HotLanta On The Cheap: A Guide to Low-Cost Entertainment in Atlanta

Dad's Garage has been on the scene since 1995, showcasing award-winning improv comedies and scripted productions. Located in the hip Old Fourth Ward neighborhood of Atlanta (where Martin Luther King, Jr. grew up), the theatre's in-house artistic ensemble team writes, incubates and creates tons of shows each year, many of which go on the road to other theaters. Ticket prices range from as low as $5 to $32.50, so the show sells out fast! View upcoming shows and purchase tickets here.

The Starlight Drive-In Theatre sits on the scenic outskirts of Atlanta. This vintage drive-in has been the perfect spot to watch a double feature under the stars since 1949. In recent years, the theater installed an all-new, digital projection system, yet ticket prices are still low at $1 for children and $9 for adults; it's no wonder that locals have been spending their evenings here at Starlight for almost seven decades. For showtimes click here.

Do you love singing in the shower? Do you jam at the top of your lungs during your daily drive to work? Head to Atlanta's 10 High Music Club, where you can take your performance to the next level! Located beneath the Dark Horse Tavern in the Virginia Highland neighborhood, karaoke is taken seriously and patrons are invited to be the lead vocalists for a live band almost every night of the week. The best part? No cover fee!  

Travel back to Shakespearean time at The Shakespeare Tavern Playhouse, where the Atlanta Shakespeare Company is committed to honoring the voice and intent of each playwright featured by meticulously staging each show in its original format. Performances at this Globe-inspired theater in Downtown Atlanta are truly immersive, and feature hand-made period costumes, live music and sound effects, as well as abundant "direct address" to the audience. This community gem is the perfect place to spend an evening with fellow theater lovers, and the affordable ticket prices ($15-$40) make this an accessible experience for everyone.

After performing more than 5000 shows (80 of which being sold-out at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, CA) over the past 17 years, Magician Peter Morrison is bringing his classical magic act, filled with wit and sensationalism, to the Atlanta Magic Theater in Old Fourth Ward. The entertainment begins as soon as you walk in the door where Peter Morrison will personally greet you in the lounge area for some pre-show, table-side magic. After guests shuffle into the main showroom and take their seats, you will be treated to an interactive night of old-school magic and modern mentalism. Ticket prices range from $30 to $40 and can be purchased online, here!