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This weekend, don’t miss Reggae Fest – The Return of Vybz Kartel in downtown Atlanta. The star-studded event is happening at downtown Atlanta’s largest concert venue, State Farm Arena.
One of the biggest reggae artists out now, Vybz Kartel, aka Adidja Azim Palmer, was born January 7, 1976, in Kingston, Jamaica. Known as Vybz Kartel, he’s a prominent Jamaican dancehall deejay, often called the “Worl’ Boss” or “King of Dancehall.”
How To Get Tickets
Available through Ticketmaster, with prices starting at $70 and averaging $758 for premium options like floor seats. Buy tickets here.
Various tiers (Bleachers, Grand Stand, Infield, Centre Stage, Cycle Track) offer different experiences, from lively to close-up views.
Kartel gained prominence in the early 2000s with his debut album Up 2 Di Time (2003). His music blends dancehall with reggae and R&B influences, characterized by provocative lyrics, braggadocious delivery, and themes ranging from party anthems to social commentary on working-class struggles.
His notable tracks include “Clarks” (2009), “Romping Shop” (2009, featuring Spice), “Summertime” (2011), and “Fever.” His collaborations include artists like Major Lazer, Rihanna, and Missy Elliott.
What To Expect from the Show
A high-energy reggae concert celebrating Vybz Kartel’s return, featuring live performances and a festive atmosphere. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster; prices vary.
How To Get To State Farm Arena
State Farm Arena is located at 1 State Farm Drive, Atlanta, GA 30303.
State Farm Arena, located at 1 State Farm Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30303, is in the heart of downtown Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park District. Here are your best options for getting there, tailored for a traveler possibly heading to a concert or event, as inspired by your interest in vibrant experiences like the Salar de Uyuni:
1. By Public Transit (MARTA)
MARTA is the most stress-free way to avoid downtown traffic and parking hassles, especially during events.
- Subway: Take the Blue or Green line to the GWCC/CNN Center Station, which is directly across the street from the arena (a 1–2 minute walk). Alternatively, you can get off at Five Points Station (Red, Gold, Blue, Green lines), then walk about 6–8 minutes (0.4 miles) or transfer to a westbound train to GWCC.
- From Key Stations:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Airport: Take the Red or Gold line north to Five Points, then transfer to the Blue/Green line west to GWCC (30–40 minutes, $2.50 one-way).
- Doraville Station (if coming from outside the perimeter): Free parking available, then take the Gold line to Five Points and transfer (45–50 minutes).
- Bus: Lines 26, 55, or 94 stop near the arena. Closest stops include Forsyth St @ Alabama St (4-minute walk) or Marietta St @ Centennial Olympic Park Dr (4-minute walk).
- Tips: MARTA can get crowded after concerts, but it’s safer and cheaper than driving during events. Buy a Breeze Card in advance to avoid ticket machine lines.
2. By Car
Driving offers flexibility but comes with traffic and parking challenges during events.
- Directions:
- From I-75/I-85: Take Exit 249C (Williams St) from the north or Exit 249D (Spring St) from the south. Spring St turns into Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW; turn right on Baker St, then left on Marietta St to reach the arena.
- From I-20: Take the exit for I-75/I-85N toward Atlanta, then follow Exit 249D (Spring St) and the same route as above.
- Parking:
- Pre-purchase parking through ParkMobile to save time and money. Options include:
- State Farm Drive: Steps from the arena, uncovered, $10–$30 depending on the event.
- Diamond Deck (100 Lower Andrew Young International Dr): VIP parking with player/artist entrance, <1-minute walk.
- Sapphire Deck (127 Centennial Olympic Park Dr NW): Across the street, <5-minute walk.
- Ruby Lot (199 Alabama St SW): Below street level, <5-minute walk.
- All lots offer ADA parking, but prices vary by event, and traffic can be gridlocked if there are simultaneous events at nearby venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- Pre-purchase parking through ParkMobile to save time and money. Options include:
3. By Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
- Drop-Off: Rideshare drop-off is typically at the Andrew Young International Blvd entrance, near Gate 4, a short walk to the arena.
