Exposing kids to live music and theater offers numerous benefits. Live music and theater in Atlanta allow the imagination to run wild (screen free!) in a social setting. These Atlanta shows provide engaging opportunities to help develop cognitive and language skills, as well as an appreciation for live music and theater. Our fair city offers tons of live theater and music for kids, many of which encourage audience participation!
We’ve got everything from special events and holiday performances, where kids can get dressed in their finest, to casual outdoor concerts. Read on for our list of the best places for your kids to see live music and theater in Atlanta throughout the year!
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If you have littles who want to be a part of the show, check out our Atlanta Summer Camp Guide, with a specific focus on music and theater summer camps Also, sign up for our free newsletters to receive information about all the exciting activities happening in Atlanta.
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) offers loads of musical entertainment for families.
Live Music and Theater with Atlanta Kids - Intown
1. Alliance Theatre – Midtown
The Alliance Theatre at the Robert Woodruff Center offers family-friendly productions throughout the year. For kids under age five, check out the Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young, which encourages audience interaction. In conjunction with the High Museum of Art and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the theater hosts Toddler Days with art, drama, and musical performances.
2. Atlanta Symphony Orchestra - Midtown
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) offers popular family events, like Movies in Concert, Family Concerts, UpTempo Teen Nights, and Music for the Very Young. Most events are held at Atlanta Symphony Hall. However, the ASO also performs family-friendly concerts annually at Piedmont Park, Chastain, and Ameris Bank Amphitheatre.
3. Cadence Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park – Buckhead
Enjoy an Atlanta tradition by attending an outdoor concert at Chastain Park! Most shows are suitable for families, and you can purchase an entire table, seats in the amphitheater, or spots on the lawn. Take the kids to the playground before the concert and pack a picnic dinner.
4. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center – Druid Hills
Callanwolde Fine Arts Center offers youth programming, including summer camps, dance classes, and the popular Winter House. Check out the Spring Concert Series, held March through May in the amphitheater. Purchase tickets for lawn seating or reserve a table.
5. Center for Puppetry Arts - Midtown
The Center for Puppetry Arts presents fun puppet shows for audiences of all ages followed by a puppet-making workshop. Check the schedule for special ASL and sensory-friendly performances. To make the most out of your visit, purchase the all-inclusive ticket, which includes admission to the World of Puppetry Museum.
6. Center Stage Atlanta – Midtown
Known for exceptional acoustics, the facility features three music venues (Center State Theatre, Loft, and Vinyl) in one building ranging from 300-1,000 seats. All ages are welcome unless otherwise noted.
7. Fox Theatre – Midtown
The Fox Theatre is an ornate landmark with red carpet, a Byzantine-like set, and starry "sky." The Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta series includes many kid-friendly shows like Shrek The Musical. Other Fox performances include Disney Princess: The Concert, music concerts, and The Nutcracker.
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8. Eddie’s Attic – Decatur
For over 30 years, Eddie’s Attic has remained the go-to place to see live music in an intimate setting. Plus, the venue offers food to purchase including hot dogs, sliders, and chicken fingers! Music shows are for all ages unless noted.
9. Horizon Theatre – Inman Park
The Horizon Theatre is known for contemporary plays, and its annual production of Madeline’s Christmas draws families every holiday season. Performed by Atlanta Children’s Theatre Company, the show runs for three weeks every December (suited for kids ages 3 and up).
10. Rialto Center for the Arts – Downtown
Built in 1916 as the first movie house in Atlanta, the Rialto was purchased by Georgia State University and converted to a live theater space. Programs feature GSU Opera Theatre and GSU Jazz Band, as well as touring musicians, ballet performances, and other events that reflect Atlanta’s diversity.
11. Shakespeare Tavern - Midtown
If you have kids struggling to read Shakespeare in school, take them to see a live performance at Shakespeare Tavern. Guests love this venue because you can purchase dinner about an hour before the show. Most performances are suitable for kids ages 10 and up (confirm with box office). Twice per year, the theater offers Relaxed Performances for younger kids and those with sensory issues.
12. Synchronicity Theatre – Buckhead
This small, 140-seat theater offers a close connection between the audience and the actors. The Family Series caters to younger audiences. This year’s productions include Where the Mountain Meets the Moon – with a free puppet workshop after Saturday performances.
13. Terminal West – West Midtown
Located inside King Plow Arts Center, Terminal West offers a restaurant with tacos, sliders, and snacks and great productions. Because most shows are standing-room only, this venue is best for older kids and teens.
Live Music and Theater with Atlanta Kids – Outside the Perimeter
14. Ameris Bank Amphitheater at Encore Park – Alpharetta
This 12,000-seat Atlanta venue attracts big-name musicians throughout the season. And with covered seating (except the lawn area), guests can enjoy outdoor concerts while remaining sheltered from bad weather.
