Atlanta: A Peach of a Place to Visit

After alternating stops in Sin City and Chicago the last few years, the NACS Show returns to The Big Peach for a sweet stay in early October—providing attendees with juicy opportunities for fall fun, recreation across town and a tasty helping of Southern hospitality.

One reason why Atlanta’s airport is once again the country’s busiest is the increasing array of tourist attractions, festive events and hotspot destinations to explore, many of which are open and available during your NACS stopover. From the Coca-Cola museum to the Georgia Aquarium  to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, visitors never run out of options for entertainment and discovery.

Atlanta promises an immersive history and enriching cultural experience, too, considering the part it played in the Civil Rights Movement, its expanding vibrant arts community, the vast range of international cuisines offered and the numerous festivals and one-of-a-kind events scheduled throughout the year.

With so many enticing options to choose from, it can be hard to sift through the must-sees and can’t-misses. So we’ve simplified matters by rounding up relevant attractions and exclusive events slated to be open and available during your Atlanta visit, organized across three categories: Atlanta Acclaimed, On Stage, and Gratis Go-Tos. While this is not intended as a comprehensive guide, it can help you and your in-town companions organize a more enjoyable free-time itinerary.

Atlanta boasts numerous tried-and-true destinations renowned among visitors and locals. Check out one or more of these tourist magnets that are sure to satisfy.

• LEGO DISCOVERY CENTER ATLANTA This widely popular Atlanta attraction underwent a $5 million renovation recently to offer a bigger, better and more innovative experience to families. Among the new features found at this next-generation Lego Discovery Center are a minifigure creator, space digital experience, Duplo Park for younger attendees, Build Adventures zone (added to the 4D theater), Lego ride and creative workshop. (Admission from $29; 404-848-9252; legodiscoverycenter.com/atlanta)
• FERNBANK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY Your NACS trip should coincide with a long-awaited new exhibit opening in October – Vikings: Warriors of the Sea. Learn about Viking technology, society and culture and discover 140 bona fide artifacts like Viking weapons, keys, jewelry, hoards, clothing and brooches. While at the museum, view dinosaur fossils, investigate Georgia’s diverse ecosystems, catch a big screen presentation at the Giant Screen Theater and stroll through a new supernatural display just in time for Halloween called Woodland Spirits. (Admission from $26; 404-929-6300; fernbankmuseum.org)
• GEORGIA AQUARIUM No stop in Atlanta would be complete without a trek to one of the biggest aquariums on the planet, home to a wide range of marine animals, from beluga whales and penguins to whale sharks. Try the immersive shark and ray interaction tank that allows you to suit up and get in the water with these creatures and check out the newest gallery: Sharks! Predators of the Deep. (Admission from $48; 404-581-4000; georgiaaquarium.org)
• ZOO ATLANTA If you love animals and everything about them, a visit to this beloved zoo is a must. You’ll see rare southern white rhinos, panda bears, African lions, Chilean flamingos, Komodo dragons, two-toed sloths, ostriches, ring-tail lemurs, Sumatran tigers, meerkats and much more. Also, explore the new Gorilla Trek: A 360° Ride Film virtual reality experience that brings you gorillas up and close. (Admission from $26; 404-624-5600; zooatlanta.org)
• ATLANTA BOTANICAL GARDENS Popular for its giant topiaries, this outdoor hub features a plethora of plant wonders, including the Fuqua Orchid Center, a tropical conservatory showcasing eye-catching orchids; the Dorothy Chapman Fuqua Conservatory, home to a variety of plants from various environments; and the Japanese Garden, replete with lush vegetation, stone lanterns, bridges and a pond. (Admission from $27; 404-888-4760; atlantabg.org)
• WORLD OF COCA-COLA Yes, there is a shrine of sorts to the world’s favorite soft drink in the form of this interactive museum showcasing the culture and history of the Coke brand. Indulge in tastings, exhibits and an opportunity to view the bottling process and explore the newly reimagined Scent Discovery experience, where aroma profiles lead you around the world to unexpected destinations. (Admission from $19; 404-676-5151; worldofcoca-cola.com)
• COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME Are you a pigskin purist who loves the college game? This museum and hall of fame is a surefire winner. Discover the Gallery, where legendary coaches and players are honored, gaze upon helmets from over 700 college teams, immerse yourself in the Game Day Theater, engage with interactive exhibits, view displays filled with memorabilia, unleash your inner athlete on the indoor playing field and delve into the remarkable stories of these iconic figures. (Admission from $30; 404-880-4800; cfbhall.com)
• FRIGHT FEST AT SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA Get in the Halloween spirit a little early and take in a haunted house, scare zones, live monstertainment and evening rides on the best coasters and thrill attractions this fan-favorite amusement park has to offer--including Superman: Ultimate Flight, Twisted Cyclone, Georgia Scorcher, Goliath, Blue Hawk, the Great American Scream Machine and Dare Devil Dive. (Sept. 30, Oct. 1, Oct. 6; admission from $35; 770-739-3400; sixflags.com/overgeorgia/events/2023-fright-fest)

Itching to catch a music concert, standup comedy show or big-league sporting event? Atlanta has plenty of live options to pick from.

