Local to the area, and I go to A LOT of shows at the Eastern (Sierra Farrell rocked it on Thursday!). First and foremost - it’s a very safe area, and there’s a ton to do around here. For simplicity, either park at the Dairies deck (~$20 on a show day) or park at the Madison Yards Publix deck and walk the short distance (free). Madison Yards will be easier access to I-20 both before and after the show, just get off at the Memorial/Glenwood exit.
Muchacho is a great choice to hang for a bit, as is Three Taverns. La Semilla across the street is one of the best newer restaurants in the city IMO (all vegan/vegitarian, but you’d never know unless someone told you - try the cruchwrap). Breaker Breaker just a little north down the beltline is also fantastic. There’s a ton of more a little further down the beltline, but the walk will eat into hang out time. If the beltline is on the list, consider renting a scooter (Lime is on the Uber app) to get around more quickly.
The Eastern itself is a wonderful venue, with good sight lines from anywhere in the building. There’s also a rooftop bar with food that should be open tonight if you’d rather just get settled in at the venue and hang out there.
Publix will boot your car after 10 pm. My friend and I got booted through a company - most likely scammers, so just be aware of what time the concert ends.
Just have to add to the La Semilla rec - they’ve got a couple new menu items and the fried lions mane mushrooms are BONKERS good. It’s been a week and I’ve thought about them daily
Lots of fantastic suggestions - especially as to parking - thank you!
One last thought - I'm not a drinker (diabetes), nor a loud/crowd person. Any of these places good for me to hang with a book and read while they're at the show?
How late is the show? Daily Dose coffee shop is a good place to hang in Madison Yards, but I don't know how late they are open. Muchacho has a great patio that's good for people watching so you can order something light and hang out there with a book, too.
Right outside the venue is a nice terraced area where you’ll be able to sit and people watch and presumably read once the show starts and the crowd clears out.
In that case,I would hit up the belt line and find a comfy bench to sit on. There are a good number of people on the line but they're all moving so it doesn't feel like a crowd when you're sitting. I think it'll be light enough this close to summer
Unfortunately the Beltline literally has no comfy benches, they seem to be against seating. I’ve heard it’s to prevent homeless people from staying there.
Can confirm. Have offered to donate my time building benches and other forms of seating for going on a decade, rejected every year.
At this point, I only apply so that they’re forced to revisit the notion that a place like the Beltline should only be for certain people.
It depends on how far you want to go. The Madison yards area is right by the beltine and has a ton of restaurants and bars. Grant Park is also pretty close by. If you wanted to go further down memorial, little 5 points and east atlanta village are cool places to chill.
Forgot to ask: what's parking/traffic like in the area? We've lived in Kennesaw for 2.5 yrs and have never actually gone into Atlanta farther than The Battery.
There are 2 parking decks (Madison Yards Publix, The Dairies) and lots of neighborhoods nearby that allow street parking.
If you want to eat before the concert, Muchacho is a popular spot that's walking distance. There's also Grindhouse Burgers down the street as well. Although, if you really want to get the Atlanta vibe, I highly recommend going over to Krog Street Market and exploring that area along the beltline. There are tons of food options and it's great to walk in a beautiful day.
If you want to stay nearby, then you can hang out and grab a drink at Three Taverns which is in the same complex as the Eastern. Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta Zoo, and Grant Park, are all nice outdoor things to check out as well. The Grant Park neighborhood and Virginia Highlands neighborhoods are particularly beautiful if you want to see the historic homes.
This is great advice, unfortunately I was disappointed with Muchacho last time I went - Grindhouse is great though.
They could park in the Dairy parking garage, walk north on the Beltline, grab food/drink at Breaker Breaker or Krog before the show and then walk back.
When the show’s over, get in the car and drive home, easy as can be.
You’ve already gotten a ton of good answers about what to do around The Eastern, but I really wanna encourage you to start getting into the city more! I can’t believe you’ve been in Kennesaw for 2.5 years and never once been inside the perimeter. There is SO much to do and see in Atlanta! It’s a wonderful city, do a lil research and then explore it!