- Cost: From Midtown, expect $10–$15; from the airport, $30–$40, depending on surge pricing.
- Tip: Post-event pickup can be chaotic. Walk a few blocks away (e.g., toward Centennial Olympic Park) to avoid crowds and surge pricing.
Final Word
ortunately, there are other ways and venues to enjoy live music in Atlanta. Our Atlanta Live Music Guide lets you know every week and each fun-filled weekend who’s playing and where.
There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.
Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!
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The Virginia-Highland Summerfest is happening in Midtown Atlanta this weekend.
The festival features three days of activities, including over 250 arts and crafts vendors, live music from local and regional performers, food trucks, and a kids’ zone. The 5K run is a highlight for active attendees. Free admission makes this a must-visit for a quintessential Atlanta experience.Keep reading to find out some key things to know about the event, which is one of Atlanta’s best festivals.
The Virginia-Highland Summerfest runs at the following times:
- June 6, Friday Night Kick-off: 6pm – 9 pm
- June 7: Saturday Festival: 10am – 10pm
- June 8: Sunday Festival: 11am-5pm
The festival will feature fine artists, live music, a KidsFest, and lots of food festival vendors to Virginia Highland, plus a Peachtree Road Race qualifying 5K run!
Virginia-Highland Summerfest: Everything To Know
The Summerfest will include a lot of cool things to see, eat and enjoy this year, from arts and crafts from some of the best artists and makers in the Southeast to live entertainment.
5K Race
For more than 30 years, Summerfest has included one of the best races in Atlanta, the 5K Race, which is a Peachtree Road Race qualifier.
The 5K race begins at the eastern end of the festival just one block east of the intersection of Virginia and N. Highland.
Want to cheer on the runners? The gun goes off at 8 a.m. Saturday.
Live Music
As always, there will be live music made up with some of the most eclectic bands you should know about.
Fine Art Market
Features artwork from some of the best artists in the southeast and beyond. It is not juried this year and there will be no awards.
Makers’ Market
Includes handmade items such as soaps, lotions, candles, pet items, plants and delicious consumables such as nuts, chocolate, jams, honey, etc. These vendors are not allowed to sell t-shirts, clothing, crafts of any kind or home objects such as furniture or decorative objects, drinks, non-packaged food or toys.
Where Will Virginia-Highland Summerfest Be Located?
The Virginia-Highland Summerfest will take place at Virginia Ave. between Barnett St. and Arcadia St. at John Howell Park. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Festival organizers say to use “Virginia Avenue at N. Highland Avenue 30306” as the destination for the festival
Final Word
Atlanta has plenty of things to do this weekend. Don’t sit this one out. While it’s warm, take advantage of the outdoors. Don’t miss these awesome festivals.
The fun is just starting. Are you a beer drinker? You also may want to visit a craft brewery in the city.
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What’s in a name? Well it depends. With June here, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has officially begun.
The perennial storm season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, uses a predetermined list of names maintained by the World Meteorological Organization.
The list for 2025, recycled from 2019 with one replacement (Dexter for Dorian due to its retirement after the devastating 2019 hurricane), includes 21 names.
Hurricane Season: What Are the Named Storms for 2025?
These names are assigned to tropical storms or hurricanes when they reach sustained winds of at least 39 mph. Here is the full list of named storms for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season:
– Andrea
– Barry
– Chantal
– Dexter
– Erin
– Fernand
– Gabrielle
– Humberto
– Imelda
– Jerry
– Karen
– Lorenzo
– Melissa
– Nestor
– Olga
– Pablo
– Rebekah
– Sebastien
– Tanya
– Van
– WendyIf more than 21 named storms occur, which is rare (only happening in 2005 and 2020), a supplemental list of names will be used, starting with Adria.
The names Van and Wendy are notable as they have never been used for Atlantic storms since the list’s inception in 1983.
Forecasts predict an above-average season, with 13–19 named storms expected, based on projections from NOAA, Colorado State University, and other meteorological agencies.
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Mercedes-Benz is moving its North American headquarters to metro Atlanta, where it already has its administrative operations in the U.S., the company recently announced.
