About Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia, is a vibrant city with a rich history. Founded in 1837 at the intersection of two railroad lines, Atlanta quickly became a central commercial and transportation hub in the American South. By the end of the 19th century, it also became known for its many underground venues that featured everything from honky-tonk music to early jazz and blues.
The city’s underground scene flourished throughout the 1920s and 1930s as Prohibition brought people together to enjoy illicit activities such as gambling, drinking, and dancing. Many of these establishments were located in what was then called “Black Bottom,” an area near Auburn Avenue home to some of Atlanta’s earliest African-American residents.
Despite periodic police raids and other threats from authorities, these establishments provided a crucial cultural outlet for black Atlantans during this period of segregation and Jim Crow laws. If you're in the know, there are secret underground spots across Atlanta that will leave you in awe.
Underground Event Options in Atlanta
- Photography
Capturing the memories of your special occasion is essential, and lists of professional photographers in Atlanta can assist. The right shutterbug will know exactly how to capture moving photos that tell a story or snap selling shots that can help you market your brand and products.
- Catering
A talented caterer in Atlanta is who you should contact to supply the meals for your underground event. Beyond delivering hearty dishes and tasty desserts, the professionals can create a befitting menu that works for your specific underground occasion.
- Event Decorators
Working with an underground event space often means that you’ll need to brighten up the location. Depending on the specific nature of your event, you might also need specialized decorations. Enlist the services of one of Atlanta’s event decorators to help spring your underground location to life.
- Equipment
More than likely, you plan on hosting a performance-based event at your chosen underground venue in Atlanta. The city’s equipment rental companies can supply everything you need; from tables and chairs to audio/visual equipment and lighting.
- DJ
A good DJ knows how to get a crowd moving and keep the party going. Several DJs in Atlanta have experience playing on various occasions or providing background acoustics to complement corporate events.
Underground Event Vendors in Atlanta
- Black Diamond MUA
Black Diamond MUA is a beauty company that creates natural glam looks. Jacqueline Delaney established the business in 2013, and it has since developed a reputation for providing unique glam looks. Their range of services includes offering makeup lessons, complete makeovers, and airbrush makeup services.
- Hip & Hitched
They specialize in creating unique encounters for customers at Hip & Hitched. Since launching in 2001, the Atlanta-based entertainment company discovered that guest experience is crucial to the process of making any occasion memorable. Their DJs are experienced professionals who know how to read a crowd and keep the party going.
- Rent-All Plaza
For more than 20 years, Rent-All Plaza of Kennesaw has provided an extensive selection of wedding and party supplies to the greater Atlanta area. Their catalog of rental items includes tents, tablecloths, plates, and other items. Their mission is to provide you with exemplary service so that your party or event rental experience goes smoothly.
Pros and Cons of Underground Events in Atlanta
Atlanta’s underground events have grown in popularity over the past few years. These events provide an alternative to traditional nightlife and particularly appeal to those who enjoy music, dancing, art, and culture. Here are some of the pros and cons of taking part in these exciting adventures:
Advantages
- The low-key environments offer opportunities for revelers to let loose without any of the pretension or hassle that often comes with more mainstream clubs.
- Underground parties also tend to attract interesting people from all walks of life, creating an engaging, multicultural atmosphere that is both stimulating and enjoyable.
- Many underground events also feature fantastic art installations, live performances by local musicians, interactive video projections, and other entertaining activities that can enhance your evening even further.
Disadvantages
- Unfortunately, due to their unstructured nature, some underground parties can sometimes feel chaotic and disorganized.
- Since most underground gatherings don’t have licenses or permits from local authorities, there is no guarantee that your experience will be safe or legal.
- As mentioned before, many underground events may not have all the necessary safety features, such as fire exits or sprinkler systems, in place; this could potentially put attendees in danger should an emergency occur.
Tips on How to Organize Underground Events in Atlanta
Planning an underground event in Atlanta can be a daunting task. With the competition for attention and resources, it is essential to have a comprehensive plan to make your event stand out. Here are some tips on how to organize an underground event in Atlanta:
- Find the Ideal Venue: Before organizing your event, you should find an ideal venue that can accommodate the size of your crowd. Consider unique spaces such as warehouses, lofts, backyards, and any alternative venues that come to mind. Take into account the location and accessibility of your venue and make sure it has all of the necessary permits.
- Create Eye-catching Promotional Materials: Create promotional materials such as flyers, posters, and social media graphics to promote your event leading up to its launch date. Ensure all materials have clear information about the time, date, location, and lineup for potential attendees, so they know what to expect when they attend your event.
- Line Up Quality Talent: When booking talent for your underground event, try to find local artists willing to perform at an affordable rate or, even better – free! There’s no better way to get people excited than having quality talent which can help draw a larger crowd - plus its excellent advertising for the bands/DJs too!
- Design an Inviting Atmosphere: Creating a positive atmosphere is vital when planning an underground event in Atlanta; after all, people go out for fun, not boredom! Keep this in mind when designing the venue set up – invest in good lighting systems, decorations, and sound systems that will give off good vibes throughout the night - this will help ensure everyone has a good time!
Famous Locations in Atlanta
- The Hub at Peachtree Center
The Hub at Peachtree Center features a central courtyard and retail center which are undoubtedly its highlight, with an infusion of light and the incorporation of technology. The architectural enhancements and infrastructure improvements that have been done on the building over the last few years have made it even more stunning, offering new eateries and exciting experiences.
- Underground Atlanta
With more than 100 years of history, Underground Atlanta is a culturally significant location. It offers unique shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences in the heart of the downtown area. Exploring the six city blocks, 12 acres, and three levels of the underground hub reveals something new and exciting around every corner. Whether simply you want to shop for a souvenir, grab a bite to eat, or go on a night out on the town, Underground Atlanta has something for everyone.
- Ponce City Market
Sightseers will enjoy the change of pace that the Ponce City Market provides. Occupying a former Sears warehouse, it houses several boutique shops, dining establishments, and galleries. “The Roof” is a must-visit eatery for its coffee or to grab a meal, and the superb views of the city are an added plus.