Georgia Theatre

One of Athens' world-famous live music venues, The Georgia Theatre has been recently rebuilt and reopened after a devastating fire in 2009. It has since reclaimed its place as a keystone of the Athens music scene.

The Georgia Theatre is part of the Downtown Athens National Register Historic District and also the Downtown Local Historic District, which was designated in 2006. It was built as the Elite Theater in 1935 on the "foundation" of the original YMCA, which had been constructed on that site in 1889. The upper part of that YMCA building was demolished in 1920, and then it served over the years as the Majestic Hotel, Masonic Temple, Dorsey Furniture Company, and Burnstein Brothers Furniture Company until the Elite Theater was built. 

As a live music venue, the Georgia Theatre has been the site of live performances from a long list of acclaimed bands, including the Goo Goo Dolls, Sister Hazel, Hooty & the Blowfish, Zac Brown Band, and more, as well as the setting for music videos by R.E.M. and John Mayer and the location for live album recordings by Corey Smith and the Derek Trucks Band.

The Georgia Theatre has also recently converted their Rooftop overlooking downtown into a relaxing restaurant. Enjoy a delicious menu offering traditional American dishes, as well as unique drink specials.