7 Reasons Why Alpharetta’s Music Scene Can’t Be Beat
From world-class music festivals to famous live-music venues, it’s no mystery why this Atlanta ’burb is known for its vibrant music culture.
Music is in Georgia’s DNA, but Alpharetta has staked a claim as one of the most dynamic music destinations in Georgia. Located about 20 miles north of Atlanta, Alpharetta has everything from the Wire & Wood Music festival to the iconic Velvet Note jazz club, plus a huge amount of concerts throughout the year – many of them free and family-friendly. Whether you’re into pop, country, rock, or just appreciate great lyrics and a catchy tune, here’s your guide to the best of Alpharetta Music City.
Whether you’re into pop, country, rock, or just appreciate great lyrics and a catchy tune, here’s your guide to the best of Alpharetta Music City.
1. Alpharetta Music Match Concerts
You can enjoy 40 free concerts throughout the year thanks to the Alpharetta Music Match series, which brings rising local talent to restaurants, bars, breweries, and other venues around town. You never know; you just might discover your new favorite band over dinner or drinks.
2. Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
If only every concert could take place in such a pretty setting. The 12,000-capacity Ameris Bank Amphitheatre offers a mix of covered seats close to the stage and a grassy lawn for blankets and BYO chairs, with views that feel more like a park than one of the biggest venues in Georgia. There’s literally something for everyone on the its calendar each year. And if you’re driving in from out of town, several local hotels offer packages to help turn your concert outing into a mini-vacay.
3. Avalon Nights Live
Avalon, a live-work-play community in the heart of Alpharetta, hosts live music in The Plaza every Friday night, spring through fall. It’s the perfect way to wind down after the work week, or kick things up a notch with funk, soul, blues, and throw-back classics you can belt out the words to. There’s a range of restaurants and bars a short walk from the stage, and you can even take your beer or cocktail to-go to enjoy in The Plaza, thanks to Avalon’s open-container policy.
4. Home by Dark Summer Concert Series at Brooke Street Park
One of the most unique and powerful live music experiences in Alpharetta is Home by Dark, a long-running concert series showcasing some of the best songwriters and musicians working in the industry. On any given night, you can hear artists who penned hit songs for the likes of Garth Brooks, Kelly Clarkson, and Ray Charles. These family-friendly concerts take place in beautiful Brooke Street Park in Downtown Alpharetta, and are free to attend.
5. Matilda’s Music Under the Pines Concert Series
Would you believe some of the best concerts in the Atlanta metro area happen at a tiny cabin in the woods? One show at Matilda’s will make you a believer. Showcasing local, regional, and national touring acts, these rootsy porch sessions are a treasure for music fans of all ages. Tickets range from $25–35 each depending on the show, and it is recommended to purchase them in advance. Set up your picnic on the lawn, or stop by a few hours before the show to reserve a table. The experience is nothing short of magical.
6. The Velvet Note
Listen up, jazz lovers: some say this iconic venue is the best jazz club in Georgia, and it’s hard to argue. Shows at The Velvet Note feel about as intimate as a living room jam session, but the incredible sound system features some of the best acoustics you’ll hear anywhere. In fact, the club is so serious about sound quality that food from the in-house restaurant is served on wooden plates to minimize clanging. There’s a full bar as well, and you can catch live jazz every Thursday through Saturday night.
7. Wire & Wood Alpharetta Music Festival
What makes this two-day festival so unique – aside from the fact that admission is free – is its focus on musicians who write and perform their own original material. From nationally-known veteran songwriters to local songsmiths on the rise, you’ll hear great original music as well as the fascinating stories behind it. Hop between the outdoor stages to hear rock, country, bluegrass, and other music styles filling the streets of downtown Alpharetta in early October.
Ready to experience Alpharetta’s awesome music scene? Check out our live music calendar for upcoming shows.
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