Local Activities & Things to Do

Explore Atlanta and connect with fellow MA members! Join us for sightseeing, local attractions, meetings, and fellowship throughout convention week. Some activities have limited transportation or require advance admission.

Thursday, October 8
9:30 AM

Stone Mountain

Multiple cars available. Limited seats.

Morning

High Museum of Art Tentative

Possible guided visit or free access.

Afternoon / Evening

Atlanta Fried Chicken & BBQ Quest

Join the search for Atlanta’s best fried chicken and BBQ!

7:00 PM

Galano Club Meeting

Local fellowship meeting.

7:30 PM

Center for Puppetry Arts

The museum can be visited before the show.

Friday, October 9
10:00 AM

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Group outing with multiple cars available.

Morning

World of Coca-Cola & Georgia Aquarium

Visit two popular downtown attractions located near each other.

Morning / Afternoon

High Museum of Art

Possible guided visit.

Sunday, October 11
3:00 PM

High Museum of Art / MODA

Accessible via MARTA Arts Center Station.

5:00 PM

Atlanta Mural Hunt

Free activity. Car space available.

Afternoon

Pride / LGBTQIA+ — Piedmont Park

Explore Midtown and Piedmont Park. MARTA access available.

8:00 PM

MA Local Meeting

Triangle Club.

Monday, October 12
9:00 AM

Georgia Aquarium

Admission listed at $54.99–$69.99. Reservations may be required.

Time TBD

Historic Auburn Avenue / MLK Area Tour Tentative

Possible walking or accessibility-friendly sightseeing outing.

7:00 PM

H&I — Dunwoody Behavioral Health Center

4594 Barclay Dr, Dunwoody, GA 30338. Minimum 90 days sober required. Advance headcount requested.

Tuesday, October 13
Morning

Zoo Atlanta

Additional details to be announced.

Activity Contacts

For questions, activity details, or help coordinating transportation, contact our activity leader.

All Activities
Lakeem — 770-866-7570


Things to Do in Atlanta

Make the most of your time in Atlanta! Whether you’re interested in museums, parks, history, shopping, or exploring local neighborhoods, there’s plenty to discover during your visit. Browse attractions by area below.

Downtown Atlanta

Centennial Olympic Park

Downtown green space built for the 1996 Olympic Games.

World of Coca-Cola

Explore the history of Coca-Cola and sample beverages from around the world.

Georgia Aquarium

Discover marine life and aquarium exhibits.

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Exhibits exploring the civil rights movement and human rights around the world.

SkyView Atlanta

Ferris wheel offering views of downtown.

Auburn Avenue Research Library

Explore African American history, culture, and research collections.

Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park / King Center

Visit important sites connected to Dr. King’s life and legacy.

Midtown Atlanta

High Museum of Art

Atlanta’s major fine art museum.

Alliance Theatre

Live theatrical productions at the Woodruff Arts Center.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Classical music and live performances.

Atlanta Botanical Garden

Gardens, seasonal displays, and beautiful outdoor exhibits.

Piedmont Park

Popular Midtown park with skyline views.

Ansley Square / LGBTQIA+ Area

Explore Midtown’s LGBTQIA+ community and nearby establishments.

Grant Park

Zoo Atlanta

Wildlife exhibits and animal encounters.

Atlanta Cyclorama

Historic panoramic painting located at the Atlanta History Center.

East Point

ArtsXchange

Community arts organization featuring cultural programming and events.

Decatur Area

Michael C. Carlos Museum

Art and archaeological collections at Emory University.

Fernbank Science Center

Science exhibits, educational displays, and astronomy programming.

Atlanta BeltLine

Krog Street Market

Food hall with local dining options.

Ponce City Market

Shopping, restaurants, and rooftop entertainment.

Atlanta BeltLine

Explore the city’s multiuse trails, public art, and nearby restaurants. Friday evening DJs or live music may be available.

Buckhead

Lenox Square

Major shopping mall with retail stores and dining.

Phipps Plaza

Luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Attraction hours, admissions, and availability may vary. Check with individual venues before visiting. These are independent sightseeing suggestions, not scheduled convention activities.


Safety & Getting Around Atlanta

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable convention experience! Whether you’re exploring Atlanta, attending local activities, or traveling between venues, please keep these tips in mind.

Walking & Exploring

  • Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when exploring unfamiliar areas.
  • Travel in groups of three or more whenever possible, particularly after dark.
  • Avoid distractions such as headphones or looking down at your phone while walking.
  • Consider rideshare or other transportation instead of walking long distances through unfamiliar neighborhoods.
  • Avoid renting e-bikes or scooters unless participating in a professionally guided tour, as recommended by local activity organizers.
  • Stick to populated, well-traveled areas, particularly during evening hours.

Public Transportation (MARTA)

  • MARTA provides rail and bus service throughout the Atlanta area, including connections to the airport.
  • When riding MARTA, travel in groups of three or more when possible.
  • Plan ahead and allow extra time for possible delays, especially on buses.
  • Use MARTA during daytime hours when practical, as recommended in the convention’s local travel guidance.
  • Visit itsmarta.com for routes, schedules, and trip planning.

Driving & Rideshares

  • Keep vehicle doors locked and windows rolled up when stopped in traffic.
  • Always lock your vehicle when parked.
  • Avoid leaving valuables visible inside your vehicle. Whenever possible, leave them secured at your accommodations.
  • Consider trusted rideshare services, such as Uber or Lyft, especially when traveling at night.
  • Verify the driver’s identity and vehicle details before entering a rideshare.

Emergency & Visitor Assistance

Police, Fire, or Medical Emergency

911

Downtown Atlanta Ambassador Assistance

Downtown ambassadors, sometimes called “Red Coats,” may be able to assist with directions and visitor information.

Call: 404-210-9600

Text: 404-732-4200

These tips are provided as general recommendations to help attendees navigate Atlanta safely. Please use your own judgment, follow local guidance, and contact emergency services when necessary.