When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
Variety Playhouse
Why Variety Playhouse is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Variety Playhouse is a historic and vibrant live music venue located in Atlanta's eclectic Little Five Points neighborhood. Originally opened as the Euclid Theatre in 1940, this beautifully renovated venue offers a unique combination of vintage charm and modern amenities, making it an exceptional place to meet up with friends for memorable entertainment experiences. Known for its excellent acoustics and intimate atmosphere with a capacity of around 1,000 guests, Variety Playhouse boasts a mix of theater-style seating, standing areas, and a lowered front pit for an engaging concert experience. Beyond concerts, the venue can host diverse events, ranging from weddings and corporate meetings to film shoots and fashion shows, reflecting its versatile design and full-service production capabilities. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food and beverages from its well-regarded in-house catering and bar services while relishing performances across genres such as rock, indie, jazz, blues, and world music. The venue’s marquee welcomes guests warmly, and its state-of-the-art audio, lighting, and sound systems ensure quality shows. This combination of historical ambiance, technical excellence, and a friendly environment makes Variety Playhouse a favored gathering spot for music lovers and social events alike.
Here's what people think of Variety Playhouse
As of recent, Variety Playhouse holds a 4.7-star rating based on 2420 reviews.
With a strong overall rating of 4.7 based on over 2,400 reviews, Variety Playhouse is celebrated by patrons for its vibrant atmosphere and high-quality live performances. Reviewers particularly praise the venue for its rich history and architectural charm, which provides a cozy yet energetic setting for concerts and other events. Many guests highlight the excellent acoustics and the attentive, professional staff who ensure smooth event experiences. Positive reviews also commend the venue’s diverse range of musical acts that appeal to a wide demographic, from indie and alt-country to classic rock and jazz. The food and beverage options are frequently noted as robust and enjoyable additions to the live shows. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to logistical issues such as parking difficulties in the busy Little Five Points area and occasional dissatisfaction with seating availability during general admission shows, where seats are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. A few customers have mentioned refund policy frustrations during exceptional situations, such as event cancellations. Despite these isolated concerns, the general consensus remains strongly favorable, with most visitors valuing Variety Playhouse as one of Atlanta's premier live entertainment venues that consistently delivers quality experiences and a welcoming environment for friends and fans to gather.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Ray Mullins
This was my 1st time at the Variety Playhouse. It is rich in history and beauty! We saw Big Head Todd and The Monsters on March 14th. What a great time we had and the music even more awesome.
Charleen Firlus
I recently went to see Ginger Root here! It's a decently sized venue where you will have an easy time listening in even if your view is not that great. The standing platforms can host a lot of people and the walkways can get stuffed up easily if there is traffic. Thankfully everything is close by - drinks, bathrooms, and merchandise. There are lots of ideal parking spots nearby and it's not a crowded place in general.
Richie C
The Variety Playhouse is one of my favorite venues to see a show bc there’s plenty of room to dance, the sound system is great & it’s easy to get a drink & the bathrooms are easily accessible. I also found that their security & staff were nice & also very helpful. I’m already looking fwd to seeing another show this coming weekend.
Alexis Makes Jewelry
Saw Matt Maltese at this venue in march. Absolutely wonderful experience. The mix of standing and seating areas was perfect, as I could sit with an unobstructed view and others could enjoy the concert standing in another area. The venue wasn’t too hot, and security was simple to get through. Loved my experience here and I hope more artists choose this location.
Laura Killian
I do like the experience we had seats to see a concert and even through other people have standing room only we could still see the stage very clearly I do wish there was signs saying there was more bathrooms upstairs because the bathrooms downstairs only have two Stalls in them
How to reach Variety Playhouse
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Website: None
Why Variety Playhouse may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Variety Playhouse with your friends? Because it offers the perfect fusion of historic charm, vibrant live music, and a social atmosphere that makes any group gathering memorable. Nestled in Atlanta’s eclectic Little Five Points neighborhood, the Variety Playhouse combines a storied past with modern upgrades, creating an inviting space where friends can enjoy world-class performances together. Whether your group is passionate about indie rock, jazz, bluegrass, or funk, Variety Playhouse’s diverse lineup ensures there’s something for everyone’s taste. The venue’s flexibility—featuring standing areas, theater-style seating, and intimate tables—means your group can mingle, dance, or relax based on your mood. Beyond just music, the venue boasts state-of-the-art sound and lighting, a full bar, and quality in-house catering, making it a seamless place to hang out from start to finish without having to split up for food or drinks. With a outstanding 4.7 rating from over 2,400 reviews, it’s clear that Variety Playhouse is a beloved hotspot where friends unite to create lasting memories in an atmosphere buzzing with energy and community spirit.
