15 Best Things to Do in Little Five Points, Atlanta

Little Five Points, GA
ESB Professional / shutterstock.com

A commercial district established in the early 20th century, Little Five Points is famous for bringing alternative culture to Atlanta, Georgia.

It’s also known for the Little Five Halloween Festival, which occurs annually.

Little Five Points, nicknamed Lil’ Five, is recognized as the Bohemian center of the Southern part of the United States.

Conveniently located and home to over 35 stores, Little Five Points can provide you with everything you’re looking for.

Here are the best things to do in Little Five Points, Georgia:

Watch a Music Show at the Variety Playhouse

View of Variety Playhouse's entrance and marquee
Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

The Variety Playhouse, located on Euclid Avenue, is a music venue in Atlanta previously known as the Euclid Theatre.

It offers a variety of musical displays such as rock, indie, jazz, country, and more.

Built in the World War II era, the Variety Playhouse served many uses over the years and used different names.

Exterior of the Variety Playhouse
4kclips / Shutterstock.com

It was a neighborhood cinema, a warehouse for plumbing supplies, and a live performance venue before it became the music venue it is today.

The Variety Playhouse has also received awards such as Best Concert Venue and Best Place to Hear Acoustic Music.

Watch a Contemporary Play at Horizon Theatre Company

Located on Austin Avenue, Horizon Theatre Company has provided exemplary play performances since 1983.

With its goal to connect with people, encourage optimism, and uphold positive change, the theater company produces outstanding plays that reflect and challenge the audience’s lives.

Through the years, Horizon Theatre Company has received many awards and other recognitions for its well-thought and positive plays, including Best Production and Best Theatre Company.

The venue offers family shows, holiday performances, and special shows for special events.

The theater company’s shows are sponsored by more or less 15 groups and organizations; its major funding comes from the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

See Little Five Points’ Vibrant Street Art

Welcome Mural of Little Five Points
4kclips / Shutterstock.com

The streets of Little Five Points are also worth a walk through for their incredible artworks painted in buildings and tunnels.

As it’s Atlanta’s quirkiest and most bohemian neighborhood, you’ll see a remarkable amount of sprayed street art, murals, and graffiti, almost anywhere you walk.

The street art and murals of Little Five Points highlight the neighborhood’s distinctive culture, alongside vintage clothing shops, funky bars and restaurants, and street musicians.

Colorful graffiti at Little Five Points
Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com

The murals started out with a little squiggle on an abandoned establishment and eventually became famous spots to pose for photos.

When in Little Five Points, take the time to unlock the neighborhood’s street art in the most obscure locations.

Trust your struggle mural at Little Five Points
Clinton Steeds, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Experience Social Enlightenment at 7 Stages

Exterior of the 7 Stages Theater
4kclips / Shutterstock.com

Located on Euclid Avenue, 7 Stages is a non-profit company producing societal, political, and spiritual creations.

It has focused on giving enlightenment on the world’s issues through bringing shows with societal, political, and spiritual importance for over 40 years.

Showcasing engaging plays since 1979, the theater company aims to become a global center for the creation of contemporary plays tackling relevant issues of the world.

Through collaborative performances, 7 Stages is taking sure steps to reach its goal.

Meet the Sea Creatures at Georgia Aquarium

Exterior of the Georgia Aquarium
Rob Wilson / Shutterstock.com

Georgia Aquarium, located on Baker Street Northwest, provides entertaining and educational exhibits promoting aquatic biodiversity’s importance and need for protection.

Offering exciting experiences, the aquatic institution also offers excellent animal care.

Silhouette of people watching the fish in Georgia Aquarium
Jakgapong Pengjank / Shutterstock.com

The aquarium is dedicated to providing visitors with a deeper appreciation of the ocean.

Aquarium tunnel in Georgia Aquarium
ESB Professional / Shutterstock.com

At Georgia Aquarium, you’ll see many fascinating sea creatures, such as whale sharks, dolphins, penguins, sea lions, and more.

Lionfish in Georgia Aquarium
Yarddy Jaramillo / Shutterstock.com

Join the Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade

People wearing costumes during Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade
Jason Riedy, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During the last weekend of October, you can join a ghost tour at the Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade.

This walking tour lasts about an hour and a half and takes participants through the neighborhood’s most historic and haunted places.

There are also games to be played during the festival, including the Monster Hunt—a game wherein local artists’ monstrous creations are spread throughout the neighborhood.

Skeleton costumes at Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade
Jason Riedy, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Using a Monster Map, you’ll have to find all the monsters and get a chance to win a prize.

At Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade, you’ll also experience other exciting activities, including a Halloween Photo Walk, a Freak Show, and a Boozy Walk.

Participants at Little Five Points Halloween Festival and Parade
Jason Riedy, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum

Exterior of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

The Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum is located in Freedom Park.

Here, you’ll find former United States President Jimmy Carter’s paper trails and documents from his presidency.

President room at Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
Michael Gordon / Shutterstock.com

Apart from the materials he used during his administration, you’ll also find a full-scale replica of the Oval Office.

It’s a carbon copy of how it looked during former President Carter’s administration.

Exhibit in Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
Michael Gordon / Shutterstock.com

Run by the National Archives and Records Administration, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum also provides special exhibits, including that of Carter’s Nobel Peace Prize.

