From live performances and vibrant art displays to hands-on workshops and more, Woodstock, Georgia, offers creative energy in every corner of the city
Located just 30 minutes northwest of Atlanta, Woodstock is an unexpected destination making a name for itself as a vibrant arts community balancing small-town charm with creative ambition. From public art and music stages to intimate theatre and gallery experiences, Woodstock is a great place to celebrate the arts.
Public Art
Embrace the public works of art with a mural stroll. Sculptures, murals and art installations have turned some of Woodstock’s everyday spaces into unexpected works of wonder, creating an open-air gallery that invites exploration. Whether you are seeking inspiration, entertainment or a moment of rejuvenation, these works of art around town are sure to offer something for everyone. Visitors will also want to save the date for the Creative Woodstock Walking Tour which delves into the creative artsy side of Woodstock. The tour explores public art throughout downtown, discusses plans for additional public art and provides more details about the thriving creative economy in Downtown Woodstock. The tour will also make a stop at Made Mercantile to hear the behind-the-scenes story of this local favorite.
Music and Performing Art Venues
There are numerous music and performance venues to choose from in Woodstock, so there’s constantly something for everyone. For instance, MadLife Stage & Studios (8722 Main Street, Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 678-384-2363) brings in live music, from local musicians to national touring artists, every night of the week—plus some comedy shows too. Outdoor venues are popular here, too, and none more than the Woodstock Summer Concert Series, which welcomes a diverse variety of performers each summer, from iconic original artists to energetic tribute acts. The free amphitheater concerts under the summer stars occur every second Saturday from May through September.
Another outdoor venue in downtown is the Woodstock Arts Event Green, a place to witness outstanding arts performances in a variety of categories, including the organization’s Lantern Series, which consists of different genres, backgrounds and ideologies in hopes of bringing the community together to find a literal and figurative common ground. The organization also engages an extensive theatre program that includes musical theater. As recipients of nine Metropolitan Atlanta Theatre Awards, the productions at Woodstock Arts (8534 Main Street, Woodstock, Georgia, 30188; 678-494-4251) bring professional and semi-professional talent to the greater northern Atlanta area. Theatregoers can expect to see productions suitable for a variety of audiences.
Visual Arts
Experience some of the most interesting visual art exhibits in the area with Reeves House Visual Arts Center (734 Reeves Street, Woodstock, Georgia, 30188; 678-494-4251). These free, thought-provoking exhibits leave a lasting impression. From exhibits focused on featuring Southern artists to creative kids, there’s always something interesting to see.
Be sure to catch Makers Mash, a monthly event where the vibrant maker community comes together in Reformation Brewery’s (105 Elm Street, Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 678-345-8080) expansive backyard. Held the second and fourth Sunday of each month, this fun event brings together local artisans, crafters and creatives in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. On most other weekends here, visitors will discover live music—not to mention craft brews—under the city’s landmark elm tree.
Unique Experiences
Create something delicious! Join the team at Leaning Ladder Olive Oil (105 East Main Street, Suite 126, Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 678-401-2609) for an unforgettable cooking class experience. Perfect for a couple’s date night or a fun outing with friends, classes showcase accomplished chefs from the greater Atlanta area. From themed classes like “I Love Italy” and monthly wine tastings to classes centered around specific ingredients, participants are sure to enjoy an evening full of food, drinks and laughter.
Hone your craft or take up a new hobby. Organize a group outing and attend a class at Made Mercantile (8636 Main Street, Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 678-444-9134). Learn more about candle making, create one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry or create spa-like bath goodies. A variety of classes are offered by local makers monthly. Try one or try several.
Embrace the drama at Woodstock Arts Classes and Workshops (734 Reeves Street, Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 678-494-4251). Taught by trained instructors, these classes and workshops introduce children, teens and adults to the exciting world of the arts, both performing and visual. Through a varied curriculum, students explore the craft of acting, singing, dancing, improvisation, drawing and portfolio development and learn the discipline of the arts as they develop their unique creative voices.
Those looking for more ways to roll up their sleeves and learn a new skill can check out the classes at Tranquility Fine Arts (9194 Main Street, Suite 1B, Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 770-899-1956). Located in the heart of Woodstock’s downtown district, Tranquility Fine Arts offers various classes and workshops in addition to a fine arts gallery. For more information on class offerings, click here.
Creatives Leading the Way
Woodstock’s impressive art scene and an undeniable community vibe is joined by a welcoming business environment that sets the stage for creative entrepreneurs to call the area home. Here’s a look at two of Woodstock’s entrepreneurial trailblazers who are leaving their own mark on the community and all those who visit.
Driven by a passion for adventure and storytelling, Clay Goswick started his business, Clay Goswick Photography, a dozen years ago out of a coffee shop in downtown Woodstock. At the time, the shop was a hub for local entrepreneurs and provided Goswick with a unique opportunity to meet other locals. Whether working on a project for a local restaurant or photographing for national and international ad campaigns, Clay thrives on adventure coupled with discipline and consistency. Inspired by the area’s outdoor recreation and opportunity for adventure, Goswick is proud to call Woodstock home. As for the future of his business, Goswick aspires to expand his team in an intentional way and feels Woodstock is the perfect place to do that. In his words, “Woodstock is home and Woodstock is family.” See more about Goswick’s story and why he chose Woodstock in this storyboard created by a fellow local creative entrepreneur, Manic Agency.
Local artist and entrepreneur Madison Beaulieu stays busy as the owner of Beau Paper Co., the creator of Makers Mash and the manager of Made Mercantile. At Beau Paper Co., she creates inspiring paper goods in the form of greeting cards, notepads, stationery, stickers and more, to help spread joy through the handwritten note. When she’s not creating those products, she can be found at Makers Mash, a series of local pop-up shop events featuring the work of local artisans showcased at local craft breweries. Supported by a community that believes in giving entrepreneurs the opportunity to grow their business, Madison also manages Made Mercantile, a City of Woodstock collaboration that supports makers through access to a workspace and retail space as well as educational opportunities. Inspired by the area’s thriving art scene and local culture, she believes a big part of what makes Woodstock special is the ability to be creative in such a supportive community. In her words, “Woodstock is a one-of-a-kind place where you can be creative and enjoy time with your family.” See more about Madison’s story and why she chose Woodstock in this storyboard, created by local based Manic Agency.
If You Go
Come for the arts and stay to experience so much more. Celebrating the culinary arts is a memorable part of any visit to Woodstock, as mouth-watering experiences await. For a special occasion or to make an ordinary evening extraordinary, try the tasting events at The Stout Brothers Woodstock Beer Market (240 Chambers Street, Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 678-909-5678). Located in the heart of downtown Woodstock, outstanding brews and a fun atmosphere accompany pretzel pairing, cider tastings and more. Pure Taqueria (405 Chambers Street, Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 404-334-4268) hosts DJ Nights every weekend on their rooftop bar, making it a great venue for dancing under the stars while overlooking the night lights of downtown Woodstock and enjoying the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine.
Woodstock offers a variety of lodging options, spectacular dining experiences, shopping and more. For information on the annual events and year round happenings such as walking tours, seasonal markets and more, please visit VisitWoodstockGA.com/events or make a stop at the Woodstock Visitors Center at Dean’s Store (8588 Main Street, Woodstock, Georgia 30188; 770-924-0406) located in the heart of downtown Woodstock.
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