The Creatives’ Guide: 🎨Unexpected & Unique Things To Do in Atlanta

Did you know Georgia ranks 49th in the nation for arts funding?

Yet somehow, Atlanta’s creative energy still overflows — from backyard art collectives to workshops where you can literally play with fire (safely). The city is full of spaces built for making, learning, & trying something new.

Forget the usual museum tours or happy hours, this guide is all about hands-on Atlanta. Whether you’re into stained glass, ceramics, candle pouring, or just want to get your hands messy & meet cool people, these spots are where creativity & community collide.

So grab your friends (or go solo, we love that energy), roll up your sleeves, & explore Atlanta’s most unexpected creative spaces.

Clay, Glass, & Good Vibes: Where to Get Creative in Atlanta

Because sometimes the best therapy is making something with your hands.

🔥 ATL Glassworks (At The MET, Adair Park)

A true ATL gem. Learn the art of glass making. They host workshops, perfect for date ideas or solo adventures.

Pro Tip: Their classes sell out fast, so book ASAP.

🏺 Grit Ceramic Studio (Sylvan Hills)

Get your hands dirty (literally) in one of ATL’s most welcoming pottery studios. Their workshops range from intro-level wheel throwing to glazing & sculpting, all led by local ceramicists who make it feel like creative therapy.

✂️ SCRAP ATL (Adair Park & Tucker)

The ultimate playground for creative reuse. Think thrift items meets art supply heaven. You’ll find a bunch of materials for any DIY project, or craft — all saved from landfill life.

🧶 ATL Craft Club (Brick+Mortar at The Goat Farm coming soon!)

Atlanta’s coolest craft hangout. From craft movie nights, junk journaling, ATL Craft Club makes creativity social again.

🎭 Dad’s Garage (Old Fourth Ward / O4W)

Atlanta’s home for improv & off-the-wall comedy. Take a class, catch a show, or just laugh until you cry.

🌸 Blooms Emporium Atlanta | Andrew Blooms (Atlanta China Town Market & Ponce City Market)

A vibrant studio-meets-art experiment where nature, design, & imagination overlap. Expect vibrant installations + workshops, like watercolor.

Follower Picks: The Heckhouse (Decatur), Atlanta Printmakers Studio (Hapeville), Bear & Honey Candle Making (L5P), Corrinna Sephora Studios for Welding (East Point), The Supermarket (Poncey-Highlands), The Tuftest Class in Town (Poncey-Highlands), Spruill Art Center (Dunwoody), Callanwolde Fine Arts Center (Druid Hills), Mudfire (Decatur), Atlanta Botanical Garden (Midtown) offers a variety of creative classes for kids & adults.

💡 Why I Love It: You never know what you’ll find in the city, but you will leave inspired (& probably start a new hobby).

Bake, Shake, & Taste: Atlanta’s Best Hands-On Food Experiences

🥟 Soupbelly (Pop-Up)

Known as the dumpling dealer of Atlanta. Her pop-up workshops blend storytelling, flavor, & skill. Pro tip: these always sell out early.

🥐 Leftie Lee’s (Avondale Estates)
A neighborhood bakery that sometimes hosts baking classes & kid-friendly sessions in the summer (sometimes collabing with other local chefs). Keep an eye out — these classes fill up fast.

🫓 La Bodega (Sylvan Hills)
Community-driven + flavor-packed. Check their calendar for pupusa-making workshops.

🥢 Jen Chan’s (Cabbagetown)
Chef-led experiences that blend food & storytelling. From dumplings to sauces, everything is made with love, & a bit of Atlanta flair.

Kid-Friendly Fun

Atlanta’s creativity isn’t just for grown-ups. These spots are perfect for families, budding artists, & curious minds.

The Arts
🎨 ArtsXchange (East Point)
A community hub for creativity, hosting youth art programs and exhibitions that celebrate Atlanta’s diverse voices.
🎨 Spruill Art Center (Dunwoody)
From painting to pottery, they’ve got classes for all ages. Bonus: parent-child workshops that are actually fun.
🎨 The High Museum of Art (Midtown)
Family days, hands-on art stations, and outdoor sculptures that make even museum time feel playful.

Theater
🎭 Alliance Theatre (Midtown)
Award-winning performances and youth acting programs that spark imagination.

🎭 Dad’s Garage (O4W)

Music
🎶 Atlanta Music Project | AMP (Capital View) Empowering the next generation of musicians with access to instruments, lessons, & community performances.

💡 Why I Love It:
Atlanta’s creative scene starts young. Watching kids (& teens!) build confidence through art, theater, & music reminds me what this city’s all about… imagination, expression, & community. Whether they’re painting their first masterpiece or playing their first show, these spaces make it feel possible, & accessible.

🧠 Bonus: Nerdy Ways to Play

Not every creative outlet needs clay or glass — sometimes, you just need a good trivia night, board game bar, or weird ATL experience.

📍Read next: Where to Play Trivia, Games, and Nerd Out in Atlanta