Your Ultimate Guide to Atlanta’s Yearly Shaky Knees Festival

2023 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Shaky Knees Festival. What once started out as just a two-day event that primarily focused on local indie artists now features three full days of a variety of incredible music from internationally-known bands.

The Shaky Knees Festival is now held in the Old Fourth Ward of Central Park, Atlanta, where dedicated music enthusiasts gather each year to celebrate and have a riot of a good time. It’s fun, it’s exciting, and there’s so much about it you don’t want to miss!

The number one reason people come from all over to experience the Shaky Knees festival is, of course, for the rockin’ music. Each year always seems better than the one before it as they constantly seek out the best ways to create the most unforgettable music festival. This festival is truly a unique experience because you can experience some of the biggest and most beloved bands performing back-to-back over a span of three days.

If Indie Rock, Folk, and Alternative music are what you vibe to, then this concert is for you. And whether you’re into the top hits or prefer music that’s more on the fringes, there are opportunities to experience and enjoy both here!

Aside from the awesome music of course, the best part of the festival is the food. They have lots of different food trucks with so many cuisines to choose from! Whether you’re looking to try something new, want something simple and comforting, or have certain dietary restrictions, there are options for everyone – and they’re all super yummy!

The only downside is that the longs can be pretty long, and you’re waiting in the hot sun the whole time. The beverage lines move much quicker, so I recommend getting your drink first so you can have something cold and refreshing while you wait in line for your food. The wait is certainly worth it though!

The Shaky Knees Festival has been taking place in Central Park, Atlanta for several years now, and it really is the perfect venue for this event. There’s always plenty of space between venues – without it being too far or uphill of a walk to travel from one venue to the next. This area also provides plenty of parking, as well as quick access to the interstate, making getting in and out quick and easy. So the venue location is definitely a plus.

The hotels nearest the venue are an experience in and of themselves. You can be sure to receive plenty of amenities and ultimate comfort during your stay, and having fluffy pillows and crisp sheets to collapse onto will be much needed after spending the entire day rocking out in the summer heat.

The only downside is that hotels can be pricey – it’s just a reality of being in the heart of Atlanta. You can expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars or more a night during your stay, but you definitely get the experience you pay for, which is really nice.

When it comes to transportation, there are three options: Driving in, taking the MARTA, and getting an Uber. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, and which one is best for you will depend on your situation.

Driving in and paying to park is convenient because you don’t have to deal with figuring out the MARTA or hiring an Uber. However, it’s not a good option if you’re planning on drinking, and you’ll have to walk a mile to reach the venues. Driving is slightly more expensive than MARTA but cheaper than Uber.

MARTA, on the other hand, is great if you’re looking for a cheap option you can take without having to worry about getting behind the wheel after a fun night. But you will have to deal with navigating the MARTA and dealing with all the passengers, which may be a dealbreaker for some.

Taking an Uber doesn’t seem like a bad option and can definitely be great for giving you rides where you need to go without having to worry about how much you’ve had to drink or whether you can trust the people beside you. But the problem comes when it’s time to pay your driver. Uber’s surge pricing can get pretty up there, prompting many to go with other transportation options.

So are you ready to live it up at the Shaky Knees Festival in Atlanta this year?!

If so, be sure to follow these tips so you can survive and thrive!

1. Never forget ponchos!
   Even if you don’t expect it to rain during the time you’re there, the weather can be unpredictable sometimes. Ponchos are super lightweight, don’t take up much space, and can come in handy when the weather throws you a surprise shower.
2. Inflatable Tubes make great lawn seats
   Ditch the collapsible lawn chairs and go with an inflatable tube instead. Just like the ponchos, they can easily fit into just about any pack and weigh practically nothing. Yet they provide a comfy seat that you can take with you anywhere.
3. Bring a Camelbak for water
   At the festival, you’ll find free water stations all around. But there’s nothing more annoying than having to miss part of a performance to get a sip of water. So bring a Camelbak to keep water on you at all times and stay hydrated.
4. Claim your spot with a blanket or tarp
   As always, it’s important to lay claim to a spot on the lawn, and the best way to do this is to lay out a blanket or a tarp. This way, you have your own little area where you can see well and get comfortable.

We hope you have as much fun at Shaky Knees as we always do! Also, don’t forget to check out our Ulitmate Packing List to make sure you don’t forget the essentials!