Well, none of us are big event type people, but my kid REALLY likes Starset, so we got him tickets for his birthday, which is why we're coming in now.
I've been *through* Atlanta plenty of times, but I've just never been in Atlanta to do anything.
I went to this show today (first time), and I gotta say. I was a fan of Starset before because I liked some of their songs, but now I'm a huge fan of Starset after that demonstration. Their cinematic story telling was incredible throughout.
Street parking in Cabbagetown is plentiful and basically across the street from the Eastern.
The Eastside beltline trail runs right along the area. Lots of restaurants, breweries, and a long heavily populated walking path.
Lots to do, really.
Park in the shopping center with the AMC and Publix. It's free, they almost always have open spots, and it's just two blocks from the venue. The actual pay lots next to the venue are insanely overpriced and are a nightmare to get out of with traffic when the show ends.
I live right across the street from the Eastern and every night there's an absolute ton of cars waiting to get back out onto Memorial. I would die if I had to sit through that.
I went for the first time last year and didn’t know any better. Ended up taking me an hour to get out of the garage after the show. I got to my car at 11pm and onto the street at midnight.
That hasn’t been my experience at the Eastern, but I’ve definitely seen it elsewhere! I usually lollygag on my way out of any show to avoid bottlenecks.
It just took me 2 hours to go from Alatoona to essentially the same place. Also there is an ATL united match at 7:30 which I'm sure will complicate things further. Take 285 west to 20 east and get off at boulevard or memorial/Glenwood ave exit.
Three Taverns for beer right there for ya. Good outdoor and some indoor space. You can take your beer anywhere in the yard right between Three Taverns and the Eastern.
Muchacho is right nearby on the corner. You can walk to madison yards nearby. Girl Diver, Taqueria Tsunami, or Muchacho for some food.
You can also walk up to Breaker Breaker on the Beltline or down across the 20 to some more Food options (Pho Cue is great).
Tons of scooters right there around Madison Yards /Muchacho so you can hop on one and ride up to Krog Market area as well.
Well. I finally got to the area. Dropped off the folks.
For those of you that drive in crowded areas like this daily: I salute you.
As for me? I... yeah.
You don't drive. I live here and drive maybe once a week, and that's usually to the Farmer's Market. I live here because everything is walkable, and the things that aren't are bikeable. I HATE driving and traffic, and this is the best place to avoid it TBH.
Aside from all of the food/bar options mentioned, the beltline is a nice walk (and pleasant even in the evening) and Madison yards (walked distance from the eastern) has a nice theater with ✨heated✨ seats
You would give your minor children to an Uber driver?
There are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby to get some nachos and scroll Reddit for a while.
Local to the area, and I go to A LOT of shows at the Eastern (Sierra Farrell rocked it on Thursday!). First and foremost - it’s a very safe area, and there’s a ton to do around here. For simplicity, either park at the Dairies deck (~$20 on a show day) or park at the Madison Yards Publix deck and walk the short distance (free). Madison Yards will be easier access to I-20 both before and after the show, just get off at the Memorial/Glenwood exit. Muchacho is a great choice to hang for a bit, as is Three Taverns. La Semilla across the street is one of the best newer restaurants in the city IMO (all vegan/vegitarian, but you’d never know unless someone told you - try the cruchwrap). Breaker Breaker just a little north down the beltline is also fantastic. There’s a ton of more a little further down the beltline, but the walk will eat into hang out time. If the beltline is on the list, consider renting a scooter (Lime is on the Uber app) to get around more quickly. The Eastern itself is a wonderful venue, with good sight lines from anywhere in the building. There’s also a rooftop bar with food that should be open tonight if you’d rather just get settled in at the venue and hang out there.
Pretty much a thread killer. This person nailed it!
Publix will boot your car after 10 pm. My friend and I got booted through a company - most likely scammers, so just be aware of what time the concert ends.
Definitely scammers. Publix never boots cars in their lot.