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15. Aurora Children’s Playhouse - Lawrenceville
As part of Aurora Theatre, the Aurora Children’s Playhouse focuses on younger audiences with puppet shows, story time, music, and magic shows. Held at the Lawrenceville Arts Center, shows last 45-55 minutes without intermission.
16. Avalon Nights Live – Alpharetta
Avalon offers FREE, family-friendly concerts on Fridays, April-October. Held on the Plaza in front of Regal Cinemas, the event offers plenty of green space to dance to the live band. Drinks are available for purchase on-site.
17. City Springs – Sandy Springs
City Springs in Sandy Springs hosts a ton of live music and theater events in and around the arts district. Check the website for upcoming shows and performances that welcome the whole family.
18. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre - Cumberland
Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre serves as the home of the Atlanta Opera and Atlanta Ballet. With over 2,700 seats, this large venue is popular for concerts, musicals, and other family events.
19. Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Cumberland
Not only do guests eat dinner and watch a live show, but they might find themselves participating in the show! Unlike performances that take place on a stage, The Dinner Detective places actors among the audience for a more interactive experience. Ages 12 and up.
20. Gas South Arena – Duluth
In addition to sports, Gas South Arena hosts other live events including music concerts and theatrical productions, such as the upcoming Jurassic World Live Tour and Blippi the Wonderful World Tour.
Groovin' on the Green at Halcyon features free concerts for families Friday and Saturday nights, May-November. Photo courtesy of Halcyon
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21. Groovin’ on the Green at Halcyon – Alpharetta
Halcyon, the mixed-use facility located in Alpharetta, offers free concerts for families every Friday and Saturday night from May to November. The open container policy allows parents to purchase drinks from restaurants and while listening to local musicians on the Village Green.
Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center hosts many many family-friendly performances. Photo by the author
22. Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center – Sandy Springs
This newly constructed 1,000-seat theater in the heart of Sandy Springs is home to City Springs Theatre Company. Many productions are suitable for all ages including the upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast.
23. Snellville Performing Arts – Snellville
Often children enjoy watching kids close to their own age perform on the stage. Both the senior company (kids in grades 6-12) and junior company (kids in grades 1 – 8) perform amazing shows!
Stage Door Theatre brings a professional level of live theater to the suburbs of Atlanta and beyond. Photo courtesy of the theater
24. Stage Door Theatre – Dunwoody
A Dunwoody mainstay for 50 years, Stage Door Theatre offers family-friendly productions including The Mad Haterpillar and Her Many Heads. The theater also presents puppet shows for kids throughout the year as part of Puppet Palooza Saturdays.
Live Music and Theater with Atlanta Kids - Museums, Restaurants, & More
25. Atlanta Botanical Garden – Midtown
The Atlanta Botanical Garden offers Concerts in the Garden every summer. Although the 2024 schedule hasn’t been released, past concerts include Pat Benatar, John Hiatt, and Melissa Etheridge.
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26. Children’s Museum of Atlanta - Downtown
Every day CMA On-Stage offers songs and shows hourly which are included with admission. Children's Museum of Atlanta (CMA) promotes learning through play and imagination for young kids.
27. Eclipse di Luna – Buckhead, Dunwoody, and Alpharetta
Expose your kids to Latin music and food at Eclipse di Luna. Musicians perform at each location, offering everything from flamenco to salsa bands. The tapas menu allows everyone to try different foods and share.
28. Georgia Renaissance Festival - Fairburn
Held in late spring, the Georgia Renaissance Festival offers food, rides, and live performances. With 10 stages scattered throughout Newcastle, kids can listen to Celtic music featuring bagpipes, mandolins, and even carillon bells.
29. Hob Knob Neighborhood Tavern – Multiple Locations
With five locations, Hob Knob Neighborhood Tavern offers live music most Friday evenings, with a kid’s menu to satisfy little ones. It’s one of our favorite restaurants where kids eat FREE during the week.
30. Michael C. Carlos Museum – Druid Hills
The Michael C. Carlos Museum, located on Emory University’s campus, offers its Family Concert Series to introduce little ones to chamber music. The concerts are free to the public and no registration is required.
31. Von Maur Department Store – Perimeter and Alpharetta
The next time you're at the mall, make a stop at Von Maur for live music! Sit on the chairs nearby and let kids watch the pianist’s fingers glide over the keys of the grand piano. You can even make requests for specific songs.
32. Waller’s Coffee Shop - Decatur
One of our favorite Atlanta coffee shops, Waller’s blends caffeine fix with musical entertainment. Check the schedule for performances to enjoy as a family.
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