The move will add around 500 jobs to the facility and be a boob to the local economy.
Where Is Mercedes-Benz Moving in Metro Atlanta?
Mercedes-Benz is expanding its existing U.S. headquarters in Sandy Springs, which will centralize key corporate functions, including financial services and corporate operations, at its “1MB” facility in Sandy Springs, which has been its U.S. headquarters since 2018.
Additionally, Mercedes-Benz plans to establish a new multi-million-dollar Research & Development (R&D) hub nearby.
The consolidation is expected to be completed by August 2026. The move involves relocating up to 500 jobs, primarily from the company’s financial services headquarters in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and other U.S. locations, to the Sandy Springs facility and the new R&D hub.
Why Is Mercedes-Benz Moving its HQ to Metro Atlanta?
Consolidating operations in metro Atlanta allows Mercedes-Benz to bring teams closer together, enhancing agility, speeding up market delivery, and improving customer experience.
Atlanta’s location is also strategic, being closer to the company’s growing Southeast customer base, the port in Brunswick, Georgia, and its manufacturing facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which produces half of the vehicles sold in the U.S.
Sandy Springs Attracting Fortune 500 Businesses
Several companies have recently moved their headquarters to Sandy Springs, Georgia, taking advantage of its business-friendly environment, infrastructure, and proximity to Atlanta. Here are some notable examples in addition to Mercedes-Benz:
- Asbury Automotive Group: In November 2024, Asbury Automotive Group, a major U.S. franchised automotive group, announced plans to relocate its headquarters to Sandy Springs. The company purchased the former Newell Brands headquarters at 6655 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., with the move anticipated for late summer 2025, bringing 350 new jobs to the area.
- Kumho Tire U.S.A.: In May 2025, Kumho Tire U.S.A., an Atlanta-based tire manufacturer, relocated its headquarters to Summit Perimeter Campus in Sandy Springs. The new 14,000-square-foot facility offers more space and improved amenities for employees.
- Inspire Brands: In August 2018, Inspire Brands, which manages restaurant chains like Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, opened its global headquarters in Sandy Springs. This move created over 1,100 jobs and involved a $32 million investment, though it’s slightly less recent than the others.
- Newell Brands: While Newell Brands has been based in Sandy Springs for some time, in June 2024, the company reaffirmed its commitment by signing a 180,000-square-foot lease at the Queen Tower in Concourse Office Park for its global headquarters, retaining 890 jobs and adding 165 new ones.
Final Word
In addition to a top restaurant spot, Sandy Springs has become a hub for corporate headquarters, with its strategic location, tax incentives, and access to a skilled workforce making it attractive for businesses. These relocations highlight the city’s growing role as a corporate destination in the metro Atlanta area.
Atlanta has just what you need, not just today but every weekend. From exploring the city’s diverse restaurant scene to taking in a beautiful park greenspace or even checking out the hidden gems, Atlanta has some of everything.
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Face creams can improve skin texture and tone, too. Ingredients like retinol or peptides stimulate cell turnover and collagen production, smoothing fine lines and firming the skin over time.
In this article, I’m going to show you some of the best face creams on the market. No matter what age you are, taking care of your skin with the very best women’s products is a necessary regimen if you want to look your best.
What Are the Best Face Creams for Aging Skin?
You can order these face creams for the internet for fast delivery and very little hassle.
L’Oreal Paris Skincare Collagen Face Moisturizer
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Cream
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Nourishing Lip Balm
Olay Regenerist Mineral Sunscreen Face Moisturizer
Pond’s Dark Spot Corrector Clarant B3
Eucerin Q10 Anti Wrinkle Face Cream Bundle
Final Word
The Atlanta beauty industry is one of the largest in the Southeast, and you can bet that a large part of that involves the skin care segment.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money on a grooming regimen. Yes, you can do it yourself. All you need are some quality shears and some high-performance clippers to get the job done. Check out our Beauty Page for other ways to get shaped up.
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Georgia State University has been on a torrid pace of expansion in and around downtown Atlanta. The largest plans include significant changes around Hurt Park and Woodruff Park, transforming the greenspaces into central hubs that encourage student engagement and strengthen GSU’s efforts to create safe, inviting and comfortable spaces for the community.
