The 6 Best Live Music Venues In Athens GA

Athens is buzzing with a variety of different music scenes and continuous entertainment. The streets downtown offer musical performances every night throughout the week and a good atmosphere to go along with them. Located in the city’s downtown area within walking distance to bars and restaurants, here are Athens’ six best music venues.

Georgia Theater

A common venue for bigger performers passing through Athens, the Georgia Theater sells very reasonably priced tickets for general admission seating and hosts live events every weekend as well as some weekdays. This venue has four stories with a skytop bar that sometimes has local musicians performing as well. They offer evenings for all musical preferences whether it be country, indie, rock, rap, or any other popular music!

Georgia Theater, 215 N Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30601 +1 706-850-7670

40 Watt

A smaller, more atmospheric venue that offers a cozy, live music vibe where cheap beer is plentiful and popular, 40 Watt is a great place to see some live music. If the bigger performers don’t choose to perform at the Georgia Theater, then this is the next likely place to find them. The staff is great, the ceiling is strung with fairy lights, and the ambience is relaxed and friendly. One of the coolest hangouts in Athens.

40 Watt, 285 W Washington Street, Athens, GA 30601 +1 706 549 7871

Hendershot’s

A coffee-shop-turned-bar, the caffeine-wired students usually drift out of Hendershot’s in the evenings and are replaced with cocktails, beers and low-key entertainment. Each night has a different vibe whether it be music, events, comedy or open mic. They also serve lunch, dinner and brunch in addition to a variety of drinks. You may well find you pop in for a morning coffee and don’t leave until the sun’s gone down!

Hendershot’s Coffee, 237 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30601 +1 706 353 3050

Caledonia Lounge

The garage-band vibe of the Caledonia Lounge is very unique to find. The tickets and beer are cheap and the music features three or four bands a night. The performers are always great to watch, and although this is a smaller venue, don’t underestimate it. If you’re looking for some local music without the big names, this could be a great place to catch some good tunes.

Caledonia Lounge, 256 W Clayton Street, Athens, GA 30601 +1 706 549 5577

Classic Center

Like the Georgia Theater, the Classic Center is another venue for larger-scale performers. The seating is more conventional and the center is generally reserved for events or well known artists. They sometimes host parties and performance groups as well. It is definitely the more formal venue in Athens, and tickets may be higher priced, but the events are usually very enjoyable and worth the money. Perfect for a special occasion night out.

Classic Center, 300 N Thomas Street, Athens, GA 30601 +1 706 208 0900

Little Kings Shuffle Club

If you’re looking for an indie scene, Little Kings is definitely a place to check out. Generally local bands and DJs perform here. The company around the bar is wonderfully unique and the outdoor patio is a great place to hang out with some good friends and a couple of beers.

Little Kings Shuffle Club, 223 W Hancock Avenue, Athens, GA 30601 +1 706 369 3144

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