Presentation room in Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum
Michael Gordon / Shutterstock.com

Relax at Freedom Park

Freedom Park, located between Moreland Avenue and North Avenue, is Atlanta’s largest linear park.

It serves as the city’s art park and is home to several momentary and perpetual art creations by local and international artists.

Spanning about 200 acres, the park is ideal for walking, jogging, biking, and more.

This attraction is managed by the Freedom Park Conservancy, a non-profit organization that raises funds to maintain, improve, and preserve the park.

Through the continued effort of the city of Atlanta and its community, Freedom Park continues to be a world-class park in the heart of Atlanta.

Visit Inman Park

Welcome mural of Inman Park
Eddie Krebs, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You’ll find Inman Park on the east side of Atlanta.

This premiere planned suburb was created in the 20th century and named after Samuel M. Inman, a prominent business in Atlanta born in the 1800s.

Planned to be a Victorian neighborhood, Inman Park is comprised of curved streets and verdant parks from the scratches of the Civil War battlefield.

Exterior of a house at Inman Park
Keizers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

To this day, the park is as beautiful as it was before, thanks to the continued efforts of the neighborhood’s association.

Inman Park, a historic spot in Little Five Points, serves as a center of pride for Atlanta’s residents.

A house along Inman Park
Atlantacitizen at en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

See Art at Ichter Studios

Owned by R. John Ichter, Ichter Studios showcases dazzlingly painted and fashioned landscape artworks.

These artworks are achieved through pastel colors, watercolors, and abstract oil on suede and acrylic as the canvas.

For R. John Ichter, his highly saturated paintings signify his in-depth imagination and creativity and convey his passion for the exquisiteness of the environment.

Ichter Studios is located on Moreland Avenue and is open for public viewing.

Previous guests of the art studio have connected well with the displays and believe visiting the art studio is a transformative experience.

Shop Sports Items at Rare and Retro Sports

Located on Moreland Avenue Northeast, Rare and Retro Sports is America’s first and only soccer trading store.

It’s known for its collection of classic, retro, and limited-edition soccer items.

Moreover, sports fans will be thrilled to know that this store sells limited-edition jerseys used by famous soccer players.

Rare and Retro Sports also supports its community through charitable works.

Ten percent of every purchase made at this sports retail shop goes to Atlanta’s youth.

Try the Best Burger in Town at The Vortex Bar & Grill

Exterior of The Vortex
Luna's pick / Shutterstock.com

The Vortex Bar & Grill is a food establishment that was started by two siblings.

Exclusive to customers 21 and over, it offers the best of everything.

The restaurant has won several recognitions, including Best Burger Award, Best Beer Selection Award, Best Neighborhood Bar Award, Best Overall Liquor Selection Award, and Best Bar Food.

Night view of The Vortex
Heather Hopkins, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

With these awards, The Vortex Bar & Grill is now signified as the “Godfather” of Atlanta’s burger.

This place has been serving the best burgers and beers for 30 years, so don’t miss out on a chance to dine here on your visit to Little Five Points.

Shop at The Junkman’s Daughter

The Junkman’s Daughter, located on Moreland Avenue, is known as Atlanta’s alternative superstore.

You’ll find unusual goods in the store, which has been operating since 1982.

The idea of The Junkman’s Daughter came after Pam Majors, a junkman’s daughter, bought and traded various items that other people considered useless or trash.

Today, the store spans over 10,000 square feet and sells items from clothing to houseware.

The Junkman’s Daughter started from the bottom and is now one of the most famous stores in Little Five Points.

Dine at Wrecking Bar Brewpub

Exterior of the Wrecking Bar Brewpub
Keizers, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Situated on Moreland Avenue Northeast, Wrecking Bar Brewpub is a great place to meet with family and friends on a light weekend afternoon.

The bar and restaurant offer locally sourced cuisine with a large selection of Vegetarian-friendly and vegan options.

It’s most famous for its location as it is housed in a late Victorian building that served many uses in the past.

It was once a house, a church, a dance studio, and more.

Have exceptionally crafted beer amid a comfortable atmosphere at Wrecking Bar Brewpub.

Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park

Signage of Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
Kristi Blokhin / Shutterstock.com

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park covers about 35 acres and commemorates the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr.

He was a civil rights leader that served as an inspiration to many because of his tremendous dedication to the rights of every American.

Quote fountain at Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park
Michael Gordon / Shutterstock.com

In the national historic park, you’ll also see the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Martin Luther King Jr. and his father were baptized.

This is where the grave site of the civil rights activist and his wife lie.

The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

Exterior of the Ebenezer Baptist Church
The Brownfowl collection / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

A small but hip neighborhood, Little Five Points doesn’t disappoint with the amazing things it can offer.

Rich in art and history, this place deserves a spot on your bucket list.

Join the fun on its busy streets lined with amazing murals, vintage stores, and an endless number of restaurants.

Visit this neighborhood and enjoy all the best things to do in Little Five Points, Georgia!

 
💌
Spotted a mistake, have some feedback, or just want to chat with our editorial team? Click here to get in touch.
✍️
Find out more about Travel Lens and read our editorial guidelines here.