When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
SCADshow
Why SCADshow is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
SCADshow, located in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, is a premier cultural venue that offers an exceptional environment for meeting friends and enjoying world-class arts and entertainment. This vibrant theater is part of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and features two state-of-the-art performance spaces: a spacious 700-seat main stage and an intimate 130-seat black box theater, accommodating a variety of events from large festivals to smaller productions. The venue impresses with industry-leading technology, including a Barco 4K DCP laser cinema projector, Dolby 7.1 surround sound, theatrical lighting, and full presentation capabilities, ensuring high-quality experiences for all attendees. SCADshow is also home to renowned annual events like SCAD TVfest, celebrating television and streaming media, and SCAD AnimationFest, focusing on animation and digital media. Beyond indoor performances, SCADshow offers SCAD COURT, an artfully designed outdoor courtyard with a massive LED wall ideal for immersive event experiences. The venue supports live streaming and offers facilities like green rooms, a catering kitchen, and concessions, making it convenient for visitors. Easily accessible, with available parking and encouragement for rideshare use, SCADshow provides a dynamic, comfortable, and vibrant meeting place for friends to come together and enjoy the arts in a sophisticated yet welcoming setting.
Here's what people think of SCADshow
As of recent, SCADshow holds a 4.7-star rating based on 195 reviews.
With an impressive 4.7-star rating from 195 reviews, patrons consistently praise SCADshow for its exceptional facilities and vibrant programming. Positive reviews highlight the venue's modern, well-equipped theaters where visitors enjoy crystal-clear audio and stunning visuals, enhancing the overall entertainment experience. Many reviewers emphasize the friendly and professional staff, smooth event coordination, and the unique atmosphere that blends creativity with community engagement. Attendees also appreciate the diverse events hosted at SCADshow, especially the signature festivals like AnimationFest and TVfest, which showcase innovative media and attract both local and visiting audiences. The convenient Midtown location and accessible parking options further contribute to positive visitor experiences. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention occasional parking challenges and the lack of ticket refunds as potential drawbacks. A few visitors suggest improvements in signage or communication during high-attendance events to ease navigation and entry. Despite minor critiques, the majority consensus underscores SCADshow as a must-visit hub for arts and entertainment lovers. Overall, SCADshow delivers a high-quality, enjoyable experience that resonates well with its audience, making it a cherished landmark in Atlanta's cultural scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Troy Giorgio
Great College with locations in Savanagh and Atlanta with Art as a focus, business, like product design and much more.
Rekay Johnson
I’ve had the pleasure of attending several shows at the SCADshow in Atlanta recently, and tonight’s performance by Aja Monet was nothing short of incredible. My husband and I enjoyed every moment, and the quality of the show, the beautiful theater, and the attentive staff made it a memorable experience. Last week, I also had the privilege of seeing Ed Burns and Law Roach, and each show I’ve attended has been stellar. The staff at SCADshow—especially Grayson, Prenecia, and Charese—are always so sweet and professional. They truly know how to create a welcoming, well-coordinated, and unforgettable experience. I highly recommend SCADshow for anyone looking to enjoy top-tier performances in an exceptional venue!
Karim Nuri
Very nice place!
Sidd Srinivas
SCAD show is a great place for SCAD students to come and attend new events. The host many new events like premiering Avengers Infinity wars, Hypnosis show, etc. They also invite successful alumni and successful people from various fields so that SCAD students get the opportunity to interact with them and learn new things. It's a great place.
James Diedrick
Great performance space, whether music, dance, lectures. I heard the great novelist Zadie Smith here in conversation with Tayari Jones, and the acoustics were excellent.
How to reach SCADshow
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Website: None
Why SCADshow may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at SCADshow with your friends?
Gathering your friends at SCADshow offers a uniquely vibrant and immersive experience that elevates any social meetup. This venue is not just a theater but a cultural hub nestled in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, where cutting-edge arts and entertainment come alive in a welcoming, high-energy atmosphere. With a stellar 4.7 rating from nearly 200 reviews, SCADshow consistently delivers memorable events ranging from film screenings to live performances, making it a perfect destination for groups seeking both entertainment and inspiration. The combination of its spacious, modern facilities and dynamic programming ensures there is always something new and exciting to explore together. Whether your group appreciates indie films, animation, television festivals, or theatrical productions, SCADshow’s diverse lineup satisfies a wide spectrum of interests. Additionally, SCADshow fosters a sense of community connection — it invites patrons not only to watch but to engage with creators, artists, and fellow enthusiasts. This dynamic blend of high-quality entertainment, artistic innovation, and social engagement makes SCADshow a top choice for rallying friends and family for an unforgettable outing.