The redevelopment of Hurt Park involves demolishing Georgia State’s Sparks Hall to extend the campus Greenway across Gilmer Street, linking it with Hurt Park. The reimagined Greenway will feature an elevated plaza, improved walkways, and a vegetated buffer along Courtland Street.
Also, located in the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Preservation District, the Fraternity and Sorority Life Plaza (FSL Plaza) would be erected on the site of the building located at 148 Edgewood.
Photo credit: Georgia State University
But there is now an effort underway to save the building from being touched by Georgia State.
According to Jeff Notrica, a Georgia-based historic property preservationist and President of Inman Park Properties, Inc., 148 Edgewood Avenue NE is more than just a building. It’s a rare survivor—a steadfast sentinel—enduring on a street scarred by a Federal highway cutting through its heart and the devastation of urban renewal that demolished much of Atlanta’s Black business and residential areas. Now, it faces an unnecessary final threat: demolition by Georgia State University.
Preservationists: Don’t Touch 148 Edgewood Avenue
“Let us be clear—148 Edgewood is a contributing structure to the Martin Luther King, Jr. – Local Landmark District, designated in 1989,” he says in a recent news release. “It lies squarely within a protected zone that commemorates one of the most vital and historically rich Black communities in the United States. The building’s destruction would not only diminish the physical fabric of this district, but would also deepen the slow erosion of its soul—piece by piece, building by building.”
Preservationists, including the Atlanta Preservation Center (APC) and figures like Notrica, view these demolitions as unnecessary losses of Atlanta’s dwindling historic fabric, particularly in areas impacted by past urban renewal and highway construction that devastated Black business and residential districts.
GSU’s response includes a proposal to replace 148 Edgewood with a Fraternity and Sorority Life Plaza, featuring a mural commemorating the building’s façade, but preservationists, including APC’s David Mitchell, argue this does not adequately honor the site’s history and advocate for adaptive reuse to maintain architectural diversity and economic benefits.
More changes are on the way: GSU’s $107 million “Building Pathways for Success” initiative, funded in part by an $80 million Woodruff Foundation gift, aims to transform the campus into a vibrant “college town” by 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Key projects include razing Sparks Hall, the university’s first purpose-built structure from 1955, and 148 Edgewood Avenue, a nearly century-old building in the Martin Luther King Jr. Landmark District, to expand the campus Greenway and create a “Panther Quad” with enhanced greenspaces and pedestrian areas.
Georgia State has been expanding outward since acquiring land in the heart of downtown Atlanta off Peachtree Street. Now much of the plans stretch toward the Old Fourth Ward and into areas deemed historic.
The redevelopment of Hurt Park involves demolishing Georgia State’s Sparks Hall to extend the campus Greenway across Gilmer Street, linking it with Hurt Park. The reimagined Greenway will feature an elevated plaza, improved walkways, and a vegetated buffer along Courtland Street.
At the north end of Hurt Park, the 100 Edgewood building will gain a dining area and gathering space, solidifying its role as a key part of the new campus core. Renovations to the building’s first four floors will modernize classroom spaces and add interconnecting stairways for better circulation.
Final Word
The tension between GSU’s downtown Atlanta campus expansion and historic preservationists stems from the university’s plans to demolish historic buildings to make way for modern developments, which preservationists argue erases significant cultural and architectural heritage.
They argue that buildings like 148 Edgewood, a rare survivor of these disruptions, hold significant historical value and could be adaptively reused to preserve the city’s character while meeting GSU’s needs. The APC has expressed hope that GSU’s plans could incorporate preservation, citing the university’s past adaptive reuse of buildings like the Hurt Building and 25 Park Place.
The conflict reflects a broader debate: GSU’s vision for a modern, student-centric campus versus preservationists’ emphasis on retaining Atlanta’s historic identity, especially in a city with a limited stock of historic structures.
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The upcoming fifth annual RenderATL is happening in Atlanta, Georgia during the second week of June. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about the much-anticipated tech event.
What Is RenderATL?
RenderATL is a tech conference that facilitates education, networking and collaboration between people in the tech space, from software engineers to developers, project managers and more.
Originally called the React Javascript Conference, RenderATL has grown to include a thriving ecosystem of tech industry professionals that share their knowledge via panel, workshop, talks and more.
Inviting folks from across the U.S. of all backgrounds, this event also anchors the inaugural Atlanta Tech Week, Atlanta’s first city-wide tech takeover, featuring events at some of Atlanta’s top venues, such as Ponce City Market, Hotel Indigo, and The Gathering Spot.
RenderATL, the leading tech conference merging innovation, culture, and code, today announced the return of its annual experience, set to take place June 11–13, 2025, in Atlanta, GA. Designed to bring together the brightest minds in tech, RenderATL 2025 will once again merge unparalleled educational sessions and networking opportunities with immersive experiences.
As one of Atlanta Tech Week’s flagship events, RenderATL has grown into one of the technology industry’s most anticipated gatherings, attracting thousands of engineers, designers, entrepreneurs, and executives from across the globe. This year’s programming will include 80+ technical talks and workshops, in addition to conversations on today’s emerging trends within artificial intelligence, product management, web technologies, and beyond.
“RenderATL isn’t just a conference, it’s a carnival of innovation where tech professionals at every level come to connect, grow, and be inspired,” said Justin E. Samuels, Founder and CEO of RenderATL. “At RenderATL, we’re not just talking about the future of tech, we’re actively shaping it. It’s a space where big ideas meet real opportunity, and where community fuels progress.”
Taking place in the creativity hub of Atlanta, RenderATL 2025 will deliver a dynamic mixture of fireside chats, workshops, and cutting-edge product demonstrations. Beyond the stage, attendees can expect immersive experiences ranging from networking events to curated moments that celebrate innovation and community. The event will also feature its signature festival experience featuring live performances from Wayne Wonder, Elephant Man, Alison Hinds, Kevin Lyttle, and more.
Highlights for RenderATL 2025’s robust programming include:
- The Build Track: Software development best practices, architecture, DevOps, and engineering leadership.
- The Create Track: A space for designers and product thinkers at the intersection of creativity and technology.
- AI & Innovation Stage: Informative sessions on generative AI, quantum computing, and ethical design.
- Career & Culture Panels: Real talk on navigating tech, breaking into leadership, and building impactful careers.
- Tech Square All-Day Activation in Midtown, open to all attendees.
- AI Summit + Workshops at AmericasMart, featuring early VIP access and full-day sessions.
- Citizen Supply Takeover at Ponce City Market, offering a curated shopping and culture experience.
- RenderATL EV Mixer @ Rivian and Speaker Mixer @ The Candler Hotel for curated networking.
- RenderATL Roof @ Atlanta Tech Week, presented by Uber, bringing rooftop vibes and tech energy to close out the day.
Featuring a powerhouse lineup of industry leaders, RenderATL will feature forward-thinking discussions that explore the latest breakthroughs in AI, machine learning, modern web frameworks, design systems, and more. This year’s dynamic speaker roster includes innovators such as:
- Safia Abdalla, Principal Software Engineer at Microsoft
- Jana Sloane, Senior Privacy Program Manager at Microsoft and Licensed Attorney
- Ava Toro, Global Strategic Insights Researcher at Reddit
- Kevin Whinnery, Developer Experience at OpenAI
- Sean McQuaid, Lead Software Engineer at Chick-fil-A
- Zach Maybury, Chief Technology Officer at DraftKings
- LaDarius Owens, Senior Technical Program Manager at DraftKings
- Amitha Sampath Kumar, Senior Quality Engineer at Hopper
- Scott Stewart, Senior Software Engineer at Intuit Mailchimp
- Darren Alphonse, Lead Product Manager at Disney
- Piyush Gupta, Senior Engineering Manager at Expedia
- Chris Bautista, Senior Software Engineer at Netflix
- Imad Abusam, Lead Product Manager, Financial Products at Uber
RenderATL 2025 will also feature a dedicated panel hosted by Zillow, the leader in pioneering remote-first work cultures. This session will explore what success looks like in a remote, hybrid, or in-office environment and provide attendees with valuable insights into which work model best fits their career goals. Zillow’s leadership team will share candid insights and offer practical strategies for building connections, advancing professionally, and thriving in virtual-first settings.
Where Is RenderATL Taking Place?
RenderATL is taking place at AmericasMart, which is located at 230 John Portman Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30303.
Final Word
Created by tech mogul Justin Samuels, RenderATL is a three-day event bridging the gap between culture and conference. Through notable keynote speakers, incredible Southern cuisine, networking opportunities, games, workshops, parties, and a concert headlined by Kaytranada, RenderATL celebrates not only technology and engineering but community and culture at its core.
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Live Nation will play a significant role in revitalizing downtown Atlanta as part of the vaunted Centennial Yards project, the $5 billion mixed-use development project aimed at transforming 50 acres of underutilized land in the heart of the city.
The live entertainment company has signed on to operate a new 5,300-seat music and entertainment venue at Centennial Yards.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to re-energize downtown Atlanta, especially the development located between the Five Points MARTA station and Mercedes-Benz Stadium, often referred to as “The Gulch.”
The area has faced economic and residential challenges, particularly since the pandemic, while preparing the city for major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens has been a vocal supporter of the Centennial Yards project in downtown Atlanta, emphasizing its role in revitalizing the area and fostering inclusivity. At the groundbreaking ceremony on November 17, 2022, Dickens described the project as a “catalyst for future revitalization of Downtown Atlanta.”
Live Nation’s Plan for Downtown Atlanta
New Music Venue at Centennial Yards
Live Nation has signed a long-term lease to operate a state-of-the-art, 5,300-seat indoor theater within Centennial Yards.
The venue, set to open in 2027, will be one of Live Nation’s largest indoor theaters, designed to attract A-list artists and major touring acts, filling a gap in Atlanta’s entertainment landscape for mid-sized venues.
For context, it will have a larger capacity than the Tabernacle (2,200 seats) and Coca-Cola Roxy (3,600 seats) but smaller than State Farm Arena (17,000 seats).
Integration with Centennial Yards’ Vision
Centennial Yards is a transformative project led by CIM Group and Atlanta Hawks owner Tony Ressler, aiming to create a vibrant, walkable district with over 8 million square feet of residential, retail, hotel, and entertainment spaces.
- The Live Nation venue will anchor an 8-acre sports and entertainment district adjacent to Mercedes-Benz Stadium (home to the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United) and State Farm Arena (home to the Atlanta Hawks). Other components include a 14-story hotel (Hotel Phoenix), a 304-unit apartment tower (The Mitchell), a two-story food and beverage hall, a 70,000-square-foot immersive entertainment venue by Cosm, and community spaces like Wild Leap Brewery and a pedestrian bridge with pre-event activities.
- The project emphasizes connectivity, with multiple MARTA stations and proximity to the Atlanta Beltline, promoting walkability and 24/7 urban vitality.
- Economic and Cultural Impact:
- Live Nation’s involvement is seen as a major milestone for Centennial Yards, which has faced delays since its announcement in 2019. The venue is expected to draw significant foot traffic, boosting local businesses and reinforcing Atlanta’s status as a cultural and economic hub in the Southeast.
- The project aligns with Atlanta’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup, though the venue won’t be completed in time for the event. It complements other downtown revitalization efforts, such as $120 million in infrastructure bonds for street resurfacing, sidewalk repairs, and accessibility improvements.
- By adding a high-profile entertainment venue, Live Nation aims to create a “new market” in Atlanta, enhancing its music scene and drawing fans from across the region. Jordan Zachary, President of Global Venues at Live Nation, emphasized Atlanta’s role as a “cornerstone of American music and live entertainment,” with the venue contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.
Broader Context and Live Nation’s Strategy:
The Atlanta venue is part of Live Nation’s global expansion plan to add 20 new venues by 2026, tapping into the growing demand for live events and entertainment-anchored urban developments. This “flywheel” model leverages concerts to drive ticket sales, concessions, and real estate value.
