Discover fun things to do in Atlanta for adults! From nightlife to concerts, adults-only bars and restaurants, and more – our city has no shortage of activities for the 18+ and 21+ crowds.
Let’s dive in to explore these fun Atlanta activities – no kids allowed!
The Best Atlanta Activities for Adults
Read on for more details on these activities and more!
- Catch an adults-only comedy show
- Plan a night out on Edgewood Ave
- Experience Caribbean music, food, and drinks in a dance hall atmosphere
- Eat at Tiny Lou’s in the Hotel Clermont
In this post, you’ll find:
- Adults-only activities around metro Atlanta
- Atlanta nightlife spots, clubs, and bars
- Free things to do in Atlanta for adults
- Date night ideas in Atlanta
- Ideas to celebrate your 21st birthday in Atlanta
- Unique things to do in Atlanta, Georgia for adults
- Atlanta bachelorette party ideas and bachelor party activities
Watch the Video: Atlanta Activities for Adults
Check out our 2-minute video on Atlanta activities for adults to hear the highlights!
Join Unexpected Atlanta tour guide Kristin as she shares “no kids allowed” options for comedy, dining and drinks, dancing, and more! Then, read on for all the details and more ideas.
1. Explore Atlanta’s Craft Breweries & Cideries
In search of 21+ refreshments? Atlanta is home to a wide variety of local craft breweries to choose from!
Of course, our largest and most well-known brewery is SweetWater Brewing Company. Their brewery taproom and kitchen is a popular spot to gather and get refreshments. In addition to a beer, try the “pretzel nugz” with garlic butter, beer, cheese, and mustard. Or, go for a sandwich or burger with house-cut fries, tots, or Brussels sprouts.
Other local breweries range from offering traditional German brews to hoppy IPAs, experimental flavors, wild fermentation beers, and everything in between. For something a little different, head to Urban Tree Cidery in West Midtown, or Treehorn Cider and Atlanta Hard Cider in Marietta.
For a full list of spots to get a craft beer around Atlanta, browse Eater Atlanta’s guide to craft breweries around the city.
2. Get Your Party on at Tongue & Groove
In the heart of Buckhead, Tongue & Groove is an Atlanta nightlife destination. This spot began as a sushi bar and cocktail lounge in the early 90s. Over the years, it has evolved into a “full-scale entertainment venue.”
With more than 8,500 square feet of fun, Tongue & Groove is home to frequent music and dance events and endless good times. With colorful lighting, velvet couches, and artful graffiti mural walls, this is a prime 21+ partying spot.
On Wednesdays, you can expect DJs to spin tropical Latin vibes. On Thursdays through Saturdays, the music varies and tends to include EDM, hip hop, and classic hits.
Be sure to view the dress code before you go. Cover charges vary nightly.
3. Experience a Dance Hall Celebration at The Rum Punch Brunch – FREE Atlanta Event for Adults!
On Sundays at 12:30pm, Atlanta gets the party started at The Rum Punch Brunch! This dance hall event celebrates Caribbean culture in an atmosphere of inclusivity and heart-pumping music.
This fun event takes place at the Believe Music Hall in downtown Atlanta. Dance your cares away during a “mult-tier global DJ experience.” There are plenty of areas to explore – including The Concert Hall, Mezzanine Level, Underground Lounge, The Courtyard, Skyline Terrace, and a Food Truck Court.
The Rum Punch Brunch is free to enter and enjoy, with delicious Caribbean food and drinks available for purchase.
4. Visit Little 5 Points and Eat at The Vortex
Little 5 Points is Atlanta’s neighborhood for all things alternative, revolutionary, and punk-rock. In this walkable area, you can explore thrift shops, boutiques, restaurants, bars, live music, and more.
First, head to the Junkman’s Daughter for unique clothing, household items, and gifts. Then, walk to The Vortex nearby for burgers and brews. Both the L5P and Midtown locations of The Vortex are 21+ only.
Other great Little Five Points restaurants include Thai Five, Wrecking Bar Brewpub, and Savage Pizza. Stock up and refuel at Sevananda Natural Foods Market, and grab a drink from Aurora Coffee while you’re in the area!
5. Take a Walking Tour to Explore Atlanta’s Food & History
Remember in elementary school, when the teacher would roll in the TV cart so that everyone could spend the class time watching a documentary or movie? Unexpected Atlanta’s walking tours bring the same type of exciting energy – in an interactive format that gets you out and about!
While children are welcome to join these tours, they are geared toward adult-age participants and explore Atlanta’s rich history and culture.