What types of activities can you enjoy at SCADshow?
SCADshow offers an impressive array of activities tailored to diverse interests, making it an ideal spot for group outings. Its two state-of-the-art theaters — a 700-seat main stage and a more intimate 130-seat black box — provide an intimate yet professional environment for viewing films, plays, and live events. You and your friends can immerse yourselves in a variety of festivals hosted by SCADshow, such as SCAD AnimationFest, which celebrates animation, gaming, and digital media, and SCAD TVfest, highlighting the best in television and streaming content. These festivals are focal points for creative exploration, featuring screenings, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with industry professionals, offering a rich, shared cultural experience. Beyond festivals, SCADshow regularly schedules special film screenings, stage productions, concerts, and interactive performances. Its outdoor companion space, SCAD COURT, further enriches the experience by hosting outdoor events on a massive LED wall, perfect for immersive gatherings that combine socializing with spectacle. These varied activities make SCADshow a versatile destination for groups wanting to enjoy not just entertainment but a cultural event that sparks conversation and connection.
Why is SCADshow perfect for hosting a group meetup?
SCADshow is exceptionally suited for group meetups thanks to its expansive, flexible facilities designed to accommodate different sizes and types of gatherings. The 700-seat main theater offers ample seating for large groups to enjoy blockbuster screenings, major concerts, or theatrical productions together, providing comfort and excellent sightlines for every attendee. For smaller, more intimate groups, the 130-seat black box theater presents a cozy, focused environment that fosters deeper engagement with experimental films, workshops, or talks. The venue’s technological capabilities include a Barco 4K DCP laser projector paired with Dolby 7.1 surround sound, ensuring an immersive audiovisual experience for all events, enhancing collective enjoyment. Additional amenities such as two large green rooms with private dressing rooms, a catering kitchen, concessions stand, and curated stage furniture support the logistics of hosting private or semi-private events, making it easy to customize your meetup for celebrations or special occasions. The accessible Midtown Atlanta location combined with nearby paid parking and rideshare options also facilitates group transportation, adding to the convenience of gathering here. SCADshow’s ability to balance technical excellence, comfort, and hospitality uniquely positions it as the go-to venue for groups seeking a rich social and cultural night out.
How can SCADshow enhance the social experience of your meetup?
SCADshow is more than just a venue; it’s a cultural incubator designed to enhance social connection through shared artistic experiences. The theater’s carefully curated programming invites groups to experience cutting-edge creativity and storytelling together, sparking meaningful conversations and shared memories. Events like SCAD AnimationFest and SCAD TVfest encourage interaction not only among audience members but also between attendees and prominent creative figures, making meetups educational and inspiring as well as entertaining. This atmosphere transforms a typical night out into a communal celebration of creativity, fostering a sense of belonging and shared enthusiasm within your group. The indoor theaters and outdoor SCAD COURT space together provide versatile settings that encourage mingling before, during intermissions, and after performances, further promoting group bonding. Moreover, SCADshow’s professional staff and well-organized event logistics ensure your group encounters no hiccups, letting everyone focus on enjoying the experience and each other’s company. For groups that value culture, innovation, and social engagement, SCADshow enriches every meetup by blending entertainment with connection.
What should you know about the SCADshow location and accessibility for group visits?
SCADshow’s location in Midtown Atlanta’s vibrant arts district offers convenient access for groups coming from various parts of the city and beyond. Situated on the ground floor of the FORTY FIVE residential complex, the venue is easily reachable via major highways (Interstate 75 and 85), enabling smooth arrivals whether your group travels by car or rideshare. The theater encourages using rideshare services to reduce parking hassles, enhancing convenience for groups who want a stress-free outing. For those driving, paid parking is readily available nearby at multiple locations, including garages at 1422 W. Peachtree Street NW and the SCAD Atlanta parking deck, both within walking distance, making it simple to coordinate arrivals and departures. The theater lobby’s welcoming design includes a ticket kiosk and will call window that opens an hour before events, allowing your group to gather comfortably before shows begin. Thoughtful planning accommodates group check-ins and seating arrangements efficiently, so organizing your visit is straightforward whether it’s for a casual meetup or a private rental event. This accessibility combined with the lively Midtown environment—with plenty of dining and entertainment options nearby—makes SCADshow’s location a major asset for group meetups.