Live Nation already dominates Atlanta’s live events scene, operating venues like the Tabernacle, Buckhead Theatre, Coca-Cola Roxy, and amphitheaters at Chastain Park, Lakewood, and Ameris Bank, and managing ticketing for State Farm Arena and Mercedes-Benz Stadium via Ticketmaster.
Final Word
The Gulch is getting a major face-lift, but it’s not all peaches and dreams. Some economists question the stadium-centric model, arguing it may divert taxpayer funds and spending from other community areas.
Dickens has linked Centennial Yards to his vision of a revitalized downtown, especially as Atlanta prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He described the city’s transformation as a “group project” where everyone is invested, suggesting that developments like Centennial Yards will showcase the best version of Atlanta to the world. However, he has also acknowledged challenges, such as ensuring developers meet affordable housing commitments, as seen in his comments on related projects where he expressed a desire to hold developers accountable for such promises in the future.
Atlanta has just what you need, not just today but every weekend. From exploring the city’s diverse restaurant scene to taking in a beautiful park greenspace or even checking out the hidden gems, Atlanta has some of everything.
First, to find all the good things happening in the city this week, all you have to do is take a look at downtown Atlanta. That’s where some of the best restaurants are as well as where the visitors, namely tourists, are.
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There’ hardly nothing better than delicious food, but one thing that definitely comes close is free delicious food. And that’s exactly what’s happening at this popular Atlanta restaurant.
This week, Ruby Tuesday has a deal that your tummy will love: BOGO (buy one, get one free). Here’s how to get this deal.
Get This BOGO Deal at Ruby Tuesday
Coupon Terms: The Ruby Tuesday BOGO offer excludes kids entrees. The discount will be taken off the lower-priced entrée and cannot be combined with other offers, coupons, or discounts.
There’s also a limit 1 coupon per table. The offer is valid for dine-in and orders placed on RubyTuesday.com and only at participating locations. Not valid at airport, Guam, Hawaii, or select franchise locations.
Want more free food deals? Check These Out!
Here are some free food deals from national food chains available as of May 16, 2025, based on the latest information:
McDonald’s
Free Fries Friday: Get free medium fries every Friday with a minimum $1 purchase through the McDonald’s app, valid through December 31, 2025.
$5 Meal Deal: Available daily, includes a McChicken or McDouble, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries, and a small drink.
Burger King
Free Fries Weekly: One free any-size fry per week with a purchase through the mobile app. Also, check the offers page for deals like a $5 double cheeseburger and small fries meal.
Wendy’s
Free Nuggets Wednesday: Free 6-piece chicken nuggets with any purchase via the Wendy’s app or online, available on Wednesdays.
Free Fries: Free any-size fries with a purchase through the app, along with other offers like free 4-piece nuggets or a free small Frosty
Final Word
Atlanta’s restaurants offer budget-friendly happy hour deals, often listed on sites like AtlantaEats.com or Eater Atlanta.
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Downtown Atlanta has a lot of cool things to get into, including nice restaurants to eat at. One thing you might not know about is that downtown Atlanta is a live music mecca.
Where’s the Live Music in Downtown Atlanta
In this article, we’ll show you where you can live live music acts in downtown Atlanta. Let’s get started. Also, don’t forget about our
Downtown Atlanta has a vibrant live music scene with venues catering to various genres and vibes. Here are some top spots where you can catch live performances, based on the latest information available:
The Tabernacle
152 Luckie St NW Atlanta Ga. 30303
A historic former church turned music venue, known for hosting big-name acts like Kendrick Lamar and Janelle Monae, as well as local artists. It offers standing room for up to 2,500 and reserved balcony seating. Expect genres from hip-hop to rock. Check their schedule for events like the “Legends of Rock” tribute on May 3, 2025. Nearby dining options include Waffle House and Ted’s Montana Grill.
in Atlanta
Enjoy a live music performance from talented jazz musicians and vocalists. With a mix of carefully chosen classics and spontaneous improvisation, this feel-good live music performance takes you on a journey to the roots of this revolutionary genre. Get your tickets now for We call it Jazz: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans in Atlanta! Book now.
