The venue sits on land that formerly hosted the Southeastern Fair from 1916 to 1978.
The structure was designed to integrate into the landscape of the historic Lakewood Fairgrounds.
The amphitheatre's acoustic design was purpose-built to balance the indoor-covered seating and the open lawn area.
It was one of the first major purpose-built amphitheaters in the Atlanta metropolitan area.
Lakewood Amphitheatre is a major outdoor concert venue in Atlanta featuring a permanent covered pavilion and a large, sloping grass lawn. The facility accommodates approximately 18,900 patrons, with 7,000 seats under a roof and 11,900 on the general admission lawn. It serves as a primary stop for national touring acts and large-scale music festivals during the warmer months. Originally opened in 1989, the venue is situated on the site of the former Lakewood Fairgrounds. The stage is positioned to allow sound to carry across the open-air bowl, while the lawn provides flexible, unassigned seating. The site includes extensive parking lots designed to handle high-capacity crowds.
The top of the lawn looking down toward the stage captures the entire bowl and the Atlanta sky in the background.
Bring a low-profile lawn chair or a blanket if you are purchasing general admission tickets.
Check the venue's clear bag policy before arrival as it is strictly enforced for all events.
Arrive early to navigate the parking queues, as exiting can take significant time after high-capacity shows.
Do not attempt to bring outside food or large coolers, as these are prohibited by security protocols.
Operates as a seasonal venue, typically hosting events from late spring through early autumn.
Casual, weather-appropriate attire is standard; professional recording equipment is prohibited.