What types of activities and entertainment can groups enjoy at Variety Playhouse? At its core, Variety Playhouse is a celebrated live music venue hosting a wide range of genres, including rock, indie, electronic, funk, country, folk, bluegrass, jazz, blues, and world music. This diversity allows groups with varied musical tastes to find shows that resonate with them, making it ideal for mixed friend circles. The venue features both general admission areas for standing and dancing and reserved theater-style seating, providing flexibility to the group depending on the event and personal preferences. Many events also feature tables and chairs arranged throughout the space, which is perfect for groups who want to chat while enjoying the show. Besides live performances, Variety Playhouse frequently hosts private concerts, receptions, corporate events, and social gatherings, so it’s adaptable for hosting meetups with friends or family celebrations. The venue’s full-service production staff ensures every event’s sound and lighting are top-notch, greatly enhancing the overall experience and keeping the energy high for group enjoyment.
Why is Variety Playhouse an ideal venue for group meetups? The venue’s design and amenities cater exceptionally well to groups looking for a memorable outing together. Variety Playhouse holds a capacity of up to 1,100 guests, striking a perfect balance between lively energy and comfortable intimacy. The multi-level layout includes a built-in stage with a lowered pit, multiple tiers of seating, and ample open floor space for dancing or standing. This enables groups to choose how they want to experience the event, whether that’s front-and-center at the stage or lounging comfortably at tables on an upper level. Importantly, the venue offers a customizable space for branding or special group needs, making it possible to tailor the environment to your group's occasion. Whether your meetup involves celebrating a birthday, enjoying a night out with local bands, or soaking in a unique cultural music event, the Variety Playhouse accommodates distinctive needs and group dynamics superbly.
What food and drink options are available to enhance a gathering at Variety Playhouse? Food and beverages are a critical part of group outings, and Variety Playhouse stands out by offering world-class in-house catering and a fully stocked bar. This means groups can enjoy cocktails, craft beers, and quality snacks without ever leaving the venue, encouraging mingling and reducing the hassle of splitting up to grab food elsewhere. The bar service is efficient, with highly praised bartenders who keep the drinks flowing smoothly, even during busy shows, so your group can stay refreshed and focused on the entertainment. The venue’s layout was thoughtfully renovated to allow bar access without missing a beat of the live performance, a major improvement that keeps friends engaged and the group vibe lively. From casual bites to more refined catering options that can be customized for private events, the food and drink offering complements the atmosphere, ensuring your meetup has both great tunes and tasty treats.
How does the location and historic ambiance add to a group's experience at Variety Playhouse? Located in Atlanta’s vibrant Little Five Points district, the Variety Playhouse benefits from a neighborhood that is synonymous with arts, culture, and eclectic charm. This locale adds an extra layer of excitement and opportunity for friends to explore before or after events, with close proximity to bars, restaurants, and quirky shops ideal for complete evening plans. The venue itself has a rich history dating back to 1940 when it was originally the Euclid Theatre. Over its decades of operation, it has evolved while preserving its art deco feel, historic charm, and outstanding acoustics that long-time Atlanta residents appreciate. A full renovation in 2016 enhanced the venue to improve sound, lighting, and patron comfort without losing the character that sets Variety Playhouse apart from generic concert halls. This blend of old-world ambiance and modern amenities cultivates a unique environment where group meetups can feel both special and laid-back within a cultural cornerstone of Atlanta’s music scene.
Why do visitors rate Variety Playhouse so highly with a 4.7 average from over 2,400 reviews? The consistently high rating speaks to the quality and care invested in every aspect of the Variety Playhouse experience. With excellent acoustics and sightlines from everywhere in the venue, patrons report superior sound and viewing during concerts, enhancing group enjoyment regardless of seating preference. The venue’s staff receives frequent praise for being friendly, helpful, and attentive, making every guest feel welcome and valued—which is vital for groups wanting a hassle-free night out. Additionally, the efficient bar service, convenient parking options, and safety accommodations (such as assistance for guests with mobility issues) contribute to the positive overall impression. Reviewers also often mention the “fantastic makeover” and the atmosphere that now feels more like an intimate nightclub than a traditional theater, creating a socially engaging environment perfect for friends and family. These factors combine to explain why so many keep returning to Variety Playhouse and why it is recommended as a top choice for group gatherings.
How can groups optimize their visit to Variety Playhouse for the best experience? Arriving early is advisable, especially for general admission shows, to secure the most desirable spots whether they prefer to sit, stand, or dance. The venue’s flexible seating allows groups to spread out or cluster together depending on their mood and size, so planning how to arrive and coordinate can enhance comfort and camaraderie. It’s also wise to explore the show lineup in advance to pick events that align with the group’s music preferences. For larger parties or private events, contacting the venue for customization options like branded decorations or special catering can elevate the experience. Since the venue is near many local amenities, groups can plan pre- or post-show dinners or drinks in Little Five Points, transforming the outing into a full day or night experience. Being mindful of transportation options, such as nearby public transit or parking availability, ensures the meetup starts and ends on a smooth note.
In summary, Variety Playhouse stands out as a premier venue that skillfully blends historic charm, superb live music variety, and group-friendly amenities into one perfect location for friends and family gatherings. Its flexible configuration, excellent food and drink services, and rich cultural ambiance create an engaging, comfortable experience that resonates deeply with its loyal patrons. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply catching a fantastic show, rallying at Variety Playhouse promises a dynamic, memorable outing that meets the diverse needs of any group.