Known for being home to the some of the city’s best attractions, for its bustling commercial vibes and thriving art scene, as well as being Atlanta’s beloved gayborhood, Midtown Atlanta has a never-ending list of things to do for an unforgettable day out!
There’s the renowned High Museum of Art, as well as the green lungs of Atlanta, Piedmont Park. Keep scrolling to check out this round-up of unmissable things that every Atlantan must do in the vibrant Midtown Atlanta neighborhood, at least once or every so often!
Arts and culture in Midtown Atlanta
There’s always an extensive list of incredible exhibitions and culturally significant things to do in Atlanta’s Midtown district. You could enjoy an enchanting candlelit concert in Piedmont Park, or spend the day exploring the High. Here’s what we recommend for arts and culture in Midtown Atlanta.
1. Explore the enthralling exhibits on offer at the High Museum of Art
The High Museum of Art is the most renowned art space in the Southeast. Its magnificent exterior is a symbol of Midtown Atlanta, with a continuously impressive line-up of exhibitions and things to do. You can access the High Museum of Art for free on the first Sunday of every month. There’s even a monthly party for those who wish to explore the exhibits with some music and drinks!
2. Enjoy an enchanting Candlelit concert in Piedmont Park’s Magnolia Hall
Piedmont Park’s Magnolia Hall is one of the many venues that’s completely transformed by the Candlelight concert series taking A-Town by storm. As one of the most unique live music experiences in Atlanta, enjoy jazz or orchestral concerts that are magically engulfed in flickering candlelight. Their full line-up includes evenings dedicated to the best in the selected genres, at beautiful venues all over the A.
3. Enjoy a show from the Fox Theatre’s fabulous line-up
Of course, we couldn’t have complied this guide to Midtown without mentioning our iconic Fox Theatre, the city’s centerpiece for the Fox Theatre Historic District. Its striking Moorish design dates back to its former intentions of being a Shrine Temple, which transformed into its former life as a movie palace. Nowadays, only the best productions hit the stage at this legendary ATL venue, from the best in Broadway to more localized offerings.
4. Learn all about design at Midtown’s MODA Museum
MODA is the only museum in the Southeast devoted exclusively to celebration of all things design. There’s always always something worthwhile to check out, so make sure to visit the next time you’ve got some time to spare in Midtown Atlanta. Currently there’s an exciting exhibit devoted to hip-hop architecture, featuring unmissable art and quality insight on the iconic music genre that became a cultural movement.
Parks and attractions in Midtown Atlanta
Home to Piedmont Park, this nub of Midtown Atlanta acts as the lungs to the center of our gorgeously green city. Nestled inside is the Atlanta Botanical Garden, but there’s so much more on offer and to do in this beloved district of A-Town.
4. Spend the day discovering the hidden corners of Piedmont Park
Piedmont Park is the city’s most famous urban park, shared between Midtown Atlanta and the historic Virginia-Highland neighborhood. If you want to learn more about this beautiful addition to Atlanta’s parks, then don’t miss this awesome scavenger hunt where you’ll discover all about the history of this Midtown gem.
5. Pay a visit to the absolutely stunning Atlanta Botanical Garden
Every visit to the Atlanta Botanical Garden is different, with a spectacular seasonal events line-up that’s always causing a buzz across the A. From sensational exhibitions nestled around the botanical displays, to workshops, events and more. We love this attraction so much, it featured on our round-up of iconic things to do in Atlanta.
6. Take the kids to this ‘playscape’ which is also a slice of ATL art history
There are so many incredible ways to see art for free in Atlanta, but this is certainly the most fun way for kids. Before we go off the topic of Piedmont, we definitely think you should check out this insane playground, or ‘playscape’, designed by renowned architect, Isamu Noguchi. It’s the perfect outing for all y’all art-lovers with kids.
7. Meet The Muppets at Midtown’s Center for Pupperty Arts
Did you know that Atlanta is home to the U.S.’s largest organization dedicated to the art form of puppetry? Not only that, but it features the most impressive Jim Henson collection you’ll ever lay your eyes on. Meet Kermit and Miss Piggy, Bert and Ernie, plus so many more familiar faces at this adored puppet museum and theatre.
8. Visit Atlantic Station for shopping, dining, and seasonal fun!
Nestled on the edges of Midtown Atlanta, is the city’s premier entertainment and shopping district Atlantic Station. From an incredible shop promoting Black-women artists and creators, to a night at the movies with some dinner, the possibilities are endless at Atlantic Station. There’s even an unmissable museum inside the Millennium Gate, the towering arch that connects this hotspot to Midtown.
Dining in Midtown Atlanta
From the best casual eats in Midtown to luxe food halls, fine dining and more, you don’t want to sleep on all of the fantastic eats on offer around Midtown. Here’s what we recommend with all price-points taken into consideration.
9. Eat out at Colony Square’s fancy food hall Politan Row
An institutional food hall from Chicago has made its way to Atlanta, and it’s already made a lasting impression on Midtown’s beloved Colony Square, another fantastic option for the best dining, entertainment and shopping in the city. From authentic Italian pizza to Mexican cuisine, and beyond, we’re spoilt for choice at Politan Row.
10. Enjoy a hotdog from ATL’s legendary casual eat ‘The Varsity’
Love it or hate it, The Varsity has become one of Atlanta’s iconic casual eats. With its striking neon sign and that notorious Atlantan division, if you’ve yet to try this ATL staple, then this is your sign to do so for you to be the judge! The Varsity is famous for hotdogs, burgers, and being the largest drive-in diner in the states since it opened in 1928.
11. Chow down on Southern Staples at the iconic Mary Mac’s Tearoom
Unlike The Varsity, there aren’t many haters when Mary Mac’s Tearoom is concerned. This institutional eat is one of the best spots to enjoy Southern cuisine in the A. From ATL’s favorite fried chicken to a mac and cheese to die for, don’t miss out y’all!
12. Order no nonsense pub grub and awesome drinks at Henry’s
Since Midtown Atlanta is the city’s vibrant gayborhood, you don’t want to miss out on all the fabulous bars on offer throughout the district. One of our favorites which boasts an extensive menu of bar bites and pub grub, along with an outdoor patio, is Henry’s. Don’t miss our round-up of incredible LGBTQ+ owned businesses in and around Atlanta.
Nightlife in Midtown Atlanta
If you’re looking to dance the night way, then you don’t have to look far in Midtown Atlanta. From the best gay and LGBTQ+ spaces to more mixed crowds, and everything in between. Atlanta loves to party, and it shows in Midtown
13. Party the night away at one of Midtown’s favorite gay bars, like Blake’s on the Park
As one of Atlanta’s premier LGBTQ+ destinations for drinks and dancing, Blakes has become a gem of the gayborhood, with drag shows, viewing parties, and clubbing events throughout the year. Don’t miss our round-up of the best LGBTQ+ bars and clubs in and around the A.
14. Book some live music at Midtown’s Center Stage concert venue
Boasting three concert and entertainment venues, Center Stage is a great place to catch a gig with some friends. The varied line-up of performers and artists to hit this adored Atlantan stage is always worth checking out.
15. Make your virtual dreams become a reality at this unique VR bar in Midtown Atlanta
You can find one of Atlanta’s most unique bars on the eastern edge of Midtown Atlanta. Revery VR is the perfect place for gamers, as well as the perfect place for a fun evening out with all your friends. It can even get pretty poppin’ in this game-lovers’ hotspot, making it a great place to party. Don’t miss out y’all!