Discover all of the fun things to do in Atlanta for adults! From exciting nightlife to bass-pumping concerts, and adults-only bars and restaurants, our city has no shortage of incredible activities for the 18+ and 21+ crowds.
Whether you’ve lived in Atlanta for years or are visiting for the first time, the ideas in this post will inspire you to break out of your routine, try something new, meet new friends, and enjoy a fun, “adults-only” atmosphere. Read on to discover unique date ideas, corporate happy hour outings, group adventures, and more.
Let’s dive in to explore these fun Atlanta activities – no kids allowed!
Fun Activities in Atlanta for Adults
Read on for more details on these activities, and other fun events for adults in Atlanta!
- Catch an adults-only comedy show
- Plan a bar-hopping night out on Edgewood Ave
- Sample the best food and drinks in the city with an unforgettable walking tour
- Experience Caribbean music, food, and drinks in a vibrant dance hall atmosphere
- Eat delicious food with French flair at Tiny Lou’s in the iconic Hotel Clermont
In this post, you’ll find:
- Adults-only activities in Atlanta and beyond
- Atlanta nightlife spots, clubs, and bars
- Free things to do in Atlanta for adults
- Unique Atlanta date night ideas
- 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
Looking for more family-friendly ideas? Check out our post on the best things to do in Atlanta, with ideas for all age groups!
Watch the Video: Fun Atlanta Activities for Adults
Get the highlights with our 2-minute video on Atlanta activities for adults! In this video, Unexpected Atlanta tour guide Kristin shares “no kids allowed” options around the city for comedy, dining and drinks, dancing, and more.
Then, read on to discover all the details and even more ideas in this post.
A Prohibition-Style Night Out in Atlanta
If you’re looking for a night out in Atlanta that’s unmistakably grown-up, the Prohibition Progressive Dinner Atlanta Cocktails & Food Experience is designed exactly for that. This is a 21+ only experience, crafted for adults looking for a mix of delicious food, craft cocktails, and a little bit of hidden Atlanta history.
Over the course of three hours, you’ll move through Downtown Atlanta enjoying nine generous tastings and three full-size cocktails, with each stop adding a new layer to the story of the city. Along the way, a lively guide brings Prohibition-era Atlanta to life with speakeasy lore, skyline views, and behind-the-scenes access that feels both exclusive and immersive.
Because it’s fully all-inclusive and thoughtfully paced, this experience works beautifully for date nights, celebrations, or visiting friends who want a more elevated take on Atlanta’s food scene. The 21+ policy keeps the atmosphere centered on adults looking to unwind, explore, and enjoy a night that feels a little indulgent in the best way.
Historic Atlanta Food Market + Biscuit Class
Tap into your inner foodie with this Historic Market Food Tour + Biscuit Class! This is the ultimate Atlanta culinary experience.
In just two hours, you’ll try 11 delicious tastings from 5 food vendors in Atlanta’s oldest market, the Sweet Auburn Curb Market. After the guided tours, become Southern cooks with a hands-on biscuit making class.
Learn about Atlanta’s fascinating history and get a close look at Southern cooking as you learn about Georgia’s most famous foods – including peaches, collards, and pecans. Whether you’re a pro in the kitchen or a total beginner, our guides will walk you through each step of making your very own perfect Southern biscuits!
This indoor experience is the perfect year-round way to explore the best of Atlanta. Join the #1-rated tour company in the city of Atlanta as we eat our way through one of the top food markets in the country!
For another way to learn about our city’s history, book the Martin Luther King, Jr. 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, his enduring legacy, and the Civil Rights movement.
Atlanta Craft Breweries
In search of 21+ refreshments? Atlanta is home to a wide variety of local craft breweries to choose from!
Atlanta Breweries We Love
- New Realm Brewing on the Eastside Beltline Trail (pictured)
- Halfway Crooks Beer, a brewpub in Atlanta’s hip Summerhill neighborhood
- SweetWater Brewing Company, Atlanta’s largest and best-known brewery
- Wild Heaven Beer, known for their culinary and botanically-driven beers with taprooms in Avondale Estates, the West End, and Toco Hills
- Three Taverns Brewery Imaginarium near the Eastside Beltline Trail, dedicated to new and experimental beers
For a full list of spots to get a craft beer around Atlanta, browse Eater Atlanta’s guide to craft breweries around the city.
