studio 54.” It covers the club’s influence on artists like OutKast, Future, Migos, T.I., and Gucci Mane, whose careers were shaped by the club’s DJs and its reputation as a music tastemaker. The series also examines broader themes like Black entrepreneurship, women’s sexuality, crime, and socio-economic politics, featuring exclusive interviews with founder Michael Barney, dancers, and celebrity patrons including Drake, Shaquille O’Neal, 2 Chainz, Nelly, Quavo, Killer Mike, and Big Boi. It highlights the women who built the club’s mystique and its significance as a meeting point for music, sports, and politics, including its association with figures like Stacey Abrams and the B.M.F. drug gang.
Production Details
- Executive Producers: Cole Brown, Drake (via DreamCrew Entertainment), Jermaine Dupri, and Jami Gertz (Atlanta Hawks co-owner).
- Production Company: Scheme Engine, with showrunner Bayan Joonam and producers Devin Amar, Alex Kaplan, Ashley Brooke, and Marlowe Blue.
- Filming: Shot in Atlanta, with behind-the-scenes footage captured at Magic City. Filming wrapped in 2023, and the series premiered to acclaim at SXSW in March 2024.
How to WatchThe series is available on the Starz streaming platform, with new episodes dropping weekly on Fridays. A standard Starz subscription costs $10.99/month, but a promotional offer reduces it to $4.99/month for the first three months. Starz can also be bundled with Sling TV ($5.50/month initially, then $11), Hulu ($10.99/month), or Prime Video ($3.99/month for three months).
Key Highlights
- The docuseries offers rare insider access, blending personal testimonies from dancers, DJs, and celebrities with cultural history, showcasing Magic City’s nearly 40-year legacy.
- It addresses controversies, such as a recent lawsuit by a former dancer, Gorgeous Doll, alleging tip misappropriation and an altercation with a prominent female rapper.
- Jermaine Dupri, an executive producer, created an accompanying album with Atlanta artists, inspired by the project.
‘Magic City: An American Fantasy’: Here’s What We Know So Far
“Magic City: An American Fantasy” is a five-part docuseries that explores the history and cultural impact of Magic City, a legendary strip club in Atlanta founded in 1985 by Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney.
Filming for this docuseries wrapped in 2023, with production led by Drake’s DreamCrew Entertainment, Jermaine Dupri, Cole Brown, and Jami Gertz (actress and Atlanta Hawks co-owner), among others.
Directed by Charles Todd and produced by Scheme Engine, the project was shot in Atlanta, capturing behind-the-scenes footage at the club itself.
It premiered to critical acclaim at SXSW in March 2024 and was recently acquired by Starz for a summer 2025 debut, though an exact date hasn’t been set as of now.
Who Is Michael ‘Magic’ Barney?
Michael “Mr. Magic” Barney is a prominent figure in Atlanta, best known as the founder and former owner of Magic City, one of the most iconic strip clubs in the United States. Born and raised in Atlanta, Barney opened Magic City on October 2, 1985, at the age of 26, transforming a small bar called the Jolly Fox Lounge on Forsyth Street into a cultural powerhouse.
With just $25,000 and a vision, he created a venue that became synonymous with Atlanta’s nightlife and a cornerstone of the city’s hip-hop scene.
Photo credit: Instagram
Barney’s influence extends far beyond running a club. Magic City, under his leadership, evolved into a launchpad for Southern rap artists, earning a reputation as a place where careers were made.
Acts like Outkast, Future, Migos, T.I., and Gucci Mane either performed early gigs there, shot music videos (e.g., Jeezy’s “Put On”), or had their songs tested by the club’s legendary DJs like DJ Nabs or DJ Esco.
The phrase “If it bang at Magic City, it’s a hit” became a litmus test for rap success, cementing Barney’s role in shaping Atlanta’s music identity, often dubbed the “Black Motown.”
As a Black entrepreneur, Barney navigated a gritty industry—strip clubs in the ‘80s and ‘90s weren’t always glamorous—and turned Magic City into a multimillion-dollar enterprise.
He sold the club in 2018 to an unnamed buyer for a reported $8–10 million but remains its public face and a consultant. His story reflects hustle and resilience, from dodging crime-related stereotypes (despite occasional brushes with law enforcement scrutiny) to building a legacy tied to Black empowerment and nightlife innovation.
Barney’s personal life is less public—he’s known to be private despite his outsized persona—but he’s a father and has been married, with his family occasionally mentioned in profiles.
Now in his early 60s (born around 1959), he’s still an Atlanta legend, featured prominently in the upcoming docuseries “Magic City: An American Fantasy,” set to air on Starz in summer 2025. The series, co-produced by Drake and Jermaine Dupri, showcases his journey and Magic City’s cultural footprint.
What Is ‘Magic City: An American Fantasy’ About?
“Magic City: An American Fantasy” dives into the club’s decades-long influence on hip-hop, its role as a launchpad for artists like Future, Migos, and Outkast, and its reputation as the “Black Studio 54.”
It also covers broader themes like Black entrepreneurship, women’s sexuality, crime, and socio-economic politics, featuring exclusive access to Barney, the dancers, and a roster of celebrity patrons including 2 Chainz, Nelly, Shaquille O’Neal, Quavo, Killer Mike, and Big Boi.
The series readies for release as a former dancer of the club files a lawsuit alleging that her tips were misappropriated while she worked there. The former strip club worker, who goes by the name Gorgeous Doll, says that a run-in with a prominent female rapper at the place exploded into legal action.
Final Word
Magic City is one of the top strip clubs in the city, but it’s not the only one. Our best Atlanta strip clubs guide takes you through the ATL’s night scene.
Cool events are year-round in the city. Every Atlanta weekend has something cool to do. The city has a thriving cultural, food, sports and music scene, with venues like the Tabernacle and the Fox Theatre hosting concerts and shows throughout the year.
The city is also home to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Opera, offering world-class performances for music lovers.Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots.
Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:
