Photo credit: Cadence Bank Amphitheatre
If you haven’t been to Cadence Park Amphitheatre Chastain Park, you are missing out. The intimate setting provides for a thoroughly entertaining evening. It’s great to actually be able to see the performer vs these other venues where you actually see the performer better on a monitor than looking at the stage.
You can also bring food and drinks into this Atlanta outdoor concert venue as well. Personally, I think it’s great to bring a bottle of wine, but I prefer to eat before getting there. The problem is, you have to park so far away it is a hike before you actually get to your seat, so you can imagine how not fun it is to be carrying a cooler with food for a mile before you can actually sit down.
Now, I’ve only ever seen 2 concerts here, but both were phenomenal. Mark Knopfler (singer for Dire Straits) and the Black Eyed peas. They have a vast group of performers, so everyone can find someone they would want to see here.
Chastain Park is truly a beautiful venue for seeing a concert especially when the weather is nice as it is an outdoor venue. I love intimate settings like this for concerts.
History of Cadence Bank Amphitheatre
Amphitheater at Cadence Bank The creation of At Chastain Park was designed as an adjunct to the ongoing development of North Fulton Park. Then, as part of the park’s planned features, Fulton County Commissioner sought to include an outdoor concert venue. The venue had to use bleacher-style seating with a stage and bandshell due to the last-minute addition. The venue’s construction started in 1942 and was fully finished in 1944. On June 20 of that year, they held its first opening.
Due to the consequences of World War II and a lack of event promotion, the facility got off to a poor start. When Chastain passed away in 1946, it appeared that the arena might experience unfixable issues, but Atlanta supported his vision and renamed the location in his honor. The Atlanta Pops Orchestra performed free concerts there beginning in 1952 after the City of Atlanta seized control of the location. The following year, an opera series began there that lasted until 1968. With more than 30,000 visitors per year, the venue was on the rise and finally attracted well-known bandleaders like Marvin Hamlisch, Peter Nero, and Henry Mancini.
Nelson Brackin was commissioned to build a 6,000 seat amphitheater, and his designs were used in later restorations in 1984, 1998, and 2004 to upgrade the location. New ticket booths, refreshment stalls all around the theater, expanded restrooms, and features for employees and performers including green rooms, commissaries, and business offices were all part of the finished design. Due to the success of the venue, well-known corporations including Delta Air Lines, State Bank & Trust, and later Cadence Bank (after State Bank & Trust merged with them) sponsored it, giving it its current name.
The amphitheater is still in use today, and the majority of performances take place between May and early September. With a roughly 6,900 capacity, many of the events and performances are promoted by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Live Nation. A small number of regular admission lawn seats are available at the back of the amphitheater and stage right, but the majority of the seats are reserved seating. Due to its prominence in the city, parking at Atlanta’s oldest outdoor music venue is frequently restricted to first-come, first-served patrons.
Dining options when visiting Cadence Bank Amphitheatre. Here are 3 dining options: bring takeout, fine dining nearby, cheap eats nearby.
Get takeout and eat it at Cadence Park
Your are allowed to bring food into the park. The last I heard you could bring coolers in, but definitely check before doing this, as their rules change from time to time. That being said, if you are looking for some great takeout try Eatzi’s. They have some really tasty dishes. The only caveat to bring your food in is that you will have to carry it in and out which is not fun. Especially given the fact that you may have to walk like a mile from where you park your car to your seats.
The Chastain (walking distance to the park)
The second option is an upscale restaurant nearby Chastain, The Chastain. I would especially recommend this if you have guests from out of town. The Horseradish Grill was featured in a Foodnetwork Special – I think it was $40 a Day hosted by Rachael Ray. It is described at New Southern Cuisine. The best way I can describe it southern food with a modern twist. Think of it as jazzed up Po Folks. They also have a beautiful patio for outdoor dining. Average entree cost is about $25.
Cheap eats near Cadence (Chastain Park) before a concert
The last option, and every bit as tasty as the other options is La Fonda Latina. This is by no means a fancy smancy restaurant, but it has extremely flavorful food and quick, efficient service. You can’t go wrong with the enchiladas, and quesadillas are not to be missed. Expect to pay about $10 with tip.
All these options are within close proximity to Chastain Park. Hope this helps and have a great time at the concert!
4001 Powers Ferry Road NW
Atlanta, GA 30342
(404) 237-2177
Classic Chastain