Just have to add to the La Semilla rec - they’ve got a couple new menu items and the fried lions mane mushrooms are BONKERS good. It’s been a week and I’ve thought about them daily
But the blistered carrots!!! 🤤
But the blistered carrots!!! 🤤
Sierra’s performance Thursday was INSANE. I lost it when she shot down that backdrop with a bow and arrow. Such a talented artist and performer!
Bro I’m screenshotting and saving these recommendations. Thank you!
This guy Easterns
I also live in the area and this is a great reply!
Grab a beer at Three Taverns. Lots of great food options within walking distance as well.
Lots of fantastic suggestions - especially as to parking - thank you! One last thought - I'm not a drinker (diabetes), nor a loud/crowd person. Any of these places good for me to hang with a book and read while they're at the show?
If you aren’t going to show then maybe go see a movie at the AMC two blocks away.
How late is the show? Daily Dose coffee shop is a good place to hang in Madison Yards, but I don't know how late they are open. Muchacho has a great patio that's good for people watching so you can order something light and hang out there with a book, too.
Show starts at 8, have no idea how long it goes and the event page doesn't say.
The eastern typically goes until midnight on the weekends.
Right outside the venue is a nice terraced area where you’ll be able to sit and people watch and presumably read once the show starts and the crowd clears out.
The habit for humanity parking lot is open, well lit and right there if you’d rather chill.
In that case,I would hit up the belt line and find a comfy bench to sit on. There are a good number of people on the line but they're all moving so it doesn't feel like a crowd when you're sitting. I think it'll be light enough this close to summer
Unfortunately the Beltline literally has no comfy benches, they seem to be against seating. I’ve heard it’s to prevent homeless people from staying there.
That's sad to hear. I guess I've never noticed since I always end up stopping somewhere along the way
Can confirm. Have offered to donate my time building benches and other forms of seating for going on a decade, rejected every year. At this point, I only apply so that they’re forced to revisit the notion that a place like the Beltline should only be for certain people.
It depends on how far you want to go. The Madison yards area is right by the beltine and has a ton of restaurants and bars. Grant Park is also pretty close by. If you wanted to go further down memorial, little 5 points and east atlanta village are cool places to chill.
Drinks/Dinner at Muchacho, movie at the AMC.
go to manny's
Forgot to ask: what's parking/traffic like in the area? We've lived in Kennesaw for 2.5 yrs and have never actually gone into Atlanta farther than The Battery.
There are 2 parking decks (Madison Yards Publix, The Dairies) and lots of neighborhoods nearby that allow street parking. If you want to eat before the concert, Muchacho is a popular spot that's walking distance. There's also Grindhouse Burgers down the street as well. Although, if you really want to get the Atlanta vibe, I highly recommend going over to Krog Street Market and exploring that area along the beltline. There are tons of food options and it's great to walk in a beautiful day. If you want to stay nearby, then you can hang out and grab a drink at Three Taverns which is in the same complex as the Eastern. Oakland Cemetery, Atlanta Zoo, and Grant Park, are all nice outdoor things to check out as well. The Grant Park neighborhood and Virginia Highlands neighborhoods are particularly beautiful if you want to see the historic homes.
This is great advice, unfortunately I was disappointed with Muchacho last time I went - Grindhouse is great though. They could park in the Dairy parking garage, walk north on the Beltline, grab food/drink at Breaker Breaker or Krog before the show and then walk back. When the show’s over, get in the car and drive home, easy as can be.
You’ve already gotten a ton of good answers about what to do around The Eastern, but I really wanna encourage you to start getting into the city more! I can’t believe you’ve been in Kennesaw for 2.5 years and never once been inside the perimeter. There is SO much to do and see in Atlanta! It’s a wonderful city, do a lil research and then explore it!
Well, none of us are big event type people, but my kid REALLY likes Starset, so we got him tickets for his birthday, which is why we're coming in now. I've been *through* Atlanta plenty of times, but I've just never been in Atlanta to do anything.
We live all the way up in Gainesville and me and my kids frequent the Eastern quite a lot. Safe area, clean venue, options all around. You'll love it.