Party 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 decades, it’s evolved into a “full-scale entertainment venue.”
With more than 8,500 square feet of heart-pumping 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, pop, and classic hits.
Be sure to view the dress code before you go. Cover charges vary nightly!
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 for purchase.
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.
Our favorite things to do in Little 5 Points:
- Head to The Junkman’s Daughter for unique clothing, household items, and gifts.
- Walk to The Vortex nearby for burgers and brews. You can find it easily, because the entrance looks like a giant skull! Both the L5P and Midtown locations of The Vortex area ages 21+ only.
- Stock up on groceries at Sevananda Natural Foods Market.
- Grab a sweet treat from Aurora Coffee
- Browse vinyl at Criminal Records
Other standout Little Five Points restaurants include Thai 5, Wrecking Bar Brewpub, The Little 5 Points Diner, and Savage Pizza.
A Night on Edgewood Avenue
Located near Downtown Atlanta, Edgewood Ave is a destination 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. But, don’t be fooled by the name – this late-night bar isn’t for the faint of heart! The art displayed on the walls is delightfully controversial, featuring many re-imagined pop art interpretations of traditional religious artwork.
Other popular Edgewood Atlanta hot spots:
- Slutty Vegan for indulgent vegan burgers, fries, and shakes
- Joystick Gamebar for throwback arcade games and casual eats
- Pisces for a bass-bumping dance party
- Handlebar ATL, a “community-centered cycling restaurant”
- Staplehouse for elegant seasonal al fresco eats
Dance 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.” Be mindful of the dress code, and come prepared for a fun time!
At this Buckhead restaurant and bar, you’ll find DJs spinning music from the 1950s through today. Think: Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Madonna, the Beach Boys, Shania Twain, and more. Let’s go, girls!
Step back in time and dance the night away 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.
If you’ve danced up an appetite, Johnny’s Hideaway also serves food. Choose from classic late-night favorites like potato skins, onion rings, and wings. Or, fill up with a Johnny’s BLT, patty melt, or the always-winning combo of Caesar salad and fries.
Comedy Show at Dad’s Garage
Dad’s Garage is a beloved local comedy theatre near Atlanta’s Cabbagetown neighborhood. While they do offer family and youth programs, Dad’s also has late-night performances for adult audiences only!
Catch some late-night improv every Friday night at 10:30pm. Additionally, Dad’s offers other special comedy shows throughout the year, including matinee performances and seasonally-themed shows.
Watching a show at Dad’s Garage makes for a great date night, grown-up birthday party, or group outing after work. Create new inside jokes, laugh off the work stress, and enjoy!
Drag Show at Lips Atlanta
Head to Lips Atlanta on Buford Highway for an unforgettable drag experience! Whether it’s your first drag show or your hundredth, Lips delights and excites audiences with regularly-scheduled shows.
Check out the Glitz & Glam Friday night shows with “big hair, high heels, and a lot of duct tape!” Or, join the Ladies of Lips for a “Dragalicious Brunch” on Saturday afternoons, with “delicious brunch entrées and fabulous over-the-top performances full of sing-along hits.”
While some shows welcome audiences of varying ages, others are explicitly for ages 21+. Be sure to check the schedule before you go, and remember to tip your dancers!
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 in 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!
Head to “Atlanta’s Best Dance Club” at MJQ
MJQ has been a popular dance spot since it first opened in 1994. While MJQ has moved locations since then and seen many changes, the vibe remains fun, welcoming, and music-driven.
These days, MJQ Concourse is 21+ only and located entirely underground. Its elusive and secretive entrance only adds to the fun. MJQ’s website shares, “Enter through what looks to be a tiny shed, located behind a Chipotle.” You’ll find this spot in the Poncey-Highlands area, on Ponce de Leon Ave NE (Atlantans just call the street “Ponce”).
Head here for nightlife vibes, 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.
Be warned – MJQ is cash-only! There are ATMs inside the venue, but you’ll need cash for a cover fee before getting in.
Get a Permanent Souvenir at Atlanta Tattoo Studios
A tattoo is a permanent, lifelong decision that’s best approached with thoughtfulness 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:
- Kingdom Tattoo in Decatur
- Only You Tattoo in Grant Park
- Ink & Dagger Tattoo in Roswell
City Winery
Located in Old Fourth Ward just next to the hip Ponce City Market shopping and dining area is City Winery, a destination for jaw-dropping entertainment served alongside mouthwatering foods and drinks.
