One of the best venues in the city! It was very low-hassle in terms of getting in and out. There is plenty of legroom in the seat and music sound and view was great!
Chuck T.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Alpharetta, GA
I don’t get all the negative reviews, maybe I was just there on a good night. Went to see«Rock Chastain» benefit concert tonight with Chuck Leavell, Randall Bramblett and Michelle Malone. Parked right down the street for free with a very short walk. Brought dinner, plus vodka and mix no problem. Had excellent seats — yes there were plenty of yuppies there but the only times I heard a lot of crowd talking was before the show and between acts, the bands were plenty loud enough to not hear conversations around us. The only money I spent was on two Michelle Malone CDs between sets, she was there at the cd booth and signed them for us. I do not have one negative thing to say about this venue, it was a fantastic experience! Also absolutely no trouble with traffic leaving it at the end!
Ernest C.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Sandy Springs, GA
First time here and did I learn some things or two! 1. Arrange for someone to drop you off or über 2. Parking is very limited $ 20 Some parking near baseball field and school if you’re lucky ! 3. Know your gate entry 4. Get there early. 5. We had box seats section 3L. Great seats 6. Bring cash for concession and souvenirs ! Credit Card machine couldn’t get a connection or you’ll wait for ever! 7. HAVEFUN
Rebecca A.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Columbia, SC
Chastain is old and small, so it’s not a very popular spot for national touring acts. It is more intimate than a regular venue. If you’re going to a concert, bring a small folding table and food and treat it like a picnic with live music. Everyone around you will be doing it, don’t think this is weird advice. If you have the money or a big enough group, just get the tickets that have a table. It’s worth it. Parking is $ 20, and there’s nowhere else to park so you kind of have no choice. Acoustics are fine, but there are a lot of gnats at night. It’s not a bad venue.
Maria Eduarda M.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Atlanta, GA
Beautiful place, clean and very organized. It’s the best spot to enjoy a concert in a summer evening. The sound is very good, and the frozen margaritas too lol. It’s located in a upscale area and prices are not cheap. I went to watch The piano guys and they charged $ 20 for their own park lot, that’s ridiculous. Everything else is nice! Take some bug spray since the amphitheater is surrounded by trees. Good thing it’s allowed to bring your own food/thing so people set their own table and looks very romantic.
Chomeka S.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Marietta, GA
Parking needs to be redone! Amphitheater needs to be updated. The concert was nice with great acoustics. The viewing screens could be larger and food selections if you unfortunately did not bring your own, could be better than a sporting events selection. Overall I had an awesome time with my company and the performing artists. I’ll be returning next week for Eric Benet. Last week was Common and Jill Scott.
Carly A.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Atlanta, GA
I went to this venue for Counting Crows and Citizen Cope last night and felt really compelled to write a review. If you’re going to actually listen to the artists and enjoy the music, do not go here. Other reviews mention this, and it couldn’t be truer. The reason I gave two stars is because of the attendees. My boyfriend and I had great box seats and got there in time for Citizen Cope. Essentially no one was paying attention, and I could tell the band was upset about it. All people cared about was their food, conversation, and getting up to get more beer. I understand this venue is unique to others and encourages eating and drinking(which I did myself), but it was uncomfortable and disrespectful. I think there’s a way to enjoy the amenities without being disrespectful, but 85% of the people there did not know how to do so. It was so bad that my boyfriend and I left our seats after Citizen Cope to sit in the back where it wasn’t as full so we could enjoy the music. When Counting Crows came on it didn’t improve that much. Adam Duritz even called everyone out for talking so much. I don’t think they will be back to this venue and I don’t blame them. It’s a shame because they sounded great. Security isn’t great. Our cooler wasn’t checked at all and my purse wasn’t either.
