Atlanta’s mild climate makes it one of the best cities in the South for open-air music. From a historic amphitheater tucked inside a Buckhead park to a 19,000-capacity lawn venue south of downtown, the metro area has an outdoor stage for every kind of fan. Here’s where to find outdoor concerts in Atlanta and what to expect at each venue.
Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park
Location: Buckhead | Capacity: about 6,900
Chastain Park is Atlanta’s most beloved outdoor venue, and it’s been hosting music since it opened in 1944. Surrounded by trees inside one of the city’s largest parks, it feels intimate even when big names take the stage. You may still hear locals call it “Chastain” or by older names like Cadence Bank Amphitheatre. It was renamed Synovus Bank Amphitheater in 2025.
What makes Chastain unique is its picnic culture. For many shows, the front sections are set up with tables, and fans bring food, wine and candles to turn a concert into a full evening out. Check each event’s rules before you go, since policies on outside food and drinks can vary by show.
Coming up: Rawayana performs on October 23, 2026, one of the final shows of the season.
Lakewood Amphitheatre
Location: Lakewood Heights, about 4 miles south of downtown | Capacity: about 19,000
Lakewood is Atlanta’s largest outdoor amphitheater and the go-to stop for major summer tours in hip-hop, rock, R&B and Latin music. Opened in 1989, it has gone by several names over the years, including Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood, so you’ll see different names on older listings.
The venue offers reserved seats under a covered pavilion plus a large general admission lawn. Lawn tickets are usually the most affordable way into a big-name show, and they’re great for groups who want room to move.
Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Location: Alpharetta, about 25 miles north of downtown | Capacity: about 12,000
If you live in the northern suburbs, Ameris Bank Amphitheatre is your closest big outdoor stage. Its season typically runs April through October, with a lineup heavy on country, rock and pop. The venue combines reserved seating with a park-like lawn, and Alpharetta’s restaurants and hotels make it easy to plan a full night out.
Coming up: Five Finger Death Punch with Cody Jinks (October 13) and Breaking Benjamin with Chevelle and Starset (October 17).
Festivals and Park Concerts
Beyond its amphitheaters, Atlanta hosts outdoor music in public spaces throughout the year. Piedmont Park in Midtown is the city’s top spot for large music festivals, while suburban cities like Alpharetta and Mableton run free or low-cost concert series on their town greens during the warmer months. Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre in Mableton is another smaller outdoor option, known for R&B and classic soul lineups.
When Is Outdoor Concert Season in Atlanta?
Most outdoor venues in Atlanta run from April through October. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather, while July and August shows can be hot and humid. By November, outdoor shows wind down and the action moves indoors. Check our list of music events happening in Atlanta this month for the current calendar.
Tips for Outdoor Concerts in Atlanta
- Check the bag and chair policy. Lawn venues often limit bag sizes and may not allow personal chairs.
- Dress for the weather. Most outdoor shows go on rain or shine, so bring a poncho instead of an umbrella.
- Plan your parking. Lakewood and Chastain lots fill quickly. Ride-share and early arrival make a big difference. See how early to arrive for a concert in Atlanta.
- Eat before you go. Venue food lines get long. Find the best pre-concert dining spots in Atlanta.
Get Outdoor Concert Tickets
Every show mentioned on this page links straight to its official Ticketmaster listing, so you get verified tickets in a few clicks. Want to compare these venues with indoor options? See our guide to the best concert venues in Atlanta.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest outdoor concert venue in Atlanta?
Lakewood Amphitheatre, with room for about 19,000 fans across seats and lawn.
Can you bring food to Chastain Park concerts?
For many shows, yes. Chastain is famous for picnic-style concerts, but rules vary by event, so check the listing first.
Are outdoor concerts in Atlanta held in the rain?
Usually yes. Most shows go on rain or shine unless there’s lightning or severe weather.
When do outdoor concerts end in Atlanta?
Most amphitheaters wrap up their season in late October.