Red Phone Booth
17 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, Atlanta, Ga. 30323
Here’s what one reviewer says about Red Phone Booth. “Very cool spot to chill and have drinks. Its a cigar spot with very good ventilation system. They played a wide variety of music and had a very diverse crowd. We had a great experience.”
The Masquerade
50 Lower Alabama St, Underground Atlanta, Ga. 30303
Located in Underground Atlanta, this venue has three stages—Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory—hosting nearly 700 shows annually. It’s a go-to for rock, metal, hip-hop, and alternative acts, with past performers like Foo Fighters and Radiohead. Its central location near Centennial Olympic Park makes it accessible.
Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint
200 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30303
A nostalgic venue blending Southern soul food with live music, often featuring blues, jazz, and R&B. Its intimate setting and historic decor make it ideal for a relaxed night out.
Soul Nights and More
Come check out a Candlelight Concert, which offers a soothing atmosphere while the soulful hits of Prince, Maxwell, Marvin Gaye and more play live on strings. Get tickets.
The American Hotel
160 Ted Turner Dr NW Atlanta, GA. 30303
Known for occasional live jazz nights, the American Hotel is a great spot for smooth tunes and a classy atmosphere. Check their event listings for upcoming performances.
Rialto Center for the Arts
80 Forsyth St NW Atlanta, GA. 30303
A smaller, 833-seat venue in the Fairlie-Poplar district, perfect for jazz, world music, and intimate concerts. It’s a cultural hub with excellent acoustics.
Live Music Venues: What To Know Before You Go
Attending a live music event in downtown Atlanta can be an exciting experience, but being prepared will ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time. Here are key things to know before heading to a concert or music event in the area, tailored to the downtown Atlanta scene in 2025:
1. Check Venue-Specific Details
Venues and Policies: Popular downtown venues like The Tabernacle, The Masquerade, Rialto Center for the Arts, and Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint have unique policies. For example, The Tabernacle allows small bags but may prohibit large backpacks, while The Masquerade has strict rules on re-entry. Always check the venue’s website for bag policies, prohibited items (e.g., weapons, outside food/drinks), and ID requirements (some events are 21+).
Seating and Capacity: Venues like The Tabernacle offer both standing room (up to 2,500) and reserved balcony seating, while Rialto is more intimate with 833 seats. Know whether the event is general admission (standing) or seated to plan your arrival time for a good spot.
Arrival Time: Doors typically open 1-2 hours before the show. Arrive early for general admission shows to secure a good view, especially at smaller venues like The Masquerade’s Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory stages.
2. Ticketing and Entry
Buy Tickets Early: Atlanta’s music scene is vibrant, with over 1,100 events listed for 2025 on platforms like Songkick. Popular shows at venues like The Tabernacle or The Masquerade can sell out quickly. Use trusted platforms like Ticketmaster, Bandsintown, or SeatGeek to purchase tickets and avoid scalpers.
Digital Tickets: Many venues now use mobile tickets. Download your ticket to your phone via the venue’s preferred app (e.g., Ticketmaster) and ensure your phone is charged. Some venues, like The Masquerade, may also accept physica
3. Transportation and Parking
Public Transit: MARTA is a convenient option for downtown Atlanta. Stations like Five Points, Peachtree Center, or Civic Center are within walking distance of venues like The Tabernacle and Rialto. A round-trip fare is about $5. Check MARTA schedules, as service may end around midnight.
Parking: Downtown parking can be expensive ($10-$30) and limited during events. Venues like The Tabernacle recommend nearby decks (e.g., AmericasMart or Centennial Olympic Park lots). Pre-book parking through apps like SpotHero to save time. Avoid street parking unless you’re familiar with restrictions to prevent towing.
Final Word
For the latest information, check out our Atlanta Live Music Weekend Guide to see who’s performing where.
Downtown Atlanta is busy, especially near Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena during overlapping events. Plan for traffic delays, particularly on weekends or during festivals like Shaky Knees (September 19-21, 2025, at Piedmont Park).
If you want to check out some other cool 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.