Lori H.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Atlanta, GA
The venue is beautiful, and the staff do everything they can to make a pleasant experience. It’s too bad the same can’t be said for the other patrons. If you actually want to hear the music you’ve paid however much for, this is NOT the place to go. No matter where you are, there are loud, obnoxious people who seem to not even understand that there is a concert happening in front of them. I continually tell myself that I will never go to this venue again, but a few years go by and I forget how awful it is, and I take the risk for a band I really want to see. Silly me. It’s not like I can hear or enjoy the show.
Abby P.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Berkeley, CA
If you want to pay 100 $ to go to a concert and actually hear the music, don’t come here. If you want to pay 100 $ go to a concert and loudly have a conversation while amazing performers sing, this is the place for you! Absolutely horrible manners among many patrons of this ampitheater. It is a lovely setup, and no matter where you sit you’ll have a great view, but you’ll have to deal with the privileged rich jerks who think that their conversations are more important than the performance itself. People all around us were just gabbing on and on during the Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett concert. The people behind us actually made fun of Tony Bennett at one point, and it took all I had not to throw their crappy wine in their faces. These performers are LEGENDS, but for some reason, the audience members around us could not stop talking. I have high school students who are better behaved than these yuppies. This wasn’t an isolated incident, either– we met some people leaving the venue who were twenty rows in front of us and they were saying the same thing, then some other people piped up as well! Oh, and trash EVERYWHERE after the concert! We were tripping over half-empty water bottles people just left on the stairs, because apparently they’re too good to pick it up themselves. I tried to pick up as much as I could, and apologized profusely to the very kind worker, who told me that the talking and the littering was a regular occurence and that it usually took hours to clean. It seems that the regulars think they own the place, and everyone who came that lives outside of this neighborhood was absolutely appalled at their behavior. At any point during the concert, even during the most romantic and quiet of songs, there was always a low roar of people talking. I will NEVER attend a concert here ever again. P. S. If for some reason you do decide to brave the yuppie crowd, make sure you bring a fan– it is super hot at this place!
William K.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Woodstock, GA
I had officially ‘sworn off’ Chastain because all of the concerts I attended had issues with the predominantly yuppie crowd making their dinner plans and chit chat center stage to the actual concert. There was a real sense of disconnect and on two occasions I watched as performers halted their show and said politely«I’ll just wait until you are done talking» it was that noticeable. Now, I know that it’s the paying customer’s prerogative to do whatever the hell they want, so, I simply chose not to go there anymore, because it bothered me that people were more into themselves than the music. Recently however I saw Alt-J and Tycho, and maybe because it was a less yuppie crowd, it was an AWESOME night. All in all however, I have attended many concerts in my life, and worked concerts and venues for years, I rate this place as a 2, without any hesitation.
Jon P.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Atlanta, GA
I am writing this review as a guide: — Step 1 — get a table seat — Step 2 — bring all sorts of food and drinks — Step 3 — enjoy the show This is a great place to bring a group of 8 or so people to a show. However, it is not the best place if you really want to enjoy the music. There are tons of people talking and the sound is not hardly loud enough to not hear everything going on in your area. You will also have to adjust constantly to let people in and out. Overall, I recommend going here as a social event among friends but not if you really are wanting to be immersed in the music.
Dee Dee C.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Atlanta, GA
One star off for the parking situation, as if you don’t have a seasonal pass it appears you have to park further way. However, seating wise you can’t go wrong with this place. Even the lawn seating is adequate enough for a good view of the stage. Also if you are frugal like myself and don’t want to spend money on over priced food and drink, many of the concerts here allow food and beverages to be brought in. Yep, I’ll definitely be back.
Luckie D.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Atlanta, GA
Why 4 Stars… Because if you factor in all elements within your control and those not in control of the Park this place is nearly perfect. It’s outdoors(Great when the weather is agreeable) You can bring your own food and beverages and the atmosphere is simply beautiful not to mention you have complete control over the concert you choose. I must however deduct 1 Star because the tables which are sold to seat six are just too congested. If you’re able get a table and take a date. Just the two of you. You’ll have plenty of room and if you take Über to and from parking is eliminated.
