Six OTP amphitheaters worth the trip this summer

From Gainesville to Fayetteville

4315
OTP Atlanta amphitheaters
Get amped!

Illustration by Mike Lowery

As the heat turns up, so does the volume at outdoor concerts just a short drive from Atlanta. From picturesque gardens to neighborhood hangouts, whether it’s legendary rock bands or current Billboard chart-toppers, there are plenty of lesser-known venues where you can bring a cooler, party with friends, and dance under the stars.

1. Ivester | Gainesville
est. 2015
Capacity: 2,000
Vibe: As befits the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s northern venue, lawn terraces set among trees
Tidbit: Loretta Lynn performed here with three generations of her family.

Top picks

07/27
Corey Smith with the Josephines

08/25
Marc Broussard and the Mavericks

2. The Bowl | Sugar Hill
est. 2012
Capacity: 1,750
Vibe: Cozy music in the round. Wander in and out to food trucks.
Tidbit: Season ticketholders decorate their tables for shows.

Top picks

06/01
Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

08/03
Blood, Sweat & Tears

3. The Frederick J. Brown | Peachtree City
est. 1976
Capacity: 2,500
Vibe: Come ready to party.
Tidbit: Local fans drive golf carts to the venue.

Top picks

07/20
The Spin Doctors and 10,000 Maniacs

08/03
The Lost 80s

4. Zac Brown’s Southern Ground | Fayetteville
est. 2002
Capacity: 1,600
Vibe: Down-home and relaxed
Tidbit: The Zac Brown Band’s annual concert funds the singer’s sleepaway camp.

Top picks

07/27
The Lowrider Band

08/17
The Purple Madness Prince Tribute

5. Mable House Barnes | Mableton
est. 2002
Capacity: 2,500
Vibe: Neighborhood picnic, small coolers allowed
Tidbit: In addition to concerts, they also show musicals and plays.

Top picks

06/08
Old School Hip-Hop Fest

07/20
The Gentlemen of Soul

6. Northside Hospital-Cherokee | Woodstock
est. 2016
Capacity: 10,500
Vibe: Large lawn area front and center, family fun
Tidbit: All summer concerts are free.

Top picks

06/08
Better Than Ezra

09/14
The Molly Ringwalds

This article appears in our June 2019 issue.

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