Just sayin, I had never heard of Starset. So I looked them up on Spotify. I’m three songs in…this is pretty darn enjoyable tbh. I dig this!
Oh no. What have I done... 😆
I went to this show today (first time), and I gotta say. I was a fan of Starset before because I liked some of their songs, but now I'm a huge fan of Starset after that demonstration. Their cinematic story telling was incredible throughout.
It's wild that I've been to more shows and restaurants inside the Atlanta city limits over the past 3 years than you have... and I live in Charlotte.
Street parking in Cabbagetown is plentiful and basically across the street from the Eastern. The Eastside beltline trail runs right along the area. Lots of restaurants, breweries, and a long heavily populated walking path. Lots to do, really.
I would not expect traffic to be a problem but it’s ATL so you never know.
Ohhh boy….
Park in the shopping center with the AMC and Publix. It's free, they almost always have open spots, and it's just two blocks from the venue. The actual pay lots next to the venue are insanely overpriced and are a nightmare to get out of with traffic when the show ends.
I just park at the on-site garage. It usually has plenty of room. It’s not cheap ($20-25) but it’s the easiest option.
It’s definitely a nightmare to exit after a show and not at all easy. The Publix garage is free and a quick walk away from the mayhem.
I live right across the street from the Eastern and every night there's an absolute ton of cars waiting to get back out onto Memorial. I would die if I had to sit through that.
I went for the first time last year and didn’t know any better. Ended up taking me an hour to get out of the garage after the show. I got to my car at 11pm and onto the street at midnight.
Wow. Sounds like I’ve been really lucky.
That hasn’t been my experience at the Eastern, but I’ve definitely seen it elsewhere! I usually lollygag on my way out of any show to avoid bottlenecks.
It just took me 2 hours to go from Alatoona to essentially the same place. Also there is an ATL united match at 7:30 which I'm sure will complicate things further. Take 285 west to 20 east and get off at boulevard or memorial/Glenwood ave exit.
Three Taverns for beer right there for ya. Good outdoor and some indoor space. You can take your beer anywhere in the yard right between Three Taverns and the Eastern. Muchacho is right nearby on the corner. You can walk to madison yards nearby. Girl Diver, Taqueria Tsunami, or Muchacho for some food. You can also walk up to Breaker Breaker on the Beltline or down across the 20 to some more Food options (Pho Cue is great). Tons of scooters right there around Madison Yards /Muchacho so you can hop on one and ride up to Krog Market area as well.
There is an AMC at Madison Yards. A movie is a great way to kill a couple hours.
Go enjoy dinner at Gunshow. Could also walk or rent a bike and enjoy the BeltLine.
Gunshow is a great rec if OP is ready to spend money
Well. I finally got to the area. Dropped off the folks. For those of you that drive in crowded areas like this daily: I salute you. As for me? I... yeah.
You don't drive. I live here and drive maybe once a week, and that's usually to the Farmer's Market. I live here because everything is walkable, and the things that aren't are bikeable. I HATE driving and traffic, and this is the best place to avoid it TBH.
Muchacho is good
It’s a great location. Lots to do in walking distance. Bring a book and sit on the yard by three taverns.
Go to Hoots
I love The Eastern and I’ve only seen one show there.
Aside from all of the food/bar options mentioned, the beltline is a nice walk (and pleasant even in the evening) and Madison yards (walked distance from the eastern) has a nice theater with ✨heated✨ seats
The SO has seen this comment and is now demanding a trip to the Madison Yards AMC... Thanks, I think? 😆
It has a bar, too 🙃(I think)
I love that theater.
The BeltLine Lantern Parade is tonight. Find a spot on the route and enjoy.
Lantern Parade was on the Westside Beltline this year- nowhere near the OP venue The Eastern.
Hit up The Porter. It just reopened and is amazing
Park at the Publix parking garage a block over. Grab some beers at the Imaginarium.
You would give your minor children to an Uber driver? There are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby to get some nachos and scroll Reddit for a while.
Miss the part about "SO and the kid"?
I did. Mea Culpa.