Georgia Theatre

Before your first concert at Georgia Theatre, it's important to review the venue's rules and policies to ensure a smooth visit.

• Re-Entry & Smoking: Smoking is prohibited inside the venue, but is permitted on the rooftop patio and bar. Contact the venue for the most up-to-date information on re-entry policies.
• Payment Options: To learn more about accepted payment options at Georgia Theatre, contact the venue.
• Prohibited Items: Weapons, full-size backpacks, and outside food and drink are not permitted in the venue. Please refer to the policy page for a complete list of prohibited items.
• Age Restrictions: Georgia Theatre has an age restriction of 18 and up for most shows at the venue, and 21 and up for rooftop patio events. Age restrictions vary by event. Check the event listing on AXS before purchasing tickets.

For the most up-to-date guidance and information on regulations (including bag policies), check the official Georgia Theatre policy page.

Georgia Theatre is far from the region's only incredible event venue. In addition to other great venues in Athens, Atlanta has many incredible arenas, theaters, and auditoriums, and is just 70 miles from Athens.

• Classic Center: This convention center, located in downtown Athens, has a capacity of 8,000 people and hosts trade shows, conferences, and private events.³
• Terminal West: Terminal West, located in the King Plow Arts Center, is a 625-capacity event space that hosts live music.⁴
• The Eastern: The Eastern is a state-of-the-art performance venue located right off the Atlanta Beltline. With multiple levels, this 2,300-capacity theater offers incredible views of the live performances from every seat.⁵

Located in downtown Athens, getting to the Georgia Theatre is easy, whether you choose to drive or utilize public transportation.

Public Transportation: The Athens-Clarke County (ACC) Transit system offers several routes with stops close to the Georgia Theatre.⁶ Additionally, rideshare options serve the area.

Driving: Georgia Theatre is located at 215 N Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30601. Those wishing to drive to the venue have a variety of parking options to choose from. The closest option is the West Washington Street parking deck, located directly behind the theater.

• West Washington Street Parking Deck: 125 W Washington St Suite 121, Athens, GA 30601
• NPS Athens-Clayton St Lot: 171A5 D005, Athens, GA 30601

Food service is generally offered through the rooftop bar, while the main concert venue primarily focuses on beverages.

The rooftop bar offers a selection of food from a rotating schedule of pop-up restaurant partners. Food is available on most concert days during the summer, pending weather.

A full bar, with a selection of beer, wine, mixed drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, and coffee, is available when the rooftop is open.⁷

The Georgia Theatre has a long history, including many uses before it became a music venue. It was built in 1889 as a YMCA. The upper stories were destroyed by a fire in 1920, and over the next several years, the venue changed ownership and uses several times. It served as a Masonic Temple, a Methodist church, and a furniture store. Finally, in 1935, it was converted into a theatre.⁸

At first, the theater was called Elite Theatre, but it was soon renamed Georgia Theatre. For the next four decades, it operated primarily as a movie theater. In 1976, amid heavy competition from other movie theaters, it closed its doors. But two years later, it reopened, with a stage replacing the movie screen.⁸

Since then, the theater has continued to host national, regional, local, and tribute performers. A fire in 2009 severely damaged the building's interior, but it was rebuilt and reopened in 2011.⁸