Kate M.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Dunwoody, GA
I have officially fallen in love with this venue! Having a easily-navigated outdoor venue set amongst the trees of Chastain Park is the perfect setting for live music(whether chill with picnic food, or energetic with a dance floor!). I recently visited for a summer concert and the weather was perfect. I think how great of an experience you have can all be traced back to that. The stage is large with two television screens on either side so everyone can see — even those on blankets in the grass way in the back. There is a large open area in the front for moshing/dancing/etc. There are seats right behind it that are a little raised but not as high as the permanent seating — it’s a great mix of up close and comfortable. I sat in the center section with assigned seating and had a great time! It was a great view of the band, sound quality was fantastic, and the aisles were incredibly wide so it was easy to get in and out of the venue even when there was a mass congregation departing at once. Parking is close and convenient and there is no such thing as a bad spot. You may have to walk a quarter of a mile or so depending on where you end up but it’s a pretty walk surrounded by beautiful trees and the rest of the park so it’s very scenic. Because parking is spaced out, leaving is a breeze too — no traffic jams! Merch booths, concessions, and restrooms are on either side of the ampitheatre. I was extremely impressed by how clean the bathrooms were! Since it is an outdoor venue I was totally expecting them to be gross but they looked nicer than some restaurant bathrooms I have been in. The staff were friendly, courteous, and always available to answer questions, get help, or show you to your seats. I had an awesome time and can’t wait to come back again soon! I’d love to attend a concert where they have the picnic table option in place where you can bring coolers/food so I can get a feel for both experiences.
Svetlana O.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Acworth, GA
This is THE date night location(depending on the concert). My boyfriend and I came here for the John Legend concert. The set-up was called«table set-up,» so there were tables on the main floor of the amphitheater that you could have catered or you can merely bring your own food, and then the rest of the seating(«orchestra» and then«lawn» behind that) had plenty of room for people to bring TV dinner trays and picnic baskets and even stand up to slow dance. We brought in a picnic basket with wine, along with a meat, cheese, and crackers spread to munch on in candle light. Absolutely romantic. If John Legend ever performs again in ATL, make sure you see him here! Nothing can compare!
Trevor W.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Arlington, VA
Set amongst old growth trees, parks, and houses that continue to defy imagination and wallets, Chastain is Atlanta’s most iconic outdoor amphitheatre. The venue itself is simply cozy, nestled into a hillside with gorgeous treescapes and beautiful sunsets for views. It’s a truly unique Atlanta experience akin to Red Rocks and harkens back to original outdoor concert experiences. Chastain seems to be a love it or hate it venue. They offer both table /tray setups and traditional concert going experiences. Both artists and patrons are quite vocal about their preference with certain artists simply refusing to play in a table setup. In table form, people cater meals or bring their own and tend to converse throughout the show with the floor level comprised mainly of corporate types entertaining clients or friends, not so much true fans. Some artists like the old school interaction, others are put off by the noise and consider it disrespectful. That said, because of the high corporate influence and season ticket nature of the venue, true fans may find it hard to get a decent seat to a single concert of their choice. However, there is something about the glow of candles, wine glasses, and tabletop linens that make it feel like a private concert in your own backyard. Almost all table and box seats here are folding plastic chairs with the mezzanine levels stretching far to the rear of the amphitheatre and consisting of mono-bench seating. With the limited aisle depth, the trays, tables, and coolers can make it almost impossible to walk down the rows inconveniencing everyone on bathroom or beverage runs. As long as you know it going in, you’ll still have a great time. But those new to the venue can be in for a shock when they realize that at least two people at their 6 person table are facing the back of the amphitheatre and not the stage. Lawn seating, unlike other amphitheatres, holds only a handful of folks and is the far rear center of the venue with awkward angles and steep grades. The only real issues I take with the venue surround the lack of modernization. The video screens are pre-HD /widescreen featuring dismally small and poorly lit pictures that even those up close have a hard time viewing and the audio is often overpowering and distorted. Really depends on the concert you are going to see. Overall, Chastain is truly an Atlanta experience set in one of its most prestigious neighborhoods. Enjoy everything from Classical to vintage vinyl with the ability to bring in as much food and drink as your heart desires. Happy listening!