What rental and event hosting options does SCADshow offer for private group meetups?
SCADshow provides flexible rental opportunities that make it an excellent choice for hosting private group events, from celebrations to corporate gatherings. Both the main 700-seat theater and the smaller 130-seat black box theater can be rented, allowing groups to select a space that best fits their size and desired atmosphere. The theaters come equipped with advanced technical capabilities, such as 4K laser projectors and Dolby 7.1 surround sound, ensuring professional-grade audiovisual experiences for presentations, screenings, or live performances. Additional rental amenities include two large green rooms with private dressing areas and restrooms, a catering kitchen to support onsite food and beverage services, a concessions stand, and curated stage furniture that can be tailored to event themes. SCADshow also provides support services like lighting and sound engineering, security, and event management, allowing groups to organize seamless, sophisticated gatherings. Event organizers can work with the SCADshow team through their rental request process to customize event specifics and obtain detailed pricing, ensuring transparency and personalized service. These comprehensive rental offerings make SCADshow an outstanding venue for groups seeking a stylish and professionally managed event space.
How does SCADshow's technology contribute to a superior group entertainment experience?
The technological infrastructure at SCADshow significantly elevates the experience of group entertainment, making every event visually stunning and aurally immersive. Both theater spaces feature the latest Barco 4K DCP laser projectors, delivering crystal-clear images with vibrant colors and sharp details that bring films and live performances to life for all audience members. This is complemented by Dolby 7.1 surround sound systems, which envelop the audience in rich, multidimensional audio, perfectly enhancing the emotional and sensory impact of the show. The mainstage’s massive 38-foot by 16-foot screen and the black box’s 24-foot by 10-foot screen are optimized for various formats, ensuring that content is presented with cinematic quality. SCADshow also offers full livestream capabilities with multiple input video switching and in-house cameras, an asset for groups that want to share or record special moments or extend their event’s reach. The venue’s theatrical lighting systems and customizable digital screens support diverse programming needs from talks and presentations to concerts and interactive arts, enriching the overall atmosphere. This level of technology ensures that groups enjoy not just a gathering but a high-caliber, multimedia experience that impresses and entertains from start to finish.
What kind of community and cultural engagement can groups expect at SCADshow?
At SCADshow, group visitors don’t just attend events—they become part of a thriving cultural community that celebrates creative innovation and artistic exploration. The venue regularly features SCAD university’s signature events like AnimationFest and TVfest, which draw top industry talent and offer panels, workshops, and networking opportunities that invite active participation and learning. These festivals emphasize diverse media from animation to streaming television, providing groups with access to cutting-edge creative trends and insider perspectives. Beyond these marquee events, SCADshow’s programming regularly includes local and national film screenings, live theatrical performances, concerts, and talks that highlight emerging voices and established artists, creating a consistently rich cultural calendar. The outdoor SCAD COURT space further fosters community spirit by hosting interactive events with an impressive LED wall backdrop that transforms social gatherings into multimedia celebrations. This commitment to arts education, culture, and community connection makes SCADshow an inspiring place for groups who appreciate not only entertainment but also the chance to engage thoughtfully with contemporary arts and culture.
How can friends and family make the most out of their visit to SCADshow?
To maximize the enjoyment of a SCADshow meetup, friends and family should plan ahead by exploring the theatre’s event calendar and selecting events that match everyone’s interests—whether that’s film festivals, live performances, or special screenings. Arriving early allows the group to socialize in the spacious lobby or the SCAD COURT courtyard, enhancing the communal feel before the show starts. Taking advantage of SCADshow’s concessions or nearby Midtown dining can add a culinary element to the outing, making it a full evening experience. For groups renting the space, coordinating with the SCADshow team to customize technical aspects and amenities can create a personalized atmosphere tailored to the occasion. Engaging with the interactive parts of festivals—like Q&A sessions or artist talks—can deepen the experience and provoke lively discussion post-event. Lastly, using rideshare services as recommended helps avoid parking stress and keeps the group focused on the celebration. By combining thoughtful event choices, socializing, and logistical planning, any gathering at SCADshow transforms from a simple outing into a memorable, culturally rich experience.