Performances range from jazz music to tribute bands playing beloved popular tunes, drag brunches, live podcast recordings, comedy shows, and more. You can even book City Winery for a private event – perfect for corporate outings, birthday celebrations, galas, or even a wedding!
Sips & Science at Fernbank After Dark
By day, Fernbank Museum of Natural History is a beloved field trip destination for families, children, and all those who enjoy learning and science. But on the second Friday of each month, the museum transforms into an exclusive 21+ destination!
Attend Fernbank After Dark and experience a unique after-hours event with museum exhibits, live music, full bars, tapas menus, science demonstrations, and more. Each month, you can expect to explore a different science-based theme, so there’s always something new to discover!
Adults-Only Mini Golf
Puttshack is a fun indoor mini-golf and game destination in Atlanta’s West Midtown neighborhood. When the clock strikes 8pm, only those age 21+ are allowed to enter!
Head to Puttshack Atlanta after 8pm for a fun, kid-free experience as you enjoy tech-infused mini golf, live DJs on the weekends, and “Instagrammable aesthetics.” On Wednesday nights, throwback music videos play throughout the venue! Pre-booking is recommended on nights and weekends, as Puttshack can get busy.
Worked up an appetite? There’s an on-site restaurant serving up everything from buffalo chicken dip and flatbreads to Korean BBQ buns and empanadas.
Or, head to Atlanta’s Interlock complex nearby, where you’ll find options for tacos, pizza, sandwiches, baked goods, craft cocktails, sushi, and more.
Atlanta Beltline Art Stroll
Experience Atlanta’s creative energy up close with the Atlanta Art and Mural Tour. This guided experience takes you beyond the typical tourist stops to explore colorful murals, hidden artwork, local history, and the vibrant culture that makes the Atlanta Beltline such a beloved destination.
As you stroll along tree-lined paths and through the eclectic Cabbagetown neighborhood, you’ll discover ever-changing public art, hear the stories behind the murals and artists, and soak in the lively atmosphere that blends urban charm with Atlanta creativity.
Along the way, you can grab a locally roasted coffee or craft beer, snap photos of standout installations, and enjoy a fresh perspective on one of the city’s most dynamic areas.
Explore Atlanta’s Civil Rights History
Gain a deeper understanding of Atlanta’s history with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Tour. This guided experience explores the community that shaped Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy while helping you connect more meaningfully with the stories, people, and places that defined the Civil Rights Movement.
Along the way, you’ll visit key sites within the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, including museums, public art, historic landmarks, and the resting places of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
Rather than navigating the area alone, you’ll gain added historical context on this tour, combined with local insights and thoughtful storytelling that brings this important Atlanta neighborhood to life.
Stargaze at Fernbank Science Center
You probably know about the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, but the associated Fernbank Science Center houses one of the largest telescopes in the country devoted to education and public viewing.
On Thursday and Friday evenings, if there’s a clear view of the night sky, you can go and visit this incredible observatory for free and get a closer look at our incredible universe.
Insider’s Tip! Enjoy Atlanta’s Green Spaces
When the weather turns cool, there’s nothing like meandering through the City in the Trees. Check out Centennial Olympic Park downtown and walk by the fun Fountain of Rings, or enjoy the views from the popular Piedmont Park in Midtown.
Our founder, Akila, shares one of her favorite insider tips here:
Atlanta is chock full of neighborhood parks and it is so easy to find incredible greenspace here. If you have a dog, one of my favorite little parks is Herbert Taylor Park in the Virginia Highlands neighborhood, which has a little dog beach. We also often hang out at Legacy Park in Decatur, which has a huge lake. Piedmont Park is, of course, beautiful, but sometimes, we want a bit more quiet and, fortunately, there’s no shortage of parks in the city.
Ride the Bull at PBR Atlanta
Go for a memorable mechanical bull ride at PBR Atlanta! Lauding itself “Atlanta’s most stunning country bar,” this spot offers “line dancing, cold beer, hard drinks, and a little bull ridin’.”
Offering VIP packages and special birthday options, the crowd at PBR Atlanta knows how to have a good time. Show up, turn up, and hold on!