Choose from our Grant Park Past & Future Food Walk, where you’ll taste 8 modern and Southern fusion tastings from 3 locally-owned food stops over 2.5-hours. The experience includes a jaunt through Historic Oakland Cemetery.
Or, opt for our King Historic District Tour to explore the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. You’ll see important historic Atlanta landmarks associated with King’s life and the Civil Rights movement.
6. Become a Dancing Queen at Johnny’s Hideaway
Johnny’s Hideaway is a 21+ Atlanta landmark! This spot bills itself as the city’s “only nightclub for big kids.”
At this Buckhead restaurant and bar, you’ll find DJs spinning music from the 1950s through today. Step back in time and dance with friends old and new under the disco ball!
With a crowd that skews toward middle-age, Johnny’s Hideaway is a great place to mix and mingle with people from all walks of life. Be mindful of the dress code – and come prepared for a fun time!
7. Catch an Adults-Only Comedy Show at Dad’s Garage
Dad’s Garage is a beloved local comedy theatre. While they do offer family and youth programs, they also have late-night performances for adult audiences!
Catch their longest-running format show, called “TheatreSports,” on Saturday nights at 8:00 and 10:30 PM! Additionally, Dad’s Garage has late-night performances on Friday nights, as well as other special comedy shows throughout the year.
Seeing a show at Dad’s Garage makes for a great group outing after work, or for grown-up birthday parties. Create new inside jokes, laugh off the work stress, and enjoy!
8. Go Out for A Night on Edgewood Avenue
Located near Downtown Atlanta, Edgewood Ave is a hotspot for young bar-hoppers, including many Georgia State University students.
One can’t-miss Edgewood spot is Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong Emporium, affectionately known as “Church” by its patrons. This late-night bar isn’t for the faint of heart! The art on the walls is delightfully controversial, featuring many re-imagined pop art interpretations of traditional religious artwork.
Other popular Edgewood eateries and bars include Italian restaurant Noni’s, “nerdy dive bar” Joystick Gamebar, and “community-centered cycling restaurant” Handlebar ATL.
9. Eat at Tiny Lou’s at Hotel Clermont
While Tiny Lou’s doesn’t restrict children and families from dining there, this restaurant is designed to be a swanky spot for the grown-up crowd.
This luxe dining spot is located in Hotel Clermont, “Where anything goes and everyone’s welcome!” Hotel Clermont is also home to the Clermont Lounge, Atlanta’s oldest (and perhaps most iconic) novelty adult dance establishment.
Tiny Lou’s takes its name from a popular 1950s dancer at the former Clermont Motor Hotel. They describe themselves as a “swinging French-American brasserie” with food that “reads like a rugged love letter to French-American coziness – something like what one might cook for a lover.”
At Tiny Lou’s, the menu includes dishes like duck confit, steak tartare, tagliatelle with black truffle, and a “bonjour cherie” honey sponge cake with panna cotta. Additionally, a rooftop bar at Hotel Clermont provides sweeping views of the downtown Atlanta skyline!
10. Experience “Atlanta’s Best Dance Club” at MJQ
MJQ has been a popular dance spot since it first opened in 1994, in the basement of the Ponce de Leon Hotel.
While MJQ has moved locations since then and seen many changes, the vibe remains fun, welcoming, and music-driven. Now, MJQ Concourse is located in the Poncey-Highlands area, beneath Friends on Ponce.
Head here for nightlife fun, dance parties, and more. For midweek fun, Wednesday nights at MJQ is the longest-running dance party in the city! See Atlanta’s best and most exciting DJs in a laid-back, fun environment.
Inside MJQ, The Drunken Unicorn venue offers live music in all genres, dance events, comedy shows, and more.
MJQ has announced that they will be moving locations, and that 2023 will be their last year at their current address. Stay tuned for details as plans are announced, and follow MJQ’s website and social media for updates!
11. Get a Souvenir You’ll Keep Forever from an Atlanta Tattoo Studio
A tattoo is a permanent, lifelong decision that’s best approached with thoughtfulness and serious consideration. But, if you’re ready to get one, Atlanta has plenty of amazing tattoo artists to choose from!
The artist and shop that’s best for your needs can depend on the type, style, and size of tattoo you have in mind. We recommend asking friends about their experiences, as well as visiting tattoo studios to view artists’ books.
A few Atlanta tattoo parlors with solid reputations include Kingdom Tattoo in Decatur and Only You Tattoo in Grant Park, and Ink & Dagger Tattoo in Roswell.
For more Atlanta fun, check out our unique walking tours – including food and history experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Unexpected Atlanta is officially the #1 Atlanta activity on TripAdvisor, with nearly 1,500 five-star reviews!