Kristie D.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Alpharetta, GA
Love, love, love Chastain. I absolutely cannot believe that I have lived in GA all of my life and only recently discovered this place. I don’t want to attend concerts anywhere else now. It is the antithesis to Lakewood! No searching and frisking at the gate, there is ample, close parking, seats rows are spaced to give you room to bring a cooler and a small table. On our last visit to Lakewood I had a prescription bottle in my purse, after the angry security guard at the gate searched it I was forced to go find yet another guard that was in charge of «approving» my meds. Yep, I actually had to get out of line, go find this angry person, show him my PERSONAL medication and my ID in order to get into the dirty, gross, run-down place. At Chastain they greet you at the gate and offer to help find your seat. No angry people, if you know what I mean. Goodbye Lakewood, Hello Chastain!
Jeremy M.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Atlanta, GA
I’ve been here a couple of times. While it is clean and there is lots of seating, I have not had good experiences otherwise. First off, while the capacity is huge, there aren’t actually any parking lots that would even remotely cover a sold out crowd. Instead, if you don’t get there early, there are plenty of local neighborhood association venues and private lots that would be happy to take your $ 20 for the privilege of hiking a mile back to the show. There are traffic cops directing traffic, but they do a crap job so there’s always difficulty. Secondly, the sound mix for both shows i’ve been to has been horrific to the point of being physically painful to listen to. The highs are harsh and grating, the volume is about 15dB too loud(yeah it shouldn’t hurt to hear a show, even with earplugs) and the mixes are poor to the point where the vocal mics pop. I’m not sure how they keep managing to book quality acts other than the surrounding neighborhood is very rich and very white. Someone’s obviously paying someone. I will not be coming back here.
Kate F.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Atlanta, GA
The ability to bring in TV trays from which to drink your wine and eat your Trader Joes snacks seems perfect for the middle-aged«woo! let’s have a ‘crazy’ night out» Buckhead crowd here. If you want to see women who were big pharma reps 10 – 15 years ago doing mom dances while clutching tall boys and taking selfies in their Ann Taylor Loft tops, this place is for you! Want to spend quality time with a VP of HR who belts out the chorus of that one song by that guy at the top of his lungs? Congratulations, this is your new favorite concert venue! Does terrible sound mixing turn you on? You will never want to leave.
Jamie S.
Rating des Ortes: 4 East Haddam, CT
Uniquely fabulous concert venue! Great sound system, BYOB and BYOF, and large aisles with enough room for decent size tables. Bring your wine, your food, folding table, and umbrella in case it rains. Its an open air venue so you never know. Guaranteed a great time!
Michelle K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Suwanee, GA
I’m a HUGE fan of this place. When the weather is perfect, this is as good as it gets! Love, LOVE this outdoor venue! My first concert here was last year when Straight No Chaser came into town and we were spoiled by the beautiful weather that night. Last weekend was no different. It was a perfect spring night and Santana and his team rocked it out of the park, literally! The energy in the amphitheatre was amazing. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits and the staff at Chastain is as friendly as they get! Of course, the night of the Santana concert, I was with a great group of girlfriends so we had even more fun, making friends with Tony, head of security at Chastain Park and briefly met the primary bodyguard for the artist. Good times indeed. The entire amphitheatre is clean, well maintained and very inviting. The neat part about this concert venue is that regardless of if you seat close to the stage or the farthest part of the patio area at the top, the entire concert experience is amazing. If you haven’t experienced Chastain Park yet, definitely check them out soon! Looking forward to the Counting Crows concert later this year and future concert outings with Panida S. and friends.