This “Coors Banquet Bar” is located inside Atlanta’s popular The Battery complex, a 2.25-million square-foot mixed-use development. The Battery is also home to Truist Park, where the Atlanta Braves play! Turn it into an evening event and catch a Braves game before your bar outing. You can even stay overnight at one of the two on-site hotels, Omni and Aloft.
Celebrate Oktoberfest & Halloween at Six Flags
While the kids are trick or treating, enjoy Oktoberfest and Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia.
By day, the park bursts with Oktoberfest energy: think hearty German eats, steins of festive beer, live polka bands, and even the occasional costume contest under crisp autumn skies.
As evening falls, the vibe takes a spine-tingling turn: Fright Fest rolls out haunted mazes, roaming scare zones, and heart‑pounding fright towers that bring out the screamers in all of us.
Whether you’re toasting Oktoberfest with friends or daring each other through haunted haunts, it’s a dynamic fall experience that combines cultural fun with adrenaline-packed thrills, just a short drive from Atlanta.
Rock Out at The Masquerade
The Masquerade is legendary in Atlanta for its quality metal, rock, punk, and grunge shows. Founded in 1989, The Masquerade had nearly three decades in its prior location before moving to the heart of Downtown Atlanta.
The Masquerade notes that their stages “have played host to a list of artists which reads like a dessert menu of alternative music royalty. Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Soundgarden and Fugazi once graced the same stages that are today occupied by Odesza, Death Grips, Future, In This Moment, Little Dragon, Taking Back Sunday and countless other amazingly popular and influential bands.” In fact, the first-ever Warped Tour played at The Masquerade!
Last year, The Masquerade hosted an incredible 700+ ticketed events, so there’s almost always a show to catch! With stages named “Heaven,” “Hell,” and “Purgatory,” this spot is a destination for any serious concert-goer. While some shows are marked “All Ages,” others are only for ages 18+ or 21+.
Find LBGTQIA+ Community at My Sister’s Room
As the longest-running lesbian-queer bar in the South (since 1996), My Sister’s Room is a can’t-miss spot for anyone looking to make connections and find community in an LGBTQIA+ space.
This 21+ only bar offers themed parties and entertainment, burlesque shows, comedy, karaoke, R&B Thursdays, and more. Craving a special experience? Make a VIP Table Reservation for an unforgettable evening!
Along with good times, My Sister’s Room also offers tasty foods and drinks. Try the battered cauliflower, wings, fresh flautas, and deep fried churros with ice cream. Homemade donuts will also hit the spot after a night of mingling and dancing.
Get That Piercing You’ve Been Thinking About
As with the tattoo idea above, a piercing isn’t something to take lightly. That said, for those who are ready to rock some new gems, Atlanta offers a variety of reputable piercing shops.
Atlanta Piercing Studios
The shops listed below are members of the Association of Professional Piercers, appointment-only, and use needles (not piercing guns):
- Virtue and Vice on Cheshire Bridge focuses on proper piercing technique and safety, is highly-rated on Google, and has been personally tested by our team!
- Piercing Experience in Candler Park has been a trusted Atlanta piercer since 1992. With a mission to provide “the safest, gentlest piercings,” Piercing Experience is a solidly-reviewed option for your new bling.
- Kolo Piercing & Body Art in Little 5 Points is another sought-after Atlanta piercing spot. Established in 1995, Kolo also offers online options to purchase new jewelry.
Note that the policies at each of the piercing shops above state that children are only allowed in the studio when they are receiving a piercing and accompanied by a parent or guardian. Otherwise, these are adults-only zones!
Explore Atlanta’s Best Cocktail Bars
From hip “see and be seen” cocktail spots to elegant sips, rooftop views, and fun speakeasy vibes – there are no shortage of cocktail options in Atlanta!
A few of our favorite spots to grab a cocktail in Atlanta:
That said, there are countless other places to grab a delicious drink, from neighborhoods like Summerhill to Sandy Springs, Buckhead to Brookhaven, Decatur to Downtown, and beyond. You can even enjoy mocktails at spots like The Sober Social and stock up on mocktail supplies at the non-alcoholic bottle shop, The Zero Co.
Get the scoop on all the best cocktail bars in Atlanta here.
For more Atlanta fun for adults, come tour Atlanta with us! Unexpected Atlanta’s offerings include food and history experiences you won’t find anywhere else. We’re proud to be the #1 Atlanta tour activity on TripAdvisor, with nearly 1,500 five-star reviews!