• MICHELLE WOLF Few women in comedy carry a voice as commandingly funny and irreverent as Wolf, who has established herself as among the most influential talents on the laugh circuit thanks to her infamous monologue at the 2018 White House Correspondent’s Dinner, her recent Netflix special “Michelle Wolf: Joke Show,” and her standup stint for HBO, “Michelle Wolf: Nice Lady.” Check out what all the fuss is about and savor some serious yuks at this Variety Playhouse concert. (Sept. 29, 7 p.m.; resale tickets available; michelleisawolf.com/tour)
• CHICAGO THE BAND Now performing into their sixth decade together, Chicago has earned Billboard chart accolades and Grammys galore since its founding in the late 1960s. Three of the original members still tour and put on a fantastic show alongside talented younger players. Attend this concert at Cadence Bank Amphitheater and you’ll likely hear all the hits, from “25 or 6 to 4,” “Make Me Smile,” “Saturday in the Park,” and “Beginnings” to “If You Leave Me Now,” “You’re the Inspiration,” and “Hard to Say I’m Sorry.” (Sept. 30, 8 p.m.; admission from $23; 404-233-2227; chicagotheband.com/tour)
• WASHINGTON NATIONALS AT ATLANTA BRAVES Here’s your chance to see two popular MLB squads–with the home team seriously contending for a World Series championship this year–duke it out over nine innings at 41,000-seat Truist Park. Before the game and in-between innings, you can explore the Braves Museum and Hall of Fame, Monument Garden and its tribute to Braves greats, interactive exhibits, and a kid’s play area and family zone. (Oct. 1, 3:20 p.m.; admission from $20; 404-577-9100; mlb.com/braves)
• THE JONAS BROTHERS First launched on the Disney Channel, the Jonas Brothers are a pop phenomenon unlike any other, with music grounded in strong family roots. Experience Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas conjure up pop gold with hits like "S.O.S," "Burnin' Up," “Sucker,” “Year 3000,” “Cool,” and "Lovebug" at this State Farm Arena gig, designed to appeal to fans of all ages. (Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m.; admission prices vary; 404-878-3000; jonasbrothers.com/the-tour)
• HOUSTON TEXANS AT ATLANTA FALCONS Can the Falcons and Texans solve their quarterback quandaries in 2023? Can these two clubs climb out of their division cellars and emerge as resurgent squads to be reckoned with in the upcoming NFL season? Who will be the next breakout stars for these franchises? Claim a ticket to this game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and find out. Even if you’re not a Falcons fan or a local, there’s nothing quite like the live in-person NFL experience. (Oct. 8, 1 p.m.; admission from $31; 470-341-5000; atlantafalcons.com)
• DISNEY JUNIOR LIVE ON TOUR Bringing the young’uns with you during your NACS visit? Be sure to book tix to this in-demand show at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, which showcases adorable Disney Junior characters such as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Bo from Firebuds, Ginny from SuperKitties and Doc McStuffins, along with Marvel superhero favorites like Spidey. They’re all live on stage for a shindig packed with dancing, singing, acrobatics and more. (Oct. 5, 6 p.m.; admission from $29.50; 770-916-2800; disneyjuniortour.com)

Even if you’re not on a budget, you can save serious coin during your trip–and immerse yourself in Atlanta culture–by taking advantage of these free attractions.

• MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK Spanning almost 35 acres, this site consists of monuments, landmarks and exhibits about one of our country’s most important civil rights leaders. See the home where King was born and lived over the first 12 years of his life, visit the International World Peace Rose Garden, witness the Behold Monument, hear King speeches and sermons at Ebenezer Baptist Church, explore The King Center where you can interact with video/audio of and writings by King, and view Dr. and Mrs. King’s Tomb and Eternal Flame. (404-331-5190; nps.gov/malu)
• SWEET AUBURN MUSIC FESTIVAL Presenting a range of music across various genres, including gospel, R&B and alternative, as well as ample edibles at the international food court, art vendors and family-friendly attractions, this no-charge festival aims to celebrate peace and harmony within the Atlanta community. (Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; sweetauburnmusicfest.com)
• ATLANTA PRIDE FESTIVAL Make plans to extend your visit and attend the largest ride festival in the Southeast, taking place in Piedmont Park over two days, where you can celebrate with the LGBTQ+ community, partake in diversity, tolerance and fun, and enjoy a festive parade, cultural exhibits, live entertainment and a marketplace hosting hundreds of vendor booths. (Oct. 14-15; 404-382-7588; atlantapride.org)
• CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK One of the city’s most treasured gathering spots and the heart of Atlanta’s entertainment district, this park was created for the 1996 Olympic Games. It continues to resonate as a recreational hotspot and verdant oasis of serene green space where you can picnic, sightsee or take a relaxing stroll. The park’s crowning touch is its Fountain of Rings, an interactive water display that pays tribute to the Olympic Games via a synchronized HO show. (404-223-4412; gwcca.org/centennial-olympic-park)
• ATLANTA BELTLINE Ready for an al fresco urban adventure that will reveal beautiful facets of Atlanta that you’ve never seen before? Visit the Beltline, a scenic system of picturesque public parks, pleasant walking/bike trails, tranquil waterways and visually arresting landscapes that connect several key neighborhoods. Rent a scooter or bike, jog away that delicious meal or take a guided or self-tour along one of the many BeltLine paths and view an array of sculptures, murals, and interactive art displays along your journey. (404-477-3003; beltline.org)
• ATLANTA MONETARY MUSEUM This mecca to moolah offers an opportunity to learn about the history of currency, bartering, banking, the Federal Reserve, dollar bills, and coins via interactive multimedia exhibits. Get a close-up look at an automated vault and cash-processing areas, where countless cash is counted, sorted and shredded every day. (404-498-8500; atlantafed.org/